Thread: 130 Defender Dualcab Td5

Hi my name is john i am from capel WA i have a wife and two boys.Matthew is 12 years old and James is 9 years.I am thinking about buying a defender but are a bit scared it may not do the job . I currently own a rodeo and it is getting a little small .I just need some imformation from other owners
happy 4wd johnno

Hi John,
The Deffender is one of the best 4x4s by far as far as off road capability goes. They are great on fuel. Have enough power in standard form and are tops when chipped and bigger intercooler. Talk to the fella at Bunbury Opposite Lock, he has a chipped one.
Provided you are aware of the shortcomings they are great. The major item is the lack of leg room for the front passenger which is really only comfortable for midgets due to the air con. This can be partially addressed by using some 40mm square tube to lift the seat base. The back seats are really only suitable for children, gives them a great vies but anyone above 5'4" sit too high. Defenders do not seal very well with air/wind ingress normal, which also leads to water and dust ingress. Road noise is fairly ordinary and extra soundproofing is a must. There is a common problem with the injector harness getting oil into the ecu connector and is easily fixed with a new harness or a clean, seal and new o rings, more of a pain than a drama. There is also a known problem with oil pump bolts not being loctited in correctly, make sure this is done cause if the bolt comes out it can lead to atostrophic engine failure and at the best part of $20k for a TD5 to be fitted is not nice. Parts can be difficult to get in remote areas so familiarise yourself with parts suppliers and keep their phone numbers in your handbook.
If you can overlook these things they are a great bus and maybe what you are lloking for. The 130 has stacks of load room.
We are down your way a bit, so if you see the green pig getting around, stop me for a chat (not a 130 I know) or a look if you want.It will do the job, but maybe just not in the comfort you may expect or require.
Best of luck with your hunt.