Thread: Defender tdi and a baby

there is a reason why the NAS defenders have roll cages. The Americans are proactive in terms of car safety. They also mandate the use of the tyre pressure monitoring system.

But again, it doesn't matter if you don't think about them. Defender will be great for kids

Drove all over Southern and Eastern Africa with a 96 110 for 3 years and with a 3-5 year old, on some of the most horrendous roads and with interactions with equally horrendous drivers, bicycles, goats, donkeys, cattle, impala, elephant... always felt safe, the better visibility, the ability to take alternative routes and avoid problems puts the Defender up there, we had the advantage of a safety devices full roll cage which I think would help in both side impact and obviously roll over but have always thought “situational awareness” is your best defence, I always consider who are my passengers are and adjust the driving to suit... we have planned and will drive the vehicle up through the Americas in 2/3 years time without hesitation.

Originally Posted by martnH

there is a reason why the NAS defenders have roll cages. The Americans are proactive in terms of car safety. They also mandate the use of the tyre pressure monitoring system.

But again, it doesn't matter if you don't think about them. Defender will be great for kids

Proactive- no doors, seatbelts often optional....

O.K. people, you have given me my wack as I suspected and I'll take it.

I won't get into arguments about having children or not as that is not really relevant but disappointing it was brought up.

I find it amusing/disappointing to this day that a child’s life is held in higher regard than that of an adult.

Originally Posted by 4wheeler

I know I am going to crash and burn posting this and it is my opinion only and I await all the opinions to the contrary. I am unsure though if people are aware of how poor the safety is in a Defender.

I don't have children and the only reason I have a Defender (apart from the fact that I like them) is the fact I am prepared to take the risk driving the thing. If I had children of any age, I would not put them in a Defender. The only concession to safety is ABS in later models and a 300 TDI won't even have that.

If you have a major side impact or roll over it will be good luck which saves you and nothing else. I won't even take any of my brother's children in it. It is a bolt together car with no structural integrity. You are sitting physically against the door and B pillar. The chassis rail is 30cm inboard of the doors with no side intrusion beams and door locks which I could pop open with a screw driver.

As I said, my opinion only, but give me safety over boring when children are involved anytime.

Check this link out and read number 2.

Arkonik Land Rover Ownership - Things To Know

For the record im a professional driver and this is simply my opinion as to why the defender is a safe vehicle.

"IT CONSTANTLY NEEDS DRIVER INPUT!"
(In caps to emphasize not screaming)

You see there is no cruise control, no fancy seats with cooling/heating, noisy, vague steering etc. These flaws are actually attributes that contribute to driver awareness. I agree that they are unsafe and their construction leaves a lot to be desired however people that drive defenders tend to be better drivers. We're used to slow progressive moment and enjoy every minute of it.
Your statisically more likely to die in a 5 star safety rating family saloon than a defender.

Anyway i do agree they are not safe but you are very unlikely to be in a serious accident in a defender, your simply to aware of your surroundings.

Im 6foot, mrs 5,7 and we simply can't fit the baby capsule behind our seats without being extremely squashed and uncomfortable. Hence why im selling it, and the fact that im trying to cash in on the current market.

I would not run 2 rear baby seats in my puma, so i definitely wouldn't in a older model, my 2 cents

Originally Posted by Tombie

I find it amusing/disappointing to this day that a child’s life is held in higher regard than that of an adult.

This whole thing is now getting stupid now. Seriously!

Originally Posted by 4wheeler

This whole thing is now getting stupid now. Seriously!

Sorry 4 wheeler, i was typing when you had stated everyone had proved their point..