110 as a daily driver (in Sydney no less)?

I drive my Puma engined 110 every day in Brisbane. The new Defender is an easy daily driver - moreso than the previous Td5, and infinitely more than any previous 'Fender or Series. This is mainly because the engine is so much more flexible. More torque and power at lower revs meaning that it is easier to pootle around in traffic without changing gears all the time.

Also the extra height is a plus in traffic. You can see much more up ahead over the smaller cars and SUVs. This allows better planning for lane changing but if you do have to fight to merge then the Defender generally causes other motorists to make space for you. ;)

As others have pointed out, height is a real restriction since most undercover car parks are just too damn low. Also turning the circle is appalling but this can be improved slightly by winding in the stop bolts if you don't plan on using wider tyres.

Seats are supremely comfortable and air con is good but you will need a decent stereo as the factory one is cr@p.

Take it out on the week-end, get it filthy dirty, then watch the looks you get driving around town as office workers gaze forlornly, fantasizing about the advetures they are missing and pondering their dull, pointless, cube farm lives.

I brought my Puma 110 on the 31st of May, so far I have covered just under 20,000kms, mostly around Perth as a work vehicle. The new interior certainly makes it more user friendly what with sound deadning (sp?) and decent aircon.
My only complaint is 1st is a little low, and 2nd is a little high for traffic light starts. But the height gives you the ability to see whats going on makes for a more stress free drive. Also the fact people will think twice about using you as a buffer zone is a bonus.

Tim

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The ho har's

You big fat liar :wasntme: you don't drive the Puma to work you ride a bike:eek:

I thought the fender stayed it the garage all week to keep it CLEAN:p:p


Mrs ho har:angel:

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Watch it! :bat: I didn't say I did use it daily - but I can still have an opinion that it would be fine as a daily drive. :tease:

And my Fender sees plenty of dirt - it's just that I know what a hose is when I get home.:p

It is my daily driver in Sydney.

As mentioned above the down sides are:

Car parking stations can be an issue below 2100

The low first means that some times you are tempted to change into second halfway around a corner.

What for others is a 3 point turn is a 5 point turn in the Defender.

In all other respects I prefer the Defender to the Company Commodore as my daily drive...it uses less fuel for a start...and you get to wave to other Land Rovers.

Not a problem. My family has been doing it for 17 years. :D

First with an Isuzu County, now we have a td5 Defender.
Yes, you do learn where you can and can't go (carparks etc.), and you need to plan your manoeuvres a little bit earlier than in an ordinary car. I haven't driven a Puma, so can't give any first hand on the gearing; but for the others, in stop-start traffic it's just easier to plonk it in gear and just take your time getting there, and it's also not worth worrying about creeping up when it's only half a car length that you get to move.

I like the idea of the winding the steering stops in a bit for standard tyres - is there much to be gained by this?

Do it, if only so we get someone else to wave to! :p

:)
Geoff

what ya need is a 101 forward control ambo body anyone gets in ya way no drama's and as for parking give it its ambo livery back and the parking wardens might take pity, the only thing is getting in and out on a daily drive lol
you might as well go for the ford transit in a 90 or 110 always go manual auto boxes are for people who cant drive ....did i say ford transit i meant land rover ...if you get a 90 it'll take an easi awn depends how comfortable you want to be over the weekend

It is easily done in the Defender. I had to park in kings Cross quite a bit for work and would travel about 90kms each way through some of Sydneys worst traffic to get there. It is especially easy when it breaks down and they give you a Peugoet or Freelander 2 it is even more comfortable and easier to park.

Get a reversing camera. It stops you from punching out lowered wrx's lights. I should know. When your parking cars totally dissapear behind it if they sit right up close. No wing mirrors or rear-view mirror will ever help. Or atleast parking sensors would be good.

I have to admit I did not like parking the 110 in a crowded place. I found it difficult. But I accept I'm just not a good at parking (I don't think).

Good point about the clutch though. It does get to you. I'd often have a rather sore leg by the time I got to work somedays. But if your not travelling as far maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Xav

I drive a puma 110 every day to work in city traffic. (Only while my motorbike is getting fixed)
The clutch is light and the car is not too noisy so yes you can do it.
I don't go near underground carparks though.

I still think a buzz box that get 6L/100km would be a better option and save the defender for trips.

John D - Defender 110 2.4

Defender as a daily driver.

Since the BMW motorbike parked in the side of a Ford Falcon:o, (Just over a year and a half ago),I have been using the Defender as my daily driver. For 2 days it is a freeway drive 75k each way. Two days it is a city crawl, 35k each way. I have a chipped TD5, and it drives off the lights well. For the freeway travel, I have installed an Autron cruise control, and it is just set and forget. I enjoy driving it more than our other car which is an BMW X5. Parking is an issue when I work in the city centre, but the trains are not bad in Melbourene, so that is what I use in those instances.
Cheers,
Ken

Have used a 300 TDi 110 for a daily driver for 12 years. Only problem has been occassional low car park. Square corners are a great bonus for parking.

Also a Land Rover has presence on the road and most idiot drivers tend to give you a wide berth.

Go for it

Regards

Brendan