Defender 90 big enough?

[Landi]

G'day everyone, I'm new on here and just after some advice. Currently have a FL2 which has been great as a daily drive and for the occasional trip away with some light off-roading. I'm wanting something a bit more rewarding and practical, however, and more suited to bigger and better adventures. I've naturally started having a look at some defenders, in particular the 2.2 90. Just wondering if anyone who owns one has ever been left dissappointed that they didn't get the 110 for more space? I'm not after a round the world tourer, but something big enough to hold a weeks worth of camping gear and 2 people. And maybe a dog if there's room...:p

Cheers

[Pickles2]

It'd be a bit cramped with a dog, I'd reckon.
Pickles.

[Lagerfan]

Welcome to the forum Landi.

With just 2 of us we find there is plenty of room but accessibility is the issue, gull wings (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/land-rover/defender/csw-gullwing-door-for-land-rover-defender.html) can help out there but for longer trips (2+ weeks) we're looking into getting something like a lightweight pod trailer (http://podtrailer.com.au/) or similar. Benefits of a 90 plus the extra room only when you need it.


It'd be a bit cramped with a dog, I'd reckon.
Pickles.

Have to agree with that.

[debruiser]

they aren't very big.... especially in my case where I'm not allowed to remove the rear seats :( But i still love it and wouldn't trade if for a 110 any day

[mools]

Regarding space - you can't fit much in a 90 for sure and, as has been said, once full you can't access it. I guess it depends how light you travel. Personally I don't care to tow (and even if I did a 110 would be preferable to a 90).

Comfort is a strange concept in a defender (especially as you will be coming from a FL2) but, and on account of the longer wheel base, a 110 is more comfortable on uneven (off-road) surfaces than a 90. Your dog will notice the difference even if you don't.

90's are fun and slightly more practical as a daily drive (easier to park and better turning radius). But for bigger better adventures you'll want a bigger better truck - 110. I've owned SWB landies and LWB landies and the 110 IMO is the most practical of them. If I was going to the shops or to the bottom of a nearby field a 90 would do, if I was going away for months then a 130 would be what I would want. A 110 is a pretty practical vehicle.

Ian.

[debruiser]

Regarding space - you can't fit much in a 90 for sure and, as has been said, once full you can't access it. I guess it depends how light you travel. Personally I don't care to tow (and even if I did a 110 would be preferable to a 90).

Comfort is a strange concept in a defender (especially as you will be coming from a FL2) but, and on account of the longer wheel base, a 110 is more comfortable on uneven (off-road) surfaces than a 90. Your dog will notice the difference even if you don't.

90's are fun and slightly more practical as a daily drive (easier to park and better turning radius). But for bigger better adventures you'll want a bigger better truck - 110. I've owned SWB landies and LWB landies and the 110 IMO is the most practical of them. If I was going to the shops or to the bottom of a nearby field a 90 would do, if I was going away for months then a 130 would be what I would want. A 110 is a pretty practical vehicle.

Ian.

I actually have to agree with what Ian says, as a daily drive, it's great - small. for a weekend toy it's also nice and small and definitely capable. What I find is that my friends are in long wheelbase Nissans/toyotas etc and they can handle the light rough stuff much faster than I can, which can be a pain because I either have to push to keep up or slow them down. Depends on who your friends are I guess.

For long trips, I built a camper trailer - no I don't like towing it all the time but it also removes the camper tent from the truck so I can do day trips away from the camp without a complete pack up. so Horses for courses really.

[100inch]

I had 2 90's and would go for the 110 every time. It is not just the space but the additional doors making life easier. m

[Toxic_Avenger]

I've got the 2.2 90, space is tight, but you need to consider what your aim with the vehicle is. Loaded up with 4 adults, there is barely enough room for 4 overnight bags of luggage. From rear of back seats to the door is about 25cm, approx 90cm wide before you can pack over the wheel arches.
I like to camp light, and not for extended time, so works well for me.

For large loads, I've got a roof rack and have ordered a massive pelican storm case to hold a heap of gear. It will be more waterproof up there than inside the cabin!

[JayBoRover]

I had a SWB GQ Patrol for many years and did quite a few good trips in that and learnt a lot about careful packing and planning of storage. Now I love the D90 and am slowly getting it set up for the same:cool:. With planning and well designed storage it's easy to have a comfortable extended trip in a shorty. You just need to think carefully about every item and get as much out of the load space as you can. This means sill fuel tanks, not jerries inside, and the gas bottle rack mounted externally, not a weird shaped object that you need to remove at least once every day taking up luggage space inside. A roof tent instead of tents stored inside. Leave your pillows and sleeping bags in the roof tent while travelling. Also look for everything to have two uses so maybe your camp table also doubles as a floor to a second level of storage space.
So a shorty is more of a challenge but also far more rewarding. I'd take a 90 any day over the cumbersome 110, but that's because I love shorty's and so common sense doesn't really come into it - that's the way love works!:wasntme:
Having said all that, 2 people and dog is okay (we have a German Shephard) in a 90 but you wouldn't want to go away on a trip like that unless just an overnighter.

[Sue]

How light do you camp??.. If you plan on taking a reasonable size tent, cooking equipment, fridge and a mid to large size dog I'm going to say that the 110 would probably suit your needs better. I have a 90 and it's perfect for me, but if we need to take a bit of stuff and the dogs then we do need to take two cars. I have toured comfortably with just me in the car but found it a bit squishy when hubby joined me on a leg of the trip. (I wasn't exactly travelling light though)..

I wouldn't trade my 90 for a longer wheel base but then my needs are probably different to yours as we have the option of taking two vehicles. :)

[Tikka7mm08]

I love my 90 Puma - but packing the duck shooting gear for opening weekend leaves no room for the Lab. It is my daily drive and weekend truck. I put 4 side facing seats in and the kids just love. If mum wants to join us then I get to drive her Pajero. The only time I want a 110 is when I have to pack a lot of stuff.

http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/xx251/Tikka7mm08/90_zps708b8172.jpg (http://s761.photobucket.com/user/Tikka7mm08/media/90_zps708b8172.jpg.html)

[Garry]

Im setting my 2013 Defender 90 to tour Australia with the Mrs and the two dogs, a beer fridge and all the recovery gear in the back. Im glad I didnt get the 110 for various reasons but with a bit of thought there is a fair amount of useable space in the back but the seats have to go so no swedish back packers for me

Decisions decisions

Garry

[Landi]

Thanks heaps for the feedback. Obviously lots of different views and definitely comes down to personal opinion. Think I have to admit I am a little more in love with the 90, and the slight benefits of it as a daily drive over the 110 might just be enough to make it conclusive. Even though it may be less practical than a 110, I'm pretty keen to make it work for me regardless.

Now I just have to win the argument in my head against myself that it's a safe enough car to drive on the road. I had a bit of a moment today on the freeway when a somewhat oblivious hatchback decided to change lanes without indicating, doing 50 in a 100 zone, directly in from of me. It was quite a severe swerving manoeuvre even by a FL2's standards,and it got me thinking how a defender's body roll would have gone in that situation....anyway that's another discussion altogether :P

[Toxic_Avenger]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/123.jpg

It should be a fun car. If you don't love it from the start, then the practicality of it won't win you over.
No airbags, crap turning circle, not a race-car ... but it kicks ass off road :burnrubber:


I love mine, but then again, I don't have a Sydney commute to deal with every morning. That's the territory of soft-roaders IMO

[Sue]

Now I just have to win the argument in my head against myself that it's a safe enough car to drive on the road. I had a bit of a moment today on the freeway when a somewhat oblivious hatchback decided to change lanes without indicating, doing 50 in a 100 zone, directly in from of me. It was quite a severe swerving manoeuvre even by a FL2's standards,and it got me thinking how a defender's body roll would have gone in that situation....anyway that's another discussion altogether :P

I'm pretty sure that it would do just was well as any other car.. and if it did go over I would almost lay money down that you even without airbags would be more protected in a defender than some of the other tin cans out there. :)

Oh and if you want to make a 90 work for you then you can.. anything is doable if you are willing to make some compromises... and if you are a little bit clever about what you take and how you pack/set up the car.. (see below). I love mine for touring, best car I've ever owned... and also the only car I've had that makes me so happy that I've smiled everytime I've driven it.. :)

[Pickles2]

Thanks heaps for the feedback. Obviously lots of different views and definitely comes down to personal opinion. Think I have to admit I am a little more in love with the 90, and the slight benefits of it as a daily drive over the 110 might just be enough to make it conclusive. Even though it may be less practical than a 110, I'm pretty keen to make it work for me regardless.

Now I just have to win the argument in my head against myself that it's a safe enough car to drive on the road. I had a bit of a moment today on the freeway when a somewhat oblivious hatchback decided to change lanes without indicating, doing 50 in a 100 zone, directly in from of me. It was quite a severe swerving manoeuvre even by a FL2's standards,and it got me thinking how a defender's body roll would have gone in that situation....anyway that's another discussion altogether :P
Ha ha ha,....."A little more in love"...that's it in one mate, like most 90 owners,...there is no other,...we LOVE ours.
I know what you mean about the lane situation that you mention. I've had a heap of FAST cars,..the 90 sure ain't fast, and you will drive a Defender differently to almost any other car. That is the beauty of it,....you HAVE to DRIVE it, because it sure won't drive itself. But that is the beauty of the Defender, unlike modern day cars, you do actually have to watch your steering, braking, not getting too close to the car in front etc, it's a whole new DRIVING experience, which is IMMENSELY ENJOYABLE,.....you'll have a smile on your face the whole time you're driving, & when you get out, you'll still be smiling, just looking at it!
Enjoy, Pickles.

[Cammo]

My experience is that people tend to think twice about merging/pulling out in front of/cutting off a defender - especially if its approaching at speed (ie you're doing 100 and the merger is only doing 50)..... providing they've bothered to check their mirrors

[vnx205]

I'm sure there is some sort of principle that applies here, a bit like Parkinson's Law that says that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.

The amount of stuff that people take on a trip expands to fill the space available in the vehicle.

So if you have a 110 or a 130, you take everything including the kitchen sink and swear that you need all those things.

If you have a 90, you take a lot less and wonder why other people think they need to fill their vehicle with a lot of junk that they could easily do without.

[steane]

Thanks heaps for the feedback. Obviously lots of different views and definitely comes down to personal opinion. Think I have to admit I am a little more in love with the 90, and the slight benefits of it as a daily drive over the 110 might just be enough to make it conclusive. Even though it may be less practical than a 110, I'm pretty keen to make it work for me regardless.

Now I just have to win the argument in my head against myself that it's a safe enough car to drive on the road. I had a bit of a moment today on the freeway when a somewhat oblivious hatchback decided to change lanes without indicating, doing 50 in a 100 zone, directly in from of me. It was quite a severe swerving manoeuvre even by a FL2's standards,and it got me thinking how a defender's body roll would have gone in that situation....anyway that's another discussion altogether :P

I'm driving a new 90 right now, have it for a week. Feels a lot smaller than a 110. Body roll isn't an issue, brakes are fine and wont get you in trouble and its really quite easy to park. If there is only one or two of you then I think there is enough room. Not really a touring vehicle space wise and the fuel tank is too small for touring as well but for round town and weekend trips away its a cool little bus with plenty of character.

My biggest gripe is the disfunctional drivetrain. Engine is great but the box is notchy, the clutch is a bit heavy, the six speed keeps you busy, first is too low for regular driving and the engine holds revs on up changes like an 80s Datsun Bluebird. A 300tdi and R380 feels more together and is nicer to use if you overlook the performance difference.

You get used to it though but regularly wonder why they just didnt or havent yet made it 100%. Couldn't be that hard surely. Very cool little Defender though, I'd happily own one.

Smells like a Clark Rubber store inside:p

[EastFreo]

Over the past few weeks (as I work out what the accessories for my order) my wife and I have thought how good it would have been if landrover still did the multiple body shapes and models of years ago and did a size in between the 110 and 90

[Tikka7mm08]

Agree with Steane the first gear is diabolical - I put a Terrafirma s/s silencer replacement pipe on and this allow the turbo to wind up a little quicker I think as unless a steep slope I start in 2nd gear without riding the clutch....great burning off other vehicles at the lights that swap lines after being behind you thinking you are a slow Landy...especially when they merge back to a single lane and end up behind you again....yes, I am easily entertained.

[steane]

Agree with Steane the first gear is diabolical - I put a Terrafirma s/s silencer replacement pipe on and this allow the turbo to wind up a little quicker I think as unless a steep slope I start in 2nd gear without riding the clutch....great burning off other vehicles at the lights that swap lines after being behind you thinking you are a slow Landy...especially when they merge back to a single lane and end up behind you again....yes, I am easily entertained.

The little 2.2 doesn't hang around, I quite like it. I had a Wrangler the week before and the 90 rides better and feels more alive in a good way (less isolated).

More I drive it the more I like it:D

[gusthedog]

I'm pretty sure that it would do just was well as any other car.. and if it did go over I would almost lay money down that you even without airbags would be more protected in a defender than some of the other tin cans out there. :)


I'll take a crash in my D2 with airbags and crumple zones over your defender :D. No crumple zones mean all the inertia of a crash goes through the occupants. One of the main reasons I no longer own a deefer. Anything under 15kph or a slow tip over and you'll be fine though ;)

[Sirocco]

10 months, 22 countries, 2 continents last year in the 90 :D

Agree with the above. If you have a crash in a Deefer it is going to be nasty, no crumple zone and no 'real' structure.

I have seen people who have hit a wall and the whole body moved forward 6 inches, shearing all the mounts, the other rolled his 110 on the motorway and the roof collapsed down to the dashboard. Defenders are not safe vehicles, nobody can really argue against that.

G

Sirocco Overland | (http://www.siroccoverland.com)

[JimR]

I think its safe because solid chassis, command driving position, ventilated ABS disc brakes and full time 4x4 traction control. Actually I really don't want stupid secondary safety devices fitted like crumple zones and air bags because they aren't needed unless you are soft and/or queer.

Also if you put a roof rack or a trailer on you can carry heaps of stuff:)

[Tikka7mm08]

My 08 Puma 90 has neither ABS or air bags...if both were on there when I got I would feel happy...and I'm neither soft or ....well you get the idea.

[gusthedog]

I think its safe because solid chassis, command driving position, ventilated ABS disc brakes and full time 4x4 traction control. Actually I really don't want stupid secondary safety devices fitted like crumple zones and air bags because they aren't needed unless you are soft and/or queer.

Also if you put a roof rack or a trailer on you can carry heaps of stuff:)

Mate, keep your homophobia to yourself if you don't mind. And I would argue that crumple zones and airbags are not stupid and save thousands of lives a day around the world. But if appreciating safety makes me soft or find the same sex attractive in your view I couldn't really give a ****. ;)

Oh and you might want to check the offroad maximum roof capacity of your 90. If it's like my old 110, it should be a max of 30kgs whilst off road. But I assume only soft people or those blokes that like blokes that care about raising your centre of gravity and making your vehicle more prone to rolling over anyway. So you should be apples :cool:

[Les Brock]

Hi First post,

With just the two of us we find it fine, magggiloina roof tent up top and well organised inside it works ok for us...but a 110 would be nice ;)

Regards

Les