Thank you Land Rover

Defender not only feels but also looks at home in the dunes of Gökçeada

Back in 2022, my uncle asked me what car he should buy next. He lives in Gökçeada, an island at the westernmost point of Turkey. The island is a haven of nature, endless beaches, and breathtaking views.

I’m not the biggest fan of giving car advice to people in Turkey. Choosing a car there feels more like a financial puzzle than an automotive decision. My expertise is cars, not wading through endless price lists and credit options. And in Turkey, the insane tax structure makes the process even worse. Don’t worry—I won’t bore you with a deep dive into the details. But to give you an idea, buying a private passenger car means paying roughly 80-180% tax on top of the car’s price. Meanwhile, commercial vehicles are taxed at much more reasonable rates.

So, when I heard that Land Rover was offering the new Defender 90 in a commercial version in Turkey, I immediately called my uncle. “Buy one—no hesitation!” I told him.

Fast forward 2 years, and I finally had the chance to visit Gökçeada again. My uncle had been getting along beautifully with his Defender over the past year. He often sent me photos from his adventures around the island, showing off both the car and the stunning scenery.

When we met up, he didn’t waste a second before inviting me to join him on one of his adventures. Usually, he brings along Bıdı, their dog, who’s become something of an overlanding expert. No matter the terrain, Bıdı stands firm, clearly unbothered by the bumps and jolts.

Experiencing Gökçeada in this way was magical. It reminded me why I love it so much—and this time, I think I fell a little in love with the Defender, too. It’s an exceptional vehicle that truly excels at what it was designed for. Watching my uncle and Bıdı go through their well-practiced adventure routine was a treat. They’ve clearly gotten the hang of it, but the joy they get from it hasn’t diminished one bit.

For all the grief I give Land Rover about their infamous reliability issues and frequent roadside appearances, I have to give credit where it’s due. With the new Defender, they’ve done something remarkable. It’s insanely capable, undeniably attractive, and, most importantly, refreshingly honest.

Thank you, Land Rover.