To buy a new defender or not

[Kyle1988]

Hi I'm new to the sit and I looking at buying a new 90 defender but I've never owned one and don't know much about them I have taken one for a drive and was very nice to drive. I want it for a real 4x4 and I am planing to travail around Australia with it and some extreme off roading and would like to know if they are really as good off road as they say they are any input would be great

Thanks Kyle

[Judo]

I haven't driven a new one, but the defenders have forever had the same general design and the answer is yes they are great off road. There will always be a thousand mods you can do to make a vehicle better (applies to all 4wds), but none are necessary on a Defender to hit the tracks straight away.

Some of the reasons I like a Defender from factory is the suspension set up, approach and departure angles and the shape and size for easy comfortable packing.

[Judo]

^ Also, all the diesel engines put in Defenders have always had excellent fuel economy compared to similar sized 4wd's.

[Sue]

Hi I'm new to the sit and I looking at buying a new 90 defender but I've never owned one and don't know much about them I have taken one for a drive and was very nice to drive. I want it for a real 4x4 and I am planing to travail around Australia with it and some extreme off roading and would like to know if they are really as good off road as they say they are any input would be great

Thanks Kyle

I think you would be hard pressed to find a car that is better off road straight from the show room floor than a Defender. I take mine offroad all the time and have done some touring in it also.. I wouldn't consider owning anything else.. :)

[UncleHo]

I have a friend that has a 2013 Defender 110, and he is VERY happy with it :D has done 26,000 since he got it in February including to Melrose SA and several to Woollongong from SE Qld.

[Kyle1988]

Thanks every one this has helped me a lot

[Sitec]

Hi Kyle.
Yup, as said before, they will go anywhere straight out of 'the box'.. Especially the newer ones with the traction control. I've owned several Defenders, a 130 here, and a 90 V8 in the UK. They were both awesome on and off road. They do however come with the usual Land Rover niggles... Build quality, the odd leak and squeak etc. A Land Rover is something you continually 'fettle' with to keep it A1. It's something you'll get used to if you love the vehicle, but something you'll hate if you are not over enamoured with it. If you can, take one on a decent 'several hour' test drive and really know that you've been bitten by the bug and love it! I have... My current 101 is Land Rover No 9 for me!!!! :D

[numpty]

I've had Land Rovers for the past 26 years, the current Td5 since new and a V8 Stage 1 for 19 years before that and both are/have been bog standard. They are/were primarily for touring to some very out of the way places and have never been found wanting (for me) in off road ability.

They are quirky to most people, when compared to the Japanese oposition, but it is something which can and will grow on you. At least they have soul, which is sadly lacking in the oppositions products.

J T Fosseys are your local dealer, although they usually only have one Defender in stock at a time. Go and have a good look and a test drive. Some of the boys at ARB Tamworth are Land Rover sympathetic as well and they also service and repair them, so they are also worth talking to.

[100inch]

A 110 would suit your future travel plans better. I had 3x 90s and would go for a 110 every day unless you are going hardcore 4x4 every weekend. You will get the extra money over the 90 back if you decide to sell it. Don't get me wrong, 90s are great fun, but I meet a lot of people who simply ran out of loading space.
m

[Judo]

A 110 would suit your future travel plans better. I had 3x 90s and would go for a 110 every day unless you are going hardcore 4x4 every weekend. You will get the extra money over the 90 back if you decide to sell it. Don't get me wrong, 90s are great fun, but I meet a lot of people who simply ran out of loading space.
m
x2 for this. I've done most trips in a Disco which is 100 inch wheel base, but not as nice body shape for packing as a Defender, but damn do we run out of space quick! A 110 is where it's at. :cool:

Edit: Confusing name considering you've owned 3x90's and a 110. :p

[inken_dave]

Gday Kyle!

I've just bought a 2013 110 from JT Fosseys in Tamworth, which was very straight forward! I've fitted some ARB accessories at ARB Tamworth, which really helps around here, especially the bull bar! I've done about 11000km now.

The 110, and the 90, are a unique 4WD as they are quite different to drive, yes as some would say, they do have soul! They are built well, and the Landrover support, should you ever need it, is very good. I had two issues, an intercooler hose, and a swivel pin housing seal, and both times, Landrover fixed it immediately and without question!

They are brilliant off road straight out of the box, and very comfortable to travel with. The 2.2 engine, with no modification, goes very well, and is finely tuned for more extreme off road ability. Don't be put off by the relatively small 2.2L capacity.

I'd really recommend you to buy a new one! If you are planning some touring, I think the 110 is a serious consideration due to its internal capacity. In some circumstances, not all, it will also perform better off road!:wasntme:, but in the end, go with what puts the biggest smile on the dial!

[UncleHo]

G'day inken_dave :)

I would suggest that you and other newer 110 drivers invest in a pair of Terrafirma rear corner protectors ;) they replace where rear grab handle thingos were,VERY neat VERY strong and blend in well,"Muddy has a set on his black 2013 Defender which complemnts his black ARB front bar and roof rack."Sitec" may have seen it at Melrose early in the year.

cheers

[100inch]

x2 for this. I've done most trips in a Disco which is 100 inch wheel base, but not as nice body shape for packing as a Defender, but damn do we run out of space quick! A 110 is where it's at. :cool:

Edit: Confusing name considering you've owned 3x90's and a 110. :p


I got a 100inch as well! Hey I have to live up the Swiss Army reputation!
Again, I still got one 90 50th but loadspace in a 90 is small. Back in Switzerland most of us had 90s because of the tight forests but most changed to 110s once starting traveling...or having kids!

[UncleHo]

Oops!

I forgot to list those Terrafirma rear bumper corners Part No.TF-571 :)