Thread: Using a 90 as a city based daily driver. Am I mad? Discuss.

No, you're not mad.....
They actually do very well in traffic.

They have a good position for seeing the other traffic, you can see over most other vehicles too.

You can pretty much see all the corners, just a big box....

The low first gear is good for creeping along in the traffic, although it is quite a jump to second gear from the low first ratio.

The main issue would probably be the height and issues getting into and out of a lot of car parks.

Make sure the steering stops are adjusted for better steering angles.

And if doing a fair bit of city driving, maybe some rear corner protectors that mount on the rear cross member (like Daniel from Mulgo makes).

The reason I suggest these is because the rear corners are very exposed otherwise to bumps and can easily get damaged with the soft aluminium skin, the bumperettes work well for protecting the corners.

Mulgo Expedition Vehicles ? Mulgo Bumperettes with side impact protection

I would have thought that a D90 is about the same length and width as an S40,
And with a BAS remap, they're not slow......

Most people find them very comfortable when they drive them, there are simple things that you can do, like getting different seat rails for a bit more room and a slightly different angle.

The newer defenders are a lot quieter than the earlier ones as well.


Regards,
Mike.

why buy a defender if it won't be used off-road. I've got an Astra that I use as a runabout, I've driven the def in perth cbd couple of times and I can only say that I wish I had brought the Astra especially trying to navigate those extremely tight undercover parking lots 3 point turns to go left and right.

Just looked up S40 dimensions,
The D90 is a fair bit shorter, and approx 2cms wider than the S40.

Mike.

Keep the volvo and get an old defender as a play thing for weekends. A 90 as a daily driver would give you an elevated view but that's about it, around town it is worse in every other way compared to your Volvo.

Unless you have plans to use it often for its intended purpose (towing, getting off the beaten track, throwing dirt in the back) - you really don't need to get one.

That said, if its just a scratch to itch.. do it - can always sell it.

Just remember to wave at the other poor sods rattling around the city in their defenders.

Thanks for the feedback so far guys.

It certainly sounds like living with a Defender as a daily driver is very hard to do and quite a compromise in all areas.

I very much want to believe everything you say 90@ however.

Why buy a Defender if it's primary use wont be off-roading? Well, because they're an iconic vehicle that I would one day love to own...and the hope that it would get used off-road upon the odd occasion.

Perhaps I'd be better off considering a Wrangler, although I suspect that the merest suggestion of such could get me lynched around here!

wrangler still not as good as your volvo around town... but hey this is about looking cool right... so defender vs wrangler ? An increase in 90's around the city will decrease their cool factor, so I'd say - get the wrangler!

I drive my my D90 as a daily driver and it is fine. Easy to park, more than adequate speed and acceleration around town, and vision is excellent. Not quiet though, compared to an ordinary sedan, so you need the radio turned up a bit.

Cheers
KarlB

My previous car before my Defender 90 was a Citroen C4 Exclusive.

I drive my 90 everyday, sometimes to the station, other times from Western Sydney right to Central Terminal in the centre of the city.

The thing to remember is that the Defender is quite a different car. It is a car that needs to be driven, and by that I mean you will be a lot busier in the driving position than in any other car. It is also somewhat slower, which suits my driving style but isn't everyone's cup of tea.

However, I absolutely love it. I didn't buy my 90 to go hard-core off 4X4ing. I bought a Defender because I simply always wanted one. I love the looks, the history and the sheer simplicity. The Citroen C4 was a great car. Relatively quick, smooth, quiet, safe, but above all else...totally boring.

This is only my opinion and my reasons. But I have now been driving the 90 as a daily driver for two years and I still smile every time I start it, be it a long or short drive.