Thread: 2010 Pumas Most Issues Sorted Now ?

Looking through all the issues people have had with their new Defenders, I would say they have been 20% design related, 80% quality & component related. In fact, the only design issues were the sump, fuel tank breather and rear A-frame connection on some.

All the other stuff has been poor quality or faulty batches of components. Namely the Wabco vacuum pump, EGR, fuel common rail PRV, engine oil cooling jets (on some), clutch, diffs, axles, transfer cases, gearbox synchros, prop shafts, air conditioning thermal cutout switch, leaks, trim, bodywork mis-alignment and that sort of stuff. Land Rover have upgraded designs on some of these components but this was only to address the few, occasional faults - not major & consistent ones like with the first lot I mentioned.

Several of us with 07 models have had some of these issues but not others. People with newer 08 & 09 models have had some if not all the same quality & components issues too.

So in answer to your original question - yes, Land Rover have sorted the design flaws in early 07 Defenders, but they are still, and always will be prone to any or all of the quality ones. Likewise, just because Land Rover "fix" a design issue, doesn't mean they won't introduce a new one in the process. For example, they relocated the fuel tank breather following complaints about water in fuel but put it in an even worse (IMO) position.

Bottom line is - it's a Defender and they are only really 90% finished when they roll out of the factory. You will always be responsible for the last 10% through the 3 year/100,000km warranty shakedown period.

Originally Posted by pc3

Getting closer to deciding on a Purchase and really want a defender but dont want to buy a problem as this will be my first defender. Are the 2010 Pumas mostly sorted now ?

Will this motor handle 18hour trips to the outback etc. I know its probably been covered a million times but it is a LOT of money and every one of my friends keeps harping at me "Buy a hilux, buy a hilux" but I think the look soft and tinny. the Defenders Look Awsome !!

Dear pc3 (are you in the air force?),

The fact is LR will never be up the quality standards of Toyota. However, you can see by this site that defenders instil loyalty and pride of ownership unmatched by the others. They have that indefinable quality, soul. If you want to get to difficult locales, they are more capable off the showroom floor than any other. To get near a defender (puma) you would probably have spend another 10-15 thousand dollars on the Hi-Lux (something to consider, I submit). I have mentioned on another thread, Def/Pumas are like Moto Guzzi motor cycles (had one) in that late model 2nd hand can be better after the new buyer had fixed the production quality problems. As for your mates, they're not buying the car; its your dollars. Listen to advice but the decision is yours. Its what you have to be happy with.

As for the engine, its from a Ford Transit van which have been operating for years and is a proven design (imagine the flogging all those delivery drivers have given it).

Your tray length, I note you are from Victoria, just look up the Vic Roads website. They should have something under Vehicle Standards/Dimensions or similar heading.

p.s. Hi lux owners don't wave to each other.

I'll second solmanic's comments above - and add this; A Defender is an enthusiast's vehicle. You will likely find more issues with ownership than you might with a Hilux. Nothing that should necessarily deter you, but don't expect to have zero issues with a brand new Fender, no matter what year/model.

You need to decide if you want to drive a vehicle that has character, is fun, is more capable than any Toyota, has outstanding payload specs etc over the "mundane" nature of a Hilux given that the Defender will be quirky. The abundance of dealerships etc might also be a factor, but all of these points need to be considered to make the right decision for you.

I hope you buy a Fender - I'll look forward to giving you a big wave and a smile. Now you won't get that in a Hilux!

Thanks folks,

I am now chasing down some prices, Have been talking with Geelong Dealership and am wondering who else might be worth a try to get the most competitive priceing.

I do accept that If I buy one I will be frequenting the Dealership for a while first up to get any issues sorted, and I think there expensive enough that you have a right to do that.

I was eying a second hand one a 2003 130 but my wife seems to think that over the 10 years or so we will have a new one the extra money on a the new Puma is justified along with the 3 year warranty.

Although it will be a little more $$ than a Hilux I do understand I need to spend $$ on new tyres straight up on a hilux along with a suspension upgrade where the Defe will be perfect straight up in that respect for my uses.

Folks I am coming form a 1999 Tray deisel Cruiser Ute (no good now with one child and another on the way, and I need a tray for dogs etc.) which has been amazing and taken me some rough places, I want that run from a defender 130 and I will be a Happy man

I'm not in the airforce though that would be a ripper of a job I imagine !!

My Heart wants a defender.

Originally Posted by pc3

...
My Heart wants a defender.

Then it sounds like you're heading in the right direction.

And if your wife is at all involved in this decision, then an 07 onwards Defender is the only way to go. No bleeding ears on the highway, and air con that cools your face instead of your crotch.

Plus when you do have issues, you'll get plenty of support from other owners on this site and anywhere else generally.

BTW. Don't expect much in the way of discount pricing. I would be more particular about which dealer can deliver you a vehicle in the shortest timeframe.

There's another thread here somewhere about buying from a dealer. The LR dealer in Albury/Wodonga (forget the name) seemed to get a good rap from recent (puma) buyers.


Found it:

Look up 'Buying a New Defender' thread by DukeR. Now on page 3 of the thread index. Should be useful to you.

Originally Posted by pc3

with one child and another on the way

You'll need to sort out child seat restaint points too. Defenders don't have any.

LR Geelong quoted $500 for 2 x child seat restraints is that right or can it be done cheaper ?