Living with a 130

[Cliffy]

Looking at buying and extra cab (ex Telstra) 110s but all I can find are 130's.
Can you guys that own 130's give me some pros & cons on owning one??
I had bought a HZJ75 purely because of the leg room issue in a STD 110 but not long after buying it I developed a rash every time I drove it (dunno, some kind of allergy?). My ears started to ring due to the laughter of my mates who were so happy that I had realised the Landys were cr@p and had bought a "real" 4WD......:2up: So it has now been sold.:D
Any how, I now have the opportunity of picking up an extra cab 96' 130 and really wanted to know what it is like to live with one?!
It won't be used much in the city, mainly for shooting, fishing and getting down to the shack on the South coast.
So what's the go???!:huh:

[rick130]

Raise the drivers seat 20-22mm if you are long in the leg, (four spacers and longer bolts) this also allows the seat to slide back over the lip on the seat box in a CC or wagon.

I'm 6',1,3/4" (187cm) with an inseam something like 37.5", so I know about long in the legs, and I'm very comfy behind the wheel of my CC.

PM 130man about living with an Extra Cab, Ross has an ex-Telstra one that he uses daily and can fill you in on the ins and outs.

[dmdigital]

You can also buy extended seat rails (eg MUDSTUFF.CO.UK, MUD Seat Rails, Land Rover Defender Solutions: West Yorkshire (http://www.mudstuff.co.uk/MUD_Seat_Rails.shtml))

[lardy]

You can also buy extended seat rails (eg MUDSTUFF.CO.UK, MUD Seat Rails, Land Rover Defender Solutions: West Yorkshire (http://www.mudstuff.co.uk/MUD_Seat_Rails.shtml))

mate when it's on the road mine is a daily drive the twin cab aspect keeps the boss happy (though what it has to do with her i don't know she has never driven it, bloody itinerant co pilot) i utilised the mud rails and boy it makes a hell of a difference and they are tough cos i am a fat bastard ...all i can say is go for ya life personally i would keep the tub as is, if the original landy one sticking a longer one on is just gonna alter your departure angle

[Cliffy]

Got offered a 94' Defender wagon yesterday for under $6000 but as I have a Disco1 (we'll actually my wife now does....after being forced to drive it after her Corona was put off the road, she has never stopped driving it!!!!) I realy need something with carrying capacity.
The ones I'm looking at are only CC not DC which suits me just fine.
The only thing that MIGHT be a pain is the Aircraft carrier deck of a tray and the turning circle off road. (some of those track down south can be a little tight!).

[lardy]

Got offered a 94' Defender wagon yesterday for under $6000 but as I have a Disco1 (we'll actually my wife now does....after being forced to drive it after her Corona was put off the road, she has never stopped driving it!!!!) I reaaly need something with carrying capacity.
The ones I'm looking at are only CC not DC which suits me just fine.
The only thing that MIGHT be a pain is the Aircraft carrier deck of a tray and the turning circle off road. (some of those track down south can be a little tight!).

there is a tub available on the site in the markets section there may well be two one converted to a trailer so you could remedy that would need a measure of the chassis/ tray bed and if you want i could measure my tub to give you the dimensions of that if it helps

[wally]

I've had a single cab 130 for the past 5 years or so. I've also had a 130 CC in the past. Personally I find there's just no comparison between a Defender and a 70 series Landc*****r in terms of comfort. I've spent an awful lot of time behind the wheel of both. The ride is better in the Land Rover and the seats are far more comfortable. Landc*****rs give me a sore back, whereas I can be behind the wheel of a Defender all day without a problem. Some people will complain that the seat's positioned too close to the door resulting in a lack of shoulder room and that the handbrake intrudes into the footwell. I've never found either of these things to be a problem. I will acknowledge that for taller or wider frames they may be a little cramped, but I'm a short, skinny bloke and they fit me perfectly. And I'm not an air-conditioning sort of bloke (my 130 doesn't have it), so I drive with the window down, and generally with the right elbow resting on the door. If I do wind the window up, I find that I do miss my armrest. What's it like to live with? I couldn't live without it. If you're not driving in the city I can't think of a single reason not to have one.

And another thing...My wife's daily drive is a 2008 Forester. It turns out that the 130 uses less fuel. Even I am surprised by that.

[XSiV]

Cliffy I have to say I couldn't agree more with wally. I've owned my 130 CC for almost 3 years now and I don't think I could ever own another vehicle. Mine's my daily driver in the city and apart from the occasional 3 point turn on the tighter tracks and the odd roundabout in town, I've never had a problem with it on or off the road.

I'm 6'2"+ and have broad shoulders and at first I thought a defender would be too tight and uncomfortable but I have found it to be quite the opposite. As wally said, the 130's seats are very comfortable. I have no problems driving all day in it. In fact I bought it in Toowoombah QLD and after a brief overnight at a mates place on the tweed river I then drove it to Helensburgh, south of Sydney in one day without the slightest discomfort.

The power you can get out of the td5 is incredible and the fuel economy is also. I have a 6' x 6' tray on mine, upon which I mount a removable pod that has a roof top tent on top and all our camping gear. It will go anywhere and take 1.3 tonne of gear with it.

In respect to capability and payload you cannot beat a 130.

[Cliffy]

Yeah, gotta agree Wally. The Cruiser nailed my back on the 5 hour drive from Perth to the shack.
My biggest problem is most of the vehicles are in the East and I'm in the West.
Transporting them over is not a problem but getting sellers to A)- Be honest and B) take as more than 2 crappy picks does not ease my fears of buying a dud.
Guy here on the forum has 97' 110 CC but it could be too heavily modified to pass inspection here in WA although it's probably excactly what I am looking for. THe fact that I am 6'4" also pushes me towards an extra cab and there are I'm told only 4 here in WA. Funnily enough, I have run into 2 of the vehilces and thier owners in the past 2 weeks. Both guys while amused at me chasing them down the street declined to sell me their Landies.
Maybe need to get an RAC check on the eastern units but I do not have confidence in them either as I have seen some inspection reports that were disgusting as the seller must have bribed the guy to overlook some pretty big defects!
Keep the info going, I will have to decide pretty quickly what I am going do.
I will be going for a TDI as that's all the budget allows (can only use sold cruiser funds).

Thanks guys!!

[lardy]

Maybe need to get an RAC check on the eastern units but I do not have confidence in them either as I have seen some inspection reports that were disgusting as the seller must have bribed the guy to overlook some pretty big defects!
Keep the info going, I will have to decide pretty quickly what I am going do.
I will be going for a TDI as that's all the budget allows (can only use sold cruiser funds).

Thanks guys!!

Hey mate i did look at some 130's in the eastern states and the local garage of one was the rac place desiganted to do the test we are talking the same town (instantly i thought oh no) but i gotta say the report came back that the landy was pretty much abused and rooted i got a fax and a follow up original report, and although the mechanic was required to remain impartial he steered me right, but you have to pick your questions, as i asked him straight out "would you buy that motor" he said "i cannot tell you that" so try another tack and you might gleen enough info as i did

[Cliffy]

Ha! Just spotted a CC 130 in Perth for sale only 5 mins from work.
Gonna do some investimagation on it tomorrow!!!!
Yes, I know I could wait and something will pop up but damn I miss having a ute!!
Just cut down a lot of branches today with my new chain saw (what a toy!) but nothing to take it to the tip in!!!

[86mud]

I've had my 130 Crew Cab for 2 months now and loving it. It is used as a daily driver.

The thing I miss from my old ride (fully loaded Range Rover) is the power of the V8. Taking off at lights with the 300 TDi is not exactly the most powerful thing, but you will always end up catching the others.

The fuel economy is awesome and the ride is sweet.

Cheers
Andrew

[malsgoing130]

Ive owned my 130 Dc for 7 months now and love the old girl, I have spent a fair bit on it, just be aware that everything has a finite life and will need to be replaced or renewed. Fender spares though easliy available are quite pricey and used spares in WA are nearly unavailable. Even if it has been well maintained its still going to need bits and pieces. They do not have turning circles! they prefer to go steirght ahead. I am 6'4" and have seat rails from rovercraft and have just fitted a 350mm steering wheel- great leg room now but prefer the feel of the old standard wheel. The ride is very comfortable though but dont think you will be breaking any land speed records:D
All said and done they have a personallity and in general are very good vehicles.
good luck
Mal

[juddy]

I have had Dennis for just under a year, and i love him to bits, i now drive him to Brisbane every day, and hes fine, keeps up with the traffic no problem, he looks good and turns.

[Cliffy]

Nup, no good.
I can't see how just lifting the seat would be any good. I think that would put my head too close to the roof!!!!
I think I need a dual or extra cab for sure after sitting in a single cab again.
Hmmmmm.
What do you recon a 96' extra cab with a dodgy clutch and tatty seats (whole car need a clean up)would be worth??

[rovercare]

I'm 6'3" and have a single cab 120", the longest stretch I can drive is around 2.5 hrs, before my body cramps up, I'll finish my extra cab for it one day, but no rush as it only serves as work hack duties close to home;)

[wally]

Fender spares though easliy available are quite pricey

I really couldn't say I agreed with that. Spend some time shopping around and I think you'll find that they're not. And never buy anything from a dealer. I've owned Landc*****rs before and I think I can buy Land Rover parts more cheaply than I could buy Toyota parts.

[rovercare]

I really couldn't say I agreed with that. Spend some time shopping around and I think you'll find that they're not. And never buy anything from a dealer. I've owned Landc*****rs before and I think I can buy Land Rover parts more cheaply than I could buy Toyota parts.


For **** sake, they are landcruisers, not any other stupid derogatory name:)

There are ALOT of aftermarket suppliers for land rover yes, and some very cheap, just be aware;)

Genuine parts for either brands can sway massively, its just a matter of what pricing the parts person gives you, keep in mind, some genuine parts mark ups are over 300%, hence you forever have people whineing parts are dear for all makes, cause they are getting screwed:(

Most all GENUINE parts from all manufacturers are reasonably priced, if you know the parts people well enough:D

[spudboy]

Hi Cliffy,

I've got an ex-Telstra 130 Crew Cab like the one you mentioned in your first post. See here for a few comments about it (half way down the thread): http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/78573-newby-info-needed-td5.html

They've got a whole lot more leg room that a standard single cab.

Cheers
David

[The ho har's]

We had this decision a couple of years ago...you see ho har is 6'3" and we definitely needed the DC...turning circle is crap and the ride is beautiful.....we went the the Kimberley's for a 6 week holiday last year and the seats were comfy as:D.....shopping centres can be a prob ...but just reverse in and hang the bum over a garden so you don't get your nose hit :D other than that is is a butte truck


Mrs ho har:angel:

[Cliffy]

Doh!!!

While chatting with Kev from JRT the 96 130 dual cab which I was negotiating a sale on sold on Fleabay unbeknownst to the seller.(tongue twister)
He will call if it falls through but just my rotten luck!!;)
That leaves the 130 extra cab I'm looking at. But if I get it I have to keep the D1 (what a shame!).
NEED UTE QUICK......GETTING TRAY WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS!!:blink:

[lardy]

Ive owned my 130 Dc for 7 months now and love the old girl, I have spent a fair bit on it, just be aware that everything has a finite life and will need to be replaced or renewed. Fender spares though easliy available are quite pricey and used spares in WA are nearly unavailable. Even if it has been well maintained its still going to need bits and pieces. They do not have turning circles! they prefer to go steirght ahead. I am 6'4" and have seat rails from rovercraft and have just fitted a 350mm steering wheel- great leg room now but prefer the feel of the old standard wheel. The ride is very comfortable though but dont think you will be breaking any land speed records:D
All said and done they have a personallity and in general are very good vehicles.
good luck
Mal

Cliffy dont let the lack or cost of spares in W.A. worry ya, some small odds and ends you can get from rovacraft(without a mortgage) but for bigger stuff i use famous four never have let me down, i usually go for mud uk for the refinements too the interior if i can be bothered.

[lardy]

Doh!!!

While chatting with Kev from JRT the 96 130 dual cab which I was negotiating a sale on sold on Fleabay unbeknownst to the seller.(tongue twister)
He will call if it falls through but just my rotten luck!!;)
That leaves the 130 extra cab I'm looking at. But if I get it I have to keep the D1 (what a shame!).
NEED UTE QUICK......GETTING TRAY WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS!!:blink:

cliffy there was a bloke up victoria park who picked up fesa ones once in a while i could show you where he is but can't tell you sadly.
it was at the small roundabout just past the hotel(coming up the road with shopping centre on your left)...there are heaps of car show room places there he is right off the roundabout and first right down an alley past first showroom ...low km's it was !

[wally]

For **** sake, they are landcruisers, not any other stupid derogatory name:)

There are ALOT of aftermarket suppliers for land rover yes, and some very cheap, just be aware;)

Genuine parts for either brands can sway massively, its just a matter of what pricing the parts person gives you, keep in mind, some genuine parts mark ups are over 300%, hence you forever have people whineing parts are dear for all makes, cause they are getting screwed:(

Most all GENUINE parts from all manufacturers are reasonably priced, if you know the parts people well enough:D

Sorrry mate, no matter how much it bugs you I just can't bring myself to type "Landc*****r". I'm too scarred by those ten years I was forced to spend on those boards that they call seats, being bounced around on cart springs until I was nearly crippled, and at the same time being told by all the "experts" that Land Rovers are rubbish. It's a filthy word and I won't type it.

[Cliffy]

"Sorrry mate, no matter how much it bugs you I just can't bring myself to type "Landc*****r". I'm too scarred by those ten years I was forced to spend on those boards that they call seats, being bounced around on cart springs until I was nearly crippled, and at the same time being told by all the "experts" that Land Rovers are rubbish. It's a filthy word and I won't type it.":Rolling::Rolling::Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:

[rovercare]

Sorrry mate, no matter how much it bugs you I just can't bring myself to type "Landc*****r". I'm too scarred by those ten years I was forced to spend on those boards that they call seats, being bounced around on cart springs until I was nearly crippled, and at the same time being told by all the "experts" that Land Rovers are rubbish. It's a filthy word and I won't type it.

It doesn;t bug me, it just makes you sound the same as the people who have dumbass derogatory names for land rovers:D

Just your slinging from the other side of the fence;)

[Scallops]

:D other than that is is a butte truck

Mrs ho har:angel:

Got to love a good butt truck! :p I reckon they're beaut! :D

[wally]

It doesn;t bug me, it just makes you sound the same as the people who have dumbass derogatory names for land rovers:D

Just your slinging from the other side of the fence;)

Somebody has to.

[Cliffy]

Hang onto you hats!
I may have found me ute!!!

[rijidij]

Hang onto you hats!
I may have found me ute!!!

Good luck Cliffy, hope you've found yourself a 130. I just bought a 130CC from another member on the forum. It's being shipped down to Vic from QLD next week, so I can't wait. I've missed having a ute, and this one's got a VNT turbo and other upgrades, so should be a good all-round vehicle. I've never owned a Tdi either so it will be something new to me. I've had/have Rover V8s, 2.25D, Td5 and Isuzu powered Landys, so it will be interesting to compare.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/06/1169.jpg https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/06/1170.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/06/1171.jpg https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/06/1172.jpg

[Cliffy]

Yeah, the one I'm looking at is identical to yours.
Just got to get it checked over and pay the guy.
Can't wait to have a ute again!!!:woot:
Flip side is the D1 has to go as missus wants a "small car".:BigCry:

[Cliffy]

Well, I finally got a 96' 130 dual cab.
Pretty straight but has a little work to be done to it.
Needs a REAL good tidy up (esp. the interior) but not complaining.
Gotta fabricate some mud rails to move the seat back a tad further but for some reason I can actually fit in this Defer even though the seat rails are standard. Got a flat on the first drive (doh!) and no jack or wheel brace in the car (doh!doh!). Looks like the A frame ball joint needs replacing and tappets adjusting (she's a bit rattly but has a brand new head). Gonna replace all the usual suspects on the TDI before they look like failing. Did that on the D1 when we got it and has given us 5+ years of trouble free touring. Will post some pics when it's not so miserable outside!!!!
Best bit was probably the price @ $10K.

[86mud]

Best of luck with it....

I paid $9,000 for my 1998 130 TDI 3 months ago with 190,000kms on the clock...now just sheered off the main shaft in the gearbox (see my other thread).

I have spent $7,000 already fixing things up on it in the last 3 months...now I am up for a gearbox and transfer case rebuilt (around $4,000)...bit disappointed.

Andrew

[p38arover]

Looking at buying and extra cab (ex Telstra) 130 but all I can find are 130's.

I'm confused! :confused:

[Cliffy]

I think I meant to say 110 but could only find 130's.
Hope that removes the confusion!:confused:
Yeah, as was recently said to me, you don't but a <10k off roader and not have to fork out some $$$.
As I can do most of the repairs myself I'm not too worried. For me it's all part of the "fun" of owning a landy.:blink:
I can see with my new bus that I will be spending quite alot of time getting it up to my standard (which my mate Kev describes as ANAL). But it's winter and I have a big shed with a pit so out will go the Lightwieght and in will go the 130!

[p38arover]

No worries. I'll edit your original post. :D