Total newbie...let the research commence!

Hi all,
My knowledge on the Defender consists of: one read through the new brochure and a trip down to my local dealers. My Dad had two Defenders when I was young and I loved them but alas, I just thought they were good (thats my technical expressions exhausted)! Completely thick on the subject in other words but thats all gonna change. I'm definitely going to be throwing myself into research as I'm hoping to buy one mid year. All i know up to now is that it has to be a 6 seater and hopefully a good buy.
I've seen some Defenders with 3 seats in the front so this is going to be my first area of research as I'm hoping to get 2 rows of 3 seats enabling maximum load capacity in the back. I didn't even know this was possible ( 3 front seats) until I saw one listed on e-bay. Is this an option on new vehicles or is it a mod which people have done after purchasing? (My first of many crap questions before I develop onto more technical areas as my knowledge grows).
Thanks!!!

Welcome..

Good choice.


Middle seat is ok for children under 5 or Sir Douglas Bader.

Cheers for that.
My youngest is 5 soon so sod that then, I'm wanting something that any old war hero can sit in (had to google him) not just 5 year olds and limbless folk. Thats my first option knackered then....back to the drawing board with me felt tips and tongue out.

Well you can still have 8 seats...or 9 if you keep middle seat...i have the 3 in the front, my 12 year old son occasionally uses it, but legs have to be in passenger well...not ideal...but if you've got place to 6 in the back..no probs...unless you're irish catholic.


I can say that....

if you are looking at buying brand spanking new a defender 110 station wagon has 7 seats the 90 has 4 seats

if you want something a bit older (say pre 2001 )

a 110 can have upto 12 seats and a 90 can seat up to 6 (side facing rear seats)

i would suggest the best configuration for you would most likely be a 110 csw (County Station Wagon) with a two forward facing tip up seats in the back

Cheers for the extra info guys. I wish i was getting a new one hehe. I'll be looking at a used one which I'll not be bothered about giving a few knocks when I'm out off-roading.