Hoping someone can help answer this question as we are seeing a defender 110 tomorrow. Just wondering if you can easily replace the 3 seater benches with 4 individual fold down seats like you see in slightly newer models? We don’t need 12 seats Andy for insurance purposes a 9 seater seems easier to insure. Thanks in advance.
Leah

I did this I the back of my hard top as the individual seats are far more comfortable. It is a very easy job to do you just mark and drill new holes and bolt them in. Then use some blanking grommets to fill the old holes from the benches.

It may be worthwhile considering the safety aspects of inwards facing seats. I took mine out as I didn't want to seat the kids in them. If inwards facing, seat belts, lap or 3-point don't help much in the event of an accident.

Thanks, I am aware and we will definitely replace with forward facing seats and middle row seats with 3 point belts all around plus head rests. It’s deciding whether to get an early 7 seater or an older 110 and get the seats replaced! It’s a minefield and I’ve read a lot of old threads about this. Seeing what’s available near us (Cardiff) that we can take our mechanic to view. Luckily he’s had defenders but has high expectations around condition of vehicle etc. It’s whether we push the budget for a “new” 7 seater or an older vehicle but spend probably around £2k (at least) replacing seats. Our mechanic seems to favour the latter option. Main reason to buy defender is 4 kids and 2 roof tents. At the moment they are on our T5 lwb automatic. Since getting stuck in a field camping we want a 4x4!

The forward facing seats seem really overpriced for what they are. OEM are better, but again, silly money for what you get.
I know what you mean with reference to high expectations. I looked at so many dogs before I bought my '89 and even that needed a rear crossover.

Whatever you do, make sure the chassis number is present and matches the vin plate and v5c. I found one that had three different numbers.

Good luck!