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Thread: Defender ordered - lessons learned

  1. #1
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    Defender ordered - lessons learned

    A big thank you to everyone for posting all the interesting articles over the years. I stuck around after having sold the 300tdi Defender 3 years ago after some mixed fortunes during its 3 year ownership. The intention was to save up, and purchase a new Puma with factory warranty at a later stage. In the meantime, creature comfort was found in an XC90 that was surprisingly versatile. But the time has come to “feel alive” again, and we just ordered a new Defender, much to the delight of the entire family. Here are a few lessons learned during the selection process that I thought I might pass on to other potential buyers (and also to owners).

    I was surprised to learn from the dealer that a new Defender can be ordered with only two factory options in Australia: 1) colour, and 2) a 3rd row of seats. All other accessories listed in the Defender brochure are fitted locally by the dealer.

    I came across this, because I wanted to fit the genuine LR radio with AUX-in jack at the front. The one listed in the brochure would have set me back around $800, but also left me with the brand new, factory, as it would have been replaced here, and not at the factory. I guess I am better off fitting a really good stereo for that money at a later stage, if I really wanted to.

    So, I tried my luck with the intention of fitting the audio connectivity system offered by Land Rover. The cost of fitting this, I was told, would be about $900. I was also told that there are some problems with this unit, as it does not charge iphone 4s. And, to even bigger surprise, the system is actually an FM transmitter on 88.7, and the radio needs to be tuned to that frequency for it to work. I think I will stick to my current FM transmitter, that needs only a usb port to run and charge the ipod at the same time.

    Since the Defender only has one cigarette lighter plug, I ordered one of the following gadgets to keep the ipod, GPS and my GenYers happily entertained during our trips: Car Charger with 4 USB Ports and 1 Cigarette Socket

    Now all I need to do is wait until September for HER to arrive.

    Until then,
    the_prof

  2. #2
    slug_burner is offline TopicToaster Gold Subscriber
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    Hope it all goes well for you, welcome back.

  3. #3
    P38ace Guest
    You may like to have a look into one of these. The one I bought from JB came with Iphone/pod connector.

    Alpine CDE-103BT CD Receiver Review |

    Solves your connectivity requirements plus handsfree in a straight swap. All for $350 !

  4. #4
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    Just spent many hours in a Patrol going West of Collinsville and well off road to investigate the burning of a 2007 Rodeo (ULP). The vehicle performed as well as the Puma or near to, it is laden and has $2200 of suspension upgrade as it could not take normal loads standard, so I gues the upgrade helped. Anyhow, the vehicle worked well but is rudimentary within it's self. You hop in and feel it is built at a cost.

    The Rodeo that I swapped it with (no not the burnt one) wallowed but felt secure on the road as much as you do feel safe on the Micky Mouse at Louna park, but know it aint right. After reaching Bowen I was cramped. From Bowen to Townsville was crap driving. The car has speed but that's it.

    Defender, drive it, it's all OK. You can just feel it!!

    Regards,
    PeterW

  5. #5
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    Defender ordered, lesson learned? Whats that word that describes an oaf weilding a cutting torch?








    Oh yes, an oxymoron.

    Wagoo.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by P38ace View Post
    You may like to have a look into one of these. The one I bought from JB came with Iphone/pod connector.

    Alpine CDE-103BT CD Receiver Review |

    Solves your connectivity requirements plus handsfree in a straight swap. All for $350 !
    I have fitted this radio and I am very pleased with it. BT and Ipod control are brilliant. I ran my ipod cable into the center consol and when we are travelling and the kids what their music they just plug into the front of the radio. My BT/cell phone connection is apparently crystal clear.

  7. #7
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    You may like to have a look into one of these. The one I bought from JB came with Iphone/pod connector.

    Alpine CDE-103BT CD Receiver Review |

    Solves your connectivity requirements plus handsfree in a straight swap. All for $350 !
    I too have one of these, brilliant is the only word i can describe. I use 3M double sided tape and attached a Iphone holder to the right side of the dash so it faces me when driving. I have the charging / dockong cable tucked intio the left side shelf. I pop the phone in, if needed plug the cable in and i drive along happily. When the phoine rings I see the display cleary and press the answer button on the radio.

    We also have a portable DVd player and we plug that into the Aux terminals so we all hear it above the sweet "hum" of the motor as we travel along.

    Fitting (inc phone mic) was about a hour - simple... and a LOT less than the factory one.

    Cheers
    Last edited by Symo; 21st May 2011 at 02:21 PM. Reason: Stuffed up the cut and paste

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by TwoUp View Post
    Just spent many hours in a Patrol going West of Collinsville and well off road to investigate the burning of a 2007 Rodeo (ULP). The vehicle performed as well as the Puma or near to, it is laden and has $2200 of suspension upgrade as it could not take normal loads standard, so I gues the upgrade helped. Anyhow, the vehicle worked well but is rudimentary within it's self. You hop in and feel it is built at a cost.

    The Rodeo that I swapped it with (no not the burnt one) wallowed but felt secure on the road as much as you do feel safe on the Micky Mouse at Louna park, but know it aint right. After reaching Bowen I was cramped. From Bowen to Townsville was crap driving. The car has speed but that's it.

    Defender, drive it, it's all OK. You can just feel it!!

    Regards,
    PeterW
    You are kidding me mate.....
    All vehicles are built to a "cost" platform, and as much as I love the Defender, I now own a Patrol.
    The Defender is gone, for now, but to compare the Current Puma to a Patrol......well you are kidding yourself......for all the shortcomings of the Patrol, I, as a consumer, don't have to replace a significant number of vehicle components before the warranty runs out.

    The damn radio is the least of your worries......

  9. #9
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    You are kidding me mate.....
    All vehicles are built to a "cost" platform, and as much as I love the Defender, I now own a Patrol.
    The Defender is gone, for now, but to compare the Current Puma to a Patrol......well you are kidding yourself......for all the shortcomings of the Patrol, I, as a consumer, don't have to replace a significant number of vehicle components before the warranty runs out.

    The damn radio is the least of your worries......
    Errrrr why the flame?

    Been here ? Patrol 4x4 - Nissan Patrol Forum and look at the tales of disater there.

    No matter what you buy - some one someplace will have problems and comment on some forurm, Were here to help each other - Not slag at someones fair questions and comments...

    Cheers

  10. #10
    P38ace Guest
    You can make life even easier with a Brodit Car Cradle Holder With Pass-Through Connector. Brodit 516164.

    http://www.mountonus.com/

    plus your choice of mounting clip. I went with this one;
    Brodit Land Rover Defender 2007-2010 RHD ProClip Mount (Brodit 654077)

    Works well. Iphone just drops in, connects to the Alpine plus it also recharges.

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