Considering a Defender, A Few Questions

HI Marc.

I live in Newcastle. If you want to come over and have a look at my 2012 model 110 wagon, take it for a drive, your more then welcome. I know you can drive a new one down at Landrover but I guess, something i think is important is comparing one that has had some minor modifications to suspension and carrying some weight, to a brand new one off the factory floor. This will give you a realistic idea of how the 2.2 performs with weight, and a reasonably good suspension and I can show you some little issues to answer some of your questions by seeing with your own eyes. Nothing I would think that would turn you away, but at least you get the most realistic idea possible.

To answer you question, I have had no water leaks yet myself. And Landrover at Bennetts Green have treated me very well.

Cheers

In answer to the OP about LR mechanics around Newcastle, also consider Modern Motors at Dungog. A little out of the way but they love their landys.

Welcome to the nut house if you buy a defender. Pay no attention to the Discovery drivers, the don't have the huevos to stand up to their wives and buy what they really really want.

Buy the defender you have fallen in love with. As my wife says, you will afford what you want. The Tata ownership seems to have injected some pride in assembly into the recent defenders. Less vehicles being built on Monday morning and Friday post lunch. Having recently watched a doco on the LR assembly they no longer have a single type of car being assembled on the factory floor. Might result in the defender getting some of the love that goes into a Disco 4, RR, etc.

As for rust, if you drive stockton beach you will eventually have rust problems. Not sure about the non-natural rust prevention products but products like lanolin cause sand (with salt crystals) to stick to the chassis and any breach of the protective coating will result in rust attacking exposed areas of the chassis. As an aside, Stockton is no longer fun since the NPWS (and local Elders) have restricted the areas to drive. The level of fun doesn't outweigh the effort required to clean the truck at the end of the day's outing.

MLD

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Originally Posted by BilboBoggles

Best investment is a carport.

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Thanks BilboBoggles,

Believe it or not my significant other has already suggested that if I buy a Defender it can take her car's place in my man shed!

I'm leaning towards a new car for the reasons suggested, I'm also going to be buying on a novated lease and an optioned new car is going to set me back the same as a used car once I take the GST refund into account. I have heard the 30,000km figure stated a few times as well and plan to rack up at least that many km's before the end of the new car warranty.

voltron - PM sent

MLD - I've heard that about Stockton Beach, most of my trips are for camping or fishing though

Not that long ago I asked pretty much the same questions.

Just wish I had put the order in sooner as it is a long wait if you put in an order!

Anyway, it's getting closer and today was told the Defender left for South Hampton on Wednesday. Now I just need to wait for the next boat, 4 weeks shipping and however long it takes to clear customs and finish with the dealer additions.

Can't wait!

Thanks for the advice and reassurance all, that and another test drive today with my better half in what was quite heavy rain was enough to push me over the line and put a deposit down on a new MY14 Defender 110 optioned as follows;

- Corris Grey with Santorini Black roof and wheel arches.
- Black Sawtooth Alloys
- Side Runners
- Partial Leather Trim
- Front mudflaps
- Window Tint
- Towbar

Still on the boat, due to arrive on Australian shores 24th August, the countdown begins....

Welcome to the club, my Defender is on the water too, arriving Aug 27 :D, one of the first MY15 builds, :D
It's been a long wait since 15 Mar

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Originally Posted by AndyG

Welcome to the club, my Defender is on the water too, arriving Aug 27 :D, one of the first MY15 builds, :D
It's been a long wait since 15 Mar

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5 months wait! I had the option of an MY15 but was to impatient to wait until November.

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Originally Posted by Mjt084

Reading about rust and water leaks in relatively modern cars though come as a bit of a shock.

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Even the newest defenders do not qualify as "relatively new cars" ;)

I had an issue with leaking but it was whilst spending 6 hours driving through a cyclone. The dealer fixed the spots it leaked no questions asked.

All of you waiting for your "personal" build?...We did the same. 5-6 months?...That would be the norm I reckon, & that's what it was for us, & believe me guys, when you take delivery,...it will be worth every second.....particularly as after around, or maybe a bit before, the middle of next year, ya won't be able to order a "custom build",....because it will be too late,...FOREVER.
Pickles.