Thread: Wanted! Defender Horror Stories

I think they're lovely cars .

Originally Posted by Taipan

The split radiator assembley & coolant expansion tank was cause by a faulty expandsion pressure cap and it will cost $2800 to remove, and reconnect a new one. The Transfer Box Assembly was discover during the repairs, and it might have been cause by some extreme 4wding done last month but not certain.

I have just purchased an OEM one for my 02 d2 v8 for $460 odd. An expansion tank for them is under 100. I just don't get that the puma is going to costs 2800. Is labour massive to replace those compOnents on puma? Cheers

Just a dealer rip off. Pat

Originally Posted by PAT303

Just a dealer rip off. Pat

... please do tell Pat

rustproofing , pre-delivery or something like that perhaps?

(I want to know what to look out for)

Tiapan, Rumman

I am very happy with my puma, mind you initially I wasn't but that was sorted under warranty. All makes and brands have issues, all can break down for some unforeseen reason. All cost far to much these days to fix.

We are building ours as a expedition (how LR) to travel this nation. Making it possible for extended trips into remote areas like the desert of up to 15 days. For this however we have to have faith in reliability.
We are fortunate to be in a position, but the way I see it, if the diffs are susceptible to failure as it seems so, replace it with a locker and enjoy the benefits. Again it seems the puma fuel/water filter is small, so we are fitting a bigger trap to the system. I guess its a bit like Jap owners think very little about replacing the standard suspension with new lifted stuff from brand new. It's a given if you want the car to do something reliably, and it's unfortunate manufacturers can never get it completely right. And yes there is marketing in there, needs and wants, but it all goes into the mix.

I am one who bagged their defender initially, out of frustration on many fronts. But the vehicle is sound and I believe it will continue to be.
Any vehicle can have some cooling issue and cause major harm. Just like any common rail will explode if water is added. Bits fail unfortunately.
It is true the hand brake sits below the chassis, by about 20mm, inline with the diff banjos. Hardly poor off road performance stuff. On the other hand air con, reasonably quiet cab, bit of get up and go are just a few benefits to add to what others have said.
This is my first Defender and hopefully my last. I have found coming from a Jap past these trucks often don't make sense. However imagine what the doubting toms thought of the wheel, a dam wall, a space ship, or the series 1.


EDIT: Tiapan, what sort or extreme 4x4ing did you do to possibly crack the transfer case?

Originally Posted by rumman43

I would also like to hear the GOOD stories..

I'm so close to buying one. Everytime I'm psyched and good to go I see another HORROR story n the web site..

I'm happy with the horror..but can i see some good ones as well.

pleeeease..

I have owned my Defender SVX for two years now with about 38000 on the clock, with not one single complaint. I hear some of the stories, but have to say that this is the best ( most liked) car I have ever owned.

My only regret was not getting the 90, but I think that by the time the 90's were ADR'd here the SVX versions were all sold elsewhere. ( the 110 does not come with a turning circle ) and the 90 would have been large enough for me.

I have considered trading it in for a 90 but don't Really know if I could part with my SVX.

The pic shows it in the forest. It has 3 pairs of HID lights, the ironman spots, the standard H3 and small high-beam spots. Bull bar and winch fitted.

It now has MT Baja tyres.



Tony

thanks tony,

to the others that have had good experinces (pat, reads etc) how old was your newest vehicle. Im not here to bag, the OP seems to be looking for info on newer vehicles. I have had some big problems with my rig, but being a 98 year model i fell it irrelivant.

cheers,
Serg