Thread: Thinking of getting a current Defender - honest feedback / advice needed

I really enjoy many aspects of my car but it gives heartache as well when it comes to ongoing niggling issues. This would not be such a drama if taking my car to the dealership for warranty repair was more productive and less like sitting down to a gruelling game of chess with someone who cheats.
In all honesty I don't think they are they have proven themselves to be a reliable vehicle but I would still get one again if I felt confident in my warranty support. I base this on the belief (god I hope I'm right) that eventually the issues will get sorted once and for all.
Buyer beware; seriously.

Bought my '09 Puma C/Chassis about 3 months ago and have done about 6000kms. Fuel use is about 10.5 - 11ltr/100kms. Engine and gearbox combination I find to be realtivly smooth and quite. Brilliant off road, even without traction control (which mine dosen't have).

No mechanical issues to speak about but some oddities though: rear driver's side sliding window dosen't shut at all. Rattle where A-pillar meets windscreen, still haven't figured that one out yet...

Overall very happy with the Defender so far, although I think you need a sense of humour to live with them

I picked up my Puma 110 in February this year and it has done 14,000km including the Vic High Country and outback SA. So far - replaced front diff, replaced brake vacuum pump (is leaking again now), replaced rear transfer case seal and rear diff pinion seal twice, repaired dash controls that failed and have had to fight with the dealer and LRA all the way on warranty due to my OME suspension.

But.... I love the engine and 6 speed - it is so much better to drive on and off road, so much better towing and the vehicle is more comfortable than my TDi. However - I kinda wish I kept the TDi and spent up on it instead.

I priced a new 130 while I was in Perth and it was 60K drive away with a few extra's.I'm thinking I'll get 7k for my old one so 53k which is 3k more than I spent 12 years ago on my old one so I'm well in front.I have to wait till March next year thats all. Pat

Originally Posted by PAT303

I priced a new 130 while I was in Perth and it was 60K drive away with a few extra's.I'm thinking I'll get 7k for my old one so 53k which is 3k more than I spent 12 years ago on my old one so I'm well in front.I have to wait till March next year thats all. Pat

Well - I hope you will feel you are well in front after owning it for a while. But it seems to me that too many Pumas have too many problems.

The enthusiastic folks are generally those who have rather new vehicles or those who would like one but don't have one yet.

Seriously - to answer the original question - If I had my time again, I'd buy that last TD5 in Australia that I had a chance to buy in December 2006.

I'll always own a Land Rover - but it might turn out to be only my 1956 Series 1 - the next 3 years will tell.

My 130 is less than 3 weeks old and has 1000klm on it. So far it's been back twice to the dealer with separate issues, the last on a tilt tray. It's got to back a third time to fix the first issue, and they may as well have a look at the water leak it has in the front passenger foot well while they are at it. I am not unhappy with it, in fact I love the dam thing, but I am a little concerned of it being a lemon.

I think cars these days of all brands can and do have warranty issues all over the place. They are all made to tighter budgets so something has to give.
I know several Jap owners who are having claims, so it's not just LR's as they will have you think.
I prepared myself to get some grief from whatever car I purchased. I also popped a few questions on here just like you are doing to help get my head around my decision.
Now I'd be lying to say I'm not a little disappointed after spending 57K on a new car and have what has happen happen. But the dealer has been very good, I know from this forum others have had more, others have had less grief than me, and like others say I have 3 years up my sleeve to tackle any issues.

These Defers do go well with the 2.4 6 speed, ford have a good combination going there. On paper the donk is lagging to other brands power and talk, but I know who will win the slowest hill decent in first gear race.
Yes the Defer are a bit noisy internally compared to a prado or cruiser wagon, but not to my 06 3lt chipped izusu rodeo with it 2 3/4 inch exhaust I had in a previous life. And yes a Puma would leave it for dead.
However comparing apples with apples regarding 4x4 commercials in the same league, the cabin noise would be similar or even a bit quieter in a Defer.
The constant all wheel drive allows a Defer to stick to the road very well if required. But you may find they look after your licence inadvertently, as you probably wont want to drive it fast. The lack of alarms to tell you the door is ajar or open, lights are on, keys in the ignition, seat belt not on, etc is a real bonus in my book. And I don't care that it has no leather gear stick, 8 speaker sound system, or 10 drink bottle holders.
They are primitive I guess, but they are very capable out of the box, kinda 70 dirt, 30 road, and will remain that way for as long as they can probably; which is why people love or hate them.

It's a hard gig going form a Jap to a LR if that is what you are doing. It's like going against the grain, and your mates will be watching and ready to comment when required. But if you are like me and always had a thing for a Defender and its hard to explain, then I think you will be smiling more than frowning.

Originally Posted by Scallops

Well - I hope you will feel you are well in front after owning it for a while. But it seems to me that too many Pumas have too many problems.

The enthusiastic folks are generally those who have rather new vehicles or those who would like one but don't have one yet.

Seriously - to answer the original question - If I had my time again, I'd buy that last TD5 in Australia that I had a chance to buy in December 2006.

I'll always own a Land Rover - but it might turn out to be only my 1956 Series 1 - the next 3 years will tell.

Yep,I got told that very same thing 12 years ago. Pat

yep everyone hated the 300 when it came out due to issues..them issues where then soon forgotten, when the shockingly reliable TD5 came out...goodness then the TD5 was forgiven when the Puma came out.

and on and on and on