Feedback on this defender 110?

[sidekickdmr]

Hey guys,

Im in the process of trying to break into land rover ownership, and this one has caught my eye.

Puma engine, 6 Speed, Factory carpeted and sound deadened,

See here for pics and full spec:

http://www.wright-truck.co.uk/trucks/519/Landrover...

Im hoping to go see it at the weekend, any comments on it? Any areas I should be really checking? Any noises I should be listening out for?

Finally, Im 6'6 tall, I understand these can be a little tight, If it is too small i can always buy the extended rails, just wondering if i will able to drive it home/around in the meantime as a worst case scenario?

[tight fart]

Is that plus VAT?

[V40TC]

Drive one for a while before buying it
they are narrow, cramped and not comfortable.
see if you can get a demonstrator for a day or so
the novelty can wear off quickly.

[LaserTam]

I was dead set on getting a 110. Sat in one, couldn't fit (I am 6'2") - sales guy said about the extended rails, but I didnt want to take the chance that I still wouldnt fit.
The suggestion of driving one for a day is a good but have you even sat in one? Also mentioned, they are very narrow, didn't think I could live with one. So picked up a Disco 4 this week instead

[sidekickdmr]

tight fart said:

Is that plus VAT?

This is a private sale with no VAT


Re: the fit, im worried now, didnt even think about them being narrow, you would never have imagined that.

Ill see if I can get a drive in one asap and go from there

Thanks Guys

Edited by sidekickdmr on Friday 25th September 08:38

[SimesJH]

I''m 6ft 4" and fit in my 110 without any problems. I've owned mine for 10 years.

To be fair, mine is fitted with extended seat rails and a smaller steering wheel. This combination makes a world of difference to the driving position and leg / arm room.

I'm not a fan of the Puma. I find the 1st /2nd shift horrible as 1st is too low and 2nd too high to avoid 1st. The engine power delivery isn't terribly linear and the throttle response is terrible. This makes town / low speed driving frustrating. But they make good cruisers on the motorway with a nice amount of mid-range torque and the 6th gear.

The Puma heater is very good but the dash has lost a lot of character compared to the 'classic' (basic) Tdi and earlier look, which I prefer. It also robs the interior of knee room and makes the front feel cramped, or that's how it feels compared to my Tdi..

That said, I like the look of the one in your post. Good colour, nice wheels (my 300Tdi has the 16" versions with 285 section tyres) and the utility rear is great.

As with all Defenders, have a good look underneath for chassis rust.

Edited by SimesJH on Friday 25th September 15:36

Edited by SimesJH on Friday 25th September 15:37

[andyxxx]

I think that is a great colour combination.

I have had 3 Defenders over the last 20 years (2 x TD5s) There are people that argue the TD5 it is a better vehicle but in my opinion the Puma engine is a far more refined drive and far easier to live with as an everyday car. The interior of the Puma is less quirky but in my opinion moved the Defender forward so that it is only 20 years behind the times. Your height will not stop you enjoying the vehicle (though other things may – people love or hate them) as you can adapt it as mentioned above and if you do purchase it you will be able to drive it home before making the small changes.

If I were you I would certainly look at a few. Another great Forum with loads of friendly help is Defender.net

[2.5pi]

I find the defender remarkably comfortable on long trips but I'm only 6 2 but on the wide side as well, my window is always open though to give me infinite right arm room. For some reason being upright seems to work as a driving position for me and the constant shuffling of gears keeps numb bum syndrome at bay better than in an auto.

Puma engine seems to thrive on vpower diesel in my experience , really wouldn't want it any quicker but mine is a 90 and weighs a fair bit less. Certainly starting in second is fine on the level so the short first gear isn't an issue on road for me.

Enjoy the test drive.

[Murph7355]

sidekickdmr said:

...

Re: the fit, im worried now, didnt even think about them being narrow, you would never have imagined that.

Ill see if I can get a drive in one asap and go from there
...

If you've never driven one or even spent time in one being driven around you MUST listen to the advice above and try one.

I love the iconic nature of Defenders and desperately wanted to buy one for my daily commute. I'm 6'4", long of leg and anything up to 18.5st in my prime I test drove a Defender 110 and it was one of the most hideous experiences of my driving life! (This from someone who squeezes into an S3 Caterham 7 for reference - compromise isn't an issue - and who has driven a Daewoo Matiz hire car around Jo'burg so danger is not a problem either).

A mate of mine has one - he's half a foot shorter than me so fits a bit better - and I've spent a good few hours as a passenger in his. That experience was even worse. Cramped, uncomfortable, and a feckin magnet for snagging clothing on.

His car has spent more time in the garage being "fixed" than it has on the road.

Add to that notes from the salesman of the car I test drove that included advising of having to de-ice the windscreen on the INSIDE in winter (on a not very old example) and I went off the idea.

I still love the iconic look. It's one of few things in life that make me think it might be nice to be less than 5'8". But sadly it's one of those "should never meet your heroes" things for me.

[sidekickdmr]

Thanks for the great replies all, very informative and helpful

I did go and test drive a 110 Utility on Friday, yes it wasn't ideal, but with the extended rails and smaller wheel i think it will be fine actually!

Unfortunately the one I posted has sold now, but i think I've made my mind up and keeping an eye out for another one.

[Wacky Racer]

andyxxx said:

The interior of the Puma is less quirky but in my opinion moved the Defender forward so that it is only 20 years behind the times.

lol!

[Ayahuasca]

I am 6' 2" and have a Puma 110 as my daily driver. I find it comfy and roomy.