Defender tdi and a baby

[MJA]

Hi all.

Thinking of getting myself a defender soon. And I’m after a 300tdi. At the moment I’ve got an 07 dual cab hilux. Which is comfortable, but boring. We did a lap of oz in a 94 troopy and love the character of older trucks.

However we have a 1 month old baby girl. How practical are these older defenders with younger children and babies. I know the air con is pretty useless, and worry about her cooking in the back on summer trips. We plan to use it for weekends away and extended touring trips. Am I just being precious? Or is it a legit concern? Any thoughts appreciated

[Tombie]

We raised 2 boys with a TD5 Defender. Not a problem they loved it..

You can always improve the AC

[weeds]

We toured with three kids and no air-con in a 300tdi....youngest at the time was 18 months

[Reads90]

Not a problem with a kids

This is my eldest at a few months and now him at 9 in the same car

They love the 110 and 90





The boys both love the 110 and have both grown up with the car as we got it when the eldest was 3 weeks old.

[4wheeler]

I know I am going to crash and burn posting this and it is my opinion only and I await all the opinions to the contrary. I am unsure though if people are aware of how poor the safety is in a Defender.

I don't have children and the only reason I have a Defender (apart from the fact that I like them) is the fact I am prepared to take the risk driving the thing. If I had children of any age, I would not put them in a Defender. The only concession to safety is ABS in later models and a 300 TDI won't even have that.

If you have a major side impact or roll over it will be good luck which saves you and nothing else. I won't even take any of my brother's children in it. It is a bolt together car with no structural integrity. You are sitting physically against the door and B pillar. The chassis rail is 30cm inboard of the doors with no side intrusion beams and door locks which I could pop open with a screw driver.

As I said, my opinion only, but give me safety over boring when children are involved anytime.

[weeds]

I don't have children .

Love it when people without kids give advice on parenting.

[rar110]

It’s true compared to other 4WDs on the road, it’s best safety feature is power and speed limitations. Side impact - not much protection. Front impact - other car crushing.

[Reads90]

I had a Toyota T Bone my 110 when both my kids were in it and no damage to the car or kids. In fact the wife was happy she was in the 110.
The Toyota however was a right off.

[manic]

If you want safety dont put your kids in a car, full stop. Because a FULL STOP in any car will kill them.

Air bags and ancap ratings give a good sense of security but even if you go further and wear a four point harnesses, a neck brace and a helmet, there is a point where deceleration WILL kill! At 110kph that level of deceleration is easily achieved.

Be safe and dont drive.... or drive safe, and good luck!

[synthium]

Iv had my 300tdi 130 for about 5 years now. I have a 3yo and a 15month old. Upgradinginh the aircon was a must - we currently live in Alice Springs. Specially in the baby seats the kids get hot. They do like the noise and the height.