Thread: Defender Extreme

Greengumby, I have owned a 2002 model Extreme (Update model) since March 2002 after trading up from a TD5 Disco 11. Also have a Defender 300TDi ute and a 1957 Series 1 (in parts at the moment). I tell you this to help you appreciate that I might be biased but I will try to be honest.

The Extreme has been a totally reliable vehicle with only one exception and that was a clutch master cylinder at 35,000 km. Now done 70,000k but I have serviced the vehicle every 10,000k. I did 90,000 k in the Disco with a similar totally reliable result. In fact the Disco was the cheapest vehicle to operate I have ever owned. The Extreme uses more fuel than the Disco (Boxy shape).

I have no issues with build quality and the door closure etc is far superior to earlier models. They can have dust problems and the first thing I did when I got it home was put a light in it in the shed at night and filled all the gaps light was coming from with Sikaflex. It is now relatively dustproof. They can be a bit noisy but with a bit of accoustic matting this can make a heap of difference.

I dont get to do any sand driving but the vehicle is exceptional in other terrain. ETC DOES work well in these circumstances and makes for fairly effortless driving when other makes are working hard. IMHO the lack of torque at low revs is a bit of worry but you will learn to compensate for this.

Defenders are suprisingly easy to park but the comment about carparks and mirrors above should be noted. They are also not as agile as other makes around town, but if you are after a town car you would not have made the post. I assume you are looking at new. If you are considering second hand I would not buy a TD5 pre mid 2000. (Before this they had plastic dowells in the heads - might not be a problem but doesn't impress me.)

As I said I'm probably biased, but If the magazines shut up about the supposed poor ergonimics etc, and concentrated on the functionality of these vehicles we might see more on the roads.

Anyway thats my two bobs worth.

Best of luck with your decision.
Barry.

Here's my view:

http://www.gpsvehiclenavigation.com/RMP/de...nder-patrol.php