Defender as a long distance car
Discussion
This summer we were on holiday in the Lake District. I noticed a few 110 Defenders that were from faraway lands - London, Cornwall, Orkneys etc being used as the family bus and packed for holiday.
Can you use one as a long distance tourer? Is the engine/drivetrain/wind noise bearable? Is the ride comfortable?
Can you use one as a long distance tourer? Is the engine/drivetrain/wind noise bearable? Is the ride comfortable?
The answer is yes, no or maybe. It all depends on your own perspective tbh.
But lets face it, many people are happy to tour on a motorbike, in a Caterham or a Lotus Elise. And on no rational level are any of those really more refined and comfy than a Defender.
Personally I find Defenders very comfortable to drive and have a very good driving position for me. 200-250 mile stints have been no bother.
On the flip side, there are some people who can't manage more than 50 miles without a Stately home on wheels and 4 comfort breaks.
BTW - I know of people who have driven Defenders to Tunisia and Morocco and back from the UK and have not has issues with comfort or refinement.
But lets face it, many people are happy to tour on a motorbike, in a Caterham or a Lotus Elise. And on no rational level are any of those really more refined and comfy than a Defender.
Personally I find Defenders very comfortable to drive and have a very good driving position for me. 200-250 mile stints have been no bother.
On the flip side, there are some people who can't manage more than 50 miles without a Stately home on wheels and 4 comfort breaks.
BTW - I know of people who have driven Defenders to Tunisia and Morocco and back from the UK and have not has issues with comfort or refinement.
Longest I've driven one was about 160 miles and 3 hours on the way to the Goodwood Revival this year (new 2.2 110 DCPU XS). Cruised at the speed limiter without issue where possible, pretty stable and didn't rev its nuts off. Wind noise was high, but it isn't wearing (IMO). Was also easy to drive in heavy traffic, clutch isn't too bad, and gear ratios aren't ludicrously spaced. Loved it, was far more pleasant than my old Ninety on a short trip.
I'm 5ft 6", driving position is no issue for me.
I'm 5ft 6", driving position is no issue for me.
Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be hunting for the perfect Defender. 
We mainly holiday long distance in the UK because I fly a lot for work and can't be 'arrised to fly for pleasure. The Vikingettes travelled in a Defender in Cornwall on holiday and loved it and wished we had one. We're quite happy to travel in whatever car is most suitable for the journey be that the 520d, the Mazda5 or our 1.4 Corsa - in fact we've done quite a few thousand mile holidays in the Corsa.
We mainly holiday long distance in the UK because I fly a lot for work and can't be 'arrised to fly for pleasure. The Vikingettes travelled in a Defender in Cornwall on holiday and loved it and wished we had one. We're quite happy to travel in whatever car is most suitable for the journey be that the 520d, the Mazda5 or our 1.4 Corsa - in fact we've done quite a few thousand mile holidays in the Corsa.
My Puma Defender 110 2.4 is quite civilised on the motorway If I don't mind mixing it with the Artics. It will go faster but it seems a bit unsympathetic to drive train at the average m-way cruising speeds. I would say that MT tyres do not make good company on long road drives and mine was transformed when I fitted a set of Conti ATs to replace the MTs that were on it.
whoami said:
camel_landy said:
vikingaero said:
Thanks for the input. Looks like I'll be hunting for the perfect Defender.
Before you do, take one for a test drive...M
I drove to Disneland Paris a couple of Christmases ago when the weather was bad in my 90.It was just under 600 miles each way and we only stopped for fuel and the tunnel crossing.Had my 5 year old daughter in the back packed in along with all the luggage and she loved it.She can moan a bit on long journeys sometimes.The defender took the journey in its stride and I really enjoyed the drive.
With the army I have driven from the south coast to faslane in Scotland, only stopping for fuel and regulation breaks, and the military land rovers are a lot less refined then civvie ones(this was a pre wolf soft top one ten for those who are interested)
I do own my own 200tdi defender 110 station wagon, and I have had several land rovers over the years, I have also driven pretty much all of the various models produced by land rover as well.
The modern defenders are a million times better as a refined family wagon than the earlier ones, anything with the puma 2.4 or 2.2 engine has better sound proofing, better seats, a heater system that works including the ability the blow hot or cold air in almost any direction you want!
Adam
I do own my own 200tdi defender 110 station wagon, and I have had several land rovers over the years, I have also driven pretty much all of the various models produced by land rover as well.
The modern defenders are a million times better as a refined family wagon than the earlier ones, anything with the puma 2.4 or 2.2 engine has better sound proofing, better seats, a heater system that works including the ability the blow hot or cold air in almost any direction you want!
Adam
camel_landy said:
Crossflow Kid said:
Have you considered a Discovery? It's a Defender underneath after all. Allegedly.
M
Now I've come round to the group way of thinking that anything from Solihull is a Defender underneath and you're still not happy. Honestly, some people.
Crossflow Kid said:
camel_landy said:
Crossflow Kid said:
Have you considered a Discovery? It's a Defender underneath after all. Allegedly.
M
Now I've come round to the group way of thinking that anything from Solihull is a Defender underneath and you're still not happy. Honestly, some people.
They are indeed different vehicles, but the fact that they not only share very similar abilities, but also share a large percentage of components and basic design seems to escape you time and time again.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Wednesday 23 October 09:44
I had a 90 XS Defender for a while.
Apart from problems with the RGE valve, which was finally replaced after 4 dealer visits, it was a great way to travel.
A bit noisy, bouncy and lacking in the usual things that you'd find in a car, I did a couple of 600 mile round trips to Scotland and also a couple to Market Rasen from Cheshire.
Depending upon the size of your passengers, the headroom for the rear seats is limited.
It may be a bit slow on acceleration but I loved it and really missed it. Sadly, my wife and kids didn't.
As already said by others, take a decent test drive in one, accompanied by your family. You'll soon know if it's for you.
Apart from problems with the RGE valve, which was finally replaced after 4 dealer visits, it was a great way to travel.
A bit noisy, bouncy and lacking in the usual things that you'd find in a car, I did a couple of 600 mile round trips to Scotland and also a couple to Market Rasen from Cheshire.
Depending upon the size of your passengers, the headroom for the rear seats is limited.
It may be a bit slow on acceleration but I loved it and really missed it. Sadly, my wife and kids didn't.
As already said by others, take a decent test drive in one, accompanied by your family. You'll soon know if it's for you.
300bhp/ton said:
They are indeed different vehicles
Quoted, for future reference Anyway, I'm not ignorant to the difference but I do at least as knowledge they're there and appreciate how they do make the vehicles different, instead of just doggedly telling myself (and everyone else) "It's like a Defender, it's sort of the same......it's 75% the same.....f*** it, let's just call it the same, easier that way".
You focus on what makes them the same if you like, and leave me to concentrate on what makes them different, and that way everyone can be happy (unless they bought a Freelander)
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 23 October 10:01
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 23 October 10:01
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