Thread: Defender Purchase?

G'day Gillie,

After two Discos and two Defenders I have no hesitation in saying I have no worries with the driving position of the "Fender. I am 5'10" and 85 kgs (OK - 90 kgs).

I have to say I don't like the passenger seating - but I only sit there once or twice a year so probably not relevant.

For what it's worth I think the debate regarding the Defender Driving Position is over-rated and usually cops a negative opinion from people who have never really driven a "Fender.

Take one for test-drive for a day.

How tall are you? I am 6'3" (no idea in metric) and I had to put the seats back in my 130 by 2 inches or so. Makes a big difference and a cheap modification. You can buy "Mud-Rails" from the UK or just make some out of 40mm square tube with some longer bolts and a bit of drilling.

I think the Defender is as good as the Disco (I've got a '97 - don't know about the TD5) and long drives are no problems. Some people don't like the handbrake against their leg, but it never seems to bother me. Even thought the seats look like cheap and nasty plastic jobbies they are pretty good. Worst thing about them is hot days + the vinyl = very sweaty.

HTH
David

This months LRO (Land Rover Owner International) magazine does a comparo of Disco Vs Defender.

Personally I find the Defender very comfortable, especially over long distance driving, but I've come from a SIII which I could drive for 14 hours straight without feeling uncomfortable. I do find regular sedans uncomfortable though, the reclined seating posture offers little lumbar support after a couple of hours, whereas the more upright posture in Land Rover vehicles offers greater back support.

Nothing wrong with the seating position.

I've done some pretty long hauls in mine and find the seating very comfortable, certainly better for a long haul than a nissan patrol (for me at least).

Martyn

I can't comment on the Disco, but I have driven a 110 for nearly fifteen years. I find the seating position quite comfortable, particularly compared to most popular sedans, particularly Holdens, and I regularly drive long distances in it (One son lives 400km away, the other 1000km away). But just how comfortable you are will be very individual - depends on what shape you are!

John

personally i find the seat in the defender way more comfortable than my discovery there is alot more support

and thats even with the seat set to migit length as cant move our defender seat so its pretty much set up for ian he is 5ft nothing and i'm nearly 6ft so i even find it comoftable scrunched up

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.

I've got both and personally prefer the defender for the longer drives, i've still go my seat leaning back enough... now just need to convert to auto and i'll be laughing