The less plastic on them the better, I haven't had one as new as a series III, I woudl stick with 2A and earlier. Unless it's a ltwt/101 of course.
A ltwt is my everyday drive.
Heres my 90 as it goes. In use during the crappier weather like it tends to be. Or towing some plant trailer with tractors on, or machinery in the back etc.
Another, poor beast of burden, it had pulled this and another massey harris 400 odd miles that day through hilly country so it can be forgiven for looking grubby...
Id love a series landie one day some nice pics there,i remember when i was working as a mechanic down south and one day a fella pulled in a fairly new defender "Could you have a look at my door as the hinge seems to be a bit loose" over i wander,he opens the door and it fell off in his hand,he was dumbstruck just about! so i put it in the back and he drove off never to be seen again!
Had a series 3 Lightweight Diesel for several years back in the 90's - loved it for character and 'presence'. Artic heater was OK and once I cured the dripping condensation it was really quite comfortable, no point fitting a stereo though cos you'd never hear it
Mrs ES has a V890CSW - one of the original CSWs which were only manufactured for the one year (1986). Brilliant vehicle, go anywhere, pull anything and remarkably comfortable. Sounds absolutely ace with a Rimmer full sports system - not loud but a very nice tone.
It's awaiting an engine rebuild at the moment but I just don't have the time.