Thread: New Defender, any good?

Originally Posted by Scallops

From what I have gathered, the only out of the box auto is the English SVX - but not the one here. Now....

MR Automotive in Qld do auto conversions for Defenders - now I know you're not in Qld but if they do it maybe others do the conversion too?

I haven't spoken to them recently but I don't think it would be a cheap conversion.

Hi - just joined and picking up my SVX in January - still in the UK and looking around to see what's available in Australia and what's worth bringing over in our container when it leaves after Christmas. Worried to hear that you've had to re-programme the ECU on a brand new car to UK specs - I wasn't aware that they made the Australian cars different to UK models - can you elaborate? Also interested to hear where in Perth is best for towbars etc. I'll need to fit a long range tank at some point too. Thanks

Have had the Puma Defender since July.Absolutely a fabulous vehicle to drive.I spent 12 years driving a 110 200tdi and thought that was the best thing on four wheels.The new vehicle is just so drivable.It is quiet,steering is wonderful even when parking.The seats are really good even after long journeys.Very good build quality.Mine came with all the light lenses fitted with the writing the same way up-someone took pride in their work!
When I go back to the 200Tdi it seems just so agricultural yet that is a fine machine.The Puma is the main family car now and my wife loves it.The 200Tdi has been demoted to the second car.It was too good to scrap and was a faithful part of the family for twelve years.You get to feel about LandRovers that way.
Sure there have been one or two minor niggles but nothing is perfect.People compare it with the Td5 but I have never driven a Td5 so I cannot compare them.
Before the PUMA-now christened ZULU- came along our second car was a series 111.If you want a real comparison drive four hours in a series 111 then drive four hours in the new Puma Land Rover.The difference is quite startling!Now the 200Tdi- christened ZIKALI- is the second car.
Do yourself a favour and test drive one.

Originally Posted by PJH1109

Hi - just joined and picking up my SVX in January - still in the UK and looking around to see what's available in Australia and what's worth bringing over in our container when it leaves after Christmas. Worried to hear that you've had to re-programme the ECU on a brand new car to UK specs - I wasn't aware that they made the Australian cars different to UK models - can you elaborate? Also interested to hear where in Perth is best for towbars etc. I'll need to fit a long range tank at some point too. Thanks

PJH1109.. I have no idea about the ECU (but I will being looking in to it for mine). Tow bars.....Hayman Reese $520 fitted at Tom's towbars in Wangara. (I'll let you know on Tuesday what in turns out like) and the long range tank? Search this forum for info on that, theres heaps of info about tanks for fenders....
Congrats on the new SVX. You'll love it. I picked mine up on Friday and I'm absolutely stoked.....Could not be happier.......

Originally Posted by spudfan

Do yourself a favour and test drive one.

Now talking about test drives..........My youngest son & his mate,both are 21,rocked up at a LR dealer in his mates tryback pootrol thats lifted,got muddies,etc.

The first thing the salesman said is do you want a tradeup?

Anyway,long storie short,he photocopied their licences,& gave them the keys to a demo defender & told them to make sure they are back in 20 minutes.

They got back in half an hour & loved it....who wouldnt.

Neither of them could believe how nice it was to drive....i'll have to go with them next time.

Dont think they will be getting one in the near future,there both 2nd yr apprentices.

I am a little slow at getting around to things living in the country!. Phoned the dealer to ask him about the Puma with 7 seats and a possible test drive and he did not think LR made one! Will be giving him the flick. Was not interested in being flexible about cost either.

Originally Posted by PJH1109

Hi - just joined and picking up my SVX in January - still in the UK and looking around to see what's available in Australia and what's worth bringing over in our container when it leaves after Christmas. Worried to hear that you've had to re-programme the ECU on a brand new car to UK specs - I wasn't aware that they made the Australian cars different to UK models - can you elaborate? Also interested to hear where in Perth is best for towbars etc. I'll need to fit a long range tank at some point too. Thanks

Opposite Lock - I believe that they already have the tanks ready to go.

Cheers
Chris

Originally Posted by John W

Was not interested in being flexible about cost either.

I've never heard of anyone getting much of a discount on the new Defenders. Best my dealer would do was Private Plates + front mud flaps thrown in.

There must still be a waiting list for them.

On the other hand, if you want a nice deal on a Freelander .......