Thread: What does your better half think of Defenders?

Puma is a reference to the Ford transit (based) deisel engine used in the 2007 and later defenders.

Kids love the idea of riding in the truck, wives however is a different thing. Probably comes down to a few things. If they don't mind driving a manual it is a start. Confidence in driving something bigger than a mini. Then there is the passenger footwell and the a/c at least with the 300Tdi, I don't know what the foot space is like in a Td5 or the Puma. Then again there are some wives that can see beyond all that and appreciate the space to carry all the things that you need when you go out with kids.

Originally Posted by shorty

Hi guys and gals

I saw this thread (first time in the deefer section ) and it was exactly the reason why I came in here.

I have a couple of options coming up and one is the choice of a defender. The only issue will be convincing SWMBO and our 4 year old who will declare the back seat hers and no one else (full of toys/teddy bears and biscuit crumbs).

It will have to double as a DD for her and a weekend escape machine towing a camper trailer and all our rubbish for a weekend away.

This thread makes reference to Puma, sorry for the dumb question but what is it. Is it like the tomb raider thing, just a dressed up version or something else.

I am glad to hear that other halfs love their defenders, gives me some positive vibes and once we go out and start looking at them, maybe one will end up in our driveway.

cheers

Mark you are going to love a Defe, acres of room and heaps of character.
The most importat is that defenders have a SOUL
I purchased one because since I sold my 109 Stage 1 I allways belive that was the vihicle that I like most.
If you cannot get a Defe shop for a County......beautyfull vehicle.

Happy hunting

Originally Posted by slug_burner

Puma is a reference to the Ford transit (based) deisel engine used in the 2007 and later defenders.

Kids love the idea of riding in the truck, wives however is a different thing. Probably comes down to a few things. If they don't mind driving a manual it is a start. Confidence in driving something bigger than a mini. Then there is the passenger footwell and the a/c at least with the 300Tdi, I don't know what the foot space is like in a Td5 or the Puma. Then again there are some wives that can see beyond all that and appreciate the space to carry all the things that you need when you go out with kids.

The foot well and aircon is just the same in the Td5 as the 300tdi....I have no problems with the space.....after all you only got to put your feet in there......plenty of space elsewhere in the 130 to put gear Puma air con is up on the dash like a Disco which means no vents got to have vents


Mrs ho har

Originally Posted by The ho har's

The foot well and aircon is just the same in the Td5 as the 300tdi....I have no problems with the space.....after all you only got to put your feet in there......plenty of space elsewhere in the 130 to but gear Puma air con is up on the dash like a Disco which means no vents got to have vents


Mrs ho har

Thanks Mrs ho har,

I don't use the vents very much. For me other than a novelty and style continuity they don't serve much purpose.

The seating position in a defender is one with a greater bend in the knee than your typical sedan so the a/c doesn't interfere that much. However it does remove the option of streaching the legs into the foot well. My wife is 5'7" and has occasionaly mentioned the a/c thing.

Originally Posted by The ho har's

... Puma air con is up on the dash like a Disco which means no vents got to have vents...

Yes I do miss the vents in the Puma

But it really does have an effective heater and air-conditioning It's not that bad a compromise, but I'd still like vents, just don't know how you'd managed it with the new dash.

Originally Posted by slug_burner

Thanks Mrs ho har,

I don't use the vents very much. For me other than a novelty and style continuity they don't serve much purpose.

ahhh but you live in Melbourne

Originally Posted by dm_td5

Yes I do miss the vents in the Puma




But it really does have an effective heater and air-conditioning It's not that bad a compromise, but I'd still like vents, just don't know how you'd managed it with the new dash.

we live in the north where it is continually hot so with vents open and windows down you don't need the air on


Mrs ho har

The reason I don't use the vents is becuase I use the a/c.

It can't get that hot if you can get by with the vents and windows!

Originally Posted by ashman

My wife is only 5" tall and she has no troubles driving the 130 dual cab TD5, she has loved it from day one, we have owned Land Cruisers, Hi Luxs but she likes the Defender best, I don't get to drive it much as I can't get it off her, it has lots of room on the back for all our camping gear as well it tows the trailer with the dirt bikes on and still has heapes of power for the hills, its also very comfortable to drive and has plenty of room inside, only problem it is a bit hard to park sometimes but you get used to that...

So go for it, you won't be disapointed...

Ashley

Now that's short.