Thread: D90 Availability in Australia

It was sold in Australia for a few years, but was not overly popular at the time so they are pretty scarce - nowadays used ones are rare and as such will cost $$.

Not sure if there were failings as such - just wasn't popular, too small for a lot of people I guess. One failing would be it only had a 60L fuel tank IIRC and hence touring would never have been its strong point!

Had a quick search on carsales.com.au ...

LAND ROVER DEFENDER - Private Used LAND ROVER DEFENDER Cars - carsales.com.au

3 for sale there!

As Seano says, they were available and for sale through Aus dealer network. I bought mine when they arrived in 2003. List price was:
D90 45,990
D110 46,990
D130 49,990
plus on roads as I remember....

after poor sales, in 2004 they dropped the price to 39,990 (not happy!!!) and then removed from sale in 2005...

My 90 was awesome but was only registered as a 2 seater so it wouldnt fit my 2 kids...therefore I bought a D3...

Good luck, seems 90's from this era of 2003-05 are fetching 28K-38K??

I don't think that there were any specific shortcomings, although the limitation to two seats was a major drawback, as was the high price.

But it is worth noting that other large four wheel drive manufacturers have also dropped or restricted availability of short wheelbase vehicles - not sure of availability, but I don't seem to see new short wheelbase Landcruisers or Patrols or Pajeros about. About the only ones you see are Wranglers and Suzukis, and not as many of these as ten years ago.

I think that the market for these has largely gone over to softroaders such as the RAV4. Australians have always disliked two door vehicles except utes.

For real work, Australian farmers have never used large trailers pulled by Landrovers as is common in the UK, partly because of legal restrictions, but also because of the longer distances, and even forty years ago most people using four wheel drives for real work were changing to traybacks, which can be loaded or unloaded using a forklift. it is worth noting that where occupations such as forestry patrols would have used a swb Landrover fifty years ago, today they almost invariably use a lwb trayback. The increased power of four wheel drives perhaps has meant that there is little advantage to the shorter wheelbase.

In summary, I do not think it is the Defender 90 specifically - I think it is the market for swbs has largely gone, and with a very small part of the market, the sales of the 90 were just too small.

John

Thanks all - very helpful info!

Originally Posted by Dmmos

what are its failings (ie. design-wise) regarding the Australian market?

The 90 does what it was designed to do VERY well.

The problem is it is not really suited to Australia. Much of the off road work here is long distance - requiring more cargo and fuel.

90's are great for High Country rambling and tight manouevering but the 110 (or 130) is better suited for the Simpson crossing type trip. The longerwheelbase vehicles are also more comfortable on the long highway cruise. (usually required to get to your off road section)

Also once you get more than 2 people in a 90 (mine has 4 seats) there is no room for gear. (I am alergic to roof racks)

They are fun though

plus if people wanted a shorty they'd buy a jeep over 10k cheaper and a rag top. more ergonomic and easier to drive for most wanting this type of vehicle.....

Was in New Zealand at christmas and went to the local land rover dealer in ChristChurch to ask about the availability of Defenders, got a list and brochure.
90 Station wagon
RRPNZ$64,990
2.4 Puma Turbodiesel
6 Speed manual
4 seats
16" Grabber alloys

110 Station Wagon
RRP 5 seat NZ$67,990, 7 seat NZ$69,990
2.4 Puma turbodiesel
6sp manual
16" Grabber alloys

110 Double cab/crew cab pick up
RRPNZ$67,990
customer order only.
2.4 Puma turbodiesel
6sp manual
16" Grabber alloys

130double/crew cab pick up
RRPNZ$ 64,990
Customer order only
2.4 Puma turbodiesel
6sp manual
16" Grabber alloys

You could buy there and do personal import.