Thread: Prospective Defender buyer - Wisdom Required

I wonder if the traction control on a PUMA is improved compared to the TD5 110. I didn't realise that the sway bars are thicker on the current model. This would indeed limit axle articulation more.

I also note that the rear wheel arches on PUMA are redesigned - maybe it's me, but it does look like there's less clearance on the PUMA model compared to the TD5. Anyone know for sure?

The TC is fantastic after the D2's. It really works well. Having not driven a Td5 Defender with a vengeance off road I don't know how it compares to its TC. The anti-stall in low first also is very good.

The wheel arches are redesigned for the 3rd row seats. Having compared them to my Tdi's there's not a lot of difference for wheel clearance. The two annoying things are the raised lock for the back seats and the indentation along the wheel arches in the storage area.

Interesting topic, and at the moment exactly the dilemma i find myself in. I owned a 300Tdi for nearly ten years, and was sad to let it go. Amazingly capable vehicle that took me a lot of places. I sold it and bought a TD5 D2, which I am just about to sell to get back into a Defender. I test drove a Puma with 10K's on the clock last week, nearly bought it on the spot, dealer didn't want to bargain...

I am still battling the same question... Do i buy a late model TD5... or get a new Puma. I wish there was an easy answer. I really like the idea of a few years warranty, the new motor etc, but there are a few well setup TD5's around that I know are very capable vehicles.

I was very surprised at the power of the Puma, it was very smooth from low revs and had plenty of pull right through the rev range, gear shifts where much smoother than the TDi and overall it felt a much tighter package.

I look at it this way - between Canberra & the Cape there is a lot more highway than 4WD track to traverse. I had a Td5 before the Puma and would not, for an instant go back to a Td5 for highway cruising. Without any modifications the Puma is just that much smoother and quieter on the road. Also you can't beat the A/C setup in the Puma which would also be a welcome bonus when traveling up north, even in winter. IMHO to make a Td5 Defender as pleasant to drive on the highway you would need to spend serious money on sound proofing, ECU upgrade, overdrive gearing and aftermarket air - and you would then have quite a bitzer. And that's before you consider less important things like the random chaos that is the pre-07MY dashboard.

Off-road, I think they are just about equally matched. The Puma does have a far more aggressive anti-stall function than the Td5 which I love whilst some others are not so fussed about it.

The other thing you can't beat is the new car warranty and knowledge that every scratch and dent in your beloved Defender was put there by you.

Well John D (sigh) My current ride….. ride(s) to be more accurate are;

A 2008 SS-V Holden ute (for sale in the market section). I ride a Suzuki TLR1000 (my daily commuter) and 92 4.2 GQ Patrol (don’t judge me.)

The ute – hindsight is a wonderful thing – fun for a few months, sure. Would I buy another one – No. Awesome vehicle YES, just not for me.

The bike – well they are a bit like defenders, you either get, understand, and love them, or you don’t! - I’m never parting with my baby.

The Pootrol – it’s an honest vehicle. I’m not going to ‘bash’ it as that would be unfair. The non-turbo 4.2 (electric free) diesel has 335,000k on the clock and just keeps on plodding along without fuss or fault. It has a 4” lift and 33” tyres. (I will not be performing such drastic mods to the fender – don’t need too! I’m sure the stock defender is more capable then I).

The pootrol is very capable off road. The seats are very worn, uncomfortable and offer little support. (Less comfortable it would seem then the defenders I have sat in.) It doesn’t corner, brake, accelerate or change direction in a hurry. I also doesn’t keep up with traffic. Guess it’s a little like the TDI of the Nissan world – without the character or charm. Solid truck though.

When I bought the Pootrol I was looking at defenders but was scared away by ‘reliability woes.’ I made the same mistake many others do – listening to people who have never owned or driven one!!

Anyway, as they say – you live and you learn.

Good to hear about the DC. Thanks everyone. It is great to see people including the reasons, pros and cons, why they prefer one over the other, and I must say that I am encouraged that no one has said to avoid either at all costs!

Tyler

Originally Posted by solmanic

I look at it this way - between Canberra & the Cape there is a lot more highway than 4WD track to traverse. I had a Td5 before the Puma and would not, for an instant go back to a Td5 for highway cruising. Without any modifications the Puma is just that much smoother and quieter on the road. Also you can't beat the A/C setup in the Puma which would also be a welcome bonus when traveling up north, even in winter. IMHO to make a Td5 Defender as pleasant to drive on the highway you would need to spend serious money on sound proofing, ECU upgrade, overdrive gearing and aftermarket air - and you would then have quite a bitzer. And that's before you consider less important things like the random chaos that is the pre-07MY dashboard.

Off-road, I think they are just about equally matched.

The Puma does have a far more aggressive anti-stall function than the Td5

which I love whilst some others are not so fussed about it.

The other thing you can't beat is the new car warranty and knowledge that every scratch and dent in your beloved Defender was put there by you.

Does the TD5 even have anti stall? judging by my own experience I would say no and if it does then it is bloddy crap...because most people I off road with have TD5's get them on a steep incline going slow they stall out all the time.

Lou, you are correct the Td5 doesn't have anti-stall. It's a function of the ECM which of course is different in the Puma to the Td5. They both share the same alarm and ABS systems. The Puma also has a basic BCU.

Originally Posted by dullbird

I think you will find its illegal to remove them of a td5 also..and a discovery

I would like to see a comparison between both vehicles that are stock....as on paper the puma should be better.

MY MY03 T5 Did not come with sway bars.