Few of the cars I drive split opinion in my house as much as the Land Rover Defender. While my eldest daughter and I dread even the shortest of journeys in one, my wife and youngest child can’t wait to get out and about in this motoring icon.

And icon it is. With a bloodline that dates back to 1948 it is an elder statesman of the automotive world and deserves respect on the basis of longevity alone. But that, for me, has never been a good enough reason to buy a used example.

The problem about buying a used Land Rover Defender is that it delivers talents and shortcomings in equal measure, so depending on your needs it’s either your perfect partner or a marriage made in hell.

First there are the looks: distinctive, rugged and timeless. A Land Rover Defender manages to look as comfortable on a moor as it does at your child’s speech day, which is an unusual combination. But on the downside its bluff styling and a heavy kerb weight make it feel ponderous through the bends and noisy on the motorway.

Second there are the engines. Unless you own an oil well the older V8 models will see the petrol gauge needle dropping faster than a Christmas number one in the January charts. Even the later 2.5 litre Td5 turbodiesel has a passion for fuel stations, and few owners ever return close to the 28.2mpg quoted in the official government figures. But as my wife is quick to point out, the Land Rover Defender’s fuel consumption seems impervious to the addition of a horsebox, so if, as she does, you intend to tow, the fuel consumption starts to look far more reasonable.

Then you have the interior. I maintain that you would never travel in a light aircraft that looked as archaic on the inside as a Land Rover Defender. My wife points out that global adventurers place their trust in them every day. The dashboard is at best utilitarian and the flaps of metal that drop down to allow additional fresh air into the cabin are frankly primitive. But while I prod and poke the Defender’s interior in disbelief my wife and youngest daughter find its simplicity delightful.

On the plus side the Land Rover Defender is available in three wheelbase lengths — 90, 110 and 130. The 90 and 110 are available as a pick-up, hardtop and station wagon while the 110 is available as a double cab and the 130 as a crew cab.

Over the years these chassis have provided the foundations for everything from ambulances to outside broadcast galleries. But it’s the County Station Wagon that is most likely to be found on a private buyer’s driveway. With rear windows and side-facing benches there’s plenty of space to accommodate your brood, but think school camp rather than Park Lane Hilton in terms of comfort.

So the jury in the Dawe household is still out. I love the Land Rover Defender’s styling but hate the fuel consumption, road manners, equipment levels and reliability record. In contrast my wife loves its simple engineering and enormous towing capacity.

Given the choice it’s a vehicle I would never drive again, but for the sake of my marriage it could still end up being part of the Dawe family transport fleet.

Four-wheel drive Permanent four-wheel drive and two-speed transfer box make the Defender one of the most competent off-roaders in the world

Wheels and tyres Oversized wheels and tyres look good but create extra tyre rumble. Deadens the steering feel

Turning circle Plan turns carefully as limited lock will catch you out in tight spaces

Towing Enormous 3,500kg towing capacity puts the Defender in a different league from most 4x4s

Rear door Boot-mounted spare wheel makes the rear door heavy to open and close

Wipers Small and noisy, they are barely up to the job

Headlights Standard units are feeble, particularly if lenses are covered in mud, so additional spotlights or upgraded bulbs are desirable

Engine Td5 oil pump can be prone to failure. If the oil light comes on stop immediately

Bodywork Aluminium body panels do not rust but can oxidise if damaged

Under body Check underside, preferably on ramps, for signs of off-road damage

Carrying capacity With up to 1,600kg payload capacity the Land Rover Defender can double up as a removal lorry

Vital statistics

Model 90 Td5 County Station Wagon
Engine 2495cc, four cylinders
Power 122bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 28.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration Not published
Top speed 87mph

The one to buy

Land Rover Defender 90 SWB County Station Wagon Td5 2002 52 with 30,000 miles. Pay £13,295 at a franchised dealer, £12,000 privately

Or for similar money...

2003 53 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-D
2002 02 Nissan Patrol GR 3.0 Di SE
2004 54 SsangYong Rexton 270 Xdi S
2004 04 Hyundai Terracan 2.9 CRTD
2004 04 Isuzu Trooper 3.0 TD Citation

Values

Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer