Thread: Defender vs 80 series cargo space

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

My BIL's 80 series uses 18 litres per 100ks, while my Defender uses 10.5. He has spent a fortune fixing his 80, while my Defender has only needed regular servicing, a clutch and a few minor things.
His 80 rattles like crazy, but my Defender is quiet.
The argument that Toyota has more dealers is invalid because dealers for all companies generally don't stock many parts and just fly them in from a capital city warehouse.
If your heart says Defender, then do it, I say.

What year is your BIL 80series, I suspect it’s probably 10+ years on your defer, the older defers get the more work they need

I agree with above, driving a Toyota you’ll have more mechanics willing to work on it.....but no guarantee parts will be any more available given the age.

Originally Posted by lewishim1988

I am tossing between a 300tdi defender or a 1hdt 80 series.

Hi Lewis, can I ask why you are looking at a 80 series over a Troopy? My neighbour drives a 1990 Troopy and has it set up in the back with some homemade timber draws with double mattress on top and he tells me it is fine for him and his missus to go away in.

Garry

Originally Posted by Vern

It would be more to do with the rear door on the defender not being full width, makes it harder to pack stuff.

I would have to agree with this statement as well. If the Defender had a wider rear door then it would blow the 80 away easily. I've also had an 80's and a 105's and the 105 has more than the 80's. The 80's had Barn Doors and the 105's had a tailgate and both were great for accessing your gear. The narrower rear door of the Defender was a bit of a problem for me coming from the 105's but being to access from the side windows make up for it a little bit, if I had gullwings on both sides would be a huge plus. In saying that, u get use to what u have and learn to make it work....

I’ve never ever had trouble packing the rear of my Defender. But I’d definately be frustrated by the low roof of the 80 series.

Troopies are big, but they have rear leaf springs. Terrible things.

The ONLY advantage a Toyota has over a Defender IMO is more mechanics willing to work on them in remote areas. It’s not about parts availability, both are easy to get online. It’s about the mechanic wanting to work on your Defender! Or not! If that doesn’t bother you, it’s a no brainer especially if you want to sleep in it.

Once you put draws in the back of any 4B it stuffs up what you can load in the back.....

I prefer barn doors over upper/lower tailgates....did 80’s offer both? Or just barn??

Originally Posted by Standard

I'll be back in Canberra in a week and a bit. I'll PM you then.
Have you considered a Perentie? The Isuzu engine is a very reliable if a bit noisy engine.

Is it the army and soft top one? I prefer 5 doors and a hard top for a better weather proof setup.

Lewis

Originally Posted by garrycol

Hi Lewis, can I ask why you are looking at a 80 series over a Troopy? My neighbour drives a 1990 Troopy and has it set up in the back with some homemade timber draws with double mattress on top and he tells me it is fine for him and his missus to go away in.

Garry

Hi Garry, I used to own a 1995 Troopy, they are good vehicle don’t get me wrong. But I found the lack of 5 doors a bit of an issue to my liking. The ability to access from the rear passenger make life lot easier and functional.

After a while I start looking at buying a 4by again, this time I want to get it right at the very beginning and I found myself always admire the look of the defender. I think it is full of character and a very cool piece of art to own. That’s why I am here today lol.

Lewis

Originally Posted by weeds

Once you put draws in the back of any 4B it stuffs up what you can load in the back.....

I prefer barn doors over upper/lower tailgates....did 80’s offer both? Or just barn??

The 80's and 105's and even the current 200's both come in either Barn Doors (Poverty Pack models) or Tailgates in anything other than the poverty pack models....

Whether Barn Doors or Tailgate is a personal Preference. I've had both and prefer the tailgate simply as it can be used as a table for quick stops but it also prevents u from getting in closer to access your gear but is an advantage for stepping on to access your roofrack. The Barn Doors seem to squeak more than tailgate versions...

Personally, I like both the 80's & the Defenders and both would make excellent touring vehicles. Sounds like your preference is towards your Defender, so just go that way and start your build and start enjoying it!!