Options for a new Defender 90

[Earnshac]

I've decided to take the plunge and buy a new Defender 90, and am currently speccing it up. I wanted to tap the collective wisdom here about the options for a car that'll be used for countryside activities (shooting, horses etc), some light off-road and limited motorway driving. It'd not be the only car as we already have a Freelander 2.

I'm looking at an XS Station Wagon in either Indus Silver, Santorini Black or the new dark grey that's replaced Orkney Grey with:

- Boost alloys and Conti cross-contact tyres
- Standard tow bar and electrics
- Premium part leather seats with LR embossed headrest (the current brochure shows a picture of a Recaro front seat kit that looks great, but isn't on the price list. Not available in the UK?)
- Uprated audio system (with sub in the centre console etc)
- Rubber loadspace mat
- Side and wing top chequer plate kit (can't decide between paint matching or contrasting colour)

Would also appreciate any counsel in relation to discounts that others have been able to achieve from main dealers on an LR like this.

[anonymous-user]

In terms of upgrades and other stuff, I'd say use it a bit, then see what you need instead of trying to second guess what might be useful.
As for the blingy bits....knock yourself out. Only you know what you like

[C Lee Farquar]

Earnshac said:

- Side and wing top chequer plate kit (can't decide between paint matching or contrasting colour)

Unless you're planning to hop on the horse from the wing top I'd skip that one.

[HarryW]

Agree if you do one thing it would no checker plate...

[M3Charlie]

The new grey is Corris grey and looks very nice. If you choose the XS it comes with 1/2 leather but you can opt for the premium seat upgrade which is £1000 and offers a little more comfort but are expensive for what they are. however the Recaro seats are awesome and offer loads of support but expect to pay £2000 each from a dealer as They would be a dealer fit option and are very expensive.
I wouldn't bother with the stereo upgrade, total waste of time in my opinion. I have had 3new defenders in the last 6 months as cars from work with all the options you list and at present I have the standard seats and stereo and its no lesser of a car

Edited by M3Charlie on Monday 27th May 22:13

[Earnshac]

Appreciate the comments.

Get the feeling from comments here and elsewhere that the chequer plate is a vanity option as opposed to a practical one as the wings are strong enough to stand on without the reinforcement.

Whilst I love the Recaro seats, at £2.5k each (not the pair) dealer fitted, they've come off the wish list, and I'm just going or the part leather LR embossed.

The only thing that's been added is a tracker due to the disturbingly high 'disappearance' rate for a 90

Waiting for a call in the morning from my local LR dealer (who sold SWMBO both of her Freelander 2s) with the cost of either a Santorini black that they've got in the show room, or a Corris Grey that they've got coming in July.

[phib]

As someone with horses who spends loads of time either sat on the bonnet or roof of our defender ( great vantage point for watching polo) I would say chequer plate is extremely useful !

The front wings will dent / scratch up quickly if you don't have it. We have it on bonnet, wing tops, and top of bumper. Easy and cheap to replace once you've scratched it to hell ... Paint isn't !!

I have contrasting plate but would have matching next time much better looking

Are the standard seats heated ? If there not I would have them heated

We also have a front roll cage which is useful for attaching ponies too !!

Apart from that don't know if air con comes as standard these days but we have and it's great

You might also want an adjustable tow bar if your towing loads

Sorry not really up on standard spec of new ones ours is the 50th limited edition as we wanted petrol and auto but then we put in xs seats etc etc

Phib

Edited by phib on Tuesday 28th May 05:38

[HarryW]

OK if you have a real use for wing top checker plate, my comment was against the 99% that get specced for looks. for me it comes a close second to snorkels! when the wettest most get is damp grass when the car park is full....

[2.5pi]

I bought a showroom 90 hard top last year and thus had no say on options, got a modest discount 5% or so but had to take their showroom car, from memory it has tow pack, side steps, boost alloys and a smattering of chequer as it stood, I added rubber load mat and full height mesh bulkhead so the dogs weren't tempted to help with the driving.

I can honestly say the only thing I've missed is ABS as Ives had one full lock up moment when a taxi decided to do a u turn into my path.

Enjoy whatever you end up with