Defender 110 (I swore I would never do this pt2)
Discussion
Carrying on from here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I didn't actually go out with the intent to buy a Defender, I was quite keen on a Discovery that they had in the showroom, (but apparently you can't buy a new car - even if it's right in front of you!) or a V8 RR. (In the flesh the V8 was a bit....ugly)
Anyway...
It's a D250 on a '21 reg, (Mrs Brett having her plate on there soon) and will be performing daily duties for her, I'll be stealing it when I need to tow the engines around.
Spec is quite good, it has the adventure pack plus a few other bits - will be getting it detailed and ceramic coated in the next couple of weeks. (Shout out to the "valeters" at LR who basically threw a bucket of silicone detailer at it and walked away!
)
Whilst it's not quite as comfy as the Range Rover, it is perfectly pleasant on the inside - I think I prefer the driving position and the darker cabin. It feels bigger than the RR, but drives much better.
As it stands I can't think of any negatives so far.
I didn't actually go out with the intent to buy a Defender, I was quite keen on a Discovery that they had in the showroom, (but apparently you can't buy a new car - even if it's right in front of you!) or a V8 RR. (In the flesh the V8 was a bit....ugly)
Anyway...
It's a D250 on a '21 reg, (Mrs Brett having her plate on there soon) and will be performing daily duties for her, I'll be stealing it when I need to tow the engines around.
Spec is quite good, it has the adventure pack plus a few other bits - will be getting it detailed and ceramic coated in the next couple of weeks. (Shout out to the "valeters" at LR who basically threw a bucket of silicone detailer at it and walked away!
)Whilst it's not quite as comfy as the Range Rover, it is perfectly pleasant on the inside - I think I prefer the driving position and the darker cabin. It feels bigger than the RR, but drives much better.
As it stands I can't think of any negatives so far.
The ladder seems to be more in the way than the box TBH.
When you open up the box it has a retainer/divider similar to on the rear of the front seats - I have no idea what you would possibly keep in there! (I'm thinking maybe jump leads or a tow rope?)
The roof rack makes a bit of wind noise, and you get quite a lot of induction noise from the raised intake as well.
When you open up the box it has a retainer/divider similar to on the rear of the front seats - I have no idea what you would possibly keep in there! (I'm thinking maybe jump leads or a tow rope?)
The roof rack makes a bit of wind noise, and you get quite a lot of induction noise from the raised intake as well.
First issue has arisen! 
During it's PDI the hawkeyed LR bod failed to spot the spare is held on with the factory locking nuts, not the ones that match the car.
Detailer found this out just now, bit of a pain as it means he can't do the spare wheel/boot properly.
Will be sorted at the dealer as a warranty issue, but better to find out this way rather than when I actually needed the wheel!
Might have to check the OSH to see if it says who PDI'd it, then I can send him/her/they a thank you card!
During it's PDI the hawkeyed LR bod failed to spot the spare is held on with the factory locking nuts, not the ones that match the car.
Detailer found this out just now, bit of a pain as it means he can't do the spare wheel/boot properly.
Will be sorted at the dealer as a warranty issue, but better to find out this way rather than when I actually needed the wheel!
Might have to check the OSH to see if it says who PDI'd it, then I can send him/her/they a thank you card!
Little update:
So far it's handled everything that could possibly be thrown at it with aplomb... be it flooded lanes, sheet ice or 5 hour motorway trip.
The headlights are brilliant, it's reasonable on fuel, it has more than enough grunt for this type of vehicle and the ICE works well and is unobstrusive and intuitive.
Based on this I will come out and say it: I Like It.
Post detailing and ceramic coating pics from SW Autoworx:
...and one from the Haynes Breakfast Club Landrover paddock, and Upton Bridge Farm cars and coffee after.
So far it's handled everything that could possibly be thrown at it with aplomb... be it flooded lanes, sheet ice or 5 hour motorway trip.
The headlights are brilliant, it's reasonable on fuel, it has more than enough grunt for this type of vehicle and the ICE works well and is unobstrusive and intuitive.
Based on this I will come out and say it: I Like It.
Post detailing and ceramic coating pics from SW Autoworx:
...and one from the Haynes Breakfast Club Landrover paddock, and Upton Bridge Farm cars and coffee after.
Very nice OP. Interesting to read some real world experiences on one. Harry’s Farm was quite a
good watch on his experience with the 90 version too.
I didn’t realise the Land Cruiser sold in the UK (Prado to the rest of the world) was only rated to tow 3000kg, it gives the Defender a bit of an edge for customers with your requirements.
LR main dealer aftercare is poor in my experience to, they are great at selling but aren’t so helpful when things go wrong, better off with a good specialist if you can.
good watch on his experience with the 90 version too.
I didn’t realise the Land Cruiser sold in the UK (Prado to the rest of the world) was only rated to tow 3000kg, it gives the Defender a bit of an edge for customers with your requirements.
LR main dealer aftercare is poor in my experience to, they are great at selling but aren’t so helpful when things go wrong, better off with a good specialist if you can.
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