Puma Positives & Negatives

[SVX37]

There has been some recent posts recently with comments that the Puma has more negatives that outweigh the positives. So, I thought I would start this thread and list my positives and negatives of ownership.

Positives:
Great Power/Torque
Superb gearing - 6 speed with ultra low 1st in low range.
Plenty of Cargo space
Looks like a real 4WD
Magnificent off road
Excellent ground clearance, Traction Control and Centre Diff Lock
I look forward to driving it all the time on road
Excellent value for money and holds value very well
The looks from other people when their faces say "I want one!":D

Negatives:
Some paint missing in the roof gutters
Middle row drivers side seat jammed
Rear spotlight corroded inside
GPS died
Brake Vacuum Pump let go
Squeaky clutch
Alternator died
Driver side seat belt gets constantly jammed in the door when I close it

None of these stopped me getting home or has me thinking I better stay at home. Sure, having more dealer networks woud be great, but in reality, I don't care as I wanted a Defender. Anything I wasn't happy with such as more leg room and no cruise control, I found an answer in the aftermarket arena.

All bar the seatbelt have been fixed under warranty. :confused:

Would I buy another Puma....... in a hearbeat! :)

Over to other Puma owners.....

[Drover]

Thanks SVX 37,

I have had numerous other cars over the years, as most of us has, no surprises there.

Any thing from GT Falcons to RS Escorts, got into D1 by chance, as SWMBO had a couple of dogs that needed to be transported to beach and so on. It was just a station wagon to start with but sone the LR bug bit.

From there a D2 and later a D3.

The SVX was my first Defender and I have loved every minute of it. Yes it’s a bit rough around the edges, yes a bit quirky, yes hand built and yes the best thing getting around.

I have not had problems with gear boxes, clutches, diff's and so on ..... Lucky ??

I have had 12 months of complete motoring enjoyment and driving, still wondering why it took so long to find this vehicle.

For me the PUMA is tops, I can totally understand why the TD5 driver and the 200 & 300TDI, along with Isuzu owners defend their defenders with such vigour, it can only be because they get the same enjoyment from their machines as I do.

End of the day D'Fers (As we belovedly call them, all of them) are tops nothing short of that.

And the PUMA, well -

The king is dead - Long live the King !!!

[austastar]

Negatives:
GPS died


Hi,
didn't know that was an option.

I agree with the Positives, magic to drive, I am just so pleased with mine (D130 tray).

Wish List; (no negatives)

An extra 20cm in the cab length
A little bit extra right elbow room.
Wiper/Indicators and ign key in 'normal' position'.

cheers

[lardy]

surely another negative is the short run it will have probably second to the 101 and 200 tdi.
Which makes me think that the parts availability will diminish faster than anything for the 300 or td5

[Allan]

What can you say, best 4x4 by far.

Allan

[eezeetoo]

Have got only 12,000 kms on my 110 HCPU - completely troublefree (as it should be) - fabulous vehicle. I can't think of anything negative to say about it.:D:D:D

[one_iota]

surely another negative is the short run it will have probably second to the 101 and 200 tdi.
Which makes me think that the parts availability will diminish faster than anything for the 300 or td5

Given that it's basically the same motor that's in the ubiquitous Ford Transit van: I doubt very much that engine parts will be an issue. Therefore I make that a positive :)

Everything else comes straight out of the Land Rover spare parts bin...that I'm afraid is the negative that every defender has had ;)

Mine doesn't leak when it rains though.

[Scallops]

Can't see too many positives with mine, to be truthful. I love it on one level, but it's still the most unreliable vehicle I've ever come across, I'm afraid.

Glad you guys are happy with yours though.

[one_iota]

Scallops,

Sell it and buy a new one?

[abaddonxi]

Scallops,

Sell it and buy a new one?

:arms::arms::arms:

[lardy]

Was there much improvement between the 07 and say a 2010 puma ....and what is the rear axle ?

[one_iota]

Was there much improvement between the 07 and say a 2010 puma ....and what is the rear axle ?

It's a bit like the way Microsoft operate...send the beta versions out there largely untested and learn from the customers experience.

There are many examples...the fuel tank relief valve location, the vacuum pump, the hand break drum, the clutch plate, the programming of the ECU to mention the common ones.

They've just about worked it out now. This is no different to the 300tdi or the Td5 experience. The rest is what you get with any old (new) defender except that the AC works for most of us.

The rear axle is a P38 rover diff set up AFIK.

[marek]

I 1st had a 2003 TD5 and now I have a 2008 PUMA. Loved the TD5 but I adore the extra power and nicer looks of the PUMA. Done just short of 50,000km so far including a wonderful 5000km return trip from Melbourne to Fraser Island as well as many shorter weekend escapes. So far (touch wood) the Puma has been fantastic and trouble free. List of mods is starting to grow, but my new cruise control has been wonderful to have especialy during the long Fraser Trip and the best money ever spent.

[URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mausmel/4554985562/"]

[lardy]

stop it ya bastards!!! you are making me think I should have bought a Puma lol
I am happy with my under powered 300tdi I could possibly see myself going to a second defender wagon 110 for the missus but really cant see a td5 or puma arriving anytime soon, I like the simplicity and the ability of being able to sort most stuff out myself, I couldn't say That would be the case with the later motors.
Although I did nearly succumb when barbagellos took 6k off the price ...but the prices are inflated anyway so bah humbug lol

Is the p38a rear axle weak or something as I saw it slagged off earlier?

[JDNSW]

Can't see too many positives with mine, to be truthful. I love it on one level, but it's still the most unreliable vehicle I've ever come across, I'm afraid.

Glad you guys are happy with yours though.

Did you by any chance get a very early one? Or just one built on Monday!

John

[dullbird]

scallops is early just like mine:)

[JohnR]

scallops is early just like mine:)

Mine was early too but no where near the drama's Dan has had :(

Maybe mine was build on Wednesday on the day they had Free Beer and BBQ to keep the spirits up :D

Cheers,

[dullbird]

Mine was early too but no where near the drama's Dan has had :(

Maybe mine was build on Wednesday on the day they had Free Beer and BBQ to keep the spirits up :D

Cheers,

But wasn't it scallops that didn't have dramas when all mine were unfolding? I thought he had quite a reliable vehicle up until recently

[lardy]

Are puma's CKD like the early Landies into Australia?

[one_iota]

No they are not Completely Knocked Down.

No one apart from a few Forum members would know how to reassemble them. ;)

[Scallops]

Yes - I have the earliest one in Australia. And it's been fine (term used in strict "modern" Land Rover sense) until this year. I now have a new clutch, gearbox, transfer case, rear axle - and whenever Austral get hold of it - a new steering box.

But before this, I've had....

New headlight - just stopped working.
New side mirror - fell off on Gunbarrel
New window winder - fell off on Gibb river road
New Brake reservoir - hole rubbed through it on Gunbarrel
New rear backing plates - fell apart on Gunbarrel
New intercooler hose - wore through on Gunbarrel
New rear propshaft - developed harmonic vibration
New swivel seals - leaked.
New CD / radio - fell apart in Kimberleys

Tough truck, hey?

Dunno - looked after it like it was fine china - meaning, I've used it but always carefully. Just doesn't instil much confidence going forward. I've owned $200.00 bombs at Uni which have managed to go longer without issue than my Puma.

Still - at least I've got a Series 1 - now that's a real Land Rover.

[lardy]

No they are not Completely Knocked Down.

No one apart from a few Forum members would know how to reassemble them. ;)
So in fact they are built in the "old country" I thought TATA would be looking at getting some tax relief by having them nailed together here!

[one_iota]

So in fact they are built in the "old country" I thought TATA would be looking at getting some tax relief by having them nailed together here!

I'll leave the tax breaks to TATA's Tax Accountants...but I don't believe that LR uses nails anymore.... lots of rivets, a bit of spot welding and a lttle sikaflex in places.

Of course Tata might have other ideas. :D

[JamesH]

No they are not Completely Knocked Down.

No one apart from a few Forum members would know how to reassemble them. ;)

Sounds like some of them here arrive complete and get CKD over the first half dozen services. Still want one though.;)

I like what Kevin McLoud said on Top Gear about his TVR; it was a kit car in reverse. You buy it complete then slowly have to dismantle it to sort it out. I want one of them too.:cool:

[one_iota]

Yes - I have the earliest one in Australia. And it's been fine (term used in strict "modern" Land Rover sense) until this year. I now have a new clutch, gearbox, transfer case, rear axle - and whenever Austral get hold of it - a new steering box.

But before this, I've had....

New headlight - just stopped working.
New side mirror - fell off on Gunbarrel
New window winder - fell off on Gibb river road
New Brake reservoir - hole rubbed through it on Gunbarrel
New rear backing plates - fell apart on Gunbarrel
New intercooler hose - wore through on Gunbarrel
New rear propshaft - developed harmonic vibration
New swivel seals - leaked.
New CD / radio - fell apart in Kimberleys

Tough truck, hey?

Dunno - looked after it like it was fine china - meaning, I've used it but always carefully. Just doesn't instil much confidence going forward. I've owned $200.00 bombs at Uni which have managed to go longer without issue than my Puma.

Still - at least I've got a Series 1 - now that's a real Land Rover.

Dan,

Judging from the list you've taken the prototype Puma to places that Land Rover people couldn't imagine in Solihull.

Were you ever stranded?

[lardy]

I'll leave the tax breaks to TATA's Tax Accountants...but I don't believe that LR uses nails anymore.... lots of rivets, a bit of spot welding and a lttle sikaflex in places.

Of course Tata might have other ideas. :D

I believe you may well be wrong in this instance old chap.
I doubt they would use sikaflex or possibly had even heard of it, it being an Australian product what they would probably use is (well they always did):Buy Eldro Dum Dum Sealing Compound at Car Spot (http://www.car-spot.co.uk/item/50669/Eldro+Dum+Dum+Sealing+Compound)
You are right about the nails though they stopped using them after the doors stopped being skinned by planks from old pallets

[lardy]

Sounds like some of them here arrive complete and get CKD over the first half dozen services. Still want one though.;)

I like what Kevin McLoud said on Top Gear about his TVR; it was a kit car in reverse. You buy it complete then slowly have to dismantle it to sort it out. I want one of them too.:cool:

James was your previous deefer a petrol engined thing?
And when you selling your 110?

[TimNZ]

In short:

Positives - There's nothing else like one, and once you've got one you won't want anything else.

Negatives - They're as fond of going back to the LR workshop as a Rover V8 is of a fuel station.

[JamesH]

Lardy, Much as I'd love to spend $60000 plus to kit a new Defender out with the stuff mine already has apart from the flaps and the bonnet mount (sad to say I'm not joking), I don't actually have $60000 so my Tdi and I are destined to stay together for some time yet.

AULRO will get first dibs when it does go on the market, though.

Must stop thinking about shiny new black 110 CC or wagon. I try to avoid all the positive posts and read the negative ones over and over but it just doesn't help...

[Naks]

If you have a well-sorted out Td5, no use getting a Puma.

Mine's had a pulling left problem since new, and stealers cannot fix it, and won't let me take it to someone who can without voiding my warranty :angel:

[Scallops]

Dan,

Judging from the list you've taken the prototype Puma to places that Land Rover people couldn't imagine in Solihull.

Were you ever stranded?

No - I can give the vehicle credit there. Even as it disintegrated all around me, it kept going. :D

[PAT303]

If you have a well-sorted out Td5, no use getting a Puma.

Mine's had a pulling left problem since new, and stealers cannot fix it, and won't let me take it to someone who can without voiding my warranty :angel:

Park it on smooth concrete and with a plum bob mark the concrete on all four corners of the chassis and with the steering centered and up on stands remove the wheels and mark through the center of all four hubs and then measure the diaginal length between all eight marks.Refit the wheels and plum bob from the top of each front wheel and mark the concrete and measure the distance between that mark and the hub mark and put a piece of tape on the middle of both front tyres and measure between the two pieces then roll the tyres so the tape is at the back and climb underneath and measure again.Somethings not straight or the geometry is wrong and lastly tell your dealer to shove it if he won't let you get it checked elsewere,you paid for it so he should fix it or give your money back. Pat

[rovercare]

Park it on smooth concrete and with a plum bob mark the concrete on all four corners of the chassis and with the steering centered and up on stands remove the wheels and mark through the center of all four hubs and then measure the diaginal length between all eight marks.Refit the wheels and plum bob from the top of each front wheel and mark the concrete and measure the distance between that mark and the hub mark and put a piece of tape on the middle of both front tyres and measure between the two pieces then roll the tyres so the tape is at the back and climb underneath and measure again.Somethings not straight or the geometry is wrong and lastly tell your dealer to shove it if he won't let you get it checked elsewere,you paid for it so he should fix it or give your money back. Pat

And you'll find the front diff offset to the rear, having a panhard rod setup does this:D

[Dave128]

300tdi
Fuel tank replaced on first fill, shock bush replaced and radiator leak within 14 months. Other stuff like door adjusments etc.

Td5 (2005)
CDRadio mounting, accelerator pedal electronics, P38 rear axle rebuilt twice and leaking swindscreen creen. Other stuff like doors and rubber seals etc.

Puma (2010)
So far one rubber door seal and paint in gutter.

Positives - it is probalbly the last model with the traditional shape and I have one.......:D

[Gav110]

Agree with you on that Dave - I also reckon it is going to be the last model of it's kind.

FYI, when I dropped the Puma off with Mulgo to start the fit-out, we had 3 separate people come over to the car (2 old Defender owners), peer inside, go "hmmm", then sit in the drivers seat and all had the same reaction: "wow!!!!!!!! It's just like sitting in a....car!!!".

They couldn't believe how refined it was, and the new seats are all more comfortable. Also on the way over to Dan's place that morning, I had to hitch my trailer in the rain, then got in while all wet and there was a fair bit of humidity that day due to all the rain we've had - and blow me down - the first time I've ever had no fog on any of the windows when it was raining !! I didn't even need the aircon on - the new vents work brilliantly.

Us Defender drivers are easy to please....

[alittlebitconcerned]

I do love my 07 defender but if I didn't live close to the dealer, didn't have a second car and if it weren't still under warranty, I probably would have strapped on a bomb vest and headed off to LR head office by now. With no exaggeration I have had a problem for nerely every week I have driven this car. I keep expecting to find a made in China sticker somewhere.
I am told by those that know more than I do, that once these things are ironed out the car will be reliable. With that in mind I can live with the hiccups (for now) and and get on with enjoying the car which I do immensly. I love it but to be honest can't really say why. It has some kind of mysterious Mojo I think.

[Scallops]

This is the thing - some of us go through a prolonged "getting it sorted" period. Once it's there - I still believe the Puma shall be the dog's bollocks. ;)

[LRO53]

Is it just me or there is alot of PUMA problem threads in Defender Section currently?

[one_iota]

Is it just me or there is alot of PUMA problem threads in Defender Section currently?

I can only put it down to the fact that there are a lot more out there. :)

[Scouse]

I can only put it down to the fact that there are a lot more out there. :)Pumas or problems?

[dullbird]

:lol2:

I think he means people whinging about them :p

[Pedro_The_Swift]

:lol2:

I think he means people whinging about them :p

Thats just the 'net,,,;)


but there are the good times,,,
like when scallops finally picked up his new beast after WE ALL waited and sweated over its loooooong delivery;):p:cool:
all these people all over OZ jumping up and down when it got delivered.:p:p

[one_iota]

Pumas or problems?

Both?

One thing leads to the other ;)

[Scouse]

I don't know why there's so many complaints over the Pumas. I've driven close to 100 different ones & they've all driven like new ;).

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Hey Scott!

any ideas on total number of puma's sold so far in OZ?