Thread: Defender Pros & Cons

You don't like the look of 'em! Get your eyes checked Brother.

OK similar to my Freelander reply (which was well received - not)

Pros

They are the "real" Land Rover
They are tough
Very capable
You can put them back together with a pop rivett gun & hammer
Practical, roomy (for short drivers) I didnt say comfortable
Not overly "electronic" (depending on age)
Open front door - hose out rear
Sleep in it
Repair lights with trailer spares!!
Reasonably priced. Hold their value well


Cons

They're not Japanese

I cannot think of any cons to owning a Defender apart from the fact I don't own one yet

Defender Faults, what faults. Mirrors that vibrate at 100kph that make changing lanes on the freeway a challange. Wet feet are a way of life in winter with the heater running all summer just to try and dry it out, wiper that are so small in a good down pour its hard to see, more noise from the ventilation fan than the radio and build quality that makes a home mechanic cry.

Would l drive anything else, never happen. The sons of nippon don't know what their missing out on. They can only dream about buying a vehicle of the show room floor that preforms as well as the Defender.

Hmmm,is the question "should I replace my pajero with a defender?".Do I really have to answer that one?

"Function" over form - in every respect. I've had most other 4WD's on the market over the past 25 years, and none perform as well off-road - and as easily as the Defender.


It's just that I actually happen to love the "form" too.

Originally Posted by amshaw

I have found out that some find them :
windy,
wet,
uncomfe seats,
things are not in a good place ie window winders, heater controls etc,
only manual etc.

Gday Amshaw!

I'm 6' 1" in all directions and find the Defender very comfortable to drive.

OK I have replaced the front seats, but this was more to do with:
a) I wanted too 'cause I could.
b) Wife wanted to be warmer so I got them with seat heaters
c) My fat **** broke the foam on my seat

However, for long distance running I always hop out feeling fine. yes a little vague in the hearing for a while (I'm working on that right now) but otherwise its a great long distance runner.

Wet feet is easy to fix, there are several solutions... Some bother, some dont.... I have done some but not all fixes, and have only 1 thing to do to stop the water now and she's done.

Heater and Cooling controls are an aquired taste! However on a nice day nothing beats having the front vents open

Hose out interior is a huge bonus! Offroad I clamber in and out with no regard for wiping my feet, nor mud nor water crossings

Manual isnt that bad too live with (maybe if you live in Syd/Melb it may be) but the manual is liveable and I think very versatile. Having had an Auto Disco I much prefer the Manual box.

Will I ever sell it? No... Its a keeper... her name is Lara, she goes everywhere I want and has a charm and character you cant go past.

Cheers
Tombraider

i cannot think of any cons either

all the pro have been covered

There is one big con, they make to many accessories that fit them.