Thread: 2012 110, to buy or not to buy?

You will be a happy bunny with a 2012 Defender.....

Hello Nicko

I have just been through this process and pick up our new MY12 110 on Tuesday - after starting the ball rolling with test drives etc in March!

I thought about the additional extras through salary sacrificing but in the end didn't bother. The reason is the extra complexity in getting it organised as most of this stuff you will have to source externally as LR does not supply things like bullbars and from memory would not condone fitment of any either. Given their warnings, the warranty would also be in question if something did happen. e.g. Toyota owners and their chassis cracking covered if genuine bar fitted but not if aftermarket bar fitted.

Some LR accessories are also steeply priced so I pared them back too. At the end of the day many accessories just aren't justified (Not saying they are not desirable) and you will also be paying for them as part of finance for the rest of the lease term.

In regard to the MY12 model Puma. I have done as much research as I can and I can only hope it will be a good vehicle. I wanted a new Defender and the timing was right so a MY12 was realistically my only option. I guess I will find out starting Tuesday

I change from 110 2007 2,4 87.000 km to 110 2012 2,2 16.000 km. The engine is much beter to ride and quiter. Gearbox is also more frendly.

Extremely happy with my MY12 Deefer, clock over 14000km today and except for a loose turbo hose and a hose clamp that the excess clamp strap rubbed through on the hose next to it, its been great. Good/comfortable to drive, A/C works, I love it. Only things I have done are insulate the rear parcel area with carpet and soon will fit a stereo that you can run some auxillary music through. Pulling about 12.1L/100km towing the camper trailer as well.

hey Nicko,

The newer engines, and gear boxes seem quieter, at speed, and the 6 speed gear box is a bonus, especially once you leave Cairns CBD. I have a chipped TD5 110, and love it. There are plenty of Defenders up this way, and good mechanics to boot (and i'm not just talking about the stealers). If you don't already use the front air vents you won't miss them. The new airconditioner set up works a treat, and even de-mists the windscreen, something mine does not do. I don't think you would be disappointed about Defender you purchase, but new does have it's advantages. When I was considering a RRS for my wife, i contacted Townsville, and they were most accommodating. A good sounding board for the dealers up this way.
Good luck in your search.

Ken

thanks guys, some really great info. I forgot to ask about towing and that answered it nicely!

shame about the bullbar as i wanted to get spotties on it, and a winch. the sal sac mob want all the extras on at the start, so that's something to think seriously about.

i've found a great mechanic already, had some problems with my current car and he's been a star, so he'll have my business for life probably, services lots of 4x4s too.

so tommorow i'll go for a test drive, of a 130 utility but should still give me a rough feel of the comfort etc (wife's biggest worry), can't wait to get onto the creb track (will upgrade my own tyres and keep the factory ones in the shed for long trips).

cheers guys, thanks again.

Nicko

My MY2012 puma ute is awesome. Much of our driving is off road, and its sooo much better for that purpose than the Toyota trayback it replaces! I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours.

One consideration in your planned purchase. As noted by others buying extras through LR or the dealership will cost you more than aftermarket, but there may be warranty advantages. Make sure you clarify with your dealer what aftermarket extras you intend to fit and get LR's line on whether they might effect warranty. Its always better to know up front.

Cheers

Alan

I also think you cannot salary sacrifice the b bar but only items to make the car move: tyres wheels etc


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