Thread: Puma 130 to be or not to be

Hello newhue - you'll get many points of view to answer your questions, but in a nutshell...

Yes - you will have issues - maybe only a few, maybe many - that will require warranty attention. Mine took almost all of the 3 years to iron everything out - but I had one of the very first vehicles too.

I have never required a flatbed - although Grover did take a trip on one when the brake vacuum pump blew - but that was only a precaution. I had driven it 100 miles plus in that condition (topping up oil if necessary)

No vehicles in stock happens with Defys - cos they are not mass produced.

There will likely be associated "issues" with built quality - panels not aligning perfectly etc. It's hand made.

If you don't want a vehicle that is perhaps a touch quirkier than most - get something else. From what you have written - I'd respectfully suggest a Defender is not for you. Whatever others tell you - Defenders ARE enthusiast's vehicles. But - they are just wonderful trucks and I would never be without one. You either jump in one - drive it - and get it, or you don't. Most people don't - but I guess, by definition - most people are average.

I went through exactly the same process as you and came to the conclusion the 130 Puma was for me. I came from a 1999 cruiser ute. I wanted a dual cab, live axels, longer tray than Jap Dual cab...... What choice did I have over chopping a Toyota workmate wagon, that was out of my price range. The defer also has something called clearance.... This is absent on jap trucks as standard. Also buy Jap truck you need proper tyres straight up. Puma 130 has decent tyres as standard.

Defers and 70 series and Jeeps also look like proper bush trucks the jap trucks look pox. Mine has not many kms on it yet buy sw Qld in a month will give it a 5 k round trip.

166000 hiluxs have been recalled due to rough roads and cattle grids causing failure of a component in the rear end......unbreakable I thought they were.

I feel it's the last of the true 4x4's along with jeeps and 70 series.

Is there stuff I'd change.., yeh it probably could do with a 6cyl diesel and better diffs but the transit motor does pull great and is Better on juice than my cruiser.

I have practically finished my fitout with tugerz11 fitted and redarc dual battery system put in along with some ciggie points and rear work light.

I love there looks they look tough and inside the dash is way better than Jap trucks IMHO I say go for it !!!!

They are like your children. They have there faults but you just love them.

I once had a 2002 TD5 and foolishly sold it when my daughter came along. The day it went away I regretted it even though it did have some early issues. Now that I'm more financial I have just got myself a shiny new 2010 Puma 110. And i feel at peace again. Its hard to describe how a pile of metal can evoke such a strong reaction.

If you love them you love them warts and all.

It's in getting the bar, winch, batteries etc etc etc fitted as we speak so only done 1,500k,s so far. All of them with a grin from ear to ear.

When I get her back in 2 weeks I will post some picks. It's a 110 but it will give you the idea. If you live in / near the Mornington peninsular in Victoria your welcome to come and drive her. See if the car is your cup of tea

I've got a 110 HCPU which I've had since December - has now got 17,000klms on it. Serviced it at 12,000klms (it had used about 3/4ltr oil during bedding in). Nothing untoward has happened to this vehicle - jump in and go. It is the first Land Rover I've actually owned - driven plenty of Series 2a and 3. In my line of busines I get to drive the full array of 4WD vehicles available on the market and I find the Defender, by far, to be the "nicest" vehicle to drive on the road. Its superior off road abilities probably don't even need to be mentioned yet again.
Early days yet in the warranty period as far as I'm concerned, but, I repeat - not even one untoward squeak or rattle, let alone anything of a more serious nature.
Cheers,
Dave

I own a Tdi not a puma but agree with the above posts,I really couldn't see myself driving anything else.I have had most other vehicles through work and I'm about to get my 3rd Prado but they do nothing for me.I'd like to add that you'll hear all the horror stories from non LR owners but I've had my defender,a disco and now a L322 and I've never had any issues at all and have never been stranded or had to spend zillions to get them fixed.If you want a puma buy one,remember you can buy quite cheaply all the bits you need to make it fit you,such as seat rails,different seats,covers etc. Pat

Originally Posted by newhue

Hi guys,

I have found myself in a position of requiring a new car unexpectedly. And it will not surprise any of you that asking around non LR owners what would they buy, it was not LR.
But from what I have read on here I am not alone having a soft spot for a Land Rover, in particular a Defender 130.

I rang my local dealer and asked if I could test drive a Puma 130, of which he said they have none in stock. I guess I have just been introduced to my first LR quirk. A vehicle dealership with no stock.
Given that I may be looking at spending 60K, I have to admit I am a little nervous about buying a car that has quirks, and seems many at times.

Can you guys clarify a bit for me; am I right in thinking yes it will have quirks, and some even of a quite strange quality, but generally these issues are ironed out within the warranty period.
And do these quirks sort of leave you ringing a tilt tray, or simply rectified after the third visit/service to LR.

I don't want to be, or have the time, to be an enthusiast who accepts tinkering / fixing the old beloved every month or so. Been there and done that...

I will be leaving it pretty stock I think. And have read a few post on here about new Pumas having issues ECU's and aftermarket suspension. Annoying yes, but not made of lemon stuff.

I don't find LR quality is any less than Japanese makes. But you will find Toyo owners would also own a Partol, Rodeo owners will own a Mitsi and so on. But only LR owners own LR. I'm just trying to clarify if I have the quols.

Tell me some of you Puma's good and bad points please, I'm listening

Any puma will do, but looking at a 130 in particular.

regards

Not sure what dealer you called, I would highly recommend Bruce Lynton at Southport, ( i don't rate the Brisbane dealers that highly ), they have 7/8 Defenders currently in stock, and 2 130 double cab chassis, Simons the lad to speak to there, he's there Defender man, we bought our 130 HCPU from them, and he recently sold another hicap, to a local chap, so he as a good understanding of the product range.....

Cant say i have had any issues really, i think they have ironed out the major bugs..... Some people on here have had issues with changing stuff, but you should be ok it yo leave it stock, 130's are heavy duty so not alot you can change....but if you do want to change things, check and get it in writing from the dealer that its ok to do so..

Thanks guys all very helpful info, to help understand what it's like for an outsider for want of better words.

well,
I took a new 110 Puma for a drive today and was very impressed. It's funny how a bit of Landy magic took hold immediately like how well the side mirrors work, and I could actually see both the front corners and drivers side mud guard with ease, something simple but not easily found on the opposition.
The seating position seemed comfortable, hand brake was not in the way, visibility is very good with no apparent blind spots, responsive steering, suspension and seats comfortable. The donk is responsive and a lot quieter than my previous diesel. But not sure about the anti stall, I managed to do it leaving the dealership. Overall impressive, and best thing is the wife doesn't seem to care as I will be the one driving it.

I did first find no variable intermittent wipers, no red line revs indicator, anti glare dimmer flick button on the rear view mirror, child restraint mounts and that kind of stuff a little different, but found the simple approach to things actually refreshing. It's a bit like the options list is no stress because there aren't manny.

I have a few questions however for you guys, hope you can help.

Alloy or steel tray? I carry around 250kg daily, and I like the idea of keeping things lighter, but don't want an overly harsh ride either. Give the payload is 1500kg would alloy be OK?

Alloy guard wings, what are the actually for?

Do you think a LR snorkel at $1395 is worth an $800ish Safari, I'm struggling to think so, unless it comes down to any LR warranty issues.

You will know once you drive it if the Land Rover bug has bitten, make no mistake. It will bite or leave you dry and cold.

As said above, I have no Puma but I am on my 9th Landy now.

I like the character, the style and the way they make me feel when I get to pull another vehicle out even after they were dissing me in the car park.

I suggest you get on the net and put your purchase out to tender.
E-mail all the dealers around OZ with exactly the same spec you are after and get a deal from them all.
See who has stock and even if you add freight, you can sometimes snare a deal far away.
Also, buy at end of month, preferably on last day, even end of quarter(BASS) and go for the kill just at the end when you ask for full Land Rover Mats, tow-bar and window tinting to clinch the deal.
At end of month, many dealers are just happy to get another over the line even at no margin just to get their target.

Trust me, i know plenty of dealers.

Good luck and happy searching.