defender how nice / good to drive

[jase]

ok a question (possibly should be in general chat but thought i'd get a better responce here)
how nice is a mid 90s defender to drive as a daliy driver?? (i'll admit i've never driven one)
reason for asking, I need a ute (for work), I do big kms (1000+/week) and have a dodgy back style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif
I sold my disco style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif (cause i needed a ute) and bought a 2004 nissan navara STR (BIG MISTAKE thing rides like crap and is killing me) it's criminal nissan can make a new vehilce that is so bad, I don't know how / why so many people are buying them ??
I thought about a new defender at the time but wanted new and couldn't afford a very basic $50k truck

I'm now looking to sell the navara and buy something even cheaper 2nd hand to reduce my payments (& that also rides better)
anyway question is how does a mid 90s defender ride?
I know the inside is very basic but how does seating & ride compare to a mid 90s 300tdi disco manual (same drive line)?
(I also have a LR stage 1 V8 wagon but assume the defender much nice to drive than this?)
other option is to buy a cheap (wrecked?) disco and get someone to do a chop on the back of it to make a ute style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif (this is very real option i'm considering)
or even better a P38 RR choped into ute 8) (although elec issues doing this worry me, love the P38, the wife drives one style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif and I get the ute style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif )

TIA
Jase

[101RRS]

Originally posted by jase
I need a ute (for work), I do big kms (1000+/week) and have a dodgy back :(
I sold my disco :( (cause i needed a ute) and bought a 2004 nissan navara STR (BIG MISTAKE thing rides like crap and is killing me) it's criminal nissan can make a new vehilce that is so bad, I don't know how / why so many people are buying them ??I thought about a new defender at the time but wanted new and couldn't afford a very basic $50k truck
I'm now looking to sell the navara


Can you please post this on the ExplorerOz website - there are a bunch of landroverphobic w@#$%^s on there who think the sun shines out of a jap a#seh#$e - tail pipe.

They need some stirring up - I think I will make this my mission in life!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Gazzz

[Bushie]

Personally I could drive my Defender all day without any problems, I find the seating/position quite comfortable, however I don't have a dodgy back so not sure how this will impact upon you.

One of the guys at work however does have a very crook back and can only drive a few km, but he did say he used to find the defender OK to drive (although not sure if this was before he did his back).

I can sypathise with you about the Navara, I have one for a work vehicle and as you say rides like ****. I tend to get an aching back after a few hours behind the wheel, but am fine with the rover.

The ride difference between the Defender and the stage 1 will be chalk and cheese

Your best bet would be to try and get into one and take it for a longish test drive.


Bushie

[JamesH]

The seating position is very upright. A mate of mine did his back, and drives a disco. He hopped in the front Defender and said the position felt brilliant with his sore back. It was only a 30 minute drive mind you and he was suffering from a pinched nerve so the upright firm seats worked a treat for him

To be honest, and all though I think my Defender is great on long distance (though I am jealous of Noddy's cruise control) I cannot say that they are known around the world for their comfy driving position, but as I said the needs of a the back injured are different to most and my mate hopped in and said "these seats are perfect for me - firm and bolt upright"

[jase]

thanks sounds like it could be ok?
I'm a bit sceptical of buying another mistake after the nissan

my back likes the "high" upright position of a disco (get my legs on a downward angle) is the defender similar?
and the only comfortable way for me to drive is with the seatback very upright (i also have lower back nerve "issues")
(funny if anyone else gets in my car first thing the do is recline the seat)

I was going to find one at a dealer and test drive although the best you can normally get on a 2nd hand car is 30mins?
then look to buy one private (so i'm not paying a dealers profit margin)

I still like the idea of a chopped disco or RR 8) and have been quoted approx $10k plus I have to provide the car , so not a cheap option :cry:

feel free to post on oz explorer (to stir them up) :wink:
on my behalf (I don't "attend" there anyway)


Jase

[Greylandy]

I agree with James, the driving poisiton is very upright and you'll definately notice similarities with the Disco. I always thought driving a Defender is like sitting at a desk compared to the Japcrap which is more like a car ... or lounging in front of the TV. If I had to take a guess I'd say the poisiton in the Defender might be better for your back as it almost promotes good posture.

One problem though is the lack of room for legs which might aggrevate your back problems. Best way is to take one for an extended drive ...

Henry.

[Greylandy]

Originally posted by jase
I still like the idea of a chopped disco or RR 8) and have been quoted approx $10k plus I have to provide the car , so not a cheap option :cry:


25K will buy you a much better Defender than a 15K Disco/RR with a chopped up rear end.

[rusty]

gidday jase,
i find my defender more than comfortable enough to drive as my daily driver/touring vehicle and would say the upright seating position better for posture as well. that said why dont you hire a defender for a weekend away before you commit yourself that way you will have a better idea on how comfortable you will be in one
cheers , rusty

[septimus]

I use mine around here a bit but I think the best test for me was the recent trip from Melbourne to Cairns over three days - pretty much non-stop driving towing a bike trailer. I did not suffer any problems from the seating position at all.

However I recently hired a Navara Ute and drove it from Melbourne to Bordertown and back in one trip. Had thought of buying one before that but I found the transmission hump forced my left leg into an awkward position and gave me really bad pain for the second part of the trip.

Thing I like the most about the seating position is that it, combined with the body design, gives you great forward view close up for 4WD work. I hired a Nissan Patrol which was a nice, comfy car (and maybe you could consider one of them) but the drivers view was lousy for 4WD work. In fact on a friends driveway into the rainforest (sloping, curving) I had to guess where to put the wheels but in the Defender on the same driveway it is a breeze.

[Frenchie]

I also have a dodgy back and when it is playing up the Defender is the only vehicle I can drive. As well as the upright seating position it's easy to get in and out without bending too much. 8)

[Captain_Rightfoot]

The only problem I have with the defender driving position is the handbrake.. If I'm not carefull how I sit I get "defender leg: after 5-6 hours of driving. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif Other than that it's good style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[George130]

I do around 800 km a week in my defender and find the seating position is great. My seat has been moved back a little to give more leg room though. Friends have commented that they like the upright seat positions and find the seats comfortable. I would agree with the test drive one and try not to smile all the time your in it.

[LandyAndy]

Hi Jase
Those Navaras are pretty impressive off road in the right hands,Frenchie,JamesH and myself watched RichardK's son in very difficult terrain do some pretty impressive work,MUST BE THE TRAINING RICHARD.
Not that we would encourage "THE DARK SIDE",but seen as you already own the thing have a talk to a suspension shop and other owners to see if things can be improved.
Not a lot to loose.
Andrew

[p38arover]

If you lived nearby, you could borrow my County for a week to try it.

I find the County seats more comfortable than my P38A.

There must be something different about the County handbrake as I never find it gets in the way but a Defender one does.

The coil sprung ride of the Defender/County 110 isn't too bad. Even my son who is a Land Cruiser lover reckons it is very comfortable and rides very well.

Ron

[JDNSW]

Originally posted by p38arover


(snip)
There must be something different about the County handbrake as I never find it gets in the way but a Defendcer one does.

(snip)

Ron

With the introduction of the thicker push button doors the driving position was moved inboard about 3-5cm, but the handbrake stayed put, so it can become a bit of a problem, depending on the shape of your body.

[x-box]

But that is exactly what makes it a defender - protruding handbrake, difficult to reach window winders, etc etc. We love 'em 'cause they are not the same as the 'Jap stuff. As far as seating goes, mine is a daily driver and a traveller (done QLD-Melbourne twice) and if I sit up straight it is comfy. Fot the shape/ aerodynamics/insulation/comfort (or lack of), the defender is a surprisingly nice, drivable vehicle. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Louis

[rick130]

I use a 'fender as my work truck, and I love the driving position. My seat has been raised 20mm or so to accomodate my legs, and being a crew cab, I think the seat goes further back than a ute ?? If it didn't, I would be mighty uncomfortable.
The handbrake position works in my favour as it holds my left leg upright, reducing the strain on my knee, unlike in SWMBO's GU Patrol. I stagger out of the Patrol, those big comfy looking lounge chairs are crap. At least they are better than the ones in her GQ, they were absolute crap.

[51jay]

If you have a bad back it is well worth considering a GOOD QUALITY aftermarket seat such as Recaro with adjustable lumber support. Ihave them in my old Rangy and they are the best seat in the house....the only place I could sit without pain when my back was bad

[Timmo]

Couldn't live without that handbrake there, i put my left foot on top of it and lean against the door, very comfortable, it makes a great footrest.

[Lionel]

Mostly this thread has concentrated on seating comfort and driving positon. As a fairly recent Defender owner, I would point out that by far the worst aspect of the Defender for me, is the huge turning circle. (12.5m for the 110!) It is significantly worse than the L'Cruiser 80 which I used to have, though the Defender is much more fun and infinitely superior in the bush.

If you have to go into multi-story car parks, and other tight spaces, the turning circle is a pain, as is the somewhat limited rear visibility.

In spite of all this they are a great vehicle, and I don't regret my purchase one bit!

Cheers,
Lionel

[George130]

Originally posted by Lionel
Mostly this thread has concentrated on seating comfort and driving positon. As a fairly recent Defender owner, I would point out that by far the worst aspect of the Defender for me, is the huge turning circle. (12.5m for the 110!) It is significantly worse than the L'Cruiser 80 which I used to have, though the Defender is much more fun and infinitely superior in the bush.

If you have to go into multi-story car parks, and other tight spaces, the turning circle is a pain, as is the somewhat limited rear visibility.

In spite of all this they are a great vehicle, and I don't regret my purchase one bit!

Cheers,
Lionel

Mine is to tall to dare enter a multi storey car park so I have never worried about that part. The 130 has a bigger turning circle than the 110 but I cope OK with it you just sometimes do multi point turns.

[rick130]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>The 130 has a bigger turning circle than the 110[/b][/quote]

and it's even worse with 33"+ tyres.
Funny thing is, you get used to it, until you jump into a vehicle that can actually do a U turn in a nomal street style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[p38arover]

My P38A which has a 108" wheelbase vs the 110" of the Defender can turn far better - and I notice the P38A is much worse than the old Rangie with the 100" wheelbase. The latter is most noticeable in carparks.

I wonder how a LWB (108") RR Classic fares against the P38A - both have different front ends.

Ron

[sclarke]

Originally posted by rick130
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>The 130 has a bigger turning circle than the 110

and it's even worse with 33"+ tyres.
Funny thing is, you get used to it, until you jump into a vehicle that can actually do a U turn in a nomal street style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/b][/quote]

Ohh yes.........
i get out of the Defender and Drive the 85 model Volvo wagon and i can do a U-turn in a normal street no problems.... it scares you how a normal car can move so easy...... Then i try it again in the defender and Nope..... might as well be a Kenworth

[Frenchie]

Originally posted by Lionel
by far the worst aspect of the Defender for me, is the huge turning circle.

Mine didn't come with a turning circle. It wasn't even an optional extra. 8O

[George130]

At least the Defenders can just go over the kerb 8) But mind the gnomes in peoples gardens 8O

[Captain_Rightfoot]

One of the ladies at my work saw me putting the fender into a bay. She said to me "that thing looks like a bitch to park". I really had no comeback... I didn't think my usual... "well at least it's not a sole-less asian body bag that looks like a startled fish" would have been appropriate. 8O 8O 8O

[disconut]

Originally posted by Captain_Rightfoot
The only problem I have with the defender driving position is the handbrake.. If I'm not carefull how I sit I get "defender leg: after 5-6 hours of driving. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif Other than that it's good style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

I have actually modified mine. (carefully bent) 8O . The button now points at the corner of the fuse box. This makes a huge difference. No more "Defender leg". Takes less than 20 mins to do insitu.
My seats are also raised 35mm and moved rearward by 50mm.
Big difference in comfort and leg room.

However, prior to all this, I went to Darwin and back towing. No issues at all.
Most surprised with the comfort level after my ES SII Disco.

Trev.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Originally posted by disconut+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(disconut)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Captain_Rightfoot
The only problem I have with the defender driving position is the handbrake.. If I'm not carefull how I sit I get "defender leg: after 5-6 hours of driving. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif Other than that it's good style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

I have actually modified mine. (carefully bent) 8O . The button now points at the corner of the fuse box. This makes a huge difference. No more "Defender leg". Takes less than 20 mins to do insitu.

Trev.[/b][/quote]
Go on... how did you do it style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[CraigE]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Then i try it again in the defender and Nope..... might as well be a Kenworth
[/b][/quote]
I have pefected the Defender U turn, proceed down the road turn either left or right, same turn at next 2 corners then go back up the road you were originally on, easy. Quicker than trying to turn it around on a normal road.
:wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:

[rick130]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I have pefected the Defender U turn, proceed down the road turn either left or right, same turn at next 2 corners then go back up the road you were originally on, easy. Quicker than trying to turn it around on a normal road.
[/b][/quote]

ha ha, I do that...a lot.
also, do them in reverse (low speed 'J' turn, don't think I'm game to try a real J turn in the 'fender style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif )

It's bloody embarrasing when SWMBO is with me, she drives a GU Patrol, and it has an amazingly good turning circle for a big tank. I cop heaps.... :roll:

[disconut]

[/quote]Go on... how did you do it style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/quote]

First chock one of the front wheels.
Release the hand brake.
Peel back the rubber gaiter.
Remove the switch (2 small screws).
Pull up the handbrake until the black metal bracket that straddles the steel mount is vertical.(not too far)
Get a very large shifter and adjust tightly over the steel mounting bracket.
Push it up against the black metal bracket of the brake lever, and clear of the front mounting hole for the switch.
Place a bar through the shifter handle hole and gently twist the steel bracket towards the gearbox until the handbrake button points at the corner of the fuse box.(check it, you may need to have two or three goes at it to get it just right).
Refit the switch, replace the gaiter, job done. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif
No more "Fender Leg"

Trev.