Advice: Defender 90 - TD5 vs. Puma vs. Petrol

[tiptoptoby]

Hi all,

I am looking for a Defender 90 XS. It will be used between country (35%), motorway (30%) and around town (35%). Requirements are that it must be manual and have six seats. The last LR I had was an S2 4 cylinder manual which was a fantastic work horse and I am looking to return to LR.

I am still pretty early on in my research and have not driven the different models yet but any help on the following questions would be great to focus my search:

1) I have heard of companies offering a 6 seat conversion for the new 08MY Defender - does anyone have any good / bad experience or recommended companies (I am located near London end of M4) for this?

2) Are the various petrol conversions available (Overfinch, TVR, specials) reliable / better on the motorway?

3) Is the TD5 'too' noisy on the motorway (e.g. can you listen the radio easily)

4) The new model year has apparently lost the traditional vent flaps below the front wind screen, is that this correct?

5) Are the front seats in the new MY different / more comfortable?

Any help / views would be really appreciated.

Cheers

Toby

[tiptoptoby]

Thank you everyone for the advice. Am off to my local independent next weekend! If only the Puma had ram air it would make my choice much easier.
Cheers
Toby

Edited by tiptoptoby on Sunday 28th September 12:15