Lusting after a new Defender

[sid]

Hi all,
New member here, just thought I'd post a quick ahoy and a few questions.
I've lusted after a Defender since I was a kid and finally got to the stage when I can afford a new one. This has been justified to myself (and more importantly my other half) as it's a car I will have for foreseeably the next 10+ years.
Looking at a 110 wagon, and my employer has access to the LR corporate programme, which gives (albeit slim) rebates and reduced dealer delivery charges, but more importantly free 3yr/100,000km servicing, exclusive of wear and tear items which sounded pretty good.

My questions:
1) Are the new defenders at the stage where most of the kinks of the new model have been ironed out, relatively speaking?
2) Looks like a lot of people here have recently received 09MY built models. What's the time lag between ordering one from the dealer and it turning up? Are 09MY year defenders still arrving at the showrooms or are the 10MY ones starting to filter in?
3) On a side note, what's the lifespan left in the current model? I'd heard rumours it was going to be discontinued from about 2012?

[one_iota]

Hi and welcome sid.:)

I too had a corporate deal which was the icing on the cake.

Addressing your first question the only thing I can say is that your lust can only be satsified by buying one.

So it is probably pointless reading this:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/106388-thinking-about-buying-new-defender-but-still-have-some-questions.html

or this:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/106102-puma-positives-negatives.html

As for model year Mine is an 09 MY albeit that it was built in May 08. It was ordered end of March 08 and arrived in August 08. I don't know if the 10MY is on the production lines yet.

The future of the current Defender is clouded in speculation but it will be challenged by new european regulations to be introduced in 2012.

[miky]

Ordered mine in January. It was built in March and arrived recently. I will be picking it up next Tuesday.

When I ordered mine they (Adelaide) said there was none in the country so I would have to wait. As it turned out that worked well for me since I was away for much of that time.

[sid]

Hi and welcome sid.:)

I too had a corporate deal which was the icing on the cake.

Addressing your first question the only thing I can say is that your lust can only be satsified by buying one.

So it is probably pointless reading this:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/106388-thinking-about-buying-new-defender-but-still-have-some-questions.html

or this:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/106102-puma-positives-negatives.html

As for model year Mine is an 09 MY albeit that it was built in May 08. It was ordered end of March 08 and arrived in August 08. I don't know if the 10MY is on the production lines yet.

The future of the current Defender is clouded in speculation but it will be challenged by new european regulations to be introduced in 2012.


Thanks for that!

What was your experience like with the corporate program? Were the dealers pretty happy to look after you? I wasn't sure if they might be a bit less inclined to help out if you rock up and hit them with discounts off the bat? I
just need to ring them to see if they've got a demo model I can jump in to make sure I fit. I'm 6'4 and quite broad so wouldn't mind checking it out first. From comments I've read here I shouldn't have too much hassle though.
:D

[one_iota]

sid,

I have had to remind them that I'm on the corporate scheme when they produce a tax invoice for $600 odd that has to be ripped up and replaced with a $0 invoice!

The dealer who services it is paid regardless so doesn't really care. LRA picks up the bill.

The first time I'd ever driven a Defender was when I picked mine up. However I'd sat in a couple enough to know that I needed seat extension rails for my long pegs. These (the first of many accessories) arrived from the UK before the Defender did!

[Scallops]

A Deender might be fine :p, but if I had my time again, I'd buy a 2006 Defender 110. In your situation, I guess that may not be possible, but I do recommend you do some research regarding the new vehicles ;) - search "Puma" here on AULRO - then try a few of these threads - merely a sample...

Defender2 - View topic - Finally had enough (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic2677.html)

Defender2 - View topic - I've joined Puma problems posse - power steering fluid leak (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic3312.html)

Defender2 - View topic - Latest issue with the 110 (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic3223.html)

Defender2 - View topic - Gear Selector Rattle (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic3324.html)

Defender2 - View topic - Yet more Trouble (Gear Box Related) (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic3271.html)

Unfortunately, I feel it is premature to say the Puma is all sorted out. Mine is rivalling the New York 'phone book
in terms of the number of entries; entries, all under the general heading, "warranty issue - back to Austral motors".
As we speak - it sits in the carport - leaking steering fluid everywhere and when I dare drive it - emitting a loud clunk from it's
2nd rooted front Uni joint. I'll be interested to see how the new ones are fairing once they are 3 years old - well, I hope, hope being
the operative word.

[pc3]

For better or worse I've bought a new 130 on the corporate program I've had an issue but has not been the cars fault but carelessnes however I love there looks. I think they will be changed forever in 2012 for the worse eg they will become softer. I bought mulgo seat extensions but really the car is comfy.

I'm happy I bought mine.....last of the true 4x4's. I've also spoken to some 130 owners who have not had a single issue. I think you will buy it......once your in this forum your gone, go and sign up your wasting time:eek:

[sid]

For better or worse I've bought a new 130 on the corporate program I've had an issue but has not been the cars fault but carelessnes however I love there looks. I think they will be changed forever in 2012 for the worse eg they will become softer. I bought mulgo seat extensions but really the car is comfy.

I'm happy I bought mine.....last of the true 4x4's. I've also spoken to some 130 owners who have not had a single issue. I think you will buy it......once your in this forum your gone, go and sign up your wasting time:eek:


Ha, you read my mind.
I want to get in there before they chenge the model as they look awesome and I'd love to still have the car in 10-15 years and see what's on the road then.

I'm sure for every problem car there are 20 others running footloose and facny free. Any idea how many are sold in Aust each year?

I think the fact that I spent last weekend trawling through Youtube looking for Defender videos might be a sign...

[one_iota]

<snip>

I'll be interested to see how the new ones are fairing once they are 3 years old - well, I hope, hope being
the operative word.

Sadly, "hope springs eternal" for Defender tragics. :(:)

[Scallops]

...
I'm sure for every problem car there are 20 others running footloose and facny free. Any idea how many are sold in Aust each year?

.

Well - put it this way - I am yet to come across any new Puma owner who hasn't had a warranty issue - none. pc3 made it 400m down the road.

Contrast this story - I'm a Geophysicist - in my last job, I was issued new Nissan Patrols every 50,000km or each year, whichever came first. I had 5 such vehicles - and not one issue came up with any of them. Nothing, zilch. They just worked.

I love Land Rovers - I don't want a Patrol or a Cruiser - but if you want the truth, the evidence is there.

[LRO53]

A Deender might be fine :p, but if I had my time again, I'd buy a 2006 Defender 110. In your situation,



Well - put it this way - I am yet to come across any new Puma owner who hasn't had a warranty issue - none. pc3 made it 400m down the road.

Yes very good point the last of the Td5s were very good. I've got a 2005 Td5 it has done 165,000 km. No issues under warrenty. But required an airflow sensor at 146,000 around 12 months ago. It has been chipped and blows the Ford out of the water at the lights! Yes i have had a drag race with one. The ford sounds like a old tractor compared to the Td5

I think one of the big reasons for problems with Pumas is that while a great engine and transmission it certainly was not designed for a land rover. Why the hell did they need to put a power bulge on the bonnet? Reason the engine was too tall and sump would foul the front axle (Even with this raised engine they still had issues early on with fouling)

I think a recipe for success is actually design the engine and gearbox for the land rover not the other way around. Sadly 2006 was the last year Defenders had land rover designed Engines and Gearbox's

[Scouse]

Well - put it this way - I am yet to come across any new Puma owner who hasn't had a warranty issue - none. pc3 made it 400m down the road.

C'mon, fair suck of the sav.
You can't really blame LR for someone using the filter as a step.

[one_iota]

This thread was raised by a new member to seek some specific information. Misinformation and assertion is not helpful so I feel the need to address a few of the points raised by LRO53:


It has been chipped and blows the Ford out of the water at the lights! Yes i have had a drag race with one.

Is that a fair race...have you drag raced a "chipped" Puma?



The ford sounds like a old tractor compared to the Td5


Yes the Td5 sounds better but old tractor is not the sound I hear when I drive mine.



I think one of the big reasons for problems with Pumas is that while a great engine and transmission it certainly was not designed for a land rover.


I'm not sure what the problem is? I find the engine/transmission very drivable both on and off road

However if the decision to use the Puma engine hadn't been made today there would probably not be a Defender as we know it....roll on 2012.



Why the hell did they need to put a power bulge on the bonnet?

In part it was to satisfy recent Euro regulations for pedestrian safety that require a gap between the bonnet and the engine to minimise the risk of a pedestrian's skull contacting something harder than the bonnet. You might even find that if that regulation was in force at the time of the Td5 it may have had a bonnet bulge.


Reason the engine was too tall and sump would foul the front axle

Yes in part. It was required to fit the motor into the existing structure without having to completely redesign the front end of the vehicle.


(Even with this raised engine they still had issues early on with fouling)

That particular issue was limited. The fouling occurred at the brake fluid reservoir which happens to be completely seperate from the engine and nowhere near the bulge.



I think a recipe for success is actually design the engine and gearbox for the land rover not the other way around. Sadly 2006 was the last year Defenders had land rover designed Engines and Gearbox's


As I have said above: roll on 2012 and lets see then what if anything Land Rover decides to do with its ugly duckling. :)

[Scallops]

C'mon, fair suck of the sav.
You can't really blame LR for someone using the filter as a step.

Hadn't seen these posts regarding the cause - thanks for referring me back to that thread - so pc3's is "fine", I'm glad to hear it. But still, I'm yet to come across any Puma owner who has been trouble free after 1 year (have you?) - I just don't think that's good enough for a new vehicle.

[pc3]

Hadn't seen these posts regarding the cause - thanks for referring me back to that thread - so pc3's is "fine", I'm glad to hear it. But still, I'm yet to come across any Puma owner who has been trouble free after 1 year (have you?) - I just don't think that's good enough for a new vehicle.

I have; Gary Yost a bloke who owns a new 08 PUMA 130 twin cab 83,000 km and nota single issue....reckons its the best car hes ever owned

[LRO53]

As I have said above: roll on 2012 and lets see then what if anything Land Rover decides to do with its ugly duckling. :)

Yes Puma powered Defenders might be be the last Defender as we know it.

[Scallops]

I have; Gary Yost a bloke who owns a new 08 PUMA 130 twin cab 83,000 km and nota single issue....reckons its the best car hes ever owned

Fantastic - there is one! :banana:

[sid]

I have; Gary Yost a bloke who owns a new 08 PUMA 130 twin cab 83,000 km and nota single issue....reckons its the best car hes ever owned


Now THAT's the type of comment I was after! As long as ther's a chance of getting a trouble free one...

[PBob]

Two things. My Puma is plated 11/09 and first registered 02/10. I assume it is a 2010 model?
Secondly, I don't wish to jonah myself, but I'm up to 8500kms and have had nil issues. I hope that this prevails. :cool:

[one_iota]

The model year is "embedded" in the VIN so SALLDHMS77A123457 is a 2007 MY.

Check yours here:

Land Rover VIN Checker Land Rover One Ten: Land Rover One Ten Blog (http://landroveroneten.com/cgi-bin/vin_checker.cgi)

[Frenchie]

I'm sure for every problem car there are 20 others running footloose and facny free. Any idea how many are sold in Aust each year?


About 20.....:D

Seriously though - welcome Sid and it's good to see another Canberran on the forum. Now I have got the Defender over here I think it's time to organise an outing!

Buy one - you'll love it. My (Td5) Defender certainly hasn't been trouble free but the good points more than make up for it. In my experience Landies are like children, they improve as they mature, as long as you nurture them (of course you get the occasional rebel).

And 3 years free servicing is a great deal. :cool:

[Scallops]

Now THAT's the type of comment I was after! As long as ther's a chance of getting a trouble free one...

Heya sid - you might as well buy one - it's clear you want one - good luck, but you asked the question!

[sid]

Heya sid - you might as well buy one - it's clear you want one - good luck, but you asked the question!


Yeah I think so! Looks like a trip to the dealer is in order.

Thanks for all your help everyone, much appreciated.

[PBob]

Err, One Iota, thanks for the info, but it doesn't seem to work with my Puma. Gets the areas right and the model (Crew cab pick up 110) but says it has a five speed box and doesn't give the year.:(

[one_iota]

Pbob,

That particular database hasn't been updated in a while so the engine type (Puma is now "S") and gearbox type is old ("7" is now used as the designator for the 6 speed). However it is interesting that the MY isn't registering. You will note that the coding runs out at 2009. What is the number/letter before the A (for sollihul)? Maybe yours is a 10 MY?

[ATH]

I haven't got one but keep thinking about it.... but have a mate whose vehicle would be about 2 years old and he says the only time it's been to the stealer is for servicing and 2 recalls for minor issues.
Although he has given the stealer the flick for servicing due to their high costs he has much praise for what they've done in the past!!!

I went into the stealers yesterday to check out a Puma with very low (725) klms thinking it was a demo but the salesman said after waiting 3 months for delivery the owner got it home and the wife put her foot down and said that no way would she ride in "that thing"! How rude.
It had sold immediately for 46K + SD so I'll just continue waiting and maybe, just maybe soon I'll get one. Maybe.;)
Alan.

[Drover]

Hadn't seen these posts regarding the cause - thanks for referring me back to that thread - so pc3's is "fine", I'm glad to hear it. But still, I'm yet to come across any Puma owner who has been trouble free after 1 year (have you?) - I just don't think that's good enough for a new vehicle.


Hey Scallops,

I have had mine over 12 months, with only issue a sun roof latch and a rear seat back rest release lever. That is it - trouble free.

Both issues can only be called very minor and neither issue needed a special trip to the Dealer - just had them fixed at service time.

I think if I had all problems that you have had I would be negative towards the PUMA too, but my experience and time with the PUMA has been tops.

Should Sid buy one ? - yes - without hesitation.

[Scallops]

Well I'm very much encouraged to hear from several of you with trouble free vehicles - guess I just have a lemon. But perhaps, as everything is slowly being exchanged for new parts, I might have a vehicle I can trust - I certainly don't at this point in time. I'd take my Series 1 into the outback before the 110 - and hey, why not? :D

[one_iota]

Well I'm very much encouraged to hear from several of you with trouble free vehicles - guess I just have a lemon. But perhaps, as everything is slowly being exchanged for new parts, I might have a vehicle I can trust - I certainly don't at this point in time. I'd take my Series 1 into the outback before the 110 - and hey, why not? :D


If anyone here (apart from Dullbird and muddymech) has the right to criticise the latest Defender it is Scallops...that right is to be respected in my view. :cool:

The rest of us have learned a lot from that.

[Allan]

If anyone here (apart from Dullbird and muddymech) has the right to criticise the latest Defender it is Scallops...that right is to be respected in my view. :cool:

The rest of us have learned a lot from that.

I agree, their insight has helped a lot of owners to rectify or question dealers re problems with their vehicles. On the whole I have been very happy with my Puma, the only real warrenty issues being the clutch and vacume pump. I have had a few sh..ey little things like loose exterior mirrors ect, but I had this type of crap on a brand new subaru Liberty, a vehicle nobody complains about. I have found that now its done almost 20,000 km it is a far better vehicle than when it had done only about 10,000km. I sounds quieter, runs nicer and I am very happy with it. It may be I am getting used to it, who knows.

Allan

[spudfan]

Join the club and use your 3 year warranty if you need it. Afraid I got no guarantee when I married the Mrs all those years ago and she is still around. Just wondering if I had had a three year warranty on her how often would I have used it? Talk to your prospective dealer, tell him that you have been researching the Puma and have come up with so fairly common faults. List what you are concerned about and wait for his answer. Better still get the service manager and chat to him. Ask how he has dealt with these issues in the past. If he tries to fob you off by saying that he never had one for warranty work in go elsewhere. The service manager is the man to talk to not the salesman. If you need further convincing I must let you phone my Mrs. She loves the Puma. Good luck.