Thread: Thinking of upgrading TD5 to Puma

Project Icon is the serious (2012/13) Defender change and IMO we probably won't see anything change in the Defender until 2012/13 unless Tata decide to change the Transit engine for a Fiat which has been mentioned previously.

Mine's been good and I believe most issues with the Puma really are more on the 07/08 MY than the latter 09/10 MY units.

Like all Defenders they have their quirks but that's all part of why we love them. I drove over 25000km towing a Kamper around Australia in three months last year and I'd do it again with the Puma (if I could get the holidays)

Originally Posted by Gavster

Just don't want to buy into an old model

So why are you buying a Defender

Mate, thanks for your info. From my test drive today I'm pretty convinced on the Puma - just wanted a round up on issues experienced and general sentiments from current owners.

I also saw your threads on suspension changes after your big trip. Given I will have a winch and bar, expedition rack, 4 kids and hundreds of KG on board when touring - plus towing a camper trailer, and moderately less than that every other time, am thinking of speccing HD coils from the factory (all round) or doing a local suspension conversion.

Just wanted to get your experience and advice on this - and that on anyone else who's dealt with this issue.

I had a Disco 2 before the TD5 and had the ARB OME 2" kit fitted - and found that was a great ride. On my TD5 I'm running King HD coils and Tough Dog Big Bore Adjustables all round - and with a reasonable tire pressure find that to be excellent.

Any other views from recent Puma converts appreciated.

The King Springs will give a harsh ride compared to HD OEM one's. I have them in my Tdi and have since found out they are spec'd at something like 470 lb/in

My advice is go with the genuine HD spring's - definitely in the front if winch and bar going on and in your case possibly the rear too. If you can afford it put in Koni Raid shocks, I can't recommend these enough. They have radically altered the stability of the Puma and my Tdi with the heavier King Springs and Koni HT's seems to roll terribly in comparison.

We jumped into a Puma as soon as they came out. One test drive was enough to convince us that it was lightyears ahead of the Td5 for general on-road comfort whilst still doing everything off-road that the previous model could.

I am not sure the build quality is any different to previous versions. It's always been pot luck with Defenders - some are good, others are bad. That's just what you get with a totally hand-assembled vehicle. There have been a lot of components in the Pumas which have required replacement for many owners on the forum here. To be honest, unless one of those components actually fails in the middle of nowhere it's not the end of the world. The real quality of ownership experience depends on the quality of your dealer.

Things I like most about the Puma over my previous Td5s...
- Smoother engine, better low down torque.
- 6th gear - much better on the highway.
- Slightly softer clutch (don't underestimate this - I had a bung knee for a few weeks with the Td5 and it brought tears to my eyes each time I changed gear).
- Rear anti-sway bar - a lot of people bag this as it supposedly reduces off-road capability but I haven't noticed, and it's heaps better around corners.
- Better A/C. I got sick of the asthmatic wheeze of the old one trying to chill my balls.
- Nicer interior. Whist I miss the quirkiness of the old one, it's nice not having a dash layout that feels like it was designed by someone having a seizure.

I'm in love with mine so i can't give you a rational response.

We just did over 900km over the weekend on the freeway at 110km/h and in low range on rough wet tracks...nice flexibility.

averaged 10l / 100km fuel consumption.

I dont miss the 300 tdi Disco inspite of its mechanical simplicity.

A very good package.

hey gavster, you may be interested in reading this thread:

Td5 vs PUMA - Thoughts?

Mate many thanks for that - very helpful. Thanks to everyone else for their assistance as well.

If you can afford it put in Koni Raid shocks, I can't recommend these enough.

How much per corner and will they fit a TD5 ?