The more time I spend around the JK Jeep Wrangler, the lower my desire and lust for Land Rover Defender becomes. Simply, the modern Jeep seems to be able to do everything that the old Land Rovers did but in a better, more civilized, way. They are also cheaper to own and more reliable. Yes, they are missing the charm, a proper rear door, and a bunch of questions from grown-up men wherever you stop, but not much else. So the question becomes, which to buy? From the ad:

1987 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 – $16995 (Spring)

1987 Land Rover Defender 90 V8. Vehicle was imported from the UK and is right-hand drive. It has the 3.5L V8 gasoline engine and 5-speed manual transmission. It has great power and pulls strong. Vehicle has covered only 111000 miles and is in very original condition with no modifications (only original unmodified vehicles can be legally imported into the US.) Vehicle is mechanically sound and starts, runs, drives and stops with no issues. There are no leaks or funny noises. The bodywork is clean and tidy with a few minor dings commensurate with age. There is some slight oxidation of the aluminum under the paint in a few places but the paint still looks good with all the original decals still in place. This would make an ideal vehicle for modification or refurbishment into something special or just leave alone and enjoy it’s original beauty! I have all the Customs import documentation plus Certificate of Export from the UK.

$17,000 isn’t cheap, but neither are JK Wranglers. For this much money you can get a well used early Rubicon or a stripped down 2011 model. So which would you choose, the charm of owning an iconic British vehicle or arguably better but more plain American icon?

[Source: Houston Craigslist]