Can you DAILY DRIVE a DEFENDER? Good and Bad bits of using a 2.2 PUMA 110 as your EVERYDAY CAR

[@al-s]

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[@westephens7601]

Enjoyed your video. I have been driving a Defender everyday for 16 years. 540k miles. The vehicle is part of the family. I will never sell it.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Which country

[@Adam-vz3mz]

Sad sad man

[@gibsonethirty2836]

G'Day We are a Defender Family. I have a Td5 130 (2001) and the Wife has a 2.2TDCi 90 from new (2012). We both use our Defenders daily going to work. Its close to a 140km round trip each day for both of us, just different directions, plus the 130 is also our main family touring/offroading vehicle for the long trips. So far the 90's done 190 000km from new. The only issue's its had, has been the pesky turbo hose blow out (both sided) and just last week a worn belt (not bad for 8 years of use). Has had standard maintenance at every 10K, as always done by me. As for my 130, well she's been around the odometer twice and its now on 230 000km. 3 Years ago I had the head off, just to check all is well inside the motor and I decided at the time to also rebuild the head and do some of the long term maintenance that needed doing after so many Km, just so as to to make sure its all ok. The 90's pretty much stock, the 130's heavily moded. I tow a 35' Boat or the Camper Trailer behind the 130 on our trips, just depends on where we are going in Australia for our holiday. I have never been able to understand all the bitching that I hear over how "I'd never use a Defender as a Daily Driver" or "Its so uncomfortable and noisy that I'd never drive it more than 10Km!" type of dribble. I also don't get "The clutch is so heavy" as both Defenders have HD Clutch kits installed and my tiny 4'11" 45kg Wife never has an issue driving either hers or mine for long durations (nor do I btw) in peek hour traffic. I think its time some persons need to toughen up, suck it up and get in there and just get on with it.

[@robertmcclay3998]

I’ve been driving landrovers since 1977, my current one from new 110 9 seater from new 2005 daily drive since then very reliable

[@graham-martin5847]

i daily my 110 double cab and i love it took me 5 years to build but shes a belter 300 tdi bullet proof

[@scotthaskins9175]

Mate, just loved the memory you had of your Dad. ❤️💪

[@garyhuston]

Had Land Rovers since a 2a back in my youth. Now in my 60’s I’m still driving a 110 puma every day, wouldn’t be without one!

[@al-s]

They're so good just to have around aren't they

[@simonevans343]

Im 67 and have been daily driving Defenders since my mid twenties. My present one ive had for nine years. Great motors

[@petertakashi]

This car was made by God, this is the car everyone drives in heaven!!

[@shanilkalohitha7303]

Gods must be tired as hell after every ride

[@tonywiese5683]

What a great review! I bought a new 90 in 2012 and it's been my daily driver since then, the mileage is now at 120,000, most of which has been a delight (the waves from other drivers that you mentioned help a lot in these days of faceless cars). I found once the build quality issues were sorted out it then became a great car, the main issues were oil pouring out of the transmission from new, the clutch springs failing and the shaft between the gearboxes shearing its splines off and losing all drive a around 20k miles. The main dealer did all the jobs under warranty, what I don't understand is how they can fit new seals in the gearboxes and it's not leaked a bit since then, whereas the factory fit them in perfect conditions and they leak like mad - why? The shaft was a "teething problem" apparently, so I'm not sure how many thousands of cars you need to build before the teething problems get sorted out. The only other issue was the rear half shafts started clunking badly when starting off, I took it to a Land Rover independant garage and they replaced them at 90,000 miles - they said I'd done well as they're (and i quote) "made from cheese". It did, of course, leak water into the cab, it still does occasionally but I stopped most of it by putting a bead of black silicone sealer over the sponge-like seal between the windscreen frame and the bulkhead - why didn't they fit a rubber one? I'm sad and keep a record of all the fuel I use and the Defender has averaged exactly 30mpg over 120k miles, which I reckon is pretty good for what it is. If only JLR still made them!!

[@paulcroker8459]

Love that overview... had Defender 90s for the past 15 years as my daily drivers... (best was the 50th Anniversary as it had an auto box) current is a Puma 2.4 but love'm hate them.. you can't ignore them ....and yep at the rate they are going ..will soon get back what I paid for Puma in 2008 new

[@Βόρειο_Σέλας]

I am in Australia and it is my daily drive since new 2013 and love it. Yes it can be uncomfortable at times and noisy but I enjoy the experience. It can get on my nerves a bit in stop/start traffic but it is not often. It does spend a fair bit of time off road and that is where I enjoy it most. No mods at all on mine, just added winch, roof rack, cargo barrier and driving lights that is it Great Video Cheers

[@markriley2733]

I’ve daily driven mine for the last 3 years it’s my only car And intend to keep on doing so

[@markriley2733]

Days??? I meant years!! Darn auto spell!!!

[@al-s]

haha, I did wonder...!

[@AidanRIR]

Thanks for the video - really good to get a good overview of ownership. I own a LR Disco 4 HSE and am picking up my 2011 Defender 110 tomorrow - can't wait !

[@TedReimann]

I used my Defender as a daily driver for 10 years. Perfect!

[@IamNasman]

I daily drive my 2014 110 puma and have done so since I bought it new in 2014. Driven nearly every day, although less this last COVID year for obvious reasons.

[@bjrnholt784]

I been driving different Defenders 110 for the last 30 years. I now have nr.8. Newer had a problem and always start,even when -20 in the mountans

[@danialfaizalfoo]

Yes,you can.Definitely!

[@awalk5177]

I have a 1996 Defender 90 (no electronics or gadgets but now with a galvanised chassis) and happily drove it to UK Ferry to Rotterdam and then down to the Geneva area of Switzerland. They are not ideal in the city, but weren't designed for that. Great in snow and you do need to learn how to drive them properly with that lovely drive train. On the way back at Rotterdam Ferry, I met some Army squaddies who had driven from Germany in a military Defender 90.

[@TheBlueOwl21]

Great video ! I have just fitted wheel spaces to mine which has made a massive improvement to the turning circle.

[@al-s]

Thanks, yes turning circle on the original wheels and offsets is laughable isn't it!

[@themartiandefender2128]

LOF spring for £20 really improves the clutch pedal action !! I've changed my seats and went for Exmoor Trim just to keep the under seat access, that was particularly useful on a Battlefield trip in France !!

[@al-s]

Thanks, may look into the LOF spring, heard several people say good things about that now.

[@themartiandefender2128]

@@al-s one of those cheap but very effective mods !

[@amirkeynan9455]

Defenders will always meet defenders n they little bit crazy people,Its the passion that one drives and live with such a car

[@Mugtree]

I used to have a 90 and it was my only car. Biggest regret was selling it. Looking for a 110 now. Yours looks awesome and thank you for the hints and tips 👍

[@al-s]

Love the 90, saw a wicked-looking one out yesterday, the 110 for us was needed though just for the extra load-space. Thanks and glad to help 👍

[@Mugtree]

@@al-s both are perfect vehicles 👍. Fingers crossed I can get another 👍. Have a good new year

[@Joecambrensis]

Yeah, I've been daily driving my Td5 110 since 2009. 300 Tdi 90 before that. I've never actually owned a car that wasn't a Defender. Had to fly and rent a conventional car last week and getting back into my rattly old Defender to drive the hour home from Inverness airport was such a relief! Always a pleasure to get back in the old Landy if I've driven something else.

[@al-s]

😂 they are pigs to drive aren't they, but I'd miss mine too if I sold it. Given the choice to take the Range Rover or Defender on a journey, it's always the Defender

[@richardsharpe3364]

Thanks for your very interesting review. We are seasonal Surrey residents (avoiding the Canadian winter), and use a re-mapped 2010 110 as our daily driver, and enjoy it even though it has all of the foibles you noted. Out of all of our other cars I get a bigger kick from the Defender and will continue with it until there is no more diesel or I expire.

[@TheSussexpillbox]

I daily drive a Wolf 90 HS FFR here in Germany. It works well and I really enjoy it. I even find myself using it more than my Ford Focus RS. I love both but the Defender is somehow more connected to the road. Thankfully theft here is not an issue. Also! my 90 has a smaller turning circle than the RS!

[@al-s]

That's a great 2 car garage right there 👌🏼

[@mylesmooney7505]

I LOVE MY LAND ROVER 90” it’s 1988 in year & it’s been my daily drive for the last 8 years , I do the mileage every day , I put Alfa Seats in mine , discovery 300 Tdi engine R380 gearbox & transfer box & rear axel al out of a Discovery... changed the hairliner have a map 🗺 on the inside of the roof , wooden floor in the back & wooden dash ... all the usual stuff .... in the paint shop now

[@al-s]

sounds like a beauty

[@captainnemo8629]

Have been daily driving my 90 td5 since 2016 and still love it! luckily live outside of new extended ULEZ ! Guess we will all be driving 40 yr old series trucks if Labour get in!

[@MrSneakful]

👋🏼110 daily driver from HK 🇭🇰

[@munyawerarobert9725]

Hello buddy, thanks for that important overview you just share, i'm Robs in uganda , east Africa, i'm blessed to own adefender 90 , i pimped it ma self bt its awesome, i enjoy every bit of it

[@robhannam7294]

Reasons not to drive a defender:price fuel safety and a million more reasons Reasons to own one: its a defender

[@keithrushforth4019]

Totally agree. Buying an old Land Rover is an emotional decision as well as a logical decision.

[@NotAvailable-e4l]

​@@keithrushforth4019what's the logical aspect?

[@Hassan-xu6es]

Really enjoy your videos mate I’ve got a 110 puma very similar to yours, with the Urban body kit. I’m 6 foot 4. Fitting the MUD seat rails was an absolute game changer. Seat is higher and further back by a fee inches.

[@al-s]

Thank you mate, really appreciate that! I do like those Urban Automotive ones. How do the MUD seat rails affect the rear leg space? I'm assuming it becomes non-existent then?

[@Hassan-xu6es]

Al S you’d be surprised, I don’t have mine all the way back, but it’s probably still 4 or 5 inches further back than standard. Still leg room for someone behind, but not someone 6ft+.

[@TheBendalina]

I really find your videos interesting as i have a td5 defender that we have used for 3 holidays to scotland. In the last year we also got a discovery 4 as i didn't like the idea of ever being in a crash on the motorway in the defender. But i have found my anger towards others and there bad driving and properly you way you get treated buy other drivers leaves me not enjoying driving the discovery! People for ever go on about how bad defenders drive but i sit in the slow lane and do hours of driving and arrive happy and no stress driving one.

[@al-s]

Thanks very much! Yes I find I'm never in that much of a rush in the Defender either, it's more enjoyable/tolerable at 60mph than it is at 70+mph for sure. Mine will happily cruise at 75-80mph, but the cabin is LOUD then...! Motorway safety is the only real concern, we're considering an internal roll bar as a 'just in case' - to be fair it's extremely rare to roll one of these in general driving conditions, but then you see a random car on its roof on a residential road somehow, and it makes you think... Might try and do a video on roll bars soon if I do venture down that path. Keep enjoying your TD5!

[@Naija4K]

If you switch the engine out and update the suspension and break systems for daily driver.

[@highdownmartin]

I use my 61 lwb everyday Tdi and overdrive helps a lot.

[@samandbencollies7829]

Fit Soundproofing so you can hear the wife and kids ? Is he mad ?

[@al-s]

😂😂😂

[@davidhammond3336]

2k for a galvanized chassis thats what I paid for my 110 and I've got a 4inch lift kit and 33inch tyres and yes I live in the countryside not the CITY

[@markpritchard]

I think it depends on the person and that individual tolerance. I live in the counry side and i spend my time bumbling down country lanes so speed and motorway crussing is at the bottom of my list. Where towing a trailer and chucking stuff in the back as well as dogs and whatever you can think of is high up my list. That said if i'm going long distance and down motoways i do have a normal car for that which also saves me a small fortune in fuel should i have taken the landy. I've never seen the point of having one as a daily drive when you live in the city however people do. I personaly would have something small and if traffic is bad i'd even go small motorbike. A cheet for knowing if you will fit under a carpark barrier is to fit a cb radio arial to the front wing and cut it at the hight of the roof or for safty an inch or two higher then the roof. If the arial hits it then you won't fit. It saves with the having to stick your head out the window or having somebody check.

[@al-s]

Thanks for the car park cheat, that's a clever idea!

[@michaelsecomb4115]

Recommend fitting extended runners to the front seats. Worked for me.

[@al-s]

Wouldn't work for me unfortunately as still need leg space behind, otherwise this is definitely the fix

[@skf957]

I daily drive my 1989 90. Had it for almost 11 years and have no plans to get rid of it. For 100+ mile journeys I use Bose NC headphones. Prolly eel-eagle...

[@donaldridley7826]

My 2011 Defender 90 is basically my daily driver. I do about 10,000km per year. I live in Melbourne Australia and the car has been to Tasmania twice and north of Sydney once. I also drove it to Bathurst race track for a weekend (800km each way). I think the csr drives pretty well. I don’t find mine too noisy, and I have no sound proofing. A good sound system is a must. My negatives. I’ve got a few spots of rust on the roof, not happy about that. It does leak water into the back area. Not much but I would like to find out where. Basically I’m really happy with mine. I’ve owned it for 3 years.

[@al-s]

Sounds like the perfect car over there, I bet the weather isn't half as bad as here in the UK, yet still they rust!!

[@sleepycatpictures1176]

Don't forget the old Land Rover adage: Water in, oil out.

[@caryfielder3796]

Cheers for the vids. Kindred spirits I think…love E30’s, wife has a Fiat 500 and I’m on the verge of getting my first Defender 90. Glad I found you, have subscribed too of course. Keep up the great work, I need all the help possible 😂

[@al-s]

Haha, thank you mate! Very welcome, and grab a 90 soon whilst prices are still 'fairly' sensible.

[@caryfielder3796]

@@al-s Hoping to view one this weekend, impulsive anxiety is probably going to kick in and I'll have one soon - hopefully. I'll keep you posted and in the meantime I'll keep watching the videos. Loved the Prototipo episode btw and 'those' boss bolts!!

[@CaptChaos1964]

Great content, As well as loads of other physical lines of defence, I’ve just had a GPS tracker fitted, which gives great peace of mind, not cheap, but good Defenders are worth looking after.

[@al-s]

Thanks very much, yes you can never have too much security on one of these.

[@jinksbaker]

Lovely 110! - much like mine and similar mods (I'm in Surrey, too and will keep an eye out for you) I'm 6'2" and recommend the Exmoor seat risers - a 30-mins job and makes enough of a difference for your legroom.

[@al-s]

Cheers! I've looked into seat risers but they reduce the space for the passenger sitting behind, which I need for my lad. Otherwise would have been a good solution. Hopefully see you around the local area 👍

[@jinksbaker]

@@al-s I did think that myself, my 110 XS has LR tombstone seats, so they're even deeper - I'm near KT22 if you want to meet somewhere, to see the difference in the flesh.

[@al-s]

May have accidentally just bought new seats 🤯🤣

[@jinksbaker]

@@al-s I've had accidents like that, ORE steering guard, wheel carrier, stainless bolts - all accidently turned up by the delivery fairies!

[@paulriley7523]

Good vid! Pretty much done to my 110 what you have done, except the wheels.... sounds interesting to get a better turning circle as it’s hopeless in car parks!

[@al-s]

Thanks Paul. Certainly helps the turning circle going with lower offset wheels, plenty of others just keep their same wheels and fit 20-30mm spacers which has a similar effect.

[@justjase1576]

Hey, thanks for the informative video, I was wondering this / search for it and here I am. Do you have a spec list at all of all the upgrades you added to your defender? not fixes, but actual upgrades? would be good to see.

[@vastina01]

Love them I am on my 9 th one . Every time I sell I say never again .. And then

[@al-s]

😂😂 every time

[@antazur3983]

Thanks a lot for making this video !

[@markkiely8326]

I had a 110 200 tdi seven years ago and I was doing fifty miles a day and I was paying £250 a month in fuel. I would dread to think how much I would be spending to dayly drive it today

[@sandiegoplumber754]

where you get that sweater?

[@barchetta06]

Thanks for that. Very succinct. Just bought a 90 Adventure and I'm working through making it more user friendly. Did your Empire remap get rid of the 2nd gear kangarooing by any chance?

[@al-s]

I think the second gear kangarooing is more a typical defender clutch/drivetrain/transfer box type thing, sadly a remap wouldn't help that although the power delivery and overall drivability is much better now!

[@barchetta06]

@@al-s yes, I've been advised to modify my driving style and drive around the problem. Probably a side effect of the anti stall also.

[@procta2343]

All i can see as a defender owner, is security is a major 1st! I was a victim 2 years ago, when my 300 tdi was stolen. You need to really secure where you park these over night too. One of our major flaws sadly, which was later corrected. So if people are looking at getting one, Put some money on driveaway security, Such as rams etc. Also fit remover able steering wheels as this fella has, and other items too. Just to stop the bastards having a go at it, and be wary of where you park it. Some parts of where i live, you cannot leave these alone for 5 mins, with out someone sniffing at it.

[@craigross4971]

Did you ever have a problem with the immobiliser? Mine can sometimes decide to engage and I can’t start it unless I start banging doors shut and locking unlocking to get it going again.

[@al-s]

Fortunately no issues so far!

[@oderokennedy7169]

Very comprehensive review

[@robpage9025]

Worked in forestry using Land Rovers in U.K. and Land crusers and Hi lux in Australia and N.Z. Having to do longer journeys when downunder than in U.K. the Land cruser and Hi Lux blows Land rover out of the game for comfort and reliability.

[@johnwanjala4311]

Love your advice man yet why is that Landrovers defenders 110 (puma) of 2010 is being sold at throw away price 5000Us dollars in wanted to buy one but retreated on hearing the price could it be that he is masking something dangerously defective or what is it please advise thanks

[@al-s]

Thanks man, be careful though if someone is advertising a 2010 Defender for that price, sounds very dodgy so most probably isn't even a real advert, not for sale or even owned by the person claiming to be advertising it, plenty of dodgy adverts like that online currently trying to catch people out just to get their money.

[@dannysimpson5174]

I can relate to the memories you have with your dad I was the same. My son loves defenders just as much as me I sold mine but I'm looking for another one now because I miss it 😂 😂 brilliant vid mate 👌

[@al-s]

Thank you mate, hopefully you'll find yourself another one soon!

[@bencater8427]

You do good videos 👍

[@Willowandwilde]

Am I ask what child car seats you use for your little ones please? Looking for a good one for our 18 month old. Thanks

[@al-s]

Hi Mark, I'd recommend the Recaro ones out of them all for the best build quality, although at 18 months Britax is a good one especially if you get a seat that converts as your child grows. We still use this same one with our 4-year old and have had it since both kids were very little (the 4-point harness detaches to convert into use with a regular seatbelt, etc). Only downside to the Britax is the weight of the thing, it leaves quite a dent in the vehicle seat! Hope that helps you.

[@davidmg1925]

Whats the leg room like?? I tried a post war series one and frankly Id have had bad cramp inside ten minutes.

[@al-s]

It's fairly snug even with the seat all the way back, I'm around 6.1ft

[@oxfordlai]

HI,, I love your car so much, do you still own it?

[@faizaankhan4943]

Any ideas on how to prevent chassis rust, I’ve heard about wax oiling the chassis?

[@al-s]

Yes wax oiling is highly recommended, it's a messy job but it does help protect the chassis. I do it to mine.

[@julianosb92]

Hi mate, seriously considering getting a defender 90 then upgrading like you’ve done! Would be great to get some further advice! I do horse riding so it’s ball ache pushing my fiesta through the muddy back roads ahah

[@al-s]

Haha do it, they're great fun.

[@nigelstainforth960]

Definitely

[@HeliRy]

Other Defender owners will wave, Jeep Wrangler owners will flip you the bird 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@UNITGJ]

Any way to lighten the clutch?

[@al-s]

More leg days at the gym.

[@UNITGJ]

@@al-s 😂

[@dolguldur4706]

Every car can be use as a daily drive..its just a matter of personal preference...who got lots of money,they can buy all the car that can fit their needs..but to those who couldnt afford to buy more than one car,especially those who only had one older car,they used it..everyday without complaint,because they knew..this car is the only only they had and they can afford..so yeah,just buy a car that fit your wallet..

[@BroVSSis]

What steering wheel is that??

[@al-s]

Momo, here's the video on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHSQemydnrJrrJI

[@Alex-rc5rq]

In what way is this better than a fourtrak

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

What is that cool watch?

[@al-s]

It's a Burberry, had the strap custom made though. Owned it years, not sure if they still make it.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Daft question, I have driven Defenders daily without a problem.

[@ursal7128]

🤚

[@bjfeerus]

👍👍👍

[@lifes.projects]

Cult 🤣🤣 Currently rebuilding my Defender Puma Double Cab. Was my daily driver till the clutch give up so naturally then it was time to upgrade everything 😜

[@markmccall9027]

Such a long list of to-dos that all add up to serious £££s. Kind of wish I hadn't found this vid now :/

[@al-s]

😂 the spend never ends

[@scaryfakevirus]

I drive my 300tdi daily. Wouldn't drive anything else. Everything won't be electric, it's all falling apart already. Dangerous, polluting and not eco friendly at all. Oh yes and very expensive!! Just don't park your Defender near one - they can spontaneously combust.

[@Alejandromate]

cult he said look at the likes 666 sus

[@singlehausen1776]

6'2 for youtube 🤣