Thread: I’m after some help on the new Defender

it is a tiny engine and dose need to work hard, so dont expect to get anywere too fast saying that its ok, like its only trying to move twice its own weight now

Actually the biggest problem that I would have is that it's not an automatic gearbox. Apart from that, the PUMA has amazing torque, and will out tow some older V8 sedan's. I think it will come down to what you expect it to do. You'll never get stuck towing on hill with it. (MY old kingswood did with a double horse float and two big horses..)

We've towed a heavy camper trailer everywhere, Cape York to the High Country plus race cars on car trailers up Cunninghams Gap. No issues at all. Much better than the standard TD5 (never chipped mine so I can 't comment) the 6 speed box is great for this 5th gear drop's it back enough to get up most medium hills no worries.

They make a great tow vehicle, most of the time you hardly notice the load.

Cheers,

As I've said in numerous posts... 26,000km towing a 1.5t Kamper around Australia. No problems.

If you're coming from a LC or Patrol, 2.4 does not sound like enough, but it is a cracking engine. 0-100 may not be the quickest, but it pulls amazingly.

Originally Posted by spudboy

If you're coming from a LC or Patrol, 2.4 does not sound like enough, but it is a cracking engine. 0-100 may not be the quickest, but it pulls amazingly.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I'm actually coming from a Nissan Navara, 3.2 with aftermarket turbo. So I'm used to working a little on the hills.

My only concerns are keeping a respectable pace in hilly country and not being a pest to all and sundry. lol.

I used to haul a float with two large stock horses around in my old series three diesel and was happy with that, but traffic moves a little quicker these days.

I'd be more concerned with other aspects of owning a Puma - the towing ability is not one of their problems.

Have a read through this forum and get a feel for how people who own these vehicles are going with them. They are almost a mystical beast - 'cos no matter what, we Defender owners just love 'em.

Originally Posted by Scallops

I'd be more concerned with other aspects of owning a Puma - the towing ability is not one of their problems.

Have a read through this forum and get a feel for how people who own these vehicles are going with them. They are almost a mystical beast - 'cos no matter what, we Defender owners just love 'em.

Thanks for that.

The thread about the engine failure is a bit of a worry.

I had a fella here the other day with a Ford transit, same engine. He was totally wrapped in his, though, it was only 5 months old. It was being used as a courier van so it did have a few k's on it already.
Cheers, Ian.