Thread: Defender Purchase?

Probably looking at around a 2001 model. My budget is fairly limited. Hoping to get away with a max of $20K. I have a mate who is a wholesaler that is looking out for me also.
Sitting in one up in Albury the other day I certainly noticed three things.
1. They are quite high to get into. I don't think I want side steps as history tells me they are good for getting mud on your trousers.
2. The seating position, in relation to the steering wheel and hand brake.
3. with the door shut I seem to be jammed into the B pillar.

Anyone care to comment on point 3? Will I get used to it? Has no one mentioned this because you have all forgotten and have lived with it for so long that you don't notice it? Would love to get some feed back on this.
Cheers
Gillie

Originally Posted by Gillie

Probably looking at around a 2001 model. My budget is fairly limited. Hoping to get away with a max of $20K. I have a mate who is a wholesaler that is looking out for me also.
Sitting in one up in Albury the other day I certainly noticed three things.
1. They are quite high to get into. I don't think I want side steps as history tells me they are good for getting mud on your trousers.
2. The seating position, in relation to the steering wheel and hand brake.
3. with the door shut I seem to be jammed into the B pillar.

1: You need to understand a Defender is quite high because it is superior to other vehicles and therefore commands an elevated position
2: The hand brake - get Kerry Hiscock (Hiscock Saddlery - Albury) to whip up a lambswool "sleeve' for the handbrake - you won't notice it after that. Steering wheel? never noticed that - but I've lost an eye so not much is centred in my world.
3: Mate, you must have test-driven the vehicle without a passenger. If you had a passenger you would have been "leaning" to the left to hear their conversation - and of course the B-pillar is no longer a problem.

Just joking.

A couple of mates who have undertaken long journeys with me have made similar remarks but after a very short period they have ALL said how comfortable it is to drive.

Gee, I drive the Cranky One's Subaru - the console is hard up against my left leg - and I am very aware of the B-pillar, door, window - everything - I just want to get back into the "Fender.

Basically, I reckon nobody has mentioned the B-pillar thing because it is simply not a problem.

If you want to check out my "fender, talk to the Cranky One (she's always the passenger) and take the "fender for a drive, send me a PM and all will be arranged. Just glad to help.

I know this is in Sydney, but it might give you a bit of an idea of whats about....



http://www.4wdcity.com/search-result...80&search.y=13

Good luck!

Do not buy from them!!!!!! You have been warned.

agreed with Maggot - this is the old 3WJ mob rebadged. Just dont go there - I made the same mistake last year and looked at a nice Disco 2, but then was advised to walk away.

LRH

Only noticed the B piller for a day. I don't have the hand brake problem as I have a foot operated hand brake.
Still one of the most comfortable vehicles I have ever owned.

I have both a Fender and a disco and it depends on wht you want it for , serious dirty off roading then the fender, travelling in luxury comfort then the Disco...But once you have a fender there is no going back

Originally Posted by Stephen Price

I found my defender uncomortable for about a day then I learned to use the hand brake lever as a leg rest ( it's very handy in the rough stuff ) The upright seating position is excellent and the vehicle can be driven all day with no discomfort. I'm 6ft 2in. I had falcons and then a Paj before the Landie and it is the most comfortable for long distance.
Steve.

YES!!! I use mine as a leg rest as well.... even in Sydney peak hour traffic.