Looking at Defender 130 TD5. Anyone here with experience/advice as to these?

[JCH4]

Looking at a Defender 130 and would really like any advice/thoughts from anyone who has owned or used the 130. Would be a daily driver. Engine is a TD5. Canvas top over bed. I currently have two Series IIA and one Mercedes G500 my wife drives. I am not looking for another series type rig but rather a daily driver that I can outfit for expedition use. I usually have a lot of kit to store from tool bags, straps, hunting, etc. Any advice/experience appreciated.

 

[Mastodon4x4]

rmr4x4.com

 

[HumphreyBear]

There are a couple of 130's running around this forum, but my advice is to try here: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/ The Australian Land Rover Owners' forum for Defenders, plenty of 130's there, and also a nice group of people (as all Defender owners are!). There are a number of threads if you look back a bit relating to the owners' experiences with lifting, suspension changes and the inevitable problem of factory-fresh build issues (etc.). Quite a few daily drivers as well.

Humphrey

 

[Rovertrader]

We are finishing one currently, and here is a pic of a previous one we had- Great dd if you don't mind the length. I built drawers in the bed, pic also attached. The ride is nice for a Defender, but the ergonomics are the same. You are welcome to come take a look/see at ours, though not running yet, and just getting the body pieces back from the painter. In the end, about the same size as a F150 CC long bed, just a bit narrower.

 

[jgdisco2]

We are finishing one currently, and here is a pic of a previous one we had- Great dd if you don't mind the length. I built drawers in the bed, pic also attached. The ride is nice for a Defender, but the ergonomics are the same. You are welcome to come take a look/see at ours, though not running yet, and just getting the body pieces back from the painter. In the end, about the same size as a F150 CC long bed, just a bit narrower.

That will always be my favorite rover that I've ever actually seen Dale! I can't wait to see the"new" one!

 

[DividingCreek]

I drive a 130 as a daily and wouldn't have it any other way. I drive a lot of defenders,100's, and the 130 is my favorite.

 

[Rovertrader]

Thanks Jonathon- not sure what will be coming to Safari as Iggy is sold and headed to Ok- will miss that Disco for sure!! Doubt the 130 will be ready, but never know ;-)

 

[JCH4]

What about visibility out of front windscreen in Defender v. a Series. I am 6'3 and its a problem on the Series. I know they raised it on the Defender but anyone my size know if they increased it enough?

 

[jessejman]

Is this the conniston green 130 that was totaled and sold at auction in Alabama about 6 months ago? I wondered who that one went to.

 

[Nomad110]

We are finishing one currently, and here is a pic of a previous one we had- Great dd if you don't mind the length. I built drawers in the bed, pic also attached. The ride is nice for a Defender, but the ergonomics are the same. You are welcome to come take a look/see at ours, though not running yet, and just getting the body pieces back from the painter. In the end, about the same size as a F150 CC long bed, just a bit narrower.

Does this truck have 235/85 R16's? It's very well done.

 

[Rovertrader]

I too am 6'-3" and have no issues with the windscreen.
Not sure which you are referring to as the green one, but not mine for sure...

 

[DividingCreek]

I'm 6'6 no visability issues

 

[Nomad110]

We are finishing one currently, and here is a pic of a previous one we had- Great dd if you don't mind the length. I built drawers in the bed, pic also attached. The ride is nice for a Defender, but the ergonomics are the same. You are welcome to come take a look/see at ours, though not running yet, and just getting the body pieces back from the painter. In the end, about the same size as a F150 CC long bed, just a bit narrower.

What size tires are on this truck?

 

[REDrum]

I've driven 130s a few times in Costa Rica. Perfect ww kayak trucks. They are long like a suburban, but a bit narrower and with better visibility out the front. Rear visibility, due to soft top, made for tough backing up--side mirrors only. Dicy in places like costa rica where parking lots tend to happen more than are designed.

Despite the fact that I'm getting close to 50, and I ought to be browsing the Porsche website daily, a 130 crew cab is, by far, my dream vehicle to have in the US.

 

[DividingCreek]

The visibility sucks when the rear canvas is on. I agree with this. I hate the look of the side windows in the canvas so have the latest PVC with no side windows. I countered this problem with the 12 inch mirror arms and large convex mirrors. Its made all the difference in the world. http://www.paddockspares.com/da4409-unbreakable-convex-glass-mirror-with-290mm-arm.html

Here's a shot of my 130 @ Rausch Creek that shows the mirrors well