Took a nearly brand new TDc for a Test Drive

As I mentioned in another thread, I am contemplating a Defender for my next vehicle. However based on driving Defenders previously, I had reservations about the comfort and space when driving long distances.

Based on the suggestions on the other thread, I found a Defender for sale locally with upgraded seats, extended/raised seat rails and a 1/2 bulkhead fitted. The vehicle in question was a nearly new TDc station wagon with an asking price of just over £23,000 plus Vat.

After climbing in, my first impressions were what a huge difference the 1/2 bulk head and the seat upgrades make. This was further reinforced when I actually drove it. While still not a "roomy" driver position, it was miles ahead of a standard Defender, and it was actually comfortable.

My other impressions were that you don't get much for your money re extras..no electric mirrors, and not even a radio/CD player..The same garage also had the new Isuzu D Max crew cabs, and the cabins on these were far nicer and included far more extras for about the same money.

Neither vehicles had rear lockers, which is ashame.

The other noticeable "negative" on the Defender was the relatively small wind screen and distinctly average visibility..Sitting in the Isuzu's felt like sitting in a green house comparatively speaking.

Still, I was impressed with Defender, and it was much improved over what I remember. The ride was good, the road manners were quite civilized, and the 6 speed gear box felt better than those I remember previously.

Next, I want to find a TD5 in County spec of around 2000 to 2004 vintage, and see what they drive like..

So thanks for all the advise re the bulk head replacement kit and seats, ect.. These really do make a world of difference..

Regards,

Peter

Don't forget that the Defender is still an old design. It has just been updated over the years to include newer engines and more modern looking interiors in terms of aesthetics. There's no point comparing things like ergonomics and visibility with newer designs.

As for the "Isuzu D Max". my first thought was "the what?" I had to Google it to find out what it looked like. The Defender is iconic and will still be everywhere in 15 years. As for these "Isuzu D Max", I expect to see those in scrap yards in 15 years time, if not sooner.

RichM said:

Don't forget that the Defender is still an old design. It has just been updated over the years to include newer engines and more modern looking interiors in terms of aesthetics.

There's no point comparing things like ergonomics and visibility with newer designs.

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Fair point, and at the end of the day, I think the Defender is probably more rugged than the various crew cab pick-ups..I was just trying to give my objective first impressions of the two vehicles..

To be honest, a Ford Thunder crew cab or similar probably makes more sense for what I need, but I actually *want* a Defender, at least once in my life anyway!

do you actually need lockers??
Seeing as the newer fenders have T/C that, with a centre difflock seems like axle lockers are not really required.

If your looking for luxury and pleasentrys, a Fender might not be for you.
As for an isuzu giving more for the money, maybe, but you pay extra for the bolt off bolt on maintenence of a fender.

I drove a d max the other day and it felt like a boat. Springs are too soft it just wallows around. Haven't got the towing capacity and they're ****e offroad. A cheap pick up yeah, but they're cheap for a reason

timtheenchanteruk said:

do you actually need lockers??
Seeing as the newer fenders have T/C that, with a centre difflock seems like axle lockers are not really required.

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T/C is only standard on the top model, with all the others it's an option so many don't have it.

timtheenchanteruk said:

do you actually need lockers??
Seeing as the newer fenders have T/C that, with a centre difflock seems like axle lockers are not really required.

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To be honest, given a choice, I would prefer a rear locker and less electrical gubbins, but thats me.

Rear Lockers were available on certain models of the L200 and Shogun as well as other Jap 4x4's, and I think it should be a factory option on any serious 4x4.

If your looking for luxury and pleasentrys, a Fender might not be for you. As for an isuzu giving more for the money, maybe, but you pay extra for the bolt off bolt on maintenence of a fender.

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Not really looking for luxury and pleasantry's, just enough comfort and room to make the regular, if infrequent, long journey's that I do tolerable and the new Defender with the modified seating certainly achieved that..

PeteE said:

To be honest, given a choice, I would prefer a rear locker and less electrical gubbins, but thats me.

Rear Lockers were available on certain models of the L200 and Shogun as well as other Jap 4x4's, and I think it should be a factory option on any serious 4x4.




Not really looking for luxury and pleasantry's, just enough comfort and room to make the regular, if infrequent, long journey's that I do tolerable and the new Defender with the modified seating certainly achieved that..

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Rear lockers on hilux were ****. Fender with centre lock ****ed all over it. But hilux is much better place to sit.