Defender Purchase?

[Gillie]

Well I have managed to sell the TDI Discovery that has been a beaut vehicle in a love hate relationship kind of way. We still have the TD5 Discovery that my wife drives and I am thinking of getting a defender dual cab. Whilst this may be a hot debate Disco Vs Defender I am interested in peoples thoughts. Namely do you ever get used to the driving postion? is there an operation I need to have? :wasntme: etc. Talking to the local bloke up at Albury he has dealt with people with similar worries to offer a buy back deal but they always come back loving them and keeping them. PLease tell me more!!
Cheers
Gillie

[Barra1]

G'day Gillie,

After two Discos and two Defenders I have no hesitation in saying I have no worries with the driving position of the "Fender. I am 5'10" and 85 kgs (OK - 90 kgs).

I have to say I don't like the passenger seating - but I only sit there once or twice a year so probably not relevant.

For what it's worth I think the debate regarding the Defender Driving Position is over-rated and usually cops a negative opinion from people who have never really driven a "Fender.

Take one for test-drive for a day.

[spudboy]

How tall are you? I am 6'3" (no idea in metric) and I had to put the seats back in my 130 by 2 inches or so. Makes a big difference and a cheap modification. You can buy "Mud-Rails" from the UK or just make some out of 40mm square tube with some longer bolts and a bit of drilling.

I think the Defender is as good as the Disco (I've got a '97 - don't know about the TD5) and long drives are no problems. Some people don't like the handbrake against their leg, but it never seems to bother me. Even thought the seats look like cheap and nasty plastic jobbies they are pretty good. Worst thing about them is hot days + the vinyl = very sweaty.

HTH
David

[Michael2]

This months LRO (Land Rover Owner International) magazine does a comparo of Disco Vs Defender.

Personally I find the Defender very comfortable, especially over long distance driving, but I've come from a SIII which I could drive for 14 hours straight without feeling uncomfortable. I do find regular sedans uncomfortable though, the reclined seating posture offers little lumbar support after a couple of hours, whereas the more upright posture in Land Rover vehicles offers greater back support.

[Bushie]

Nothing wrong with the seating position.

I've done some pretty long hauls in mine and find the seating very comfortable, certainly better for a long haul than a nissan patrol (for me at least).

Martyn

[JDNSW]

I can't comment on the Disco, but I have driven a 110 for nearly fifteen years. I find the seating position quite comfortable, particularly compared to most popular sedans, particularly Holdens, and I regularly drive long distances in it (One son lives 400km away, the other 1000km away). But just how comfortable you are will be very individual - depends on what shape you are!

John

[dullbird]

personally i find the seat in the defender way more comfortable than my discovery there is alot more support

and thats even with the seat set to migit length as cant move our defender seat so its pretty much set up for ian he is 5ft nothing and i'm nearly 6ft so i even find it comoftable scrunched up:eek:

[Landy110]

I found my defender uncomortable for about a day then I learned to use the hand brake lever as a leg rest ( it's very handy in the rough stuff ) The upright seating position is excellent and the vehicle can be driven all day with no discomfort. I'm 6ft 2in. I had falcons and then a Paj before the Landie and it is the most comfortable for long distance.
Steve.

[Outlaw]

I've got both and personally prefer the defender for the longer drives, i've still go my seat leaning back enough... now just need to convert to auto and i'll be laughing

[PAT303]

All I'll say is that people say to me how can you sit in that thing all day,and I'll reply 'have you ever sat in one?' ''No'' the normal reply.There is a world full of Land Rover experts who have never owned,drove or worked with them.Enough said. Pat

[haggisbasher]

if you are ever in Melb send a PM first and you can come and have a look/run in my "fender. They are great... and coming form an ES Disco the only thing i miss is remote central locking (but i have a kit ready to install)

:cool:

[ATLandy]

Hi all ,

What about the fender turning circle ? I found that the turning circle on my D2 is not the best and cannot imagine how would the fender fare .

Noise level can be exhausting after a long drive , true ?

Ta

[spudboy]

Hi all ,

What about the fender turning circle ? I found that the turning circle on my D2 is not the best and cannot imagine how would the fender fare .

Noise level can be exhausting after a long drive , true ?

Ta

The 130's turning circle compared to the Disco is woeful (15 metres I think) but you get used to it. In the city you don't notice it until you have to park, esp if you go into a multi storey car park. 110 would be better.

Noise levels are high compared to a Disco and even more so if the front ventilation flaps are open at more than 80 kph. At 110 you have to turn up the radio and talk a bit louder! Not exhausting though.

[Gillie]

Thanks for all the feedback. The decision to get a defender 130 dcab is based on I can get rid of my Patrol which only comes out on the weekends when I need a ute. So the Defender will be used to replace two vehicles the TDI Disco and the Patrol. I have often wondered if you get used to the seating. Being 6'3" I was interested to hear about the mod putting the seat back another two inches. No one has mentioned the fact that you are seated hard up against the B pillar so I assume this is not a problem and something you get used to. Interesting enough all the research that I have done no one has said that they are uncomfortable. I saw the new defender at the motor show this year and was somewhat dissapointed that the interior hadn't been updated. Anyhow, The TDI discovery was an awesome vehicle off the road that impressed me and kept me impressed. Something the Patrol was lacking. The patrol would be left behind where the Discovery would just keep climbing. The CDL must be a big part of that. I think the decision has been made. Stay tuned.
Cheers
Gillie

[Outlaw]

I can hear Queen playing in the background now.... never picked up previously they were singing about a 'fender :D :D :D


Gillie walks warily down the street,
With the brim pulled way down low
Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet,
Machine guns ready to go
Are you ready, Are you ready for this
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat
Chorus

Another Patrol bites the dust
Another Patrol bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another Patrol bites the dust
Hey, I'm gonna get you too
Another Patrol bites the dust

How do you think I'm going to get along,
Without you, when you're gone
You took me for everything that I had,
And kicked me out on my own

Are you happy, are you satisfied
How long can you stand the heat
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat
Chorus

Another Patrol bites the dust
Another Patrol bites the dust
Another Patrol bites the dust
Another Patrol bites the dust
There are plenty of ways you can hurt a man
And bring him to the ground
You can beat him
You can cheat him
You can treat him bad and leave him
When he's down
But I'm ready, yes I'm ready for you
I'm standing on my own two feet
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
Repeating the sound of the beat

[George130]

I love the seating position in the Defender. My seat has been moved back about 2cm. I'm 181cm tall. Since driving the Defender I can't stand the seating in cars.
Once you drive a Defender you will love it. How new are you looking at?

[abaddonxi]

The 130's turning circle compared to the Disco is woeful (15 metres I think) but you get used to it. In the city you don't notice it until you have to park, esp if you go into a multi storey car park. 110 would be better.

Noise levels are high compared to a Disco and even more so if the front ventilation flaps are open at more than 80 kph. At 110 you have to turn up the radio and talk a bit louder! Not exhausting though.

Not that much of a problem, my 130 is too tall for most car parks.

I'm 6'3" and never had a problem with the seating.

:D

Cheers
Simon

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I'm 6'3" and never had a problem with the seating.

:D

Cheers
Simon

well you wouldnt with a sunroof---
:p

[vnx205]

I will say tho, being short I NEED a step to get in!! :D
The right technique is important.
My wife is 4ft 12.5in and at 60 years of age she gets in and out of the Defender with no help, no step and only the occasional complaint about the height. Mind you, she had 23 years of training on a Series III with extended shackles.

[easo]

Deul Cab is great, I've had Sally Anne for 4 years. The Hand break is good to lean your leg on but gets hot on long trips. The turn cricle is masive at 15.2metres and 16.2 with the center diff lock on. But you realy do get use to it and find that you'll be able to swing it aroung almost anywhere. I don't even try to reverse park it. You'll be able to fit into any underground parking (if unmodded) with a celing of 2.20 metres. With the back (if with tub) you wont be able to see small to med cars that are 5 metres behind you. The stearing wheel (I think) sits slighty right of center to the drivers seat but makes it comfy as your elbow can sit on the window edge. The seating is comfy with a few long trips I get no back pain.

Dheers Easo

[Jeff]

I find the front seats very comfortable, I just drove from Ipswich to Sydney and don't feel sore, just tired. The noise is annoying and I hope to add some soundproofing, but I thought it was great after my 2As.

I would hesitate taking a long trip in the rear seats though, they are too upright and my eye level is too high to see anything. The kids like them although they are getting taller and may start complaining one day.

Not long ago I was given a lift in a Land Cruiser, I looked at the seats and thought they "looked comfortable" but after 15 minutes my back was hurting.

Jeff

[Gillie]

Probably looking at around a 2001 model. My budget is fairly limited. Hoping to get away with a max of $20K. I have a mate who is a wholesaler that is looking out for me also.
Sitting in one up in Albury the other day I certainly noticed three things.
1. They are quite high to get into. I don't think I want side steps as history tells me they are good for getting mud on your trousers.
2. The seating position, in relation to the steering wheel and hand brake.
3. with the door shut I seem to be jammed into the B pillar.

Anyone care to comment on point 3? Will I get used to it? Has no one mentioned this because you have all forgotten and have lived with it for so long that you don't notice it? Would love to get some feed back on this.
Cheers
Gillie

[Barra1]

Probably looking at around a 2001 model. My budget is fairly limited. Hoping to get away with a max of $20K. I have a mate who is a wholesaler that is looking out for me also.
Sitting in one up in Albury the other day I certainly noticed three things.
1. They are quite high to get into. I don't think I want side steps as history tells me they are good for getting mud on your trousers.
2. The seating position, in relation to the steering wheel and hand brake.
3. with the door shut I seem to be jammed into the B pillar.



1: You need to understand a Defender is quite high because it is superior to other vehicles and therefore commands an elevated position:D:D:D:D
2: The hand brake - get Kerry Hiscock (Hiscock Saddlery - Albury) to whip up a lambswool "sleeve' for the handbrake - you won't notice it after that. Steering wheel? never noticed that - but I've lost an eye so not much is centred in my world.
3: Mate, you must have test-driven the vehicle without a passenger. If you had a passenger you would have been "leaning" to the left to hear their conversation - and of course the B-pillar is no longer a problem.

Just joking.:D

A couple of mates who have undertaken long journeys with me have made similar remarks but after a very short period they have ALL said how comfortable it is to drive.

Gee, I drive the Cranky One's Subaru - the console is hard up against my left leg - and I am very aware of the B-pillar, door, window - everything - I just want to get back into the "Fender.

Basically, I reckon nobody has mentioned the B-pillar thing because it is simply not a problem.

If you want to check out my "fender, talk to the Cranky One (she's always the passenger) and take the "fender for a drive, send me a PM and all will be arranged. :) Just glad to help.

[mudmouse]

I know this is in Sydney, but it might give you a bit of an idea of whats about....



http://www.4wdcity.com/search-results.asp'search=1&changeField=&themake=LAND+ROVER&themodel=&price=&order=0&search.x=80&search.y=13

Good luck!:D

[Maggot4x4]

Do not buy from them!!!!!! You have been warned.

[LRHybrid100]

agreed with Maggot - this is the old 3WJ mob rebadged. Just dont go there - I made the same mistake last year and looked at a nice Disco 2, but then was advised to walk away.

LRH

[George130]

Only noticed the B piller for a day. I don't have the hand brake problem as I have a foot operated hand brake:D.
Still one of the most comfortable vehicles I have ever owned.

[DirtyDawg]

I have both a Fender and a disco and it depends on wht you want it for , serious dirty off roading then the fender, travelling in luxury comfort then the Disco...But once you have a fender there is no going back:D:D

[bluetongue]

I found my defender uncomortable for about a day then I learned to use the hand brake lever as a leg rest ( it's very handy in the rough stuff ) The upright seating position is excellent and the vehicle can be driven all day with no discomfort. I'm 6ft 2in. I had falcons and then a Paj before the Landie and it is the most comfortable for long distance.
Steve.

YES!!! I use mine as a leg rest as well.... even in Sydney peak hour traffic.

[LRHybrid100]

hehe I have a D110 for a tourer - more comfort than the Rangie??? SO the misses recons!!!


LRH

[Blknight.aus]

My wife is 4ft 12.5in

wouldnt it have been easier to say 5 foot +1/2 inch?

[p38arover]

I had a 110 County. As far as seating goes, I found the seats better on a trip than the P38A Range Rover seats

However, the B-pillar is a real pain. My shoulder rested against it and in winter, my arm would ache from the cold. I don't know if a Defender would be be better.

The handbrake is commonly mentioned in the negative by 4WD mag testers (as are the seats). I never found the County handbrake (nor in current Defenders) a problem once it's released.

Would I own another?

Yes. :(

I'm driving a 130 crew cab trayback at the moment. I like it so much, I'm tempted to buy Edd's George130! Now that's worth looking at. It's had an auto conversion.

Nah, I can't afford it.

Ron

[akelly]

Having has a couple of series, a county and a D2 - and been from Woomera to Brissy in a 130 ute (sat in both seats for long periods) I can say that you definitely need to adapt to driving in a defender. Its different to anything else on the road really, but the advantages are many - the B-pillar and handbrake lock you into a nice driving position and stop you swinging around in the rough-stuff; being so close to the edge of the vehicle means you can see the front wheel quite easily - good for obstacles; and sitting upright is a much more comfortable position for extended driving.

Having said all that - the most comfortable of all the landy's I have was the SIII with standard seats!

Cheers

[olmate]

Have found nothing wrong with Defender seats, they are quite comfortable. There is a mob in WA (Black Duck - I think) that make canvas seat covers for these things. A great option as they stop the seat burning you on a hot day and provide much protection to the material.. look good too ;)

[Mudnut]

Hello,

Just a few ideas and things that I have done to my Defender. The extension rails that raise the seat and move it back by 50mm are great on the passenger side. My wife does not like the air condioner condenser in the passenger foot well. This lift, and movement back helps with leg room there. I don't have any on the drivers side, as I have no problems with leg room. You do get used to the pillar on your shoulder, but I had to raise one side of the door closing handle. It would rub on my mid thigh, and cause bruises. Once raised, no problems. I do have a 20mm thick strip of closed cell foam from Clarke rubber on top of the door ledge, to give my elbow something to rest on. The hand brake has been replaced with an old Rangie one fitted between the cubby box, and drivers seat. No alteration of the cable was needed to do this, just drill a few holes, and move the cable to the new handbrake. I am currently waiting on some sound deadener from the U.S. This along with some of the sound deadening material from this site (Check out Daves online shop), should make it much quieter inside for long trips. I don't find it too loud, but notice how loud the radio is when I get back in and start it. Roller drawr in the back for some lockable storage is a good idea. Also helps with noise inside. I have some rock/tree sliders that act as steps, but don't lower the ground clearance.
What I would change:
Want to move the airconditioner to the back (minivan style) while retaining my compressor, and just running lines back to it. This would give a lot more room for the front passengers. Rear seats don't have headrests. Not good in the case of an accident. Plan on mounting some pads on the cargo barrier. Would like to have a reversing camera, as reversing is pure guesswork. Upgrade shocks, and springs once the winch is in place.
This is all I can think of at the time being.
Good luck in your search,

Ken

[Gillie]

Still looking. If anyone finds one that is half decent let me know.

[vnx205]

wouldnt it have been easier to say 5 foot +1/2 inch?
Yes.
4ft 12.5in sounds a lot shorter though doesn't it?:p