2012 110, to buy or not to buy?

G'day

I've had a MY2010 Defender since new, she has done 76K and so far has been very good with no issues. I have a friend with a MY2012 and the engine is a lot quieter but it seems to use more fuel? I average around 9.4Lt/100km where his is up around 11Lt/100km. He has leather seats which seem a bit nicer:cool:. The only thing I find disappointing is the turning circle, and I think the 130 is even worse, you need 3 lanes and some forward planning to do a U turn. Saying that I drive into Melbourne CBD most days, probable not a problem in your part of the world. Mine is on a novated lease which works well for me and I wouldn't swap her for the world!

Just buy a new one, get the warranty extended for as long as possible and enjoy owning a car that has some personality:D

Cheers Simon

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Originally Posted by VK3UTE

The only thing I find disappointing is the turning circle,

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Have you adjusted the steering stops? You can usually wind them in - just make sure the tyre clears the radius arm as that's what it hits first.

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Originally Posted by BilboBoggles

So a couple of things to think about.

1) you can add up to a certain amount (Last time I did this it was $10k or something like that) in accessories (Any accessory) and that is included in the base cost of the novated lease, the advantage being you don't pay GST on the cost, and you get to do this pre tax

2) If the dealer fits the accessories they then have to cover the warranty implications. IF you fit any accessory after delivery you cover the warranty implications, be very very careful of Long range tanks on a PUMA, or any sort of lift as that can be a right pain with warranty.

3) If you work for a large company - see if you can get a corporate package - Free Rubber mats, and 3 years of servicing - this makes a BIG difference in running costs.

When I bought my first Defender - I got the dealer to fit an ARB bull bar and Warn winch, they organised it with ARB. (And when ARB dropped the bullbar on the bonnet they sorted out the repair).

So I'd recommend talking to your dealer and seeing if they can sort it out.

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Thanks Bilbo,

Yeah the sal sac company is actually really good, they've told me to get it all done before due to warranty, and to put a list of everything I want, and they'll see if it can be done. Good to know about the bullbar, thanks, ps who drops a bullbar on a bonnet?

Cheers.

Hi Nicko,

If you didn't SP, are you able to claim the vehicle as a deduction?
ie: do you get paid a taxable travel allowance? is mandatory travel written into your contract? does the vehicle have sign writing?

If you can claim some vehicular use as Tax deductible, then consider that the ATO rules the Defender 110 Station Wagon to be a "Commercial Vehicle."

As a Commercial Vehicle, if it's used for a business purpose, it does not require a log book to substantiate costs, but becomes 100% tax deductible.

This obviously means that you have to come up with your own loan and servicing costs (which will be deductible), but you will also be able to depreciate the vehicle at 26.5% P/A (check in case the rate's changed).

On a $50K vehicle (on road), that's $13,250 in additional deductions in the first year. @ 30% Tax, that's an extra $3,975 in your tax return.

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Originally Posted by nicko_cairns

Thanks Bilbo,

Yeah the sal sac company is actually really good, they've told me to get it all done before due to warranty, and to put a list of everything I want, and they'll see if it can be done. Good to know about the bullbar, thanks, ps who drops a bullbar on a bonnet?

Cheers.

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I salary sacrificed my MY 12 90 but the problem I had was LR wont allow any non genuine accessories and their accessories are too pricey. (Salary Sacrifice company will only accept one invoice) They wanted $1500 for a crap roof rack and about $5000 for a rubber bumper thingy with winch. I love my 90 but you have to go non genuine. If you want LR genuine bits look at Famous Four in the UK. Their accessories are more than reasonable but the freight is a killer. I bought mine in Melbourne. Moving back to Townsville in January. I am from just north of Cairns. If you want accessories local go to Mulgo or Expedition Centre in Sydney. Daniel is a legend.

I've spoken to several people who SP and every SP company has it's own rules.

I SP a D2a (yes they let me SP an older car - up to 10yrs at start of contract!) and I do the servicing / repairs. I send them the invoices for the parts (not labour) and they send me a cheque for reimbursement.

If you can get the SP company to agree to that, then you can fit out the car as you see fit. Also the loan sum isn't as big. They may not do it, but it's worth asking.

I'm on same deal notated lease on my new 90. Im very happy one small scare when a radiator hose blew but that was easily solved. Firing long. Range tanks to increase range .

Hey guys,

So the last 110 I sat in was during my Army days, I didn't realise that the dash is now much closer to the driver, at just under 6'2" I don't fit as easily as I used to with the older models. I sat in one on the weekend and I just don't fit well anymore.

Last thing I thought would happen but I'm unfortunately going to have to get something else, which is a shame as I love Defenders, their capability and looks easily win me over... but I need to be more comfortable for interstate driving.

Thank you to everyone for your advice, I'll unfortunately probably get a hilux SR5. I did consider older TD5s but want a new vehicle.

Nick.

I too am 6'2"and I have just bought a new D 90. It is really a simple fix. Buy a set of seat rail extensions Mulgo. Have a look at the www.expeditioncentre.com.au I did and it really changed the vehicle.

Hi, I just SP my MY2012 and very happy, I was looking at getting a bar and winch but the cost stopped me in my tracks. I will most likely look at a few accessories later. I was a little concerned about the fee and sound of the gear box but thanks to this forum, I understand it is normal.