A New 110 as a long distance "family" car?

I'm considering replacing the D3 as it is a commercial and I need something with more seats, now i like the D3, i like the comfort, drive, position, etc. but, D4's go for silly money, so, 110... am i going to be in shock like i've gone back 20 years? I mean, i'm very used to my Series, but, that's just a toy, if i had a 110 and was doing 80mph (ahem 70 even) for 100 miles up the motorway am I going to be wanting to kill myself? I do a lot of driving (20k a year)... I suppose i need to also check average mpg...

(Note i use the word family car, there is just my wife and I and no kids, but, I transport my Scouts around a lot and there is potential that under the ownership of the next vehicle there may be family involved)

Reason why i'm thinking 110 is i still need a descent load space for carrying business stock around in, so the back would be a proper load bay area, no seats or anything...

Would be looking at 1-2 year old type thing... It may also be used for light laning and would need to be able to take my roof tent for camping trips

I do quite a lot of motorway miles in my TD5 defender and I was pleasantly surprised at what a good motorway machine it is. I haven't tried a newer one, but I don't suppose they'll have got any worse. Not of course that I would ever do anything so irresponsible on a public road but it seems quite happy to cruise at 80 for prolonged periods.

I regularly drive my td5 110 from Surrey to Glasgow. Sits at 70 ok but an overdrive would make a massive difference. It's ok on the fuel particularly when combined with old engine oil. I love it but I guess I tolerate it's bad points, my gf won't do long journeys in it!

As a "serious" family car I think a 110 would be ok with better sound proofing and a overdrive or 6 speed box. Maybe better; gearbox, trans, axels , engine, electrics , tyres, heater, radio, waterproofing too

The six speed defenders are much better on motorways plus they have a better heater, otherwise still a commercial. Oh they have speed limiters on them (82 mph)

I've got a new 110, and I must say it's been surprising (in a good way) on fuel consumption and on long distance general comfort. However, it is noisy, bumpy (understatement), it obviously holds the road well, and I have had NO broken bones (four children aged 4-11) yet! You will have a vehicle that all the Scouts will want to travel in, my children find it an exciting adventure every journey, long or short, their friends are also wanting to clamber about! What other family vehicle is regularly seen as a rescue hero, one that carries emergency supplies to areas that are unreachable by anything else across the world, a safari truck facing an elephant of nature...a national treasure of solid long lasting (66 years) engineering?? As basic and appealing as it is to so many, you must not make the mistake of thinking it must drive like a car. It doesn't. Test drive one, a lot, at LR, take it out as much as you can. It's turning circle is limited, it's loud and cumbersome. Your shoulders will get a workout! But once you've mastered its on road capability, you will be seduced by it's off road expertise. It's a really good drive, and you will never fall asleep at the wheel! It has space, although not much in the cab...you'll need the window open, no joke! You won't look back, it's another member of the family, and in my opinion, it's because it has a character all of its own.

owl said:

The six speed defenders are much better on motorways plus they have a better heater, otherwise still a commercial. Oh they have speed limiters on them (82 mph)

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really...

Hmm, well, 82 is ok, but, why?

Unless you're a shortarse you won't fit in a new Defender. Well I can't anyway.

hughesy said:

Unless you're a shortarse you won't fit in a new Defender. Well I can't anyway.

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Really? I'll pop down to Land Rover tomorrow and take one for a spin and see... Used to fit in my old 90 fine and fit in my Series fine...

Just back from a test drive - at 6ft 1" i fit in fine, not cramped at all...

It's, errm, not quite as luxurious as a D3...!

But, i'm very tempted... ... ...

Get one. I'd love a 110 again - but it would have to be a V8....

srtgray said:

Get one. I'd love a 110 again - but it would have to be a V8....

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I'm seeing it as a proper investment as they are stopping making them soon... get a nice 110, tastefully kitted out (side steps, roof rack, snorkel, etc.) and look after it!

Right... Anyone want a D3 commercial...?!!!

we have a 62 plate 110 van at work, it has the new 2.2 engine fitted, i drove it from work to badminton on monday, approx 3 hours, it cruised ahppily down the motorway in 6th, had extra oomph when required for overtaking (even in 6th) alot quieter and nicer than my td5 inside, im taking it all the way from lincoln the the isle of wight with a generator in july and am quite looking forward to it, my only criticism is that 1st 2nd and 3rd can be quite sharp and jumpy but im learning to drive it better, id have one for sure!

TD5power said:

we have a 62 plate 110 van at work, it has the new 2.2 engine fitted, i drove it from work to badminton on monday, approx 3 hours, it cruised ahppily down the motorway in 6th, had extra oomph when required for overtaking (even in 6th) alot quieter and nicer than my td5 inside, im taking it all the way from lincoln the the isle of wight with a generator in july and am quite looking forward to it, my only criticism is that 1st 2nd and 3rd can be quite sharp and jumpy but im learning to drive it better, id have one for sure!

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Excellent, thanks... i'm feeling more and more sold on this!

Now my next dilema is do i splash out and get a new one to my spec...

Bump said:

Excellent, thanks... i'm feeling more and more sold on this!

Now my next dilema is do i splash out and get a new one to my spec...

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i saw a max spec 11 csw on ebay, think it was about 2 years old ish, 22k

TD5power said:

i saw a max spec 11 csw on ebay, think it was about 2 years old ish, 22k

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looking for a 13 plate really if second hand... although the one i test drove today was on for £22.5+vat and was very nice spec. but 30k on the clock and 2 years old...

extended warranties are avaliable, we got one

owl said:

The six speed defenders are much better on motorways plus they have a better heater, otherwise still a commercial. Oh they have speed limiters on them (82 mph)

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because of a 1.2 transfer box. A TD5 would do the same with a 1.2transfer box if not better

Thor1950 said:

because of a 1.2 transfer box. A TD5 would do the same with a 1.2transfer box if not better

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2.4 and the newer 2.2 Defenders have 1.2 transfer boxes fitted

owl said:

The six speed defenders are much better on motorways plus they have a better heater, otherwise still a commercial. Oh they have speed limiters on them (82 mph)

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Nah the new ones do 95. and they aint too bad to drive long distance. But bit of a step down from a d3.

I had from brand new a L200 and the again from new a Mazda pickups with all the luxury toys, top boxes, leather interiors, sat nav, TV/DVD etc etc.

I always wanted a defender but got told by so many not too.
I sold the trucks and iv now got a 1989 110CSW.

It's the best car iv ever owned even the new ones can't match how ace this is.

I'm a family man, wife, two teenage daughters and a boarder collie.
Mines old, iv had to re paint it (doing it myself with a roller) some welding, engine work and currently a rewire. It's a pain in the butt compared to a new one, would I swap it, no chance.

My wife and youngest daughter hated it. I say hated because they did but as it's improved they now seen the beautiful and fun side I see.

We've been on three holidays in it now and had an amazing time. We drive to France in it with no issues.
As already said they are a commercial truck and can be a bumpy drive but that's all forgotten when your driving.

Both on and of road my face hurts from smiling it's so much fun.
It can go anywhere and do anything.

If I won the lottery I would buy a new one I'd improve the one I have I love it that much.

Try many to get the right one, but when you do I'm sure you will never look back.