Thread: Final (maybe) couple of questions before 130 purchase.

Originally Posted by POD

I am very close to buying a 2008 130 Defender. I've been driving a friend's 2009 110 wagon for the past week to determine whether I could live with the Defender or not, first thoughts were it's sure not a Rangie, but after a week i really enjoyed the smooth, flexible torque delivery of the 2.4 motor and found it quite liveable for my 130km per day commute.
With regard to the differences between the 110 and the 130, I know the 130 does not have the ETC (the vehicle I'm currently looking at has a rear airlocker and I plan to fit an ashcroft locker in the front), but does it have the anti-stall device? I enjoyed this aspect of the 110.
Also, with regard to recalls and warranty- I've learned that there were numerous recalls and service bulletins on these vehicles and the vendor is checking with the service agent to see whether they have all been done. Let's just say some of them were missed or haven't been done, would Land Rover still cover these on a vehicle that is out of warranty?
Thirdly, is it possible to get a smooth unladen ride out of a 130? I found the ride in the 110 to be- perhaps not quite 'harsh', but 'bouncy'.

The 130 is actually a better ride than a 110, I would however remove the inner coil on the rear. If this is not enough you can get after market coils that work much better, no big deal.

Not sure on warranty things.

Not sure on anti stall.

Sounds good if it comes with a locker already, no real need for a locker up front unless you tackle some pretty rough stuff, I only fitted one when I broke an axle, I converted to fine spline and needed a new diff center so may as well make it a locker.

Originally Posted by lambrover

no real need for a locker up front unless you tackle some pretty rough stuff,

Yeah I do tackle some pretty rough stuff from time to time and this vehicle has to be capable of anything I throw at it, otherwise not much point having it. I'm a little wary of the XXL turning circle of the 130 with regard to some of the places we frequent and plan to offest that negative with the extra positive of lockers both ends.

Originally Posted by POD

Yeah I do tackle some pretty rough stuff from time to time and this vehicle has to be capable of anything I throw at it, otherwise not much point having it. I'm a little wary of the XXL turning circle of the 130 with regard to some of the places we frequent and plan to offest that negative with the extra positive of lockers both ends.

Sounds good mate, I love my 130. Where do you live. I have tackled some pretty rocky stuff in Sydney with no dramas.

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Originally Posted by lambrover

Sounds good mate, I love my 130. Where do you live. I have tackled some pretty rocky stuff in Sydney with no dramas.

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Yeah, I know theres a lot of FL2's and Range Rovers around The Rocks but not quite the terrain you'd need a Defender

Yup, my 2012 130 has the anti stall thingo on it. At least I think that's why I can't stall the engine no matter how hard I stomp on the brake when it is in low gear. That feature is awesome on the farm - point it at a sand hill and it just quietly goes up it at its own pace.

I mean like this,

Originally Posted by POD

I'm a little wary of the XXL turning circle of the 130 with regard to some of the places we frequent

Hi,
you get used to it and plan ahead. I'm quite un-phased in shopping malls etc, even with the Innovan on the flat tray restricting my rear vision. Just take it slowly, even watched cars back away from me as I reverse into position.

It is a pleasure to drive both on the open road and bush tracks.

cheers

ps: You get to treat traffic calming devices with the contempt they deserve.

yes the 130's have anti stall in fist. No ABS or traction tough.

As for the warranty items missed, just ring your local LR agent and see what they say.
As for empty ride comfort, I cant comet as I have a constant 300 to 400kg which settles it nicely.