Is a Defender too small for me?

I'm 185 (6') and 90 kg and always found the Defender very comfortable, but lately I have been driving my Discovery 2 a lot, now when I drive the Defender I find the steering wheel in an odd place, but still comfortable.

Jeff

:rocket:

bloody crickey, hope all you guys are on my side in a pub brawl!!!

You's all have the reach...................

Im only 183cm, i agree with all them, the defenders are comfy, I put Scheel-Mann seats in mine and even pushing them right back, the pillar behind the door is in the way of my elbow, so i just leave it forward so elbow is out the window. I like it this way for offroad.

Are you close to someone who would let you go for a test drive?
Dont let this be a deterant for the vehicle.....

regards geck

Before i bought mine i was also a little worried as i had read alot of posts on here about the lack of room in the drivers seat, and the handbrake being in the way and all.
I'm 6'3 (190cm) and 82kg and have never driven a more comfortable car long distance. The day i picked it up i drove 12 hours back from Melb without any complaints, and that was on Black Saturday in 48 degrees.
I don't think i could have done that in my old liberty, or fairlane.

I find the snug fit comfortable and like geck said it makes watching your

wheel placement off road a piece of cake.

Sam

Hi Wal,

I'm 6'4" and have had defenders for 10+ years, I'm not broad shouldered so can't comment there. The upright driving position is extremely comfortable on long hauls.

As others have said, beg, borrow or steal one for a few hour drive and see how you go.

I'm 6' and 100kg and find mine the best for long trips.Mulgo sells seat rails for 80 bucks that will give you more.I think people jump in defenders and because it's so different they will just find fault with it but after a week behind the wheel you'll be hooked for life. Pat

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by n plus one

I'm 185cm, 95kg and I find it to be the most comfortable car I've ever driven, particularly for long (12-16hr) hauls.

I don't have the extended seat rails fitted.

---

I am 186cm and 100kg and I can echo what n plus one says although I was told my 1995 130 Dual Cab has seats from a later model land rover. I recently drove it from Adelaide to Nth NSW 1900km in 28 hrs so I did some long stints behind the wheel. I found that the upright seating position and the good steering feel was nowhere near as tiring as my other 4wd - despite the other vehicle being more powerful, leather seats, aircon, stereo, sound insulation and much newer.

I am about as tall, but nowhere near as wide :p as several of the posters here and like them, I find the Defender very comfortable.

Comments like those of wouldbeowner comparing the comfort at the end of a long day, of the Defender and other vehicles, are quite common.

It really makes you wonder whether manufacturers are giving people what they think they want rather than what they really need.

That luxurious lounge chair seating that feels so good for five minutes in the showroom or fifteen minutes on a test drive is not necessarily what you need for a long day behind the wheel, especially offroad.

Small 5'10" myself but love the way the stock standard 1996 c130 driver seat hugs my lower back. Unfortunately I also experienced being a passanger a couple of times too and found the air conditioning unit unbelievably annoying in the front and the knee room atrocioius in the rear.

Hi,

I am 193 cm and 120 Kilos :oops2:

my 110 is not equipped with extended seat rails thus my minor complaint with the short space for the foot activating the clutch. Mind that we drive on the opposite side than you so my left foot is squeezed to the door. The issue is not a big deal unless offloading when I am to use the clutch often. ( I don't like resting my foot on the clutch pedal.

Driving with the shoulder against the pillar is not a problem as long that your elbow is out of the window.

I think the OP is talking about a Puma...


Well I can't get in one. The new dashboard protrudes further and is an interference fit with my knees.

I'd echo the consensus though on earlier models. I had to fit a smaller aftermarket steering wheel to my 2003 Extreme to clear upper legs, and using the clutch means the LH blinker goes off. Stick your foot on the brake & the wipers go off. It's a Defender thing.

I've not seen the seat rail extenders, but prima facie not convinced. Don't they go up as well as back? If so I'd get a great view of the sun visors.

Regards
Max P