Thread: Save me from the dark side!!!!

Originally Posted by cucinadio

That is one of the options getting in the way mate.... 76 tho, at this stage the only thing it has going for it is the V8 the rest just doesn't compare... but it is still in the way in the procrastination stakes

From all accounts, the V8 diesel is oil guzzling and under powered for its size. Have read some preaty negative comments on this forum from people who have driven these vehicles. Besides, it's a toyota. Stick to the devil you know.
Regards
Robbo

cucinadio,
I purchased my puma as a work vehicle, in the first 8 weeks of ownership the dealer had it for 5. I was very disappointed, frustrated, and was seriously thinking of selling it when I finally got it back. In my posted grips someone replied, it doesn't make sense in todays world to buy a Defnder, but we still do. It's a decision of the heart not the head.

But as mentioned below, there is a bonding session with every one of them. And I think you will have to go a long way to find an owner who doesn't enjoy driving there Defer every time. As they say it's an experience every time, and for the most a positive one by far. Hell I must have the most anti car park social vehicle in the world, but I'd rather drive it down for fish and chips any day opposed to the wife Ford Focus.

As for the opposition, I have several friends with new Japanese models and, well, Japanese reliability is a thing of the past. It's only the marketing left these days.

There doesn't seem to be a common problem with a puma that you can put money down on, like the oil consumption of a Toyo V8.
Your puma will have issues, be it small or big, and they will be annoying. But there is the warranty and a dealer usually as it seems, willing to accept it's issues.
I agree it's a worrying time, spending 60K on a vehicle that many seem to find complaints with. But I can guarantee you will find happiness and reward as well, far more than frustration.

Originally Posted by cucinadio

at this stage the only thing it has going for it is the V8

I can put you off the V8 pretty quickly. Could not wait to get rid of the new 200 series I bought because of that seemingly great motor. Won't bore you with all the details but you'll need to put in a litre of oil every time you fill up with diesel and have you priced a full set of replacement injectors for the future?

Then there's the appalling fuel consumption nowhere near manufacturers figures. Do some googling for "oil consumption" and then get it out of your mind.

Originally Posted by newhue

As for the opposition, I have several friends with new Japanese models and, well, Japanese reliability is a thing of the past. It's only the marketing left these days.

There doesn't seem to be a common problem with a puma that you can put money down on, like the oil consumption of a Toyo V8.
Your puma will have issues, be it small or big, and they will be annoying. But there is the warranty and a dealer usually as it seems, willing to accept it's issues.
I agree it's a worrying time, spending 60K on a vehicle that many seem to find complaints with. But I can guarantee you will find happiness and reward as well, far more than frustration.

I'll second all that.

And further, when you take your Toyota back to the dealer with the well known oil or fuel issue, or any issue for that matter, you'll be told you're the first with that problem.

There's a good reason I'm back in a Defender !

I agree with Nera Donna - check the other Forums. Being from the Yank side of the divide, I can tell you that I have been very fortunate to have a 4WD that has taken me off the beaten track without fault.

My car is 15yo this year and bought it new. In 1995, my other choices were a Deefer, or a Disco. I think I would have done well with any of the three choices -but have absolutely no regrets about the XJ Cherokee with the 4.0L engine.

I don't think my XJ will ever leave my garage but if it did, it would be replaced by a Deefer or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited [with the Pentastar engine]. Both have the same quality issues, IMHO, moreso the Deefer considering its unchanged body/chassis spec.

I've had a V8 diesel block and while this is the first I've heard of it's issues (never really looked at it, was inspected for suitability for using for racing) it's very similar (won't get anyone at toyota to admit it) to the petrol UR series which I'm not impressed with. Unsure of gthe casting process but the UR is die cast and CT scanned for casting errors prior to machining.

It's designation, 1VD is fairly well suited.