Considering a new Defender - option/spec recommendations?

[WhatIsClocks]

Came across some serious money due to work. I realise a new car is a terrible financial decision but I already paid my house off and can afford to live a little. Looking at a replacement for my Disco 3, which is getting on a bit (nothing major, just the usual array of "old car" issues - window regulators getting weak, door lock actuators getting weak, etc).

I'm looking hard at a D90, I don't need the space/size of my Disco 3. The spec and options I want comes to about $120k (Defender 90 S D250 @ $90k, $10k options, the rest is bloody taxes). It'd be my first time buying a brand new car. I've had a look and can't see a purchasing recommendations thread.

What are options you chose that (positively) surprised you? Any options that are a waste of money? Stuff you regretted not getting? I'll be 4WDing and would like to optimise for that.

Any reasons I really shouldn't get one? (e.g. upcoming facelift, sneaky spec reductions, etc.)

I guess if there's anything else a first-time (read: total novice) buyer should know, please lay it on me! I'll need all the help I can get...

[jwb]

If you haven't found it in your research, there's very active FB group that is Austraila based, search that and ask questions.
Anything you spec in the build will pick up luxury car tax so add accessories in AU where you can.
For us the 12 way heated seats are great for dialing in comfort
Tow bar at build as aftermarket is very expensive I understand
I didn't need to buy the LR tow hitch but at least if comes in a nice box with a locking bolt
e-diff can only be done at build
full size mud flaps but do later
after market window tint not LR privacy glass which doesn't attenuate solar influx
matrix headlights are great but I don't have experience on standard types - it was a mandatory build at my time of order
don't go with 19" wheels if offered - much more choice of tyres on 18 or 20
my 2c worth...
but go for it. best car I've owned/driven coming after a D4.

[WhatIsClocks]

Many thanks for the input - much to think over. Didn't realise the tow hitch was expensive aftermarket, I might grab it even though I don't plan to tow. The locking rear diff and 18-inch steelies were already something I wanted to include :-)

Surprised to hear about an aftermarket tint - my experience with the stupid film ones is that they peel off for no reason after a couple of years. Each to their own I guess! I've got the factory tint on my D3 and even if it doesn't reduce the UV, it's handy for privacy (getting changed at the beach) and security (quite hard to see what I've got in the back).

[V8Ian]

Any options that can be added post purchase, will save on stamp duty, also.
The "steelies" are in actual fact, alloy. Who'd have ever thought alloys disguised as pov-pack steels, would be a thing?

[one_iota]

Accessories, like raised air intake, roof rack, etc (not ordering options), are best fitted after purchase from a $ point of view. My accessories were fitted after (drive away) but if they had been fitted before drive away would have added 12% to the cost of the accessories. All going to the state and federal governments in sales and luxury car taxes. I took mine to another dealer rather than the selling dealer for supply and fix.....but that's another story!

[grey_ghost]

I went the ediff as you can’t really add it later. As others have said - I got the Landy receiver & mudflaps fitted afterwards to save on fees.

I went 18” steelies & black head lining (no cost options when I did mine).

Good luck - I love my 90..

[Eric SDV6SE]

Many thanks for the input - much to think over. Didn't realise the tow hitch was expensive aftermarket, I might grab it even though I don't plan to tow. The locking rear diff and 18-inch steelies were already something I wanted to include :-)

Surprised to hear about an aftermarket tint - my experience with the stupid film ones is that they peel off for no reason after a couple of years. Each to their own I guess! I've got the factory tint on my D3 and even if it doesn't reduce the UV, it's handy for privacy (getting changed at the beach) and security (quite hard to see what I've got in the back).
To clarify, the tow bar and hitch are 2 separate things. The tow bar you should spec in at the build, the hitch, the part that fits into the receiver is best bought aftermarket, theyre about 80-90 aud vs. 450 for the LR part.

Aftermarket tint is way better than LR factory tint, i had the same film on my D4 for >8years, same tinter did the 110, happy days.

Ediff and TR2 are a must, matrix lights are magic. I went with black roof lining and 14way seats, oyster grey for the exposed interior and clearview mirror.

Best of luck

[WhatIsClocks]

The "steelies" are in actual fact, alloy. Who'd have ever thought alloys disguised as pov-pack steels, would be a thing?

That's funny - I didn't know that, I'll have to try waving a magnet past them. They're definitely a lot heavier.


Ediff and TR2 are a must, matrix lights are magic. I went with black roof lining and 14way seats, oyster grey for the exposed interior and clearview mirror.

Ediff, TR2 and Clearview were on my list! Good to see I'm not trying to make a bad call here. I miss having a rear locker in my D3, despite people saying it's useless. I'll have to look at one with black roof lining, I'm worried it'll feel too dark inside.

Thanks everyone so far for the input, reassuring to see a lot of people loving their Defenders.

[trackless]

Got mt D4 tinting done in Gympie and it was still perfect when I sold the car12 years later.
Planning to get the same company to do the Defender

[WhatIsClocks]

Well, life got in the way a bit, but I put an order in today for an MY26! ETA is late February.

Thanks once again everyone for the advice.