Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2813
This has a completely flat load area with all the seats folded flat, plus a split tailgate and 3500Kg towing capacity:
Click image to enlarge
Go on, have a guess!Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
6th Jun 2023 6:00 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2813
Unfortunately I don't think it would have the range to tow a 3tn trailer all the way to Devon from Hampshire without stopping for a couple of hours in the middle to charge.
https://rivian.com/r1s
This spec level looks like it could be fun
Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
6th Jun 2023 6:07 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14388
I had a go in a Rivian in San Jose in March. Really impressive but sadly not coming here.
The XC90 is a cracking car and tows well, but doesn't have the towing capacity of a LR/RR. However, for 90% of people its fine. The interior seating space is bigger than a D3 and D5 but just loses out on the boot.
Your other option is a L663 Defender 110 or 130 and put a sliding floor in it to work on or sit on or a pickup and daftly, a Porsche Cayenne, which can tow 3.5t. The reality is that your options are really limited New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
6th Jun 2023 10:22 pm
lespes
Member Since: 17 Sep 2009
Location: Sitting Down
Posts: 2232
LT wrote:
As you know Les, you get spoilt by having the practicality and versatility of a D3/4.
Then you get hooked………
Hope you’re keeping well?
All good here thanks,trust the same your end.
Yes you do get hooked, but having moved on and being able to reflect on things, have found you can hooked on things that may not be as important as you think.
Over 20 yrs of Landrover ownership and the car I enjoyed most was the Range Rover Sport, certainly not as practical as any of the Discoveries owned, but it did everything they did, towing, off roading, house moves, family camping trips etc etc. The smaller boot, especially height wise was a niggle, but the then rear hatch was very useful, space was increased with a roof rack.
The Volvo V90XC I then moved to a revelation on many fronts and certainly could see why the press for several years had been going on about the D4 being outdated and fuel bills so much cheaper. Life changes along the way also meant my need priorities changed. The Tiguan came along due to Covid reasons and though dull and boring, was comfortable and certainly a cheap economical car to run.
So last yr looked to change and sadly no Landrovers in my choices in the smaller models offered by them now. Picked up a low mileage Volvo XC60 Inscription and have been very happy with my choice so far.
A car in the reckoning was the newer VW Toureg model, a 3 litre engine is a nice mtr to have and 3.5 tonne towing, has a proper boot now, however, hard to find a decent spec in the then secondhand market, plus travelling a lot more now, so fuel costs more important to me, (not sure seats fold flat down though) Also a little annoying the R-spec models all have a lower ground clearance than lower specs.
If I could choose a car I wanted today, it would be another Sport D4 Landmark MY16 Santorini Black THE LAST
D4 HSE MY12 Marmais Teal: Gone. Missed a lot!
Freelander 2 SD HSE MY11 Silver:Thankfully gone.
D4 HSE MY11 Silver: Gone missed !
Range Rover Sport MY06 HSE Buck Blue: Gone missed!
Discovery D2 TD5 Facelift MY Red Gone Missed!
Discovery D2 TD5 Cobalt Blue: Gone Missed!
Discovery D1 Auto Oxford Blue Not missed at all!
Discovery D1 Avalon Blue First LR! missed!
Now demoted to a VW
7th Jun 2023 10:21 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2813
Apologies for reopening this thread, I'm sure a few are going to say "not Nasher moaning about there's nothing to replace a D4 again".
But I had a really good opportunity today to compare the various LR models previously discussed with regard to load space etc.
I'd seen online that Southampton LR have a really nice rare colour blue 59 plate 4.4TDV8 FFRR Autobiography in stock at a good price, and as I found myself in Southampton today I dropped in to look at it. https://www.hendy.co.uk/land-rover/find-a-...b7ec2c16b8
I've always found the staff at Southampton far more knowledgeable and friendly than my local mob, but have to say I was lucky to ask one particular sales guy about the car.
He ended up spending quite a bit of time with me, knowing quite soon he wasn't going to sell me the car, and was really helpful talking through my requirements and concerns.
He opened up several vehicles just to show me the differences between them with the second row seats folded down, all the time knowing that the more he showed me the less likely it was I'd buy one.
But, when I do make a decision you can bet I'll be going there if it's a LR I'm buying.
The FFRR turned out to have the executive rear seating, which folds even less flat than the standard seating, so was immediately an option I couldn't consider.
We talked about a FFRR with the std seats, but it was obvious they wouldn't fit my need.
We looked at a 110 (New)Defender.
I was under the impression having been told by 'the other dealer' that the seats in a 7 seat 110 didn't fold flat but they do in a 5 seat.
There was only a 7 seat 110 to look at, and yes, they don't fold anywhere near flat, but The sales guy was really confident that the same was true of a 5 seater, they don't fold flat.
Can anyone confirm this one way or another without me going and finding one to look at?
And I mean flat, not what some people appear to think is flat, which is nowhere near.
D3/4 flat, that you'd lay a sheet of glass on without it breaking in the middle.
Then came the shock to me.
We looked at a D5 after me saying I might have to consider them after all.
The reaction from the sales guy was that D5 seats don't fold flat like a D4 either.
He showed me, and to my surprise they don't.
They still have a small angle to them, not completely flat. Not at all like a D3/4, and not flat enough for me to consider them close enough.
Admittedly they were flatter than any of the others, but how anyone can claim they are flat is beyond me.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
21st Sep 2023 7:03 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14388
I can confirm the 5 seat 110 fold flat like a D3/4. Boot opening access is listing and when all seats are up, the boot is smaller than a D3/4.
Other than that, it's a great car.
Also, I agree Hendy are good. They really looked after my 18 yo daughter and new DS. Just treated her with respect and no BS. When looking at Defenders for me she went in and discussed options and deals on my behalf. Really great service. New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
21st Sep 2023 10:23 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2813
Thanks Moo. I wonder if there has been any change along the line, as it was a brand new 110 we were looking at.
And yes, actually spending some time playing about with the seats made me realise just how much smaller the 110 is than a D3/4.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
22nd Sep 2023 8:45 am
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14388
I'm down in Havent next Tuesday if you want to look at mine or borrow it for the night.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
22nd Sep 2023 9:13 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2813
Wow Moo, I'm humbled that you'd trust me to borrow your 110, many thanks indeed for that.
I couldn't possibly take you up on it and accept the responsibility, but do really appreciate the offer.
Would you believe I work in Havant, and would normally be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but next week I'm visiting a couple of suppliers up country.
I have decided that I should consider the 110 more seriously for when the time comes.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
Hi Nasher, if you're seriously looking at the L663 I'd have a little wander down to Marshalls in Newbury. They seem to have over 20 used Defenders in stock at any one time. When my old D4 was written off I managed to negotiate an 18-month old HSE Lux with less than 20k on the clock for £60k and the guy said he'd throw in the winch and RAI for me! Sadly, it was too black and shiny and, TBH I wanted the split boot, I tow a caravan and also I think I'd miss the V6 too much so decided on another MY15 HSE Luxury D4 and saved my cash for when the crank fails.
Good luck but don't rush to move away from that L319 will you 1978 Series 3 88 Military Green (Gone)
1983 110 V8 Masai Red (Gone)
1997 Discovery 1 XS Cobalt Blue (Gone)
1999 Defender 110 TD5 Safari Epsom Green (Gone)
2001 Freelander Sport Buckingham Blue (Gone)
2016 Discovery 4 Landmark Yulong White "Larry" (Written off)
2015 Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Corris Grey "Sol"
22nd Sep 2023 4:07 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14388
Nasher wrote:
Wow Moo, I'm humbled that you'd trust me to borrow your 110, many thanks indeed for that.
I couldn't possibly take you up on it and accept the responsibility, but do really appreciate the offer.
Would you believe I work in Havant, and would normally be in the office Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but next week I'm visiting a couple of suppliers up country.
I have decided that I should consider the 110 more seriously for when the time comes.
No worries. The offer is there. I'm not precious about things. Many people use my car.
I wouldn't dismiss the Defender. You do get used to the rear door and when the seats are down it carries lots of kit. I've put in a rear shelf which makes a big difference in usability.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
22nd Sep 2023 4:50 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2813
AndyButch wrote:
if you're seriously looking at the L663 I'd have a little wander down to Marshalls in Newbury.
Thanks Andy, good tip.
AndyButch wrote:
Sadly, it was too black and shiny
Certainly wouldn't consider a Black one either.
AndyButch wrote:
TBH I wanted the split boot,
Yep, one of my concerns.
AndyButch wrote:
I tow a caravan and also I think I'd miss the V6 too much
I tow a heavy boat around a lot, and to be honest am not that worried about the difference between the V6 and straight 6.
I'd only consider a 110 with the 3l Diesel.
AndyButch wrote:
Good luck but don't rush to move away from that L319 will you
Don't worry, more than happy to annoy everyone with my procarstination for another year or so.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
23rd Sep 2023 8:29 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2813
Moo wrote:
I wouldn't dismiss the Defender. You do get used to the rear door and when the seats are down it carries lots of kit. I've put in a rear shelf which makes a big difference in usability.
I think after the last couple of days it will certainly get more consideration.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
23rd Sep 2023 8:30 am
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2847
You do get spoiled with the D3/4 practicality.
It really does do many things very well.
I’ve kept my D3 and a couple of weeks ago, dropped it off to get restored and brought back to glory.
However, I did take a test drive of a new defender when they were first launched, emma and I loved it so at some point we will get one of them.
The D3 is staying though. So what the defender can’t do, the disco can.
That should cover all bases I can think of.
So the obvious answer is to get a new defender and get and restore an early D3.
23rd Sep 2023 9:03 am
RDR
Member Since: 24 Mar 2013
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 2260
Having owned most options and spent a good deal of my RR ownership in various Defender Loaners I can say nothing beats the D3/4 for practicality. I'm about to pull the trigger on a cancelled order 130 Outbound which looks to have an equivalent load space but obviously with the rear door over split tailgate so still not as good.MY06 S - Gone but not forgotten
MY12 HSE - Gone
MY16 HSE Luxury - Sold
MY20 D5 HSE - Sold
Current RR L460 PHEV
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