Hmmm Should I or shouldnt I???

[gatesy]

I went for a nice trip up the vic high country over the easter weekend, and thought this would be a nice time to propose to my partner :-) (She was silly enough to say yes)

This got me thinking, I currently have a Defender 130 '03. I am starting to think this might not be the best ute for a future young family.... The only other Dual cab ute I like is the STR Navara, which I can buy brand new fow $31,000 on the road. I love my 130, I am not sure if the STR (D22) could fill the void... My other half knows I love the fender, and loves going away in it, but we also both like the str. Any ideas?

[ade]

I reckon the 130 would be fine for a family, plenty of room etc, why do you possibly think otherwise?
what about the 110 double cab, much more capable than the navara

[Hoges]

Depends when you plan to start your family! Does the 130 have appropriate fittings for a baby capsule... do you allow your fiancée to drive the 130? Will she have to rely on it for getting around once you have a bub or does she have her own vehicle for doing the shopping centre routine etc while you are hard at it huntin' and gatherin'

From a purely practical point of view: There's a lot of running around with a baby... unless you live in a country town with ample parking a 130 could be a bit of a handful if that's her only mode of transport... constantly reaching in and out of a high 4WD to strap in - remove a baby capsule can be physically demanding ...especially in the rain!!

[ade]

constantly reaching in and out of a high 4WD to strap in - remove a baby capsule can be physically demanding ...especially in the rain!![/QUOTE]

I reckon its alot harder bending over to do the same in a normal car, thtas a reason I went for the disco when my girls where at the baby stage, was breaking my back getting them in and out of the 1990 four door saab 900 I had back then

[gatesy]

The 130 is my daily drive She drives a little pulsar, which we would most likely replace with a new little car. She does enjoy driving the fender, and I have a good laugh watching her park it

It is more the safety, and comforts in the 130, or the lack of. For me it is great, but when it rains, I wouldnt want any future babies having to wear a rain coat in the ute I gave up trying to water proof it before I even started. The anchor points is the main issue, while I know you can do it (I have read it in here) not sure that I should.

Its something I would have to think long and hard about, the defender was my dream car, and I am not sure how capable the str would be on the boys weekends.

I guess even a 110 wagon could be an option, but love the ute so I dont have to use a trailer.

[gatesy]

The fender has been my pride and joy for nearly 4 years, so I know the limits on its town use lol! Most of the car spots it doesnt even fit in around here.

[Judo]

Congrats on the engagement!

[newlandyowner]

I'm in the same boat.

Got a 2000 D2 which is starting to get on abit now. The minister of finance (Mrs) has given the all clear to get 110 end of this financial year, which I've always wanted.

The Disco will/could last until the new Defender is released, but by then I'm sure I would have given in to my lust for a 110.
Plus, who knows what the new Defender will look like.

So its do I follow my brain or heart??? Tough decision.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

...Its something I would have to think long and hard about, the defender was my dream car, and I am not sure how capable the str would be on the boys weekends.
...

Firstly congratulations on the engagement...

Secondly, I know a few people who use Navara's as cars and they like them alot. I have also seen a few trying to be used off-road. They have far too much overhang to be any real use (if comparing to a Defender).

On a recent trip to the lost city I watched a Navara bounce front & rear bumpers on each and every rock step, it caught the sills on a few too. The Defender never came close to catching anything.

If it were me I wouldnt even consider one for playing in. If the 130 is too big and you have concerns with the mounting points, what about a 110 or D2 / D3? The disco certainly has offroad capability if you loose the standard front and rear bumper and much more daily comfort than a fender.

J

[PAT303]

Stay away from Navara's and Nissan in general.I know too many people who have had to many issue's and regret ever buying them.They are not a good ute and Nissan are not a good company. Pat