Thread: Thinking about buying a Defender 130 Tdi

Greg, I had a 94 110 ute and i towed a 2t boat with ease the only thing was getting it rolling at the lights but much better that my father in laws triton v6 for pulling power the only major thing I had go wrong was the clutch bolts break just after i bought it and the accelerator cable broke and no spares available in Brisbane it wes a 300tdi

Thinking about buying a Defender 130 Tdi

Me too. Go for it ! Good choice !

Towing... No problem. You probably won't even notice the trailer there most of the time.

Comfort... Well, that tends to be a very personal thing. Sit in one & give it a try. Failing that, it's not too expensive to drop in a different seat (I use Exmoor Trim Trakkers).

HTH

M

Comfort in a Defender is very much a personal thing - I think it depends on what shape you (and your wife) are. Noise levels are higher than a Disco, and your wife may find it a bit high off the ground to get into without steps, and the finish is spartan compared to a Disco or any "car". But I drove my 110 to Perth and back from Eastern Australia in November, covering 10,000km in three weeks, without feeling uncomfortable, several times spending twelve hours in a day sitting in it.

The one thing you need to consider, in my view is size and turning circle. The 110 is about the limit for easy parking - the extra 17" wheelbase and longer overhang on the 130 mean it will not fit in a lot of parking spaces, and the space between rows in many car parks means taking two goes to get into the spaces.

Also, the height means you have to watch clearance heights - with the 110 you need 2.05m on standard tyres and suspension, the 130 is slightly higher.

I can't comment on the specific ease of towing with the Tdi, except to point out both trailers you mention are well within manufacturer's and legal limits.

John

Hope you enjoyed the fireworks!

Defenders are not a comfortable vehicle I find but they are quite livable anyway. When I was buying one I noticed it had so few of the modern conveniences but then I realised all the rubbish other vehicles have in them just ain't necessary and I don't miss them at all.

I'd say a concern maybe the a/c is not as good as it could be and the seats are often complained about. But these are things you can change easily, at least the seats are.

Head light upgrade for night driving would probably be useful and not all that expensive either.

They are an awesome vehicle though. I think their biggest drop off point is cabin noise. I'm not sure how effectively people are able to insulate them but plenty of people on here have done it.

what is uncomfortable is the original freelander which I have as a loan while my vehicle is in under warranty. They are awful and far more uncomfortable then a defender (I realise this is not a choice for you anyway but I needed to say it haha).


Xavier

Recaro seats or similar would be a big improvement ?
In the 80's I used to have a FJ40 and I fitted Volvo seats and the improvement was remarkable for the terrible ride of the FJ40.
One excellent bucket seat (which I fitted in my motorhome) is the Mazda 626. I do not know if can be fitted in a Defender.

Cheers

I was told similar before buying my TD5 130. Great rig. They will tow 3 ton without even noticing it. They are noisy but surprisingly comfortable. Your best bet is to test drive one.

Originally Posted by Xavie

Defenders are not a comfortable vehicle

Head light upgrade for night driving would probably be useful and not all that expensive either.

They are an awesome vehicle though. I think their biggest drop off point is cabin noise. I'm not sure how effectively people are able to insulate them but plenty of people on here have done it.


Xavier

1. Compared to what ?

2. The headlights in the 2007 Defender are MUCH better than in my '94 model let me tell you.

3. I also think that the cabin noise is lower in the new model defender as compared to mine. Maybe its the engine that's quieter though.


Go for it Aussie Nomad !