Defender V Disco ??

[HBWC]

im hopeing to sell my (name removed) ute soon and i was looking at a defa but then thinking a bit more a tdi disco with an auto looked coumfy
now im not sure.
But ill have around the 8g mark and what im looking for is a wagon to use as a daliy driver, must be desiel, in the colder months and for camping trips which will inclued touring plus i want to set it up to sleap inside with all my junk (ie frigex2 and my wheelchair)
so what are your opinions on the two and which is easyer to mod to suit my needs

thanks jono

and sorry for any spelling mistakes

[rangieman]

im hopeing to sell my (name removed) ute soon and i was looking at a defa but then thinking a bit more a tdi disco with an auto looked coumfy
now im not sure.
But ill have around the 8g mark and what im looking for is a wagon to use as a daliy driver, must be desiel, in the colder months and for camping trips which will inclued touring plus i want to set it up to sleap inside with all my junk (ie frigex2 and my wheelchair)
so what are your opinions on the two and which is easyer to mod to suit my needs

thanks jono

and sorry for any spelling mistakes
The Defender is great for room as there is heaps of that but they dont come in a auto so maybe a disco is the go for you:cool:

[JDNSW]

The Defender has more room and also is easier to attach things to as it has more straight lines and right angles in the interior. There is also a lot more room. But as you suggest, the Discovery is more comfortable, and may be easier for you to get in and out.

However, if you need to have an automatic, as Rangieman says, this almost excludes the Defender. I say almost, as it has never been sold here with an automatic, but some conversions have been made, and given the mechanical commonality between the drive train of the Discovery 1 and 2 and the Defender, such conversions are not too difficult.

John

[zulu Delta 534]

Depending on your height, a disco is pretty limited for room in which to sleep. I faced the same quandry of choosing between the two a while back and honestly could not find enough ticks on the Defender's side of the argument to warrant it.
If you go out camping or travelling with some mates with Defenders you will find that it is a bit of a pain to travel with them in a Disco (or vice versa) as the gearing alters the torque range enough to make what is a comfortable speed for one an uncomfortable speed for the other, but that is a fairly minor complaint.
An auto has so many advantages over a manual box in the rough with the only one down side being the lack of engine retardation on steep descents.
A Defender doesnt look so damaged if you wipe out a panel (called a character mark) whereas the same damages tends to mar a Disco a bit more (called an accident)
For the Macho image and sheer internal space its the defender every time, but for creature comforts and more relaxed travel choose the Disco!
Regards
Glen

[disco_mitch]

i have a d1 300tdi auto and i must say i really enjoy the comfort and capabilities, however if your wanting to sleep in it maybe a 110 would suit you a bit better depends how big you are ect ect seen pictures where someone put a hammock in the back that looked good

[sclarke]

Go the Defender and convert it to Auto.

Mmmmmm Auto defender...

[Hay Ewe]

bit of a long story but I shall cut it short

we were looking at a 90 defender and I took my honey to the local show room to see a 110 and explained that this would be the back of a 90 (obviously minus the rear seats of a 110) whilst looking at it I realised that there wasnt as much space as I expected.

We would be putting two bicycles in there and camping kit and food and spares for 1 week. Also, unless you have rear seats in a 90, its basicly a 2 seat sports car....

in the end we got a TD5 Disco auto, with the seats folded down there is more space than a 90 but still the flexibility of carrying more persons.

This wasnt the main selling point but it did stack up in the favour towards the Disco. Also we had to consider parking space - we dont struggle with a 100" disco but I do think the 110 defer would be a handful in our situation.

hopefully that is some thing helpful for you

Hay Ewe

[Cap]

I think most of the points have been covered here, just need to have a list of what are 'must haves' and what arent. If an auto is a must have, then its basically 99% disco, unless space is a must have and you have the $$ to convert a defer to auto... but you mention 8k price cap.

8k will find you an auto disco tdi much easier than anything defender (defers are about 5k more for the same year disco)

[Rosscoe68]

shame on your budget. the tdi disco is a few inches shorter than the td5 disco. i am 6'3' and theres not enough room in the rear of a tdi, so i went to a td5 and is enough room to sleep in the rear. i had much the same decision making argments as you and some of the others and it was disco for me as we are travelling around aus and i dont really see that being all that comfortable in a defa.

[BMKal]

I've found the same as Rosscoe - after trading my D1 in on the D2, there definitely is alot more room in the D2.

But in your case - two fridges, plus your wheelchair, plus sleeping space - I think you will struggle to be comfortable even in the D2 at night with all of that.

A defender will definitely give you more usable space in the back - by a long way. And as JDNSW has pointed out, it is far easier to install shelving, false floor, brackets etc into a Defender, both because of the internal shape and also the ready availability of exposed metal to easily and securely attach things to.

About the only thing that I can think of that could seriously compete with a Defender in this respect would be a Toyota Troopy - but this option also doesn't come with an auto. Your best bet might be to seriously look at converting a Defender to auto. Have never thought about doing this, but can't see that it would be that difficult. Wouldn't like to take a guess at the cost of doing this though.

[Rosscoe68]

and then there is this
auto conversion kit (http://www.aulro.com/apc/showproduct.php/product/1264/cat/all)
looks ideal for your idea

[Mulgo]

Hello Jono,

You mention that you want to store all your gear and sleep inside the vehicle. With the vehicle having auto.

Fact is that you will most probably not fit all your gear including 1/2-way decent sleeping facility in a Disco.
Fact is also that you can convert a Defender to auto. Here are links to two threads in this forum:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/70262-auto-conversion.html
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/marketplace-alerts/83934-zf-tdi-auto-conversion-kit-defender-just-replacement-auto-your-disco.html

Which would mean that a Defender is probably the best solution for you.

Cheers,
Daniel

[HBWC]

sorry tryed to reply thismorning but computer crashed so im 6 ft tall
auto would be nice but not necasary just got to get my manual licence back (stupid government)all exepy one of the rear seat would be removed to gain room eather way and i dont want another tojo as i have a 75 series ute converted to auto now

[loanrangie]

I love my tdi auto disco but if i had the time/ space /money i would convert a defender to auto so you would have an ideal daily driver and capable spacious tourer.

[HBWC]

another quick question how are the autos with extra waight ie towing and or loading it up to the hilt

[Cap]

Sounds to me you need an auto defender :cool:

G'box (im no mechanic) but they are unbreakable... the only thing that kills them is over heating them. The mech's here can give you a better answer.

[Jay]

Hi Mate,

Trip sounds good...... The space issues have been covered so I will not add to them. I have a D1 I use it as a daily driver 200k's per day when back in QLD. Very very comfy "Once I got the seat rebuilt at an upolstrer for $150".

I had a back injury so to avoid any pain I got a land rover.

I had about 8K too.

Wanted a Defender but could not find one worth having in that price range. I looked looked and looked some more.... settled on the disco 92 tdi and have not been dissapointed. I have had to spend a little more than I wanted on bringing her up to scratch....

What about a Series wagon..... I saw one the other day somewhere for $2500 in QLD with rego (petrol). That would give you $5000 for improvments. Nice comfy seat....!!!!

8K for a defender, you may be in for expensive repairs. I know there are a lot of very knowledgeable folks with regards the older units.... Just an idea...?

Jay

[loanrangie]

another quick question how are the autos with extra waight ie towing and or loading it up to the hilt

I towed my parents 16 ft van which is about 1200kg plus about 200kg of extras and was able to cruise at 110 on the hume, hills were a killer though.

[Chucaro]

Contact THIS (http://mrautomotive.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=34) reputable LR mechanic company regarding a estimated quote for auto conversion on a Defe ;)

I used to have a Disco I Tdi 1998 and now I have a Defe Tdi 300.
Regarding comfort to me both are the same. Regarding cargo space and payload the Defe is the king of the 4X4
After having for a short time a RRC 1988 I would say the a RR converted to Tdi300 have to be the best touring vehicle to have. More room that the Disco and very nice to drive.

Look at the 3rd option of a RR cnverted to Tdi300 ;)

[LandyAndy]

Jono
You wont beat the D1 for comfort etc,but you wont beat the Defender for room.Both will out perform your old Tojo ute in ability,economy and power.No autos in the Defender without an easy disco transplant(assuming a manual is an issue with your disability)
Defenders seem to hold their value compared to D1s in WA.
Im guessing its POSSIBLE to gut a D1 and build a bed platform above your fridge etc.
GOODLUCK:cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

[justinc]

Jono
You wont beat the D1 for comfort etc,but you wont beat the Defender for room.Both will out perform your old Tojo ute in ability,economy and power.No autos in the Defender without an easy disco transplant(assuming a manual is an issue with your disability)
Defenders seem to hold their value compared to D1s in WA.
Im guessing its POSSIBLE to gut a D1 and build a bed platform above your fridge etc.
GOODLUCK:cool::cool::cool:
Andrew

Like Andy says, a Defer has stacks more room, is robust and can take the outback better, isn't too hard to sit in for long trips, and the auto conversion isn't at all difficult. IMHO the auto option should've been ex factory, makes a good rig better in a few ways.

JC

[HBWC]

thanks and can one of the mods merge this with the other thread i dont know how come theirs two thanks

[HBWC]

Hi Mate,

I had a back injury so to avoid any pain I got a land rover.

What about a Series wagon..... I saw one the other day somewhere for $2500 in QLD with rego (petrol). That would give you $5000 for improvments. Nice comfy seat....!!!!


Jay
thats a bit pricey for a series i have two of them already and they are ruff to ride in long distance and no air con
and the main reson i want coils is my back i have a 12 cm plate and pins holding it together

if i have to wait to find one thats fine im in no hurry just like to plan ahead

[p38arover]

Having owned a 110 and a D1, I'd take the D1 for comfort, e.g., noise, seating, air con, heating, no cold door against your right arm/shoulder (my right arm used to ache in winter), etc. Comfort-wise The D1 is far, far superior in all respects.

You also need to consider access into a 110, e.g., sill height, door opening, etc. I think you'll find the D1 is superior in that respect.

The 110 looks like it has lots of room but it's not that usable. The rear door is very narrow cf. the D1. You can get a pallet in through the rear door of a D1.

However, internal length is against the D1 unless you remove the rear seats. Langy can sleep in his D1 and he's well over 6' in height.

Reflections off the rear door and mirror in the 110 at night are really annoying.

The turning circle of the D1 is markedly better than the 110 - much better in car parks.

The 300Tdi D1 really is a great car to drive in an auto (the manual is not so good). My 110 was a V8 - I wanted to upgrade it to a 4.6. :)

So explain to me why I'm sorry I sold my 110. :D

[Michael2]

It's often said that the Disco is more comfortable than the Defender.

However, the Defender has a longer wheelbase for smoothing out the bumps and larger tyres for reducing rolling resistance and "minimising" the effect of a bump or a hole.

So spring rates aren't the only thing to look at.

I've got a RRC and a Defender, and the Defender is the preferred touring vehicle. It's a lot easier to live out of on a long trip, and it handles large loads very well.

[abaddonxi]

Having owned a 110 and a D1, I'd take the D1 for comfort, e.g., noise, seating, air con, heating, no cold door against your right arm/shoulder (my right arm used to ache in winter), etc. Comfort-wise The D1 is far, far superior in all respects.

You also need to consider access into a 110, e.g., sill height, door opening, etc. I think you'll find the D1 is superior in that respect.

The 110 looks like it has lots of room but it's not that usable. The rear door is very narrow cf. the D1. You can get a pallet in through the rear door of a D1.

However, internal length is against the D1 unless you remove the rear seats. Langy can sleep in his D1 and he's well over 6' in height.

Reflections off the rear door and mirror in the 110 at night are really annoying.

The turning circle of the D1 is markedly better than the 110 - much better in car parks.

The 300Tdi D1 really is a great car to drive in an auto (the manual is not so good). My 110 was a V8 - I wanted to upgrade it to a 4.6. :)

So explain to me why I'm sorry I sold my 110. :D

How is it that your 110 never made it into the faulty goods thread?

Maybe Defenders are immune to your powers.

[HBWC]

im now a proud owner of a 95 tdi auto disco picked it up today

[dullbird]

congratulations:)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

You can get a pallet in through the rear door of a D1.




only you Ron,,
only you.
:p

[V8Ian]

You can get a pallet in through the rear door of a D1.
:) :D
You obviously haven't come across some of the forklift drivers that I have.:confused:
It does beg the question, "Why would you want to?":angel:

[Chops]

shame on your budget. the tdi disco is a few inches shorter than the td5 disco. i am 6'3' and theres not enough room in the rear of a tdi, so i went to a td5 and is enough room to sleep in the rear. i had much the same decision making argments as you and some of the others and it was disco for me as we are travelling around aus and i dont really see that being all that comfortable in a defa.


Hi guys, does anyone have pics of their rear cargo area set ups, especially if they do sleep in them?

Chops