Thread: Thinking about buying a Defender 130 Tdi

Tell us where you are. I'm sure somebody will be happy for you to try out their seats in the driveway for a couple of hours.


I'm in Inner West Sydney.

Cheers
Simon

It really surprises me when I hear Defenders are uncomfortable.
As Inc points out, have those that have derided the Defender spent any time behind the wheel ?
The (standard) drivers seat in mine is lifted 20mm, and all I know is that I jump out of it far fresher than I do out of the GU Patrol we also have. The Defender seat has much more lumber support than the Nissan, and even though the squab appears too short, the more upright driving position ensures my clutch leg is more vertical and not canted over to the left as it is the Patrol. This eliminates the chronic knee pain I experience driving the Patrol.
The air con is OK in the crew cab or truck cab.
As for the rest of the ergonomics, a lot of 'fenders I see have the gear lever positioned far too away from the driver, almost in the centre of the vehicle meaning it's a hell of a reach to the gear lever and makes changing gears a chore. This is easily remedied as the lever position is adjustable, it's mounted on a spline on the extension housing and just needs a nut undone and the lever repositioned nearer the driver.
Why most come from the factory with the lever so far away is a bit of a mystery, but I suspect this may have a bearing on some of the folklore behind the Defenders poor driving position.

Noisy ? tick.
Rattly ? tick.
Leak water and dust ? tick.
Restricted vision out the drivers window if tall ? tick.

Otherwise, a great vehicle for touring or work, and a much better, more comfortable and engaging drive than a Troopy, but in reality you get used to whatever you spend most of your time in.

Originally Posted by VladTepes

I predict aussie nomad will sook out.

I don't think 'sook out' will be quite right - maybe 'sober up'?

He did say he was going to have another red...

And liked the sexiness of the defender...



But I still hope he tries

What rick says is right - I'm tall (in the upper body is where it is it would seem) and next time I break the windscreen im gonna get one w/out the blue tinted band - so I can see through it better.
I don;t think LIFTING the seats any higher would do me any good.
As far as seeing sky out of the side windows - forget it.

Would I buiy another Defender ?

You betcha !!

Before I got my defender I asked the same questions and had the same concerns. I am 6ft 3" and have no problems what so ever. I drive about 1000 km a week in it and find it cery comfortable. The seats though quiet simple to look at give suprisingly good support. I thought I would have to extend the seat rails for more lef room but never worried about it and I don't think I would. The handbrake was a concern of mine but you don't even notice it and it is a good place to rest your leg. I also thought that the b pillar would be a pain in the bum but I never really noticed it.
the Big thing that caught me by suprise was catching my pants on the door lock when getting in. Probbaly something that all defender owners have done ONCE. It hasn't caught me out again!
Would I buy another. for Sure! In fact the wife wants one now after reading the posting on 10 sexiest cars!

Did I mention I know where one is for sale?
AULRO Classifieds - Message - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

Hmm message on its way by email I suspect.

Originally Posted by VladTepes

What rick says is right - I'm tall (in the upper body is where it is it would seem) and next time I break the windscreen im gonna get one w/out the blue tinted band - so I can see through it better.
I don;t think LIFTING the seats any higher would do me any good.
As far as seeing sky out of the side windows - forget it.

Would I buiy another Defender ?

You betcha !!

x2

Cheers
Simon

I had all the same concerns before I bought one. Now I cant imagine having anything else. The comfort is amazing, the noise isnt THAT bad.

As for the abilities of a purpose build 4wd.... It does everything really well

Im 6'5, I installed the MUD Rails.

Get one...