Defender On Road Manners
Discussion
Defenders are not 'Euroboxes' but are great to drive on the road if you don't expect sports car manners or performance.
Iused to have a TD5 110 which with a GKN overdrive was great for motorway cruising - the 07 Tdci model has a 6 speed box as standard and is limited to approx 84 mph although this can be 'driven through'. 95 mph isn't advisable in something that shape anyhow
The longer wheelbase of the 110 will give you a better on road ride than the 90.
Iused to have a TD5 110 which with a GKN overdrive was great for motorway cruising - the 07 Tdci model has a 6 speed box as standard and is limited to approx 84 mph although this can be 'driven through'. 95 mph isn't advisable in something that shape anyhow
The longer wheelbase of the 110 will give you a better on road ride than the 90.
Why not break from the norm a get a td4 freelander commercial, I have a 5dr td4 sport which is fantastic on road (it handles as well as most cars but still feels like a landy) and will suprise most people with its off road abilities. :O)
AND if you are stretching to a new car take a look at the Freelander 2, I drove one at Rockingham castle on and off road loving every minute.
Monkey Man Out
AND if you are stretching to a new car take a look at the Freelander 2, I drove one at Rockingham castle on and off road loving every minute.
Monkey Man Out
My experience of Defenders is they are not good buddies for long trips .... fair enough if you like the whole Landy thing / image, horses for courses .... but a Defender would have you crippled as Podie says if you are accustomed to modern cars. As a tow car they are great, but if lots of motorway munching is required plus the VAT / tax benefits of a commercial then look elsewhere.
My last drive of a Defender was in 2001, in my bro's 99 reg 90 TD5 hardtop. I drove it 150 miles in one day, and by the end found myself:
1) Deaf
2) Having a bad back
3) A left leg like Tom Platz
4) A sore right elbow from it bashing the door
5) Realising they don't do corners very well
Am sure they are great for a farmer or the like of course.
The Mitsubishi Shogun commercials are very good, the LWB especially has loads of room, plus can be had with all the toys, plus auto box, and would return good mpg. Much the same as the Disco comms I imagine, though having driven a new Disco last summer, it didn't have the same quality feel as the Jap chariot.
If 4WD is not required, then look at the Merc range of vans, very civilised, and the new 204 hp diesel auto is like a racing car. Can get bumper spec in these also.
Am sure I might get flamed for dissing the Defender, but just my opinion.
Cheers
Martyn.
My last drive of a Defender was in 2001, in my bro's 99 reg 90 TD5 hardtop. I drove it 150 miles in one day, and by the end found myself:
1) Deaf
2) Having a bad back
3) A left leg like Tom Platz
4) A sore right elbow from it bashing the door
5) Realising they don't do corners very well
Am sure they are great for a farmer or the like of course.
The Mitsubishi Shogun commercials are very good, the LWB especially has loads of room, plus can be had with all the toys, plus auto box, and would return good mpg. Much the same as the Disco comms I imagine, though having driven a new Disco last summer, it didn't have the same quality feel as the Jap chariot.
If 4WD is not required, then look at the Merc range of vans, very civilised, and the new 204 hp diesel auto is like a racing car. Can get bumper spec in these also.
Am sure I might get flamed for dissing the Defender, but just my opinion.
Cheers
Martyn.
I would say that the on road manners of a Defender are pretty good really.
The handling is suprisingly good (on 90's at least) and they can be drifted on the brakes which is always fun! The ride on the 110 is good (better than the 90).
Sure they are a bit cramped for elbow room, but I have done massive trips with the only stops being for fuel and have no complaints.
pete
The handling is suprisingly good (on 90's at least) and they can be drifted on the brakes which is always fun! The ride on the 110 is good (better than the 90).
Sure they are a bit cramped for elbow room, but I have done massive trips with the only stops being for fuel and have no complaints.
pete
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