Thread: Drove a Puma today

Originally Posted by Jeff

A 110 wagon. Wifey saw the SVX and loved the Recaros and the carpet, but no new ones, only demo or s/h. I want a white one, did want a seven seater but now think a five, as we have had a five seater for ten years with no need for more, but had a ten seater before that.

Jeff

I have and love my SVX and have not the slightest problem. A second hand or demo unit should be about the same price as a new standard defender, or close to.

I have put my third row seats in storage for when it is time to sell, but I want this is a keeper, post lease I am going to buy it.

I love my SVX.

Tony SVX78

I am in the same boat as you in a manner of speaking. Our only car has been a Defender 200 tdi for 13 years. I always regarded it as a truly wonderful vehicle. My wife learned to drive in it and it was the only car she had ever driven. Last year we bought a Puma Defender. Land Rover have done to the Defender what I thought was impossible. They have made it extremely comfortable for one. Defender front seats were always very good and comfortable. The Puma front seats are even more so-a little softer but with great support.
The second row of seats are light years ahead of anything placed in a Defender up to this point and are proper seats. The optional two third row seats are true seats, not fold away slabs. Better than anything else in the 4wd market including the Discovery. They are really good and safe.
The vehicle is very very quiet when being driven. Virtually no engine noise when cruising, just some road noise from the broad tyres.
Being a true Land Rover man I thought I would miss the ventilation vents but I don't. The heating system is very good. I was accustomed to the two levers on the Tdi. I actually found it a little complicated! Bet you never thought you would hear that about a Defender heating system!
It has buckets of power and over takes without having to be wound up. Don't know what the top speed is (our limit is 100 kph -and I have to drive 20km along 80 kph road to get to a 100kph road!). It cruisers effortlessly and quietly at 100 kph in sixth gear. I am sure the vehicle will cruise a lot faster than that.
Doors are solid and close with a reassuring clunk. Sound system is good and audible - yes in a Defender!. No doubt you can upgrade if you want.
The transfer lever is very easy to use. All in all a great package.
True the electronics worried me but that is how things are going. We all love simplicity but it seems to be a thing of the past.
When the 90/110 replaced the 88/109 some people - me among them- thought it was the end of the world as we new it. These new things could not be "true Land Rovers" but they were. I bought a 90 turbo diesel and it was marvellous.
When the Td5 arrived it was more howls of shock horror- me included. That turned out to be a very good and much respected unit. Us Land Rover men dislike change but it is nice to be presently surprised! As for faults so far, read on.
The engine management light came on and a sensor was replaced. A headlight levelling switch was replaced. Central locking stopped working on the rear passenger door driver's side. One of the wires had broken and was easily repaired. These could happen on any car. I extended the fuel tank breather up to the bulk head in the engine bay-just to be safe.Ialso painted the chassis and waxoiled inside it.
All in all a great package and everything we have come to expect a Defender to be-only quieter, smoother , more comfortable, qiucker and very refined. There is also a three year warranty in there too. Things that I thought a Defender could not be without being emasculated. Sometimes it is nice to be proven wrong. Oh and the wife loves it and drives it all of the time. The much respected 200 tdi is now a second car. That I think sums it all up.