Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 11 to 20 of 30

Thread: Is a Defender too small for me?

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Northern Beaches
    Posts
    1,426
    Total Downloaded
    0
    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


  2. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Mandurah, WA
    Posts
    460
    Total Downloaded
    0
    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

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Kurrajong NSW
    Posts
    33
    Total Downloaded
    0
    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

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    126
    Total Downloaded
    0
    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.

  5. #15
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Safety Bay
    Posts
    8,041
    Total Downloaded
    0
    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

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    new england
    Posts
    92
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by n plus one View Post
    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.

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Tumbi Umbi, Central Coast, NSW
    Posts
    5,774
    Total Downloaded
    0
    I am about as tall, but nowhere near as wide 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.

    1973 Series III LWB 1983 - 2006
    1998 300 Tdi Defender Trayback 2006 - often fitted with a Trayon slide-on camper.

  8. #18
    canblogerra Guest
    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.

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Lebanon
    Posts
    3,286
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Hi,

    I am 193 cm and 120 Kilos

    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.

  10. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    1,681
    Total Downloaded
    0
    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

Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Search AULRO.com ONLY!
Search All the Web!