Thread: Buying A Defender 90. Option questions?

Originally Posted by Pickles2

We're just starting to enter buying a Defender, & we're looking at the "Factory" options.
I'm going to option the factory driving lamps, & I was wondering where the switch for these lights would go. We've optioned the "cold comfort pack", so there's not a lot of switch space left?
The other lighting option is the Xenon light upgrade (as distinct from just the globes)...Has anyone any knowledge of what this comprises.....I mean if it's a Xenon "kit", it should have ballasts etc should it not.
I've seen a factory towbar incorporating a rear step on a UK site, but was told that this item is not available here?
Cheers, Pickles.

Xenon upgrade is just higher output bulbs. Xenon is a halogen gas. They are not HID lights. Not worth the money for factory fitting. You can buy the bulbs aftermarket for about $70 each (less on ebay). Re towbar, the UK available towbars do not meet Au standards and are not a legal fitment here. I didn't think the cold comfort pack (mainly heated seats and windscreen if I remember correctly) was an available option in Au. Suggest you check with the dealer. Also ask you self if you really need it. Factory driving lights are PIAA and I believe are low output to meet EU standards that don't apply in Australia. Aftermarket is probably a better option. Driving lights are also mounted in a vunerable location.

Cheers
KarlB

Pickles,

I agree with all KarlB's points!

The list of OME extras is very short comparing price and quality and I'd say:

1. Bespoke rubber foot well mats - well worth the money
2. Front mud flaps - some people don't like them, I won't go without them
3. Tow Bar (although installing the exact same after market would be cheaper)

If the car is on a company lease and you've got the "money to spend", the genuine winch and bumper is an attractive buy (insanely expensive though...)

Snorkels, steering guards, light protectors etc are all made by Mantec in the UK for Land Rover and you can get Mantec's own (the same, but no Land Rover badge) from UK suppliers for a fraction of the price. Obviously there is a world of extras right here in Oz as well as competitive prices from overseas.

Good luck with the buy and keep posting as there is a wealth of info and advice right here on the forum!

Cheers,

Lou

I have a 90, got a tow bar for it from the dealer (townsville) hayman reece style and still has the fold up step. Apparently there is only the 1 design in Oz that can do that.... well that was what I was told

+1 on front mudflaps. Without them wheel spray goes right into/onto the chassis outriggers, sills, battery box and fuel tank (older ones were under seatbox). Particularly bad if you ever drive on a beach!

Originally Posted by manic

+1 on front mudflaps. Without them wheel spray goes right into/onto the chassis outriggers, sills, battery box and fuel tank (older ones were under seatbox). Particularly bad if you ever drive on a beach!

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the "spray" issue, but yes, they are on "the list", which at the moment is, keswick green with indus silver roof,, chequerplate, cold climate pack, leather pack, driving lights, tow bar, side steps, alum undershield, loadspace mat & front rubber mats.
Cheers, Pickles.

Originally Posted by Pickles2

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the "spray" issue, but yes, they are on "the list", which at the moment is, keswick green with indus silver roof,, chequerplate, cold climate pack, leather pack, driving lights, tow bar, side steps, alum undershield, loadspace mat & front rubber mats.
Cheers, Pickles.

I was told that the leather seats get really hot in summer.

Originally Posted by Pickles2

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the "spray" issue, but yes, they are on "the list", which at the moment is, keswick green with indus silver roof,, chequerplate, cold climate pack, leather pack, driving lights, tow bar, side steps, alum undershield, loadspace mat & front rubber mats.
Cheers, Pickles.

Wow... tell me you aren't getting all this from the dealer?.. you'll pay four times the price as you would fitting it after market..

G'Day, & thanks for the replies.
The factory "leather pack" is only half "leather" (bolsters), the rest is cloth, and for sure, you could get the "extras" on an aftermarket basis much cheaper, but wifey & I like "factory" options where we can get them....and yeah, it mightn't be the best way, but that's just the way we've always been....I'll have to put an "intro" up!
There is some top stuff on the forum for Wifey & I to learn.
Thanks, Pickles.