Harry's Garage review of his 90 Hardtop

**one_iota** · 17th January 2022, 02:05 PM

Defender 90 Hard Top real world review. Is the cheapest Defender the best one on sale today? - YouTube

**ramblingboy42** · 17th January 2022, 03:09 PM

I haven't officially enquired but I believe commercial hardtops are not available in Australia....which is probably the only model I would want.

**zilch** · 18th January 2022, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

I haven't officially enquired but I believe commercial hardtops are not available in Australia....which is probably the only model I would want.

the motoring press last year said it was going through certification for Oz, and LR said it would be released,
seems a bit late at the moment though

https://www.landrover.com.au/experie...-for-work.html

**Summiitt** · 22nd January 2022, 08:22 AM

Despite the Au website stating that you could order a hardtop, dealers cant, and have no word on when /if they would be available. Ive got a 90 SE coming next month but did try and change it to a hardtop prior to its build in December, but no one seems to have any idea on the hardtops..

**grey_ghost** · 22nd January 2022, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by Summiitt

Despite the Au website stating that you could order a hardtop, dealers cant, and have no word on when /if they would be available. Ive got a 90 SE coming next month but did try and change it to a hardtop prior to its build in December, but no one seems to have any idea on the hardtops..

Hi Summit, another 90 owner! What spec did you go with? I love mine but have only done 12,000km in it so far (delivered mid Sep 2021)..

**Summiitt** · 23rd January 2022, 05:47 AM

Originally Posted by grey_ghost

Hi Summit, another 90 owner! What spec did you go with? I love mine but have only done 12,000km in it so far (delivered mid Sep 2021)..

Hi Mate,
Tried to keep it a basic as possible its a D250,but mechanically added air suspension, rear locker and kept the steel wheels/offroad tyres.
Its Eiger grey, white roof and all dark(has some other name)interior, that pretty well it.

Ive priced up the snorkel, mudflaps through my local dealer, who have done me a better deal than where it was bought through, Im just waiting to see if anything else comes out for bullbars.

Im hoping to use this vehicle for some of our Forestry and National Parks work, and keep the km off my 130, until I can find a viable replacement for it- hence why I wanted a commercial..
Its been a long process, ordered it on Anzac Day last year!

**grey_ghost** · 23rd January 2022, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Summiitt

Hi Mate,
Tried to keep it a basic as possible its a D250,but mechanically added air suspension, rear locker and kept the steel wheels/offroad tyres.
Its Eiger grey, white roof and all dark(has some other name)interior, that pretty well it.

Ive priced up the snorkel, mudflaps through my local dealer, who have done me a better deal than where it was bought through, Im just waiting to see if anything else comes out for bullbars.

Im hoping to use this vehicle for some of our Forestry and National Parks work, and keep the km off my 130, until I can find a viable replacement for it- hence why I wanted a commercial..
Its been a long process, ordered it on Anzac Day last year!

It must be close? I ordered mine in march / got it mid September. You save on LCT by adding any dealer fitted options later. After delivery I added towbar tounge, classic (big) mudflaps and rubber matts.

Good luck - it can’t be long now?!?!

**Arapiles** · 23rd January 2022, 10:17 AM

That all looks very familiar ..... I was driving around that area not that long ago.

**Summiitt** · 25th January 2022, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by grey_ghost

It must be close? I ordered mine in march / got it mid September. You save on LCT by adding any dealer fitted options later. After delivery I added towbar tounge, classic (big) mudflaps and rubber matts.

Good luck - it can’t be long now?!?!

How do you find your 90? I only drove the 110 and loved it, but am guessing the performance on the 90 is pretty good..whats your spec??

**grey_ghost** · 26th January 2022, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by Summiitt

How do you find your 90? I only drove the 110 and loved it, but am guessing the performance on the 90 is pretty good..whats your spec??

P300, coils, towbar, digital dash, rear e-diff, black head liner, steel wheels, centre console, classic mudflaps, rubber floor matts, white cross beam.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the performance. To quote Homestar (who drove it) “Geez it goes like a cut cat”

I have only done 12,000km in it - a mix of city/country driving. I am getting between 10.5/11.5 L/100.

I have found the ride smooth on dirt roads and corrugated roads. I haven’t had any issue with “pitching” because of the short wheelbase. Afterall - the wheelbase on my 90 is LONGER that the wheelbase of my 101…. I think that it’s a mental perception - it’s “small” wheelbase..

For me the 90 looks much better in the flesh - people at work (non LR owners) frequently comment on the car.

I spend 90% of my time driving on my own and it’s perfect for me. The boot is small but I rarely have stuff with me. I never have passengers. I might have gone with a HT - I am not sure.

I find the ride very compliant - I don’t mind the coils at all. I too only drove a 110 (on air) and found it too big for my needs.

The front doors on a 90 feel massive - they are 20cm longer than a 110 (to allow easier access to the rear seats)

I simply love this vehicle - it does everything that I want from it.

I will be keen to hear your thoughts.

There are multiple FB groups - including a 90 only group.

There are multiple companies bringing out accessories (including one that replaces the plastic chequer plate on the bonnet with aluminium ones)

I haven’t investigated it further but there are a few overseas companies out there that unlock software features (terrain response 2, adaptive cruise control, etc). It’s my understanding that all of these are just configurable options ticked at the factory (which makes perfect sense).

Somebody even worked out how to enable the “007” welcome screen. Lol (not really my thing)

Good luck! Keep me updated.

Cheers,
GG

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