Thread: wanting to test drive a defender td5

Hi Simon,

If you were in Qld I would let you drive mine. Hopefully someone else will chime in with a more local offer

Rgds
Peter

I finally got have a good look around a 130.
I can see what people mean about "you either love em or hate em". Pretty basic. I love it. Reminds me of my old 40series Landcruiser. Definitely an icon.

I am thinking about having a look at one for sale near by. Any tips on what to look out for when buying a used td5 130?

Check no diesel dripping from fuel cooler,no oil dripping from oil cooler,no bubbles in header tank,when u put your foot down no whisteling from exhaust manifold.No doubt others will give you more info.Love my 130.

If you can't drive one personally, do the following:

Ask any local farmer to drive his old Massey ferguson in 42 degree heat with a screw driver jammed in your left shin (to approximate handbrake jabbing you in the leg), then get someone to hang off the right side of the tractor and get them to smack your right elbow with a hammer whenever you turn the wheel (to simulate your elbow hitting the door frame), tear a hole in your pants (to approximate the door catch ripping your pants) and dribble water down your right leg (to simulate rain). Whilst doing this, change gears on the tractor (to approximate changing gears in a defender - yes the gear change is that slow) and drive the tractor in peak hour traffic (to simulate regular defender brakes and noise intrusion). Handling, aerodynamics and comfort are all similar between both makes. If you love the Massey, buy a defender and you will be over the moon (or mad, or a combination of both).

Test driving a 130 this arvo or tomorrow. Hopefully that can help me decide.
Thanks for the advice.

Test drove. Dunno what you're on about, it was great smoother than my current 4wd ute. Ok, a little truck like in the seating position and acceleration. Ergonomically a bit of a strange layout but easy to get used to. I'm 6'3" and I found it to be not bad. Seat was a little close for me but looking at it quite simple to extend the rails. I would only need another 50mm.
Overall I enjoyed it and I will now be keeping my eye out for one to purchase.