I need advice. Defender or dico?

[AlexL]

So my dream car has always been a Land Rover Defender.
I want to kit her out for mud, climbs, beaches, touring Australia (eventually) and most importantly family camping.
My issue is I have a two year old boy, a girl due in July and a missus that wants the car to have working AC (you'd think she was the pom and I'm the Aussie)
So here lies my problem, I've heard defenders don't have child anchor points, AC is below par (although can be improved) but does tick all the other boxes. Including looming 100x better.
My question, can a disco do what I want from it plus fit my actual needs? Whilst also being cheaper to buy?
The defender means a lot of saving, whilst a Disco I could buy next week.
I'm looking at the TD5 models on both.
Or would a Freelander be a good choice?
Obviously there is a reason the British and ANSAC forces used defenders for so long.
Can I get advice please.
Alex

[ramblingboy42]

Hi Alex, welcome to the forum.

I assume you are mechanically inclined...if you're not your choice of vehicles will make you that way or turn away now..

At the bottom lh corner of the page is a search box for Aulro only....use it....type in any subject on Land Rovers that you care eg defender aircon and you will receive so much advice from members experiences.

There are both defender freaks and disco freaks ( I was one ) on this forum and there are dedicated step by step guides to doing every maintenance task ever thought of on Land Rovers.

Good luck . this is the worlds best forum.

[gusthedog]

I have kids. Went from a defender to a disco because they are safer. No head rests or airbags in a defender. And they don't do well in roll overs from my experience. Discos also have three child anchors. You can get a crab bar in a defender to attach the kids seats to, but they are about $400 plus.

Also discos are 1/4 to half the price for a vehicle that doesn't leak water or dust, has working Aircon but it's just as good off road as a defender.

Yeah I'd like my disco to be a square, cool looking defer. But I'm built for comfort, not for speed [emoji12]

Each to their own.

[NavyDiver]

So my dream car has always been a Land Rover Defender.
I want to kit her out for mud, climbs, beaches, touring Australia (eventually) and most importantly family camping.
My issue is I have a two year old boy, a girl due in July and a missus that wants the car to have working AC (you'd think she was the pom and I'm the Aussie)
So here lies my problem, I've heard defenders don't have child anchor points, AC is below par (although can be improved) but does tick all the other boxes. Including looming 100x better.
My question, can a disco do what I want from it plus fit my actual needs? Whilst also being cheaper to buy?
The defender means a lot of saving, whilst a Disco I could buy next week.
I'm looking at the TD5 models on both.
Or would a Freelander be a good choice?
Obviously there is a reason the British and ANSAC forces used defenders for so long.
Can I get advice please.
Alex

Hi Alex. The deefer crew will possibly kill me for this. I have Disco3 SE, drove a mates Deefer and it was great for what we did with it.

My kids and two baby seat and later booster seats were fine in the Disco. same seats in the Lexus rx350 was a major PITA for 3 in the back seat!! Not sure how the deefenders fair in that myself

In long distance touring the seat and suspension in the Disco is the best by a long shot. Deefenders and many other 4wds are almost agricultural equipment in comfort comparison to Discos and RRs. We have traveled over 500,000 km in my first and replacment Disco road and also some great fun 4wd only locations.

As pointed out hands on makes mechanically capable consider Deefers or Pre Disco 3s perhaps? I did look very closely before I opted for the D3. My Deefer tin foil hat is on..
4wd capability is not in my view compromised in any way with a Disco with the right shoes on! Freelanders are/were a little ride height and space compromised for my three kids

One of my staff grabbed a ex army version several years ago. She lasted less than a year with it. It was cool but not great as a daily drive for her.

Tin hat on but they know I love them as well[biggrin]


good luck with your hunts mate

[AlexL]

Hi Alex, welcome to the forum.

I assume you are mechanically inclined...if you're not your choice of vehicles will make you that way or turn away now..

At the bottom lh corner of the page is a search box for Aulro only....use it....type in any subject on Land Rovers that you care eg defender aircon and you will receive so much advice from members experiences.

There are both defender freaks and disco freaks ( I was one ) on this forum and there are dedicated step by step guides to doing every maintenance task ever thought of on Land Rovers.

Good luck . this is the worlds best forum.

Thank you, yeah I can get around an engine. Especially an old model with less electrical work going on. Although I'm no master mechanic and will learn as I go.

[AlexL]

Thank you, yeah I can get around an engine. Especially an old model with less electrical work going on. Although I'm no master mechanic and will learn as I go.


Hi Alex. The deefer crew will possibly kill me for this. I have Disco3 SE, drove a mates Deefer and it was great for what we did with it.

My kids and two baby seat and later booster seats were fine in the Disco. same seats in the Lexus rx350 was a major PITA for 3 in the back seat!! Not sure how the deefenders fair in that myself

In long distance touring the seat and suspension in the Disco is the best by a long shot. Deefenders and many other 4wds are almost agricultural equipment in comfort comparison to Discos and RRs. We have traveled over 500,000 km in my first and replacment Disco road and also some great fun 4wd only locations.

As pointed out hands on makes mechanically capable consider Deefers or Pre Disco 3s perhaps? I did look very closely before I opted for the D3. My Deefer tin foil hat is on..
4wd capability is not in my view compromised in any way with a Disco with the right shoes on! Freelanders are/were a little ride height and space compromised for my three kids

One of my staff grabbed a ex army version several years ago. She lasted less than a year with it. It was cool but not great as a daily drive for her.

Tin hat on but they know I love them as well[biggrin]


good luck with your hunts mate

Thank you for your honest opinion.
I'm leaning towards a Disco and then maybe get my Def later in life. I've seen the price is a lot lower for a Disco. I am okay with mechanical work, but no harm in learning more.
Also think it'll be better for the kids.

Thank you again mate.

[Bazzle218]

I will throw in my 10 cents worth. I have owned discovery's 300 tdi Manual and auto. Have carried kids with nil issues and the AC worked well. I have owned a td5 Auto and a manual as well. At first i was a bit daunted by the electronics but i purchased a Nanocom and was able to sort out the electronic gremlins with the help of it and the forums on this site. I currently own a defender 130 which i converted to an Isuzu 4bd1. (Nil electronics) . Every vehicle has its good points and bad. My advise is to seek out help and maybe even a test drive before you bite the bullet. Now why have I had so many vehicles? My wife asks the same question. I love Landy's they each have there own idiosyncrasies . Remember there are no stupid questions ask away.

[trout1105]

If you want resale value go for a Defender because the resale on Disco's plumet as they get older.
On todays prices for a decent Defender you can also get a decent 200 series and have the best of both worlds[thumbsupbig]

[loanrangie]

If you want resale value go for a Defender because the resale on Disco's plumet as they get older.
On todays prices for a decent Defender you can also get a decent 200 series and have the best of both worlds[thumbsupbig]Never use decent and 200 in the same sentence [emoji16]

[trout1105]

Never use decent and 200 in the same sentence [emoji16]

Sorry, My Bad.
I should have used Reliable and family friendly in the same sentance with 200 Series[bigwhistle]

[AK83]

With kids, I'd say D2 TD5 is the better way to go.
You could make a Defender Td5 almost as refined, but will need a lot more work to do so.

So as said, for the sake of the kids .. safer and more pleasant holiday experiences.

[shack]

We've got both.

When it comes to practicality, disco 2 wins by a full length of the straight.

There's no getting around that, but defenders look cool!

I'd look for a 2 that has the rear air con as well if you are touring.

[gromit]

Had the same decision to make back in the late 90's, only one child at the time.
I felt a Disco would have to be repaired if the panels got dented/scratched off road whereas with a Defender they are seen as battle scars & worn with pride........plus the panels aren't that straight from the factory !

Purchased a secondhand 300Tdi with a crab bar and inward facing 3rd row seats.

Lots more storage in the back (when not using the 3rd row) compared to a Disco. Served us well for holidays, Four Wheel Driving etc. More kids appeared, they loved the Defender (and still do), put a storage system in the back which restricted us to 5 seats.
Never had an issue with the aircon

Still have the Defender and currently could probably get back close to what I paid for it in the late 90's.
Gromit's Defender Tanami (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/287414-gromits-defender-tanami.html)


Colin

[djam1]

For the use I would buy a Discovery 2 with a TD5
They are getting old and the auto needs attention at about 260000 plus the TD5 while it can be reliable
will likely need some money spent on it to get it to a reliable state.
We discarded of a Disco 2 Td5 a couple of years back that was in good condition I let it go for $2500 and now regret it.
A couple of Defenders here and they are used daily I wouldn't swap but the Disco is ok for light use and lets face it that's what most people do nowadays.
I have used a Defender for the last 10 years from the extreme heat of the Pilbara to the cold of South Australia (living there not visiting) and haven't found it particularly lacking in comfort.

[MLD]

first thing to do is drive all the vehicles on your short list. Defenders are an acquired (and compromised) taste. you will either love it or hate it. Then get your wife to drive all the cars on the short list. If the wife won't drive the Defer you limit yourself both as a family vehicle that the wife will drive and as a co-driver on long trips. Sometimes the greater good of a happy marriage is more weighty than your desire for a long held desire to own a Defender.

As much as i hate to say it, the disco is a better all round vehicle. A Disco 2 is smaller than a 110 and packing for a holiday requires skill. Most D2s will be high milage with systematic maintenance that can get expensive. I'm wary of D3's. Being a generational leap from the D2 and it would be getting up there in kms and age. The D4 deserves its title of best 4wd for all those years running.

I have a 130 which consumes all the stuff one could want/need on a trip. If you can stretch the budget, a Grenadier at the entry price of $80k is a worthy Defer alternative with the modern cons that a Disco offers.

[POD]

i've had numerous Range Rover classics, one Discovery- a 1997 V8 version- and a 130 defender (also a series 3 shorty many decades ago). Geez I hated that discovery. All the reliability of a RRC without the refinement. A bland, nothingness of a 4wd designed to compete with the japanese for the soccer-mum market, which it did and saved the brand from extinction but at what cost. At least you won't cry (nor will anyone else) if you dent it, scratch it or burn it to the ground with an electrical fire; it is impossible to become attached to one. The defender, on the other hand, does not pretend to be anything other than a utilitarian, agricultural, do-anything-easily no-nonsense piece of manliness that will give your kids a life-long emotional attachment and make them feel like adventurers every time you leave home. A toyota driving friend asked me why he could see daylight between the door and the floor of the 130? I told him that is because it is daytime; if you want to see darkness, come back at night. Such is the defender life. You know you want one.

[loanrangie]

Sorry, My Bad.
I should have used Reliable and family friendly in the same sentance with 200 Series[bigwhistle]You forgot boring, generic, overpriced and overrated.

[trout1105]

You forgot boring, generic, overpriced and overrated.

Booring, As in not happily spending hours of enjoyment on the spanners keeping it running or supporting your local indie doing the repairs for you.
Generic, Yes but then again the Discovery 5 blends in with every other SUV on the road.
Overpriced, Not in comparison to the new offerings from JLR, Second hand units are a bit pricey But that is a Good thing as it tells you that they retain their resale value well which is something that Landrovers are not renowned for.
Overrated, Not really they do exactly what the manufacturer states they can do (and more) and millions of Toyota owners can't be all wrong.

Don't get me wrong I like Landrovers But if I were to use my head instead of my heart I wouldn't buy another one.

[shack]

But if I were to use my head instead of my heart I wouldn't buy another one.

??? Who makes decisions that way? I can't imagine it's much fun!!

[Vern]

Sorry, My Bad.
I should have used Reliable and family friendly in the same sentance with 200 Series[bigwhistle]Probably wouldn't have used reliable either.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220314/80661b8a9b652dd57f780568635d7673.jpg

[shack]

People need to realise they weren't designed to go off the bitumen.

[POD]

People need to realise they weren't designed to go off the bitumen.

Toyotas? Land Rovers? I'd have to differ; I have two close friends who work as vehicle testers for a mob who contract to both LR and Toyota, they drive the vehicles for extended periods in fair-dinkum 4wd conditions including some of the most challenging terrain I know in the high country as well as big circuits of remote outback roads for days on end, the data and reports are all fed back to the vehicle manufacturers for their design and development people. They break stuff, they bog, drown and recover vehicles. They're extreme 4wd-ing so much it's boring for them.

[shack]

Toyotas? Land Rovers? I'd have to differ; I have two close friends who work as vehicle testers for a mob who contract to both LR and Toyota, they drive the vehicles for extended periods in fair-dinkum 4wd conditions including some of the most challenging terrain I know in the high country as well as big circuits of remote outback roads for days on end, the data and reports are all fed back to the vehicle manufacturers for their design and development people. They break stuff, they bog, drown and recover vehicles. They're extreme 4wd-ing so much it's boring for them.I was talking 200 series and dusted motors, and obviously the comment was quite tongue in cheek...

That said I've been quite surprised how many 200's have come up for sale locally in the last 18 months that are advertised as having the motor replaced, but I can't remember a single 70 series advertised with a replaced motor. (Locally)

And in the interest of fairness I acknowledge that ALL the V6 diesels land Rover have released have a plethora of issues.

Even the beloved TD5 has an extremely sub standard air filtration system.

I know of at least 2 locally that were dusted, unfortunately I've only ever seen them after the horse has bolted..i.e. the engine is wrecked and a new filter is in place.

It seems though that the filter works ok, but if it gets blocked, it ruptures and kills the engine in seconds.

Be interesting to know what brand filter was used.

Cheers
James

[trout1105]

I was talking 200 series and dusted motors, and obviously the comment was quite tongue in cheek...

That said I've been quite surprised how many 200's have come up for sale locally in the last 18 months that are advertised as having the motor replaced, but I can't remember a single 70 series advertised with a replaced motor. (Locally)

And in the interest of fairness I acknowledge that ALL the V6 diesels land Rover have released have a plethora of issues.

Even the beloved TD5 has an extremely sub standard air filtration system.

I know of at least 2 locally that were dusted, unfortunately I've only ever seen them after the horse has bolted..i.e. the engine is wrecked and a new filter is in place.

It seems though that the filter works ok, but if it gets blocked, it ruptures and kills the engine in seconds.

Be interesting to know what brand filter was used.

Cheers
James

Like ANY other engine if it isn't serviced or pre start checked you will Kill it especially if being used in adverse conditions.
You would be amazed at the amount of people that NEVER check even the oil level let alone anything else on their cars and these extended service periods are only making things worse.
How hard is it to lift the bonnet in the morning and check the fluids, tap out the air filter and have a look around at the buisness end Before you head off.
Most modern 4WD's are well designed and made But they are Not "Idiot Proof".
Servicing and maintanance (including pre start checks) are Essential to keep your beloved 4WD it peak condition and a "Dusted" engine is simply a result of neglect by the owner/operator.
YES the airbox on the 200's is not an "Ideal" design But with ANY vehicle driven in dusty conditions the air filter WILL clog up and it is a simple job to clean or replace the filter.
Even with a snorkle fitted the air filter WILL accumulate dust/bugs.
A "Dusted" 200 series engine or any other engine for that matter is operator error/neglect Not a design fault.

[scarry]

And in the interest of fairness I acknowledge that ALL the V6 diesels land Rover have released have a plethora of issues.

Even the beloved TD5 has an extremely sub standard air filtration system.

Be interesting to know what brand filter was used.

Cheers
James

I have had both,TD5 and LC200,the TD5 air filtration system was the worse by a country mile,it would even let grains of sand through,and I had the same problem with all three I owned.Grease around the sealing edges of the airbox helped but didn’t sort the problem completely.

Many of the LC issues are caused by aftermarket air filters.
I always run genuine filters,and it should be noted the genuine 200 air filter was changed a few years ago, it seems to seal better,and is a different colour,so it can be identified from the older model.

The D4 has a fantastic air filtration system,but as we know the Ford/LRV6 has quite a number of other issues.

[rick130]

I have had both,TD5 and LC200,the TD5 air filtration system was the worse by a country mile,it would even let grains of sand through,and I had the same problem with all three I owned.Grease around the sealing edges of the airbox helped but didn’t sort the problem completely.

Many of the LC issues are caused by aftermarket air filters.
I always run genuine filters,and it should be noted the genuine 200 air filter was changed a few years ago, it seems to seal better,and is a different colour,so it can be identified from the older model.

The D4 has a fantastic air filtration system,but as we know the Ford/LRV6 has quite a number of other issues.Big difference in gasket sizes/sealing ability between brands of air filters for the TD5, too.

Even genuine ones were sub-par a number of years back, that coming from Terry Sutton in Alice Springs.

Even with a Mann or Mahle element (the best sealing of the filters I've tried so far) the primary surface area appears miles too small and they tend to leave a very fine talc like smear of dust in the ducting.

Any car with the original, awful flexible hose between the guard and air box will leak like a seive, too, dragging in far too much dirty, hot air, and worse, water, into the air box.
Then the element collapses and hello dusted engine.

There is a much better synthetic rubber bellows/flex hose available from the US that seals a million times better.

[JoshV12345]

There is a much better synthetic rubber bellows/flex hose available from the US that seals a million times better.

Is this the stuff I see Nugget selling on his website for puma air boxes? I’ve been meaning to get some, I’m just using the cheap flexible hose from super cheap at the moment, seems to seal ok.

[JoshV12345]

Booring, As in not happily spending hours of enjoyment on the spanners keeping it running or supporting your local indie doing the repairs for you.

Definitely agree with that, but can’t really compare a td5 era defender/disco to a 200 as they are a lot older (for reliability reasons anyway)

Buying a ‘cheap’ disco td5, and replacing pretty much the whole driveline (and known weak spots) with stronger parts could be done pretty easily under the cost of even a prado or hilux let alone a 200. Then you end up with a beast 4wd as well as a reliable tourer. Especially if you do the work yourself. Best driving position of any 4wd too I reckon.

[gavinwibrow]

Best driving position of any 4wd too I reckon.

x2 plus

[Arch]

Many of the LC issues are caused by aftermarket air filters.
I always run genuine filters,and it should be noted the genuine 200 air filter was changed a few years ago, it seems to seal better,and is a different colour,so it can be identified from the older model.


This is true re aftermarket filters and airboxes for that matter, but its also been shown the genuine toyota filter will suck dust through the flat sides/edges of the element:

THE SEAL DEFINITELY AINT LEAKING - ITS PULLING THROUGH THE ELEMENT at sides - 1GD-FTV DUSTED AIR BOX - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK-rSJ-mxl4)

The older circular elements (not pod filters) have been shown to be more effective.

[shack]

Is this the stuff I see Nugget selling on his website for puma air boxes? I’ve been meaning to get some, I’m just using the cheap flexible hose from super cheap at the moment, seems to seal ok.I THINK the part that was referred too was the discovery 2 intake boot made by CARRS4x4.

I've been meaning to get one for some time.

[DingotheDisco]

I was in the same boat mate! I’ve always wanted a classic defender but have 2 small kids. The wife, also a pom, didn’t want a “bulky and clunky” family car. So we got a disco 4 and it’s amazing! Great for daily driving but can still handle some serious fun off road! Was planning on using it for a trip around Oz but our plans have changed.
I’m sadly selling it next month. 2014 with just under 70k on the clock.
Go with the disco for now and save up for the defender when the kids are a bit older. You’ll have more time to go out and they’ll appreciate it more then.

[Mickman]

To me a Defender is the "other" car you have in the shed for specific occasions. I don't see them as a viable family car, although the Defender is my main car - my kids have left home.

[ramblingboy42]

A new member here calls up for forum advice on a vehicle choice and you guys turn it into a Land Rover/Landcruiser ****ing competition.

Congratulations fellas , the poor guy must scratching his head wondering what the hell he's gotten himself into....

[caparobertsan]

Neither! If talking about comfort and safety then land cruisers. I think Defenders are getting old and not many mechanic want to work on them to fix properly. But much more fun to drive than any other boring Japanese cars! I love them but I do not have trust for long trip. Mine was dry under the truck when I got them but after driven 2oookm it developed leaks from engine and transmission and transfer case and also diffs. I was upset but I just leant to live with it. If I was travelling alone and had unlimited time and money then I will take my defender everywhere! But for now it is only for weekend drive and tinkering purpose.

[slug_burner]

As per subject, a D5 is not going to be a fair comparison to a 200Tdi discovery. Just as a 200Tdi Defender is not going to compare to a 2.2l Puma Defender. You mention Td5, that puts it into a range which is a pretty sweet spot in LR products. My Defender is a little older a 300Tdi but myDisco is a Td5 so have experienced at least one of the ones you are after.

In short the Disco is more comfortable mainly from road noise and general dust and water ingress perspective. The Td5 Defender had a good air con as did anything after that. Short comings of the Disco is just size. Defender is cavernous compared to anything else, Disco is a bit shorter so storage space is reduced. Rear seats in a D2 are only for small people, leg room is limited, classic defender rear seats are very poor in comfort as the seat is very thin on the padding and you know there is no headrests. For everyday use the Disco is more civilised, for camping the defender has it on space. Air conditioning is not going to be your issue. If you want something other than metal and plastic then the defender is not for you. If you want to be able to hose it out the the D2 is not as good as the Td5 Defender. Your wife will want the D2 unless she is a Lara Croft sort of girl. Oh, the auto is very good off road, as is the traction control another plus for the D2.

[herculesduvel]

So my dream car has always been a Land Rover Defender.
I want to kit her out for mud, climbs, beaches, touring Australia (eventually) and most importantly family camping.
My issue is I have a two year old boy, a girl due in July and a missus that wants the car to have working AC (you'd think she was the pom and I'm the Aussie)
So here lies my problem, I've heard defenders don't have child anchor points, AC is below par (although can be improved) but does tick all the other boxes. Including looming 100x better.
My question, can a disco do what I want from it plus fit my actual needs? Whilst also being cheaper to buy?
The defender means a lot of saving, whilst a Disco I could buy next week.
I'm looking at the TD5 models on both.
Or would a Freelander be a good choice?
Obviously there is a reason the British and ANSAC forces used defenders for so long.
Can I get advice please.
Alex
Hi Alex
Come check out my Defender.
You can private message me , it is for sale!
Herc

[Arapiles]

Thank you for your honest opinion.
I'm leaning towards a Disco and then maybe get my Def later in life. I've seen the price is a lot lower for a Disco. I am okay with mechanical work, but no harm in learning more.
Also think it'll be better for the kids.

Google "Land Rover Defender roll over" and have a look - typically crushed to the door sills.

In contrast the D3 and D4 are very crash-worthy: someone on Aulro rolled one in in the Vic Alps a couple of years ago and if I recall correctly the doors could all be opened.

Edit: the D1 and D2 are (probably) better in a crash than the old Defender, but nothing like the D3, D4 or D5. Again, there's a video on YouTube of a D2 that one of the UK car magazines crashed into a small Renault, and the D2 didn't do well.

[Arapiles]

People need to realise they weren't designed to go off the bitumen.

Is it people who aren't designed to go off the bitumen?

[shack]

Is it people who aren't designed to go off the bitumen?Good call, Could well be! I know a few that aren't for sure.

[MLD]

In contrast the D3 and D4 are very crash-worthy: someone on Aulro rolled one in in the Vic Alps a couple of years ago and if I recall correctly the doors could all be opened.

That was a mate of mine. I wasn't there but seen pics of the end result. I was also in company with a D3 that rolled off an embankment at Lower Taylors Arm. Rolled 2 or 3 times before it came to rest against a tree. Door opened and roof structure was surprisingly intact. Having seen one rollover in person and the aftermath of another, i am a convert to the roll over safety of the D3/4.

[sharmy]

I WISH I had not sold my disco 2a td5 and replaced it with a ****ty bt50. Also don't knock d2's for safety. My son lent his d2 v8 to a friend who slammed headlong into a line of trees, snapping the first one off at the base and coming to rest after knocking the second one over. The recently fitted new arb bull bar with 12000 lb winch formed a perfect V into the front off the car, the engine slid downs underneath as designed and the airbags deployed. The front, forward of the broken windscreen, was a complete mess but the rest was fine. the driver and passenger where extremely shaken but not injured. My already high opinion of these vehicles was further enhanced.
John

[lebanon]

My concern with the 110 I have is the level of security it offers in case of an accident, having installed three child seats in the back I was looking to install a full external roll cage, unfortunately they are not available for a 1989 model because of the rear seat box is stepped in the rear corner.

With all three becoming teenagers, they find it difficult to sit on the back seat for long periods, they don't have enough legroom and the seating position is so high that their angle of vision is higher than the window.

Even though we all love the 110 that has been our outdoors companion for more than 20 years and is still our favorite mean of transportation but I believe a Discovery is a better option for hauling a family.

[adam130]

This will sound a bit spiritual but then again some say owning a Defender is a spiritual experience.

Follow your heart and get the Defender. You will always be thinking, maybe I should have just bitten the bullet and got one. If its your dream car, just do it. It was, and still is mine but they were a bit cheaper back then. When you see it in the shed/driveway/carpark there are few cars that invoke wanderlust like a Defender.

That's if you can financially, a TD5 Defender is a bit more expensive than a TD5 Discovery at the moment.

I have had a 2006 Defender 130 for 9 years or so now, there are definately times I wanted something more comfortable, better air conditioning etc etc. I have even considered selling for something more comfortable it but my wife and kids wont let me.

To address some of your concerns:

We have 3 kids that have grown up in it, and they have traveled up and down the east coast in it from Cape York to the Victorian High country, and its a great base for touring and camping.
They do not have anchor points, but there are ways to add some in. There are a few threads on here showing what some people have done. I made my own, it was very strong but I dont know about the legalities of it. I think its possible to get it engineered if your concerned about it. Our kids dont need the anchor points now, so we are out of that phase
A well maintained A/C system is sort of kind of OK but really struggles in the summer. Its just a poorly designed evaporator and ducting system. I am working currently installing a ev2208 evaporator behind the rear seats which should be much better. Several others have done the conversion on here, and have seen good results
Road noise can be reduced with a sound dampng kit from someone like car builders.



A Discovery will definately do what you want, at a cheaper price and in more comfort. If you like them just as much, just get one of them.
The Freelander would not be a good choice. I would go for a Discovery over a Freelander
There will always be an upgrade or part you want to swap out on the Defender but thats the price you pay for the cars you love.
I have found the TD5 to be very reliable so far.


If your dream car is a Defender, and you can afford it, follow your heart and do it. If you follow your head (and bank account), a Discovery is probably the sensible way to go.

But then again theres not much fun in sensible thinking

[DiscoMick]

We've had a 1996 Discovery 1 300Tdi and now a 2009 Defender 110 2.4.
The D1 was civilised, a nice drive, tough, crossed The Simpson and other places and the wife enjoyed driving it, but it was cramped inside and we couldn't get a fridge-freezer in the back.
The Defender is much roomier, a fridge fits easily, the 2.4 and 6-speed manual are excellent, the air-con is good after being serviced and it tows our van well. We incorporated child seat mounts into the rear drawers, along with a 2nd battery.
It's cruder than the Disco, the seats are harder, huge turning circle and certainly not flash, but it is durable.
People, particularly wives, either love or hate Defenders.
Discos are certainly cheaper, for a reason. Our Defender has almost doubled in value since we bought it.
I suggest you and your wife drive both. The Defender is an acquired taste, but Discos impress at first glance.
Hope that helps.

[incisor]

If you're the right shape a defender is much more comfortable over long distances

I can easily drive 17 hours in the defender and then exit without pulling stupid faces

Never been able to do that in any of the discovery I have owned

Wife loved here discovery but if we doing a big drive she would pick the defender every time

[Tikka7mm08]

Have had a D4 since 2014 as family bus with three kids then teenagers. My D90 is more comfortable to drive but even if it was a 110 I would take the D4 for any family trip. Safe and versatile. Our one is the SDV6 and it is great on road trips...never been allowed off road except ski field access roads...very good in icy conditions.

[Xtreme]

If you're the right shape a defender is much more comfortable over long distances

I can easily drive 17 hours in the defender and then exit without pulling stupid faces

Never been able to do that in any of the discovery I have owned

Wife loved here discovery but if we doing a big drive she would pick the defender every time
Agree 100%

Did an 18,500km trip back in 1997 and had choice of Defender or Disco - took the Defender. Put in some long days and some very rough tracks and was always fresh when we arrived at our campsite.

Another long trip (23,500kms) in 2002 and once again had the choice of Defender or Disco - took the Disco & Camper, gave in to SWMBO plus travelling companion also had Disco. A few long days again but not as remote as previous long trip (although a few days of corrugations along the 'Gunbarrel Track') but did suffer occassional back pain and fatigue - five years older though! Just couldn't seem to get the seat adjusted to give same comfort as the Defender. OK for shorter trips but first choice would always be the Defender ............ and wife now agrees!

Come to think of it, I only have the Defender now so the choice is easy. :whistling:

[gusthedog]

You guys thinking defenders are more comfortable than discos are either short, smoking something funny or masochists. I've had two defers and three discos. The discos are miles more comfortable in my book. So much so that in my old defender I paid thousands for recaros which still weren't as comfortable as my disco 2 standard cloth seats. Each to their own and all that but there's no way in hell I found the defender more comfortable. Particularly with a hand brake jabbing me in the left leg, a clutch spring harder than a cats head and doors that I had to duck to see out of [emoji1787]

[Xtreme]

.................................................. ..I've had two defers and three discos. .................................................. ... [emoji1787]
But how many miles (kms) have you travelled in them? I've also owned numerous Defenders and Discos (> 30 Landy's all up) but as indicated above have also put quite a few kms on them.

And maybe the Recaro's were part of your problem - excellent seats for rallying and short runs but IMHO not so good for long distance touring.

Anyway, accept your opinion, just don't agree with you. And by the way, I am short (5'7") but have never touched the 'funny' weed and I'm not a masochist. :whistling: :angel:

[AK83]

The only thing I found uncomfortable about the Defer vs Disco .. is the huge steering wheel relative to the space width given by LR for the driver.
Wayyyy too close to the door, so not a lot of arm twirling area.
Not sure if I'm considered short or tall(6 foot) ... or have been smoking something funny ... but for sure a masochist! [biggrin]

In terms of seating: I reckon Disco 2 has the most comfy seats of any vehicle I've driven. Because of age tho, drivers seats are usually collapsed or worn, or just fatigued or whatever, but the front passengers seat usually still in very good to excellent shape. Can sit in the pass seat for hours on end, and feel fine afterwards. Disco 1 seats are ok enough by comparison.
The other most comfy seats had been in my dads Explorer .. lounge chair seating good leg support etc. But D2 for sure more comfy than those too.

D1 seem to offer a bit more leg room(stretch legs) compared to the D2 tho, so things balance out a bit(but front passenger leg room is on par so makes more comfy seating as a way of comparison.

Haven't ridden in a post TD5 Defender, but no way on earth would Defer of TD5 or earlier age be as comfy as a Disco 2, I think no matter what seat brand/model/material/form factor is used up front.

One side benefit of the narrow space given to front occupants in the Defer .. the vehicles are so much narrower than the Discos.
So if you have a narrow driveway that forces you to fold in a mirror to get through .. the Defer is the better option .. drive through at any speed without fear of clipping the huge side mirrors.
Then once the vehicle is in the shed, far easier to work around the Defer than the Disco. Not that you can't work around the Disco... just easier to wok around the Defer.

Is this important? ... remember we're talking LR here! [biggrin]
I reckon not just important .. but a vital part of the equation. It will spend just as much time in the workshop as it will on the roads and tracks! [wink11]

But for sure I'm a masochist. The buses I drive for work at the moment have the most abominable seating/driving position. So much so that if I'm rostered for a very long(2+hr job, I'll ring work and politely ask them to offer those jobs to someone more interested in longer distance work. Defer seating are sumptuous and spacious by comparison .. stupid Chinese bus designs!

[Vern]

But how many miles (kms) have you travelled in them? I've also owned numerous Defenders and Discos (> 30 Landy's all up) but as indicated above have also put quite a few kms on them.

And maybe the Recaro's were part of your problem - excellent seats for rallying and short runs but IMHO not so good for long distance touring.

Anyway, accept your opinion, just don't agree with you. And by the way, I am short (5'7") but have never touched the 'funny' weed and I'm not a masochist. :whistling: :angel:So basically you're a dwarf [emoji1], I'm 6'5" and find it very cramped. I have recaros here to go in my 110 (from my rangie) and have found them very comfy in the past.
Pic of my view out the side[emoji1]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220424/6192e72eff9c323cc709853f21550557.jpg

[Xtreme]

So basically you're a dwarf [emoji1], I'm 6'5" and find it very cramped. I have recaros here to go in my 110 (from my rangie) and have found them very comfy in the past.
Pic of my view out the side[emoji1]


Well ....... that's one way of putting it. :lol:

I haven't needed them myself but I believe the seat rail extensions make a huge difference if you are of giant proportions! But then I guess you might have a problem with seeing through the 'B' pillar :whistling:

[Vern]

Well ....... that's one way of putting it. [emoji38]

I haven't needed them myself but I believe the seat rail extensions make a huge difference if you are of giant proportions! But then I guess you might have a problem with seeing through the 'B' pillar :whistling:Yeah exactly, that's why I am parting ways with my 110 county project. You have to be comfortable first up. I'm just to much of a gigantor[emoji1].

[ramblingboy42]

One of the things I have always had, have been high quality sheep skin seat covers....note "sheepskin" , cut and sown , not wool stitched into fabric backing as many are.

They are initially expensive but totally change the comfort level of seating. Some are lambswool but lambswool is thinner.

On the D2 with the sheepskin covers I never experienced any discomfort no matter how far I drove in 350,000 odd km.....but....I'm a 2hr stopper almost religiously so cant comment honestly about long stints behind the wheel.

Btw the covers now adorn my Ranger 130....illegally I might add as there is an explosive device covered over.

[gusthedog]

But how many miles (kms) have you travelled in them? I've also owned numerous Defenders and Discos (> 30 Landy's all up) but as indicated above have also put quite a few kms on them.

And maybe the Recaro's were part of your problem - excellent seats for rallying and short runs but IMHO not so good for long distance touring.

Anyway, accept your opinion, just don't agree with you. And by the way, I am short (5'7") but have never touched the 'funny' weed and I'm not a masochist. :whistling: :angel:I have travelled in them quite a bit. Before I put the recaros in the defender I drove it standard for 30k. Then did 45k over 18 months travelling Australia with the recaros. They were so much better than the standard seats.

I had my D2 for the longest. I think 13 years all up before it got totalled. It was the most comfortable car I've ever owned. I once drove for 18 hours in it in one day and hopped out feeling ok. I couldn't do that in the defender. Each to their own and all that.

I just think that some cars suit some and not others. Still can't believe that people think defenders are comfortable though [emoji1787]

[trout1105]

Out of all the 4WD's that I have owned over the last 4 decades my D2a is hands down the most comfortable to drive and travel in out of all of them by far[thumbsupbig]

[scarry]

Out of all the 4WD's that I have owned over the last 4 decades my D2a is hands down the most comfortable to drive and travel in out of all of them by far[thumbsupbig]

And the D4 is even better…