Defender 110 driving position

Hi all,

First post here. We’re looking at buying a Defender 110 and took one for our first test drive a couple of days ago. It generally went very well.

But I had one significant problem - space in the driver’s seat. I’m a big guy; think 6’3” and rugby legs. I had issues getting on the brake pedal, which was sitting much higher than the accelerator - I had to jam my leg up into the space between the wheel and the side door. The seat was all the way back on what I assume are the standard rails.

Has anyone else suffered this problem and dealt with it somehow? Am I better off forgetting the idea of a Defender and looking at a Discovery? (Or something totally different?)

Also, if there is hope here - any good resources on what to look for in terms of condition when buying one? Beyond the obvious...

All advice appreciated!

Was it a station wagon or van body?

Thanks for the question - it was a station wagon. Two individual seats at the front, three in a row behind, then a large boot.

For background, this is for family use, and it would be going off-road regularly but nothing too challenging (it’s mainly about accessing off-road sites for leisure activities of various types)

I asked because a SW has more room than a van because there is no rear bulkhead. A smaller steering wheel can help it's what I did on my 110 SW. I'm about 6'2" and 15 stone and have no issues.

Y I drive a 110 Utility (in which there is no rear bulkhead) I’m 6’1” and two things I changed when I bought it were the seats and the steering wheel. The seats were also put on seat raisers which allows the seat to go back further. It’s given me a lot more leg room as has the smaller steering wheel. I’ve included a couple of photos just to give you an idea.

One thing that will give you a lot more room is swapping the doors from one price doors to the older style two price ones with sliding windows. Doing this gives you much more width as you are not losing space to a window mechanism. Although this does not sound like much it actually makes a huge difference.

Im 6'1" 15 stone - not quite a second row rugby player but no athelete either. Yes the 110 csw is cramped in standard form. Mine was already fitted with a momo ? steering wheel which sits on a 4" high boss. Its smaller dia and raised position help. I just fitted exmoor trim seat rails to gain more leg room. Which is more than enough to sit and get my legs / feet comfortable. However, I now find that my eye line is very close to the upper portion of the screen, no huge problem, but from outside it must look like my heads out the sunroof almost ! Next thing I will look into a better seats as the standard ones are not great - fitted with Britpart swab replacements. Coming from a disco 3 to the 110, was a huge step back in comfort etc. Still happy Ive done it though
Things to look out for - read the threads its all there - if its a TD5 - look at the exhaust manifold front and rear ports may well be blowing, check the engine oil and then check it again for a diesel smell - it should be oil probably black and no sign of thin clear deisel. Aside from Rust - take a jack, lift the front axels up each side and check front ball swivel joints for wear - if the wheel wobbles top to bottom think £150 each (parts), rear cross member and the support rail below the rear seats - rust prone. Check the steering box is smooth and no groaning. check the radiator if you can see it. if its bulged its probably been frozen (£75 for a used replacement) - check the doors, they are pricey to replace with new (£700+) and time to repair can add up. The list goes on. If you are buying from a dealer - check what he will give you cover on. If its a private purchase - keep some funds back and be prepared to spend whats needed . Good luck.
PS - the kids love travelling in mine, not so keen standing outside in the frost while I heat up the door locks to get in ! mat