Confused Brown Man from Down Under

[gannugood]

Hi All
I have been a fan of the Defender and recently of the Grenadier. A couple of weeks back my close friend drove the Grenadier to my house, and I test drove it and since then I have wanted to buy the Grenadier. Have done no 4x4 driving yet but have always wanted to. My heart tells me to go for the Grenadier, but my head tells me it is too expensive, and you will end up just driving it around the suburbs. The war between the head and heart is driving me nuts. Thought, feedback - most welcome.

 

[Clark Kent]

Hi All
I have been a fan of the Defender and recently of the Grenadier. A couple of weeks back my close friend drove the Grenadier to my house, and I test drove it and since then I have wanted to buy the Grenadier. Have done no 4x4 driving yet but have always wanted to. My heart tells me to go for the Grenadier, but my head tells me it is too expensive, and you will end up just driving it around the suburbs. The war between the head and heart is driving me nuts. Thought, feedback - most welcome.

Firstly, welcome to the forum @gannugood.
Secondly, get your mate back for another drive!

If you fear this might only be a passing interest then a new 4WD is an expensive toy to drive around in. Try to get some time doing off-road driving and see if it's the lifestyle you're interested in or just an infatuation with the Grenadier. If it's the lifestyle you want there are far cheaper ways of doing it with a good used 4WD. If you lose interest quickly at least you haven't over invested. If it turns into a passion you can always get into a good used Grenadier a bit later. Some of the early MY23s will be coming off novated leases in the next 18 months or so.

I'm 30 months into ownership of an optioned up wagon and would buy again. I'm using it for towing and touring. I don't do much 4wding for recreation.

 

[Krabby]

Find some free time, sit back, grab a Foster’s and use the search function (upper right corner) and you can discover discussions about anything IG related.

My 2¢ - Despite some poor design choices (ie crap HVAC system) I’m happy with my decision to purchase a Grenadier. It wasn’t cheap and is far from perfect (and a bit far from the “back to basics” thing that drew most of us in) but I’m happy.

With regards to driving around the suburbs-I think most men like to be over prepared and I’m ok with that. I will never dive to 200 meters (I can barely swim) but it’s comforting that should I need to, my watch is up to the task.

 

[Tazzieman]

I will never dive to 200 meters (I can barely swim) but it’s comforting that should I need to, my watch is up to the task.

Pack a snorkel, as your raised air intake won't suffice

 

[Shopkeep]

Hi All
I have been a fan of the Defender and recently of the Grenadier. A couple of weeks back my close friend drove the Grenadier to my house, and I test drove it and since then I have wanted to buy the Grenadier. Have done no 4x4 driving yet but have always wanted to. My heart tells me to go for the Grenadier, but my head tells me it is too expensive, and you will end up just driving it around the suburbs. The war between the head and heart is driving me nuts. Thought, feedback - most welcome.

Expensive yes, but what’s not these days? Buy it, drive it around the burbs and be happy knowing if you ever head off the bitumen you have a very capable 4X4. It’s a very nice piece of kit.

 

[Happyoldgit]

Life is too short to worry, I am (up to now) a cancer survivor and try not to fret too much (but still do!) Buy a low mileage used example but accept the hit and pass it on if you find it’s not for you.
Simple.

 

[Tomdoc]

I bought my IG before they actually existed. It still makes me smile whenever I get into it even if it's just for a short errand. It's a personal choice and I get comfort in knowing that it's such a capable vehicle when I need it to be, (I live in remote Scotland and our weather can be brutal), That's a comfort - like owning a good tool or a capable camping system. By once cry once. It's not for everyone and I think, as suggested, a second test drive is in order - perhaps somewhere rugged if your mate will allow it. Good luck and welcome.