If it helps, the red clay mud is coming out of the seats, presently ---- just waiting for them to dry. (Yes, three weeks mountain mud makes a mess!) So far, the sci-fi cloth seats look none the worse than originally.

Fortunately, we keep the second row always folded down, so the dogs do not total them -- and have Weather Tech mats (which are really wonderful).

 

Sounds like your budget is about like mine, my budget build is at $54,219 today, at this point it changes every day, lol. With the base model there are definitely limitations with the configuration, I was frankly astonished that it appears as though there's no rear seat center armrest with cupholders on this base trim level of the 90. The one good thing is there are apparently cupholders on the floor for the backseat passengers, my son needs a cupholder so the ones on the floor will do, the armrest he doesn't really use on the Q5 except for the cupholders in it. The 110 would of course solve all of this with the four doors but it bumps up the price by around 4k.

My youngest son will be in the back seat when I pick him up on weekends and run around, he's about 6 foot 2 and still 17 years old. His older brother will be in the front seat at 6 foot 1. The Q5 has enough legroom for them, I think the Defender 90 will have a bit less in the back but still enough, he sat in a new Evoque and said that had enough legroom for him and I think that has a bit less in the back. We'll see, but yea a base Defender is a whole different class of vehicle than a Q5, seems to be much more truck-like which I'm looking forward to, being 6'2 with long legs I haven't been 100% comfortable in a vehicle since I was driving a rusted out cargo van in the early 90's..

I'm going to be losing a few things things like memory seats and fully powered seats because this base build has 8-way Heated Semi-powered Front Seats etc, it should be interesting, it's a special vehicle though this Defender, it's just a challenge for me to keep the build at a reasonable number. I've made peace with the 4 cyl vs the 6, I think it will be fine with the 90. The coil springs I've kind of made peace with too. Air suspension bumps it up by over 2k, it says $1600 but it adds the premium headlights along with it. Did anyone spec the base headlights and seriously regret it? I'd be interested to hear.

I'm also gaining some things vs the Q5 though, remote start and the cold climate package are going to be really nice to have where I live plus the vehicle honestly looks fantastic. Unfortunately the blacked out roof is no bargain at $1000, I had to bail on that one. For those of you who already own a 2020 Defender I'm very happy for you! Looking forward to hopefully joining the ranks.

 

Yep and that’s my budget on a 4 door. I wish the base prices would drop like 5k. They’d crush in sales if they did. By the time I add off road package and terrain package and a color other than white and heated seats and the signature lights I’m at like 59 or 60k. Then I ask why not get a P400. And then you’re back to base. It’s a struggle.

 

I bought the base headlights, not appreciating that they are LEDs and cannot be changed easily. My mis-appreciation for the move to LEDs. A little behind the electronic times, I suppose.

I did note on another thread that they do not seem bright. But, to be fair, it is probably because I am comparing them to halogen headlights (non-LED). I have gotten used to them and driving with them is fine. So, my answer to your question is, yes a person can live with the base headlights, just as they can the base radio stereo system.

 

These are the same mental struggles I went through. I ended up knowing more about the configuration tool at the time than the dealer which was last March and April. They then changed some options in it for the better after I committed. So yes I absolutely wanted the 4 cylinder and am very glad I did. I think TrioLRowner would have a great view on that as he appears to use the P300 like in my view it is intended. I am glad to hear but not surprised that the robust textile seat trims cleans up nice.

I love having the solid white roof and feel it is more “Defenderesk” and was a good trade in price for other items, especially since I could be using the roof for cargo. I have watched endless videos on folks trying out the Defender without the second locking diff to try and make me feel better but I do now really wish I had grabbed that option. It also makes for better resale on this type vehicle if you ask me. The trade offs I had to make in keeping the cost down forced me to really think about how I would actually get to use the vehicle which is why you can’t spend too much time on the configuration tool. It’s a guy thing as well so enjoy the ride. I ended up at 66Kish and then was surprised by a 1000 rebate at delivery like others.

On headlights I drove the salesman crazy by coming back multiple times and asking if I could add signature DRL which for my build at the time was not allowed. I keep looking at powerfulUK videos thinking he will swap out and maybe the controls are already in place BUT in reality I don't need them and I would have had to get a different engine to get them. I find that the fog lights -GET THESE- when turned on give me a great view of the road with my standard lights. They go off when high beam activates and it is just fine on the back roads and highway. I think from reading that air suspension somehow keeps them pointed down a bit so as not to blind others. Some must have a manual adjustment **** to accomplish the same from what I read as well. So the Signature DRL are cool and probably brighter but in the end it wasn’t worth the trade off for me. I like LED as I do t want to be dismantling my front end to replace a standard light. My daytime running are just the two little squares I think which are also sort of old school if that helps.

IMPORTANT LEARNING NOTE
Pay attention to options that refer to dealer for cost- this means they are NOT installed at factory and will incur a costly bit of labor. I added running boards to my P300 S. Not so much because of need as the air suspension (if selected in Settings) will automatically lower each time you open the door BUT because like on my truck they are a great anti-ding item from other careless drivers. If you have a coil spring suspension I believe they are needed maybe not for you but for anyone who is not very tall. I had them on my original D90 back in 90s and they were fine off-road. I also added classic mud flaps. At least at my dealership I checked about 3 weeks out to see if they had these items in stock and held for my delivery. I didn’t want to deliver a vehicle and then come back for options. Also factor in labor which was several hours for each of these. Also when they finalize build you will have to go through crazy build list which is really hard to compare to configuration summary you made.

Good luck with decisions -Summary thoughts - 4 cylinder is fine for power and not as heavy off road don’t forget it has about 300 foot pounds of torque at 1500 rpm which is very good - seats are well made at any level just decide about heat and adjustability also note that on some levels an auto adjusting steering wheel will also move out of your way on entry along with seat- 2nd locking diff sounds like a good option - tires are a crazy decision between looks and quietness and road conditions, I too read that the all season were better on highway for snow slush (unless deep) than terrain. 18 or at most 19 inch as you need sidewalls for any serious off road or to avoid annoying curb damage and you will get softer quieter ride which is good for old guys. I think running boards are a good add especially with spring suspension, but it too is very situational.

I love driving about in my Defender. It is a great highway car and a good practical everyday hauler. It is a good fit for my bird hunting and mild off-road without second diff and special tires. The size is nimble and still quite generous for cargo especially with seats flat. The modern gadgets are great but the vehicle still has old school looks and practical usability which helped me justify the cost. The fit and finish and controls layout /cleverness are definitely a cut above most cars. I feel fortunate to be able to own a nice vehicle so it’s all good really plus I am too old to look cool in anything swoopy

Good luck to all in buying process.

 

Thanks for the write up Freemey. I think I've gone through the build process 50 times in the past 72 hours. I'm in no rush to purchase as we need to rebuild our garage first. Probably looking at Spring pick up. It's hard to find a decent build in the mid 50s. The lights I can maybe do without, seats I still need to research. It sounds like the off road package and the terrain packge 2 are must haves as are front heated seats here in NY. All that in white puts me around 57. Again, no rush and hoping to see Defender make it to corporate discount eligibility to give me some breathing room.

 

Hi Guys,

I just don't see that Land Rover wants to compete in that price range and while I love the brand, reducing cost by $5k per car, might take away from build quality. I'm truly not trying to be a snob, but a Land Rover simply isn't the car for everyone. They have quirks and idiosyncrasies that the masses wouldn't find charming in most cases.

Rob

 

I disagree. They have the fleet vehicles in UK that sell for less and come with less luxury or convenience features. And it's not as if there's a lack of demand for such a thing in the US. Fans of old defenders would be more interested in something in that range than current prices.

Also, its not a matter of affording it. I could get a really well kitted out defender for 75k. But I just can't fathom spending that much on this car. It starts to infringe on Range Rover territory. Also can't see myself wanting to take a vehicle of that price off road. For someone in my position that is looking for a nice overland vehicle, there's three popular options: Tacoma TRD, 4Runner TRD (and when both are spec'd out as I want, the price is in the 50s) and a Jeep (ugh). I have a reservation on the new Bronco but the rollout has been horrible from a marketing stand point and they've had revisions on some pricing and delays in some product offerings that is pushing me away.

Just saying that there's a market for the mid 50s off road vehicle and LR is pricing themselves out of it.

 

Our family motor pool includes a Honda Passport for our teen drivers. (They need all the modern driver assistance features available) People on the Passport forum rant on and on about the smallest issues. They would lose their minds if subjected to some of the typical Land Rover issues. Then again, if you bought a Honda product, your priority is driving a reliable, low maintenance vehicle.

 

Every car has compromises, price is one of them. For me, I have owned 3 other Rovers in the last decade, and will likely always have one. I thought long and hard to not just go buy a Jeep this time, especially in light of a 6 month wait for my Defender. The Defender represented some thing special for me and I could see the value in owning it over one of the other vehicles that might compete with it.

I normally am very deliberate with my money, not because I have to be, but because I should be deliberate. My income is finite, and while I do earn more each day, I know I can't go buy every new toy other there.

In the end, I chose my Defender and all of the packages I wanted without going over the top on price. Sure, there are things I like about the Defender X, but in the end those things didn't matter that much. I got the things I wanted, and left a lot of good options off the list because I didn't see the ROI on them.

I hope that you guys find the right balance on your new Defender builds.

Rob