 | Home > Puma (Tdci) > Hi there . first post. Thoughts on new Defender as main car |
 
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6300   
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just a thought re the boot cover. I used to check a dirty old dust sheet over everything in a previous vehicle which hid everything and to my eyes it just looked like it was chucked over the boot area and not hiding anything?
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14th Sep 2013 9:37pm |
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| lukev01 Member Since: 24 Mar 2012 Location: Bedfordshire Posts: 412 
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To add to Caterham's point, I have ordered a MudStuff cargo net that will clip to the rings in the back of the 110. A waterproof sheet/tarp underneath that would hide anything and would not look out of place. 1970 Series 2A 88"
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14th Sep 2013 9:44pm |
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| Skye_Rover Member Since: 29 Aug 2013 Location: Skye Posts: 85  
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I have had my Defender as my main car since 2004. Since then, a succession of Disco3's as company cars kept the towing tolerable, but every time I brought one up to Scotland, I spent all my time worrying about the bodywork. I think that the Defender is a rare beast in that it appreciates in value with every dent! I have used my 110 CSW to tow at max train weight from Midlands to Scotland several times, and there is no way it can compete with a D3 for sheer authority over whatever it is towing, but it does the job. Sometimes a couple of times a week.
If you can live with the poor legroom, and find a comfy compromise for the position of the seat with just the right thigh support, then you can cover enormous distances in a Defender. I regular traveled 590miles with only a few stops, and at no time did I ever think, "I cannot do this any more". The Puma seats are a big improvement over the previous seats, but even my 300Tdi is comfortable enough. So London to Scotland (perhaps without a trailer) is a breeze. The "grin factor" will tend to get you through the low-points of the journey, and once you have settled-down with the driving style (arm out of window, 60mph wind at -5celcius whistling past your elbow) then you find the vehicle will get you through anything, even tiredness!! There's a fantastic feeling of superiority (even over a RangeRover) when you pull into a stop with the Defender, surrounded by mediocre Euro-boxes at wheel height. Especially as it starts to snow, halfway into a journey. Security is a big problem, especially in London, so don't underestimate that side of things. The flip-side is that the lack of complexity means that it is a rare thing not to get from A-to-B in Defender, even over long distances. Stress levels are generally lower behind the wheel of a Defender, and the roads will never seem busy again (it's all behind you.....) If you really want to appreciate the "luxury" of a Defender main vehicle, try driving a Series LWB as a main vehicle (even with parabolics) for 15years.  I went on honeymoon in my 2.25 Diesel, and barely made it over the border before midnight (48mph cruising speed). But I remember that journey, and that's how it is when you have a Defender! Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads. |
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14th Sep 2013 9:48pm |
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| bm52 Member Since: 04 Apr 2010 Location: Kent Posts: 2189  
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@sky rover - have you tried Mud Rails?
I am 6'2" and get really comfortable on a long run. BM52 |
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14th Sep 2013 10:04pm |
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| Skye_Rover Member Since: 29 Aug 2013 Location: Skye Posts: 85
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I've thought about these, but since I have "Italian styling" (short legs, long arms), then the Defender is not a bad fit with the seat at its rearmost setting. The Puma seats in the pick-up are the only problem I have had of recent, and that's just down to having nowhere to go with the backrest!! Having got rid of the bulkhead across the majority of Defender, LR made a major leap forward with comfort.
I have thought long and hard about a better cushion configuration, purely because I can find on some journeys (if I start out with the seat slightly out of adjustment - wife) that my circulation gets cut from the backs of my legs. The latest Puma seats, irrespective of material, are a great leap forward for cushion, and the only thing I would change is the rake angle on these for different drivers. I take a truck-like attitude to driving these days; simple cab, expensive seat with lots of adjustments, probably moved once per driver! My old recovery truck is just as much fun as the Defender on long trips South, and that is only because I can get the seat comfortable, and leave it there. I would always suggest (just like the "old school" car mags) that it's worth hiring a car for a long journey, before buying one, if long journeys are what you intend to do. Nobody is the same, and if a car isn't going to fit you, then you either have to compromise, or modify it to suit. I've fallen out of my Defender, crippled at Tebay services in the morning with cramp and the like, had a break, pushed the seat forward a notch, and driven another 400miles without problems. I reckon that you just have to experiment. Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads. |
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14th Sep 2013 11:31pm |
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| Robby Member Since: 14 Sep 2013 Location: London Posts: 2
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Wow, so much fantastic input, guys. Really appreciate the time you've all put into thinking about this- thanks!
I guess I have some serious thinking to do really. While I do love the Defender and thoroughly enjoyed it for the few days I had one, I also really appreciate the comfort and convenience of the RR (Not RRS by the way!). When I do go on trips to the mountains (once a month or so) I tend to leave London at 3am, when no one else is on the roads, and cruise on the motorway at 85-90. I get there in no time and feel really fresh. This would probably be the biggest compromise. Security issues would be a bit of a concern, but thanks for the many good ideas and suggestions. I guess it all comes down to what a car represents to a person, really. If it's just functional transport, then the RR wins hands down. But, as many of you say, no one shouts"Range Rover" when the see one, but my kids also shout "Defender" each time they see one! Perhaps the best idea is to buy one while keeping the RR and just seeing how it goes. Run both for a while and see which way the driving takes me. Gulp! A bloody expensive way to go, but at least I'll be clear .. and I'd hate to make a mistake and have lost loads having to buy-back an equivalent RR. |
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15th Sep 2013 5:41am |
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| sweatysock Member Since: 17 Jul 2011 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 283 
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I had and still have this debate on a regular basis. I too have elected for the 2 car approach albeit an x5 and a TD5. I must admit the comfort of the x5 is nice to have when I feel "soft" or just not in the mood for driving but overall I am in my defender 8 times out of 10
 Sweatysock
------------- 110 CSW TDCI (Puma) 2007 |
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15th Sep 2013 6:25am |
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| Happyoldgit Member Since: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3471 
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a13x I'm not disputing your opinions of the Defender, RR & Disco which in part I agree with but your original statement
dismisses the views of keen Defender owners by suggesting that they have no experience of other models when in all likelihood you don't know what they have driven or owned in the past  Steve.
Owned numerous Land Rover vehicles of all shapes and sizes over the decades. Current Defender: A non tarts hand-bagged Puma 110 XS USW. [Insert something impressive here such as extensive list of previous Land Rovers or examples of your prestigeous and expensive items, trinkets, houses, bikes, vehicles etc] http://forums.lr4x4.com I used to be Miserable ...but now I'm ecstatic. |
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15th Sep 2013 9:43am |
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| tookaphotoof Member Since: 18 Mar 2013 Location: dordrecht Posts: 1279  
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Wouldn't care a single bit what my kids (hmm, I only have one I think...) shout, only what I shout when a Defender drives by. 
I also think the security issue is a bit exaggerated. First of all, I can't imagine a car thief would follow every Defender driver into the woods, to be able to steal there car when they get out. Also, if they really want to make fast money, They'd be better off stealing the Range Rovers and Disco's. Lot's of profitable stuff like satnav, airbags, etc... A big plus is they won't even have to leave the city centre to get those cars. For every Defender they steal, probably 1.000 VW Transporters get stolen. Just make sure you have it insured. |
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15th Sep 2013 9:47am |
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| K9F Member Since: 12 Nov 2009 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 9610 
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Defender ownership is a 'way of life warts 'n' all' I have had Land Rovers for a paltry 18 years in comparison to others. All of my predecessors were more comfortable for daily driving being Discoveries, nevertheless after five years of Defender ownership this is the first vehicle I have ever owned that the novelty and excitement of driving it has never waned and every trip is an adventure.
Try it or hire one for a week or two or commit and buy one! If you don't like it knock it on and get your money back......  If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!
Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!! |
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15th Sep 2013 9:51am |
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| Supacat Member Since: 16 Oct 2012 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 11018 
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Agree, but it only has to happen once to ruin your day 
Neither of which are as easy to get into as a Defender. The only thing remotely linked to Defender-like security levels was the original spare wheel holders on the RRS  but even LR responded with a mod to help resolve this - but it did take them several years. |
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15th Sep 2013 11:06am |
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| a13x Member Since: 25 Sep 2011 Location: Burton on Trent Posts: 553
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Wait a month or two when temperatures drop to freezing overnight and then have a defender for a few days. Either laugh or get angry when you can't open the door as the doors are locked frozen, screen is frozen on the inside and then think about pressing the park heat fob on the RR while you are getting ready and sitting in a nice warm car when you finally head out.
Or when you have to sit at 60 on the motorway in order to not have deafness when finally reaching your destination. Then think how effortlessly the RR glides at 80 with virtually no road noise together with a great entertainment system. If you are a hard core Defebder fan then these issues are all part of the ownership experience. For me despite the above I would still rather have the Defender as on the flip side the RR creates a few issues. Is wide, can attract unwanted negative attention. Can also be the fear of repair and you know with a RR it probably will be costly. It's a difficult choice as the RR is for me, the best all round car available, despite that I would have the Defender. Maybe my mind is clouded with the thought of extras I have added and know I won't get back if ever sold though. |
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15th Sep 2013 12:43pm |
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| 22900013A Member Since: 23 Dec 2010 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 3150 
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I have never been frozen out of my Defender, and the heated screen clears the windscreen in seconds. I have also never had it have any affect whatsoever on my hearing. Yes they are a little noisier than a car, but only very slightly. The nosiest thing on mine is the howl of the mud tyres. They really are much more civilised that some folks give them credit for. 2011 110 USW
1973 Series III 1-Ton 1972 Series III 1-Ton Cherrypicker 1969 IIA 1-Ton 1966 IIA 88" |
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15th Sep 2013 3:42pm |
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| ericvv Member Since: 02 Jun 2011 Location: Near the Jet d'Eau Posts: 5816  
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If you do the right thing and treat your door rubbers with silicone spray prior to winter, the doors should not freeze up. The very only thing that has ever frozen on mine is the fuel cap lock. Simple solution is not to lock it with the key when it is colder than -5°C
You never actually own a Defender. You merely look after it for the next generation.
http://youtu.be/yVRlSsJwD0o https://youtu.be/vmPr3oTHndg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GtzTT9Pdl0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABqKPz28e6A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLZ49Jce_n0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvAsz_ilQYU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8tMHiX9lSw https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dxwjPuHIV7I https://vimeo.com/201482507 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSixqL0iyHw |
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15th Sep 2013 3:52pm |
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