Thread: Defender re-build

If you're considering a rebuild we must have given you the wrong idea - they're not THAT unreliable.

When we talk of "reliability" it generally refers to bush travel, which is what they're made for. If most of your work will be around town, you have nothing to worry about.

Some owners have had issues with the new (Puma) Defenders, but many have also had good experiences. I think we just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. I mean, it's not like Pumas use 1/2 a litre of oil between changes and call it "normal".

TD5's (1999 to 2006) are on the whole very reliable and those before them even more so.

So you're talking about building a vehicle up, starting from just a chassis/body?
Thats a big project, and I would say unachievable unless you are a) quite mechanically capable or b) have a lot of cash and/or favours to call in to get it done.
Its definitely more expensive to build something up than to start with something stock in reasonable condition then tidy it up or mod as (and if) the need arises.

Steve

Buy a new defender and it's covered with a 3 year warranty. If you are able to get it under the corporate program it's covered for maintenance as well.

After the initial teething troubles I expect my new PUMA to settle down and be very reliable. All of the teething problems have been minor in nature, and I've not been stranded anywhere.

After having driven over 600,000 kms in Land rovers, I've only been stranded once due to a issue with a water pump. And that was really due to something missed during maintenance. I'd say Land Rovers are very reliable, but with the proviso they need a decent mechanic.

Also don't forget you only hear on forums when people have problems, I know that's the only time I create new threads! But for all of those problems I'd say there are thousands out there without significant issues.

And at least a Land Rover is worth fixing, unlike many other cars where a minor fault means it's uneconomical to fix and it's a one way trip to the crusher.

Originally Posted by steveG

So you're talking about building a vehicle up, starting from just a chassis/body?
Thats a big project, and I would say unachievable unless you are a) quite mechanically capable or b) have a lot of cash and/or favours to call in to get it done.
Its definitely more expensive to build something up than to start with something stock in reasonable condition then tidy it up or mod as (and if) the need arises.

Steve

I'd have to say i disagree ive just spent the last two months using all the parts off a 110 i crashed (motor/gearbox/transfer/firewall/doors) to give my 85 v8 90 and 94 300tdi face lift. And i found due to there mecho set nature of there build its very easy to do.
They would have to be one of the easiest 4wd to pul down.
I used a engine crane to lift the heavy items like fire wall and tub, and once the body is off engine assembly on the chassis is super easy, i loaded the whole lot engine gearbox transfer in one peice onto the chassis.
Most of the body was then reassembled in a weekend.
It wouldnt be hard to buy a base car and a donor and build exactly what you want.
Just dont be scared, its not hard.

I know the attraction and frustration of this sort of project. The greatest advantage after its done is you know your vehicle very well. However it will take up a shirt load of time and a fair bit of cash. 130s are generally (not always) bought as a work truck and so can see a fair bit of harsh treatment.

I would buy something that didn't need a lot of work like a 2000+ td5, and after reading a few threads would also get a nanocom diagnostic thingy - learn how to use one, a spare injector harness and learn how to fit one if required.

not sure that you would need to do a ground up build, have it checked out by a landie specialist prior

i have a 95 wagon and i doubt i will ever do a ground up re-build. defenders are pretty good out of the box and looked after should just keep on keeping on

Originally Posted by Offender90

If you're considering a rebuild we must have given you the wrong idea - they're not THAT unreliable.

When we talk of "reliability" it generally refers to bush travel, which is what they're made for. If most of your work will be around town, you have nothing to worry about.

Some owners have had issues with the new (Puma) Defenders, but many have also had good experiences. I think we just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. I mean, it's not like Pumas use 1/2 a litre of oil between changes and call it "normal".

TD5's (1999 to 2006) are on the whole very reliable and those before them even more so.

- Most of my drive will be road work, however I do quite a bit of camping and I am planning a couple big trips around the top end in the not too distant future.....