110 as a daily driver (in Sydney no less)?

[TheOtherLeft]

Hiya afficianadoes,

I'm looking into buying a 110 to set up for touring but also will use it as a DD.

Is the 110 liveable/driveable as a DD?

More importantly it will be driven in Sydney CBD/Inner West so dealing with idiots on the road is mandatory :eek:

I've driven a 75-series Troopy for a while around town but got tired real quick of the size, crappy suspension, having only 2 seats and other agricultural attributes.

[discowhite]

the 110 will deffinatly be more comfortable! i usta use my 90 as a DD, my only want would be an auto. way to many clutchings when your stuck on the m5 etc.... oh and cruise controll helps too:D

cheers phil

[Scallops]

Which model? Don't know about the others but the Puma is fine as a daily driver.

[rangieman]

Yeah my Tdi 110 is a DD , Mind you tho i drive 25 ks to work and back on a country hwy everyday :cool:
The trip takes 15 minutes the joys of living semi rural:D

[Shonky]

Haven't driven a 110 before, but I used to commute to work in the city every day in a TD42 GQ Patrol Trayback (leaf sprung). Initially, coming from upper Sydney North (Mt Colah) and later from Baulkham Hills.

It took a bit to get used to coming out of a Fairmont Ghia, but it was no worries after a while. Fom what I do know of the more recent 110s, they are a lot less agricultural than a troopy or a GQ trayback.

If that is what you want, then do it. :) It may annoy you at times but as soon as you take it on a trip you will remember just why you love it so much. ;)

[spudboy]

Do you need to get into car parks often?

I got stuck in one when the roof hit the ceiling, so it must have been 2.1m or lower I guess (wasn't paying attention :mad:).

Kinda reduces your options if you need to park a lot underground etc.

[wovenrovings]

Lot of it depends on your attitude, rushed or relaxed and where you have got to park at the end. A 110 is over 2.1m high. And if the parks are tight it will take some practice. Also if you want to accelerate fast and zip round corners probably not so good. Otherwise I don't see why not.

[TheOtherLeft]

Which model? Don't know about the others but the Puma is fine as a daily driver.

Yes I am thinking about the Puma.

[Reads90]

Which model? Don't know about the others but the Puma is fine as a daily driver.


Bloody show off :):)


Due to my mum being in Aus to vist for the past two weeks Sue my wife has been useing the 90 to go to work in the city (Brisbane) Which is about 30Ks and she loves the 90 . She now wants to sell the disco (which she normally uses for the trip ) and buy a 110 as she likes to drive the defender alot more than the disco

[TheOtherLeft]

Lot of it depends on your attitude, rushed or relaxed and where you have got to park at the end. A 110 is over 2.1m high. And if the parks are tight it will take some practice. Also if you want to accelerate fast and zip round corners probably not so good. Otherwise I don't see why not.

Yes, carparks are a real worry. When driving the Troopy I was really aware of them.

Problem is a lot or most carparks are about 1.9 or 2.1m.

[JDNSW]

It all depends on what you are used to - the length of the 110, together with its turning circle means you need to be accurate when parking in typical parking areas, but once you are used to it, there is no problem.

The extra height and vision is a plus, and they are actually narrower than many cars, plus you can see the actual corners, which you can't on most modern body shapes.

The only real drawback is the height - mine is OK on 2.05m, and will actually fit in some 2.0m ones, but as you say, a lot are 1.9m, which is definitely too low.

While I don't live in the city, I use the 110 when I go to the city and also use it when I go to town. Just a matter of what you are used to.

John

[abaddonxi]

I live in the Inner West and use a 110 as a daily driver. Before that it was a 130, and before that 120", so a little bit of experience.

It's easier in the 110 than the 130 - better turning circle.

I could get the 120" into the Broadway shopping centre carpark - 1.95m, where the other two couldn't, there is street parking that is usually available. Norton Plaza is fine as long as you stay on the upper level, same for Leichhardt Marketplace. Burwood Westfield is fine, Ikea at Rhodes is fine. Drivethrough McDonald's at Stanmore is fine.:angel: Bondi Junction Westfield is not fine. Eastgardens is fine.

Get a pair of convex bullseye mirrors to stick on the wing mirrors. They make it easier to drive than the other car - Subaru Outback. Actually reverse parking is easier.

If you're really concerned get a reversing camera.

Even the lanes and narrow streets of Balmain aren't a problem, it's usually the width, and Land Rovers are narrower than they seem. I've had a couple of very rare ocassions when I've had to back out of something because I couldn't get around a corner, or not enough room to do a three point turn, but that's in a handful of places in the Inner West.

If you want to get more specific, send me a PM.:p

Cheers
Simon

[slug_burner]

94 Tdi Defender (110) was my daily driver for many years and occasionally gets pressed into a drive into work just for a change. No real problems, apart from that already mentioned (low clearance carpark). 2100mm will be fine unless you put a roof rack on. I can get into 2050mm although the accuracy of the signs in not something you want to bet your house on. One 2050mm carpark in one lane, heard a zip bang, the collar joining a pipe hanging from the ceiling got me. No tear but a fold.

Keeps up in traffic but I don't know that I would want to crawl along with my foot on the clutch for extended period, 1st is low enough that you can just crawl but idiots jump in front of you if you leave a car length for them to get in.

[The ho har's]

I am in the 130 ATM as a daily driver..not to far to work, car space available and no traffic...start at 4.45am...I can fit in a 2.05 car park but take it pretty steady...in traffic on the gateway put in first and just crawl along works a treat:D


Mrs ho har:angel:

[scotsmun]

I have been using mine every day since i got it, mostly round the Eastern suburbs and it has not been a problem, the height is tricky for me but i am working on that.

[The ho har's]

Which model? Don't know about the others but the Puma is fine as a daily driver.

You big fat liar :wasntme: you don't drive the Puma to work you ride a bike:eek:

I thought the fender stayed it the garage all week to keep it CLEAN:p:p


Mrs ho har:angel:

[Blknight.aus]

shouldnt be a problem, I use a diesel SIII 109 as a daily runner

[ericpicc]

:)The Missus and I did St kilda rd Melbourne to outer suburb for 12mths in our 130 in heavy traffic, going in and going out 5 days a week for work.
Had no probs, only some days it got hot sitting around and waiting for the lights to change.
We just chose which shopping centre we can park at, and go in late to the city to get a car park on the street.
Hasn't happened yet that I wished I had something smaller.;)

[Bushie]

Definately OK as a daily driver,

My wife was driving from Heathcote to Parramatta and return each day for 14 months in our 98 Defender - she now has a Mazda 3.


Martyn

[isuzutoo-eh]

My Mum has driven an Isuzu County, 300tdi 110, tojo troopie, pootrol as daily drivers for years in Sydney-all manual diesels. She preferred the Landies with their corners rather than curves. Only the patrol fit in carparks easily though. All vehicles went to Macquarie, Parramatta, Castle Hill etc.

If my Mum can do it, so can you!

Cheers,
Mark

[solmanic]

I drive my Puma engined 110 every day in Brisbane. The new Defender is an easy daily driver - moreso than the previous Td5, and infinitely more than any previous 'Fender or Series. This is mainly because the engine is so much more flexible. More torque and power at lower revs meaning that it is easier to pootle around in traffic without changing gears all the time.

Also the extra height is a plus in traffic. You can see much more up ahead over the smaller cars and SUVs. This allows better planning for lane changing but if you do have to fight to merge then the Defender generally causes other motorists to make space for you. ;)

As others have pointed out, height is a real restriction since most undercover car parks are just too damn low. Also turning the circle is appalling but this can be improved slightly by winding in the stop bolts if you don't plan on using wider tyres.

Seats are supremely comfortable and air con is good but you will need a decent stereo as the factory one is cr@p.

Take it out on the week-end, get it filthy dirty, then watch the looks you get driving around town as office workers gaze forlornly, fantasizing about the advetures they are missing and pondering their dull, pointless, cube farm lives.

[TimNZ]

I brought my Puma 110 on the 31st of May, so far I have covered just under 20,000kms, mostly around Perth as a work vehicle. The new interior certainly makes it more user friendly what with sound deadning (sp?) and decent aircon.
My only complaint is 1st is a little low, and 2nd is a little high for traffic light starts. But the height gives you the ability to see whats going on makes for a more stress free drive. Also the fact people will think twice about using you as a buffer zone is a bonus.

Tim

[Scallops]

You big fat liar :wasntme: you don't drive the Puma to work you ride a bike:eek:

I thought the fender stayed it the garage all week to keep it CLEAN:p:p


Mrs ho har:angel:

Watch it! :bat: I didn't say I did use it daily - but I can still have an opinion that it would be fine as a daily drive. :tease:

And my Fender sees plenty of dirt - it's just that I know what a hose is when I get home.:p

[one_iota]

It is my daily driver in Sydney.

As mentioned above the down sides are:

Car parking stations can be an issue below 2100

The low first means that some times you are tempted to change into second halfway around a corner.

What for others is a 3 point turn is a 5 point turn in the Defender.

In all other respects I prefer the Defender to the Company Commodore as my daily drive...it uses less fuel for a start...and you get to wave to other Land Rovers.

[Quarks]

Not a problem. My family has been doing it for 17 years. :D

First with an Isuzu County, now we have a td5 Defender.
Yes, you do learn where you can and can't go (carparks etc.), and you need to plan your manoeuvres a little bit earlier than in an ordinary car. I haven't driven a Puma, so can't give any first hand on the gearing; but for the others, in stop-start traffic it's just easier to plonk it in gear and just take your time getting there, and it's also not worth worrying about creeping up when it's only half a car length that you get to move.

I like the idea of the winding the steering stops in a bit for standard tyres - is there much to be gained by this?

Do it, if only so we get someone else to wave to! :p

:)
Geoff

[lardy]

what ya need is a 101 forward control ambo body anyone gets in ya way no drama's and as for parking give it its ambo livery back and the parking wardens might take pity, the only thing is getting in and out on a daily drive lol
you might as well go for the ford transit in a 90 or 110 always go manual auto boxes are for people who cant drive ....did i say ford transit i meant land rover ...if you get a 90 it'll take an easi awn depends how comfortable you want to be over the weekend

[Xavie]

It is easily done in the Defender. I had to park in kings Cross quite a bit for work and would travel about 90kms each way through some of Sydneys worst traffic to get there. It is especially easy when it breaks down and they give you a Peugoet or Freelander 2 it is even more comfortable and easier to park.

Get a reversing camera. It stops you from punching out lowered wrx's lights. I should know. When your parking cars totally dissapear behind it if they sit right up close. No wing mirrors or rear-view mirror will ever help. Or atleast parking sensors would be good.

I have to admit I did not like parking the 110 in a crowded place. I found it difficult. But I accept I'm just not a good at parking (I don't think).

Good point about the clutch though. It does get to you. I'd often have a rather sore leg by the time I got to work somedays. But if your not travelling as far maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

Xav

[jddisco200tdi]

I drive a puma 110 every day to work in city traffic. (Only while my motorbike is getting fixed)
The clutch is light and the car is not too noisy so yes you can do it.
I don't go near underground carparks though.

I still think a buzz box that get 6L/100km would be a better option and save the defender for trips.

John D - Defender 110 2.4

[Mudnut]

Defender as a daily driver.

Since the BMW motorbike parked in the side of a Ford Falcon:o, (Just over a year and a half ago),I have been using the Defender as my daily driver. For 2 days it is a freeway drive 75k each way. Two days it is a city crawl, 35k each way. I have a chipped TD5, and it drives off the lights well. For the freeway travel, I have installed an Autron cruise control, and it is just set and forget. I enjoy driving it more than our other car which is an BMW X5. Parking is an issue when I work in the city centre, but the trains are not bad in Melbourene, so that is what I use in those instances.
Cheers,
Ken

[leeds]

Have used a 300 TDi 110 for a daily driver for 12 years. Only problem has been occassional low car park. Square corners are a great bonus for parking.

Also a Land Rover has presence on the road and most idiot drivers tend to give you a wide berth.

Go for it

Regards

Brendan

[vnx205]

The best thing about using a Defender as a daily drive is that you get friendly waves from a much nicer class of person.:D

As you can see a lot of people are perfectly happy commuting in their 110s.

It depends a bit on what you expect and whether you are prepared to drive it more or less as it was intended to be driven.

Some people probably think anything less than a V8 luxury sport sedan is unacceptable as a daily drive.

[wally]

I've had Defenders as my daily drive for the last 14 years or so. I haven't lived in a city but I've driven in them from time to time. Frankly it doesn't matter where I'm driving it, I wouldn't have anything else. I just love driving them.

I suppose it comes down to your own expectations, and also whether your other half (if you have one) will be happy driving one around town. Mine wasn't so we had to turn one of the Land Rovers into a Subaru :(. Wherever I'm going I much prefer to take the Defender. It's just more enjoyable to drive and more comfortable.

[George130]

Will depend on you.
I went from a 97 fairlane ghia to the 130. Much nicer to drive but then I do 160km round trip mostly country highway.