Puma 130 to be or not to be

[newhue]

Hi guys,

I have found myself in a position of requiring a new car unexpectedly. And it will not surprise any of you that asking around non LR owners what would they buy, it was not LR.
But from what I have read on here I am not alone having a soft spot for a Land Rover, in particular a Defender 130.

I rang my local dealer and asked if I could test drive a Puma 130, of which he said they have none in stock. I guess I have just been introduced to my first LR quirk. A vehicle dealership with no stock.
Given that I may be looking at spending 60K, I have to admit I am a little nervous about buying a car that has quirks, and seems many at times.

Can you guys clarify a bit for me; am I right in thinking yes it will have quirks, and some even of a quite strange quality, but generally these issues are ironed out within the warranty period.
And do these quirks sort of leave you ringing a tilt tray, or simply rectified after the third visit/service to LR.

I don't want to be, or have the time, to be an enthusiast who accepts tinkering / fixing the old beloved every month or so. Been there and done that...

I will be leaving it pretty stock I think. And have read a few post on here about new Pumas having issues ECU's and aftermarket suspension. Annoying yes, but not made of lemon stuff.

I don't find LR quality is any less than Japanese makes. But you will find Toyo owners would also own a Partol, Rodeo owners will own a Mitsi and so on. But only LR owners own LR. I'm just trying to clarify if I have the quols.

Tell me some of you Puma's good and bad points please, I'm listening

Any puma will do, but looking at a 130 in particular.

regards

[Scallops]

Hello newhue - you'll get many points of view to answer your questions, but in a nutshell...

Yes - you will have issues - maybe only a few, maybe many - that will require warranty attention. Mine took almost all of the 3 years to iron everything out - but I had one of the very first vehicles too.

I have never required a flatbed - although Grover did take a trip on one when the brake vacuum pump blew - but that was only a precaution. I had driven it 100 miles plus in that condition (topping up oil if necessary)

No vehicles in stock happens with Defys - cos they are not mass produced.

There will likely be associated "issues" with built quality - panels not aligning perfectly etc. It's hand made.

If you don't want a vehicle that is perhaps a touch quirkier than most - get something else. From what you have written - I'd respectfully suggest a Defender is not for you. Whatever others tell you - Defenders ARE enthusiast's vehicles. :) But - they are just wonderful trucks and I would never be without one. You either jump in one - drive it - and get it, or you don't. Most people don't - but I guess, by definition - most people are average. ;)

[pc3]

I went through exactly the same process as you and came to the conclusion the 130 Puma was for me. I came from a 1999 cruiser ute. I wanted a dual cab, live axels, longer tray than Jap Dual cab...... What choice did I have over chopping a Toyota workmate wagon, that was out of my price range. The defer also has something called clearance.... This is absent on jap trucks as standard. Also buy Jap truck you need proper tyres straight up. Puma 130 has decent tyres as standard.

Defers and 70 series and Jeeps also look like proper bush trucks the jap trucks look pox. Mine has not many kms on it yet buy sw Qld in a month will give it a 5 k round trip.

166000 hiluxs have been recalled due to rough roads and cattle grids causing failure of a component in the rear end......unbreakable I thought they were.

I feel it's the last of the true 4x4's along with jeeps and 70 series.

Is there stuff I'd change.., yeh it probably could do with a 6cyl diesel and better diffs but the transit motor does pull great and is Better on juice than my cruiser.

I have practically finished my fitout with tugerz11 fitted and redarc dual battery system put in along with some ciggie points and rear work light.

I love there looks they look tough and inside the dash is way better than Jap trucks IMHO I say go for it !!!!

[Symo]

They are like your children. They have there faults but you just love them.

I once had a 2002 TD5 and foolishly sold it when my daughter came along. The day it went away I regretted it even though it did have some early issues. Now that I'm more financial I have just got myself a shiny new 2010 Puma 110. And i feel at peace again. Its hard to describe how a pile of metal can evoke such a strong reaction.

If you love them you love them warts and all.

It's in getting the bar, winch, batteries etc etc etc fitted as we speak so only done 1,500k,s so far. All of them with a grin from ear to ear.

When I get her back in 2 weeks I will post some picks. It's a 110 but it will give you the idea. If you live in / near the Mornington peninsular in Victoria your welcome to come and drive her. See if the car is your cup of tea

[eezeetoo]

I've got a 110 HCPU which I've had since December - has now got 17,000klms on it. Serviced it at 12,000klms (it had used about 3/4ltr oil during bedding in). Nothing untoward has happened to this vehicle - jump in and go. It is the first Land Rover I've actually owned - driven plenty of Series 2a and 3. In my line of busines I get to drive the full array of 4WD vehicles available on the market and I find the Defender, by far, to be the "nicest" vehicle to drive on the road. Its superior off road abilities probably don't even need to be mentioned yet again.
Early days yet in the warranty period as far as I'm concerned, but, I repeat - not even one untoward squeak or rattle, let alone anything of a more serious nature.
Cheers,
Dave

[PAT303]

I own a Tdi not a puma but agree with the above posts,I really couldn't see myself driving anything else.I have had most other vehicles through work and I'm about to get my 3rd Prado but they do nothing for me.I'd like to add that you'll hear all the horror stories from non LR owners but I've had my defender,a disco and now a L322 and I've never had any issues at all and have never been stranded or had to spend zillions to get them fixed.If you want a puma buy one,remember you can buy quite cheaply all the bits you need to make it fit you,such as seat rails,different seats,covers etc. Pat

[juddy]

Hi guys,

I have found myself in a position of requiring a new car unexpectedly. And it will not surprise any of you that asking around non LR owners what would they buy, it was not LR.
But from what I have read on here I am not alone having a soft spot for a Land Rover, in particular a Defender 130.

I rang my local dealer and asked if I could test drive a Puma 130, of which he said they have none in stock. I guess I have just been introduced to my first LR quirk. A vehicle dealership with no stock.
Given that I may be looking at spending 60K, I have to admit I am a little nervous about buying a car that has quirks, and seems many at times.

Can you guys clarify a bit for me; am I right in thinking yes it will have quirks, and some even of a quite strange quality, but generally these issues are ironed out within the warranty period.
And do these quirks sort of leave you ringing a tilt tray, or simply rectified after the third visit/service to LR.

I don't want to be, or have the time, to be an enthusiast who accepts tinkering / fixing the old beloved every month or so. Been there and done that...

I will be leaving it pretty stock I think. And have read a few post on here about new Pumas having issues ECU's and aftermarket suspension. Annoying yes, but not made of lemon stuff.

I don't find LR quality is any less than Japanese makes. But you will find Toyo owners would also own a Partol, Rodeo owners will own a Mitsi and so on. But only LR owners own LR. I'm just trying to clarify if I have the quols.

Tell me some of you Puma's good and bad points please, I'm listening

Any puma will do, but looking at a 130 in particular.

regards

Not sure what dealer you called, I would highly recommend Bruce Lynton at Southport, ( i don't rate the Brisbane dealers that highly ), they have 7/8 Defenders currently in stock, and 2 130 double cab chassis, Simons the lad to speak to there, he's there Defender man, we bought our 130 HCPU from them, and he recently sold another hicap, to a local chap, so he as a good understanding of the product range.....

Cant say i have had any issues really, i think they have ironed out the major bugs..... Some people on here have had issues with changing stuff, but you should be ok it yo leave it stock, 130's are heavy duty so not alot you can change....but if you do want to change things, check and get it in writing from the dealer that its ok to do so..

[newhue]

Thanks guys all very helpful info, to help understand what it's like for an outsider for want of better words.

well,
I took a new 110 Puma for a drive today and was very impressed. It's funny how a bit of Landy magic took hold immediately like how well the side mirrors work, and I could actually see both the front corners and drivers side mud guard with ease, something simple but not easily found on the opposition.
The seating position seemed comfortable, hand brake was not in the way, visibility is very good with no apparent blind spots, responsive steering, suspension and seats comfortable. The donk is responsive and a lot quieter than my previous diesel. But not sure about the anti stall, I managed to do it leaving the dealership. Overall impressive, and best thing is the wife doesn't seem to care as I will be the one driving it.

I did first find no variable intermittent wipers, no red line revs indicator, anti glare dimmer flick button on the rear view mirror, child restraint mounts and that kind of stuff a little different, but found the simple approach to things actually refreshing. It's a bit like the options list is no stress because there aren't manny.

I have a few questions however for you guys, hope you can help.

Alloy or steel tray? I carry around 250kg daily, and I like the idea of keeping things lighter, but don't want an overly harsh ride either. Give the payload is 1500kg would alloy be OK?

Alloy guard wings, what are the actually for?

Do you think a LR snorkel at $1395 is worth an $800ish Safari, I'm struggling to think so, unless it comes down to any LR warranty issues.

[big guy]

You will know once you drive it if the Land Rover bug has bitten, make no mistake. It will bite or leave you dry and cold.

As said above, I have no Puma but I am on my 9th Landy now.

I like the character, the style and the way they make me feel when I get to pull another vehicle out even after they were dissing me in the car park.

I suggest you get on the net and put your purchase out to tender.
E-mail all the dealers around OZ with exactly the same spec you are after and get a deal from them all.
See who has stock and even if you add freight, you can sometimes snare a deal far away.
Also, buy at end of month, preferably on last day, even end of quarter(BASS) and go for the kill just at the end when you ask for full Land Rover Mats, tow-bar and window tinting to clinch the deal.
At end of month, many dealers are just happy to get another over the line even at no margin just to get their target.

Trust me, i know plenty of dealers.

Good luck and happy searching.:)

[PBob]

My 110 HCPU has now done 18000km and just been to Alice and back down the Oodnadatta track - about 4500kms on a three week trip. Just jump in and go! I have a small dripping water leak somewhere near the passengers doors, one door does not stay open on the lock, nothing much else and all will be looked at at the first service. (Did an oil change at 8000kms). The good things: You can drive at for 500+kms in a day and step out feeling totally refreshed. Fuel consumption is excellent 14litres/100km :eek: at 120kmph with the Kimberly Camper trailer behind, plus firewood, roof rack, two extra spares, 40 litres extra fuel and the car loaded to the gills. 12.8 litres at 100kmh and 9.5 to 10 litres at home with no trailer. You should see the look on the faces of the drivers as you belt up the Stuart Highway passing vehicles in a Landrover with a trailer on the back!:Rolling: The torque of the motor is amazing. I think that they are not so badly built if you take the materials used in mind, the putting together is the issue and mostly can be resolved. I for one think that they are good value, have a good resale number and have a sole - something the other foreigner ones don't have. Go for it!

[robbotd5]

G'day. I have a work ute, a Mahindra pik up, yes laugh but it realy is a good truck. Anyhows, the alloy tray will look "ok" for longer than a steel one that will rust as soon as the paint is scratched. But on a Fender, maybe the steel tray would look more fitting, even though the Landy is alloy (it is still isnn't it?)!!
If you want one GO FOR IT!!! I would have bought a D90 TD5 instead of my Disco if it wasn't for the tin lids.
Regards
Robbo

[juddy]

The new type Land Rover Snorkel, looks very nice, if you want to save some money, you can get them for around $400 i believe...

Mantec | Quality Land Rover Accessories (http://www.mantec.co.uk/productdetail.cfm'theProductID=3F6184EB-15C5-F4C0-99C9ECF1E47E4E03)

[newhue]

I have to admit it's all feeling good, and you guys have gone a long way to settle the fears and confusion of buying a LR. So thanks to you all.
The wife is mostly cool with it, but also feels the price of a jap has merits, but ultimately reckons it's my call.

I guess I have to get my head around that LR figure as I have never spent that kind of coin on a vehicle. And as you know its' exciting but a bit draining whilst in limbo of should I should I not.

I'll keep staring at the brochure hey

[fraser130]

.......So have you bought yet????


(Big smile)

Fraser

[pc3]

Reality is once you visit this forum it's forgone conclusion....so just go and buy it :D

[Scallops]

Hi guys,

... I have to admit I am a little nervous about buying a car that has quirks, and seems many at times.

....I don't want to be, or have the time, to be an enthusiast who accepts tinkering / fixing the old beloved every month or so. Been there and done that...

regards

:D To paraphrase the Bard - "Puma 130, to be or not to be - that is the question".... and you did ask the "question"(s) above - If these items don't outweigh your enjoyment of your test drive - join the club. :) But I took it these were important considerations for you - if they are - I'd respectfully suggest you might like to think about your decision a little longer. ;)

[austastar]

Hi,
I picked up a new D130 Cab chassis in Melbourne and drove it to Launceston with no tray.
It was a bit 'pitchy' with no weight on the back.
Now with about 200kg of steel tray on the back and about 10psi less in the tyres it is brilliant.
Have yet to load it up with about 500kg of camper.
Very happy with the purchase at $39900 drive away.
cheers

[isuzurover]

...

But not sure about the anti stall, I managed to do it leaving the dealership.

Alloy guard wings, what are the actually for?


AFAIK anti-stall only works in low range?

For most people, the chequerplate bits are just for looks. However the guard tops do stop the mudguards from getting dented - either from walking on them to load the roofrack, or by short mechanics.

[dullbird]

AFAIK anti-stall only works in low range?
For most people, the chequerplate bits are just for looks. However the guard tops do stop the mudguards from getting dented - either from walking on them to load the roofrack, or by short mechanics.


No it does do it in high range..to a degree I tried it myself after begging to differ with someone...

however low first is the TRUE anti stall because you can start the car in frist without even being in the car..you can not do this in high. high will also stall if given an obstical on a gradient.

its VERY hard to stall in low first it can be done but you have to work at it

[newhue]

Hi,
I picked up a new D130 Cab chassis in Melbourne and drove it to Launceston with no tray.

Very happy with the purchase at $39900 drive away.
cheers

$39900 DRIVE AWAY....wow I have been quoted $59 150 crew cab, but even the pricing for a single cab is $55 000 drive away.



Hey Scollops, you are realist, you flick it back in a way that makes me squirm a bit. But there is a fair bit to consider on a 15 minute test drive. I did wake up feeling a bit different today, especially when I realised a 130crew doesn't even have ABS, or so the salesman said.

I am trying to keep the emotions numb, and weigh up work and recreation needs V my wants V finances V family short and long term wants and objectives V the set up $ on a tray for work and camping. Yes it's mostly tax deductible, but I still have to pay for it up front.

I did wander online and checked out a Triton, has a lot of fruit, will probably do most if not all we ask of it, and is a lot cheaper, but has no sole.

I have to admit austastar has made me wain again, I have a figure in my head of what will see a spanking new 130 in the drive, I think I will pitch it at the salesman tomorrow, if he calls, which I assume he will.
I reckon Big Guy is also onto it, the hungriest fish takes the hook I guess. No harm in a national email.

[PAT303]

The 130 and Triton are two very different vehicles,ones a road vehicle that can go on the beach on weekends,the other is a work vehicle that doesn't pretend to be anything else.Defenders cost more but you get it back at the other end,the resale is quite amazing and it will do more,allot more.The Tritons have proved to be solid vehicles but I have a pet peeve about Jap utes,they are mushy in the front and cart like in the rear. Pat

[isuzurover]

EDIT - sorry, was a 110 CC.

[Scallops]

Don't get me wrong newhue - the Defy is a great truck - I love mine and wouldn't be without it. But they are completely different beasts to the Japanese offerings. To some of us - that is a blessing - to others, it is a curse.

Look - you'll get plenty of help right here if you do get one - and I'll bet you'll enjoy it. But you will also again participate in the two activities I listed from your original quotation in my last post. ;)

PS - I wouldn't worry about not having ABS - Fenders (and Land Rovers in general) didn't have ABS for years and it didn't matter - I drove across the Simpson with mine shut down (cos the system failed!!! :D) and it didn't make any difference.

In many ways - you're better off without it - one less thing to go wrong. ;)

[brendanm]

Hi Mate
A little over a year ago I purchased a 130 Puma. I have now got over 60000 on the clock.
I have owned 3 landrovers in the past A Range Rover which I later replaced with a TD5 manual Disco. Then through work leased the Defender. It is a fantastic vehicle that I look forward to driving.
The load carrying is superior to any ute I have had in the past and not far off a 2tonne Dyna I used to own.
Off road ability is not far off the Discovery (which is now very modified) in standard form. It has so much potential once modified for some of the hasher tracks I like to explore.
Wife is happy driving it. Kids are very upright in the back and prefer the Disco on longer trips. Though are happy for day to day stuff
Couple of issues like a jambing ignition barrel and a noise in the clutch. Both were rectified under warranty which I have found to be exceptional. The tuning circle requires a bit of planing.
I appreciate the lack of ABS and SRS as they are just more that has the potential to go wrong and cost money.
I would have no hesitation in recomending this kind of vehicle and see it as a long term proposition.

[ant_schomacker]

Mate, if it helps I'm in Brisbane with a 130DC and steel tray that you take for a drive... Pm me if your interested in organising a time.

I feel it is the best "car" I've ever owned!!!

[newhue]

Well I'm happy to say we have sided with a Land Rover 130 crew cab, white... naturally.

Pick it up in two weeks, which I am grateful as it is only two more weeks of broken sleep and anticipation.
Thank you all for input. I have enjoyed and valued your input in helping me make this decision which I and the family we were not anticipating, i.e a new car.

We purchase through Simon at Southport LR, or which I can only praise thus far.
I look forward to joining a LR club now, getting to know some of you personally, and enjoying the outdoors and all the wonder it brings children of all ages in our new Landie.

Ps, does any one know where I could get child seat anchor point add to the vehicle in Brisbane. I will ask Simon if any on the Gold Coast, but thought I'd ask.

cheers

[spudboy]

Ha! Congratulations.

Reckon you will love it.

They are a 20 year car (once any initial gremlins are ironed out), not something to get rid of every 3 or 4 years..

Edit: BTW I meant to say, I've got an '07 PUMA and thus far it has not had any problems. It got the rear diff replaced under warranty (even though the original one didn't break or anything) and a new CD player, all under warranty. That's it.

[juddy]

Well I'm happy to say we have sided with a Land Rover 130 crew cab, white... naturally.

Pick it up in two weeks, which I am grateful as it is only two more weeks of broken sleep and anticipation.
Thank you all for input. I have enjoyed and valued your input in helping me make this decision which I and the family we were not anticipating, i.e a new car.

We purchase through Simon at Southport LR, or which I can only praise thus far.
I look forward to joining a LR club now, getting to know some of you personally, and enjoying the outdoors and all the wonder it brings children of all ages in our new Landie.

Ps, does any one know where I could get child seat anchor point add to the vehicle in Brisbane. I will ask Simon if any on the Gold Coast, but thought I'd ask.

cheers

Glad Simon was helpful, i take it you got the one they had in stock...

[newhue]

Right on juddy. I did tell Simon he was famous on a certain forum, mentioned by bloke who drives a silver 130. Of which he had a good laugh and thought that was very cool.
I get the impression from LR there are only about half a dozen 130's floating about the country. Not the easiest car to buy if you require one quickly, so it was great to find a couple locally.

I may be green, but I don't figure LR really has a far greater % of warranty issues than Japanese. A friend of mine has blown his turbo on a 2010 Mitsi Challenger, and the car has other issues. A staff member of mine has had some small issues with his Mitsi. Toyo recalled 100K+ hilux recently. You read any brand forum and there are people with warranty issues.

So here hoping my share will be small, and not to inconvenient.

[Scallops]

Really pleased for you, newhue - now - I'm the Treasurer of the GCLRO club - so just PM me for details about the "closest thing to heaven on earth" and come along to our next meeting. :)

[newhue]

Really pleased for you, newhue - now - I'm the Treasurer of the GCLRO club - so just PM me for details about the "closest thing to heaven on earth" and come along to our next meeting. :)

Scollops, thanks, the Landi family is a nice thing to be joining.

[newhue]

Well folks her she is. (if the pics have worked)
Picked it up Saturday, after a very early attack of anticipation. I woke up at 3.30am ready to go. Delivery was booked for 9am so I had some pacing to do. Drove it home in the rain and fitted up the BBar in the afternoon.

I sold a set of wing tops to the wife whilst doing the bar, she came over and placed a coffee on the guard. Funny how something so useless and a wast of money suddenly made sense to her. I think Black will do nicely.

very happy with the new purchase, thanks for all your help.



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[juddy]

Looks good........ nice tray......

[The ho har's]

We have had no input in this thread at all so far.....nice truck top buy and agree the trays look better than the tub..here's ours ..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/416.jpg

and scallops going through deepish water up in N.T.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/417.jpg

Mrs hh:angel:

[newhue]

I got my first Landy wave today, quite funny and comforting really. The wife thought I was full of it until it happened. Only saw one Defender all day but sure enough, half way through a round about, no worries. Can't say the same for the 4 Disco's and 1 Rangy....but never mind.

[JohnR]

:arms: Well done she looks great. We'll see at dome GCLRC outing soon!

Enjoy the machine,

Cheers,

[juddy]

We have had no input in this thread at all so far.....nice truck top buy and agree the trays look better than the tub..here's ours ..

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/416.jpg

and scallops going through deepish water up in N.T.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/09/417.jpg

Mrs hh:angel:

Trays are good but tubs better. IMO ..:confused:

[rick130]

Trays are good but tubs better. IMO ..:confused:

That's a bit like saying a 110 is better than a 130, it all depends on what you are doing with it.

We have a Patrol with a tray and a 130 with a tub and when it comes to carting hay the Patrol wins, it has a flat loading area and I can get more bales on the tray, even though it has a saggy bum compared to the 130.

A tray carries pallets much better, etc, etc.

A well back has higher sides and so can carry other things like firewood better, etc, etc.

[juddy]

That's a bit like saying a 110 is better than a 130, it all depends on what you are doing with it.

We have a Patrol with a tray and a 130 with a tub and when it comes to carting hay the Patrol wins, it has a flat loading area and I can get more bales on the tray, even though it has a saggy bum compared to the 130.

A tray carries pallets much better, etc, etc.

A well back has higher sides and so can carry other things like firewood better, etc, etc.

I agree with you 100% all depends on what you want it for, i suppose there both as good as each other....in different ways....

[newhue]

Personally I like the look of the style side, and initially was hoping it would work for me.
But being a tradie I need the space, and with a twin cab having a shorter tray it was paramount. Then I thought steel, but at double the price and a bit more, alloy was an easy choice.

[pc3]

Your 130 looks great !!

whats a style side exactly ? Isnt that LR's factory alloy tray ?

Whats amazing is that I dont have any "drivers fatigue" from a stint in the 130 where as even in the falcon I feel crappy in the back after a drive in it (1hr +) The Defender 130 I do not have this issue..................the Landcruiser Ute, I literally could barely walk when I jumped out !!

[juddy]

I think for trade work etc, then a tray is the best option, you can get all sorts in the back of it.

Its also a good idea if you have a slide on camper, like the Ho Har's.

Style sides/Tubs/HCPU are suited for, general work, touring, expedition set ups.

Style side is just the name given to the rear body work of a 4wd/ute, that comes as standard on most vehicles, from the factory.

The ride and comfort on the 130 is excellent, and as a daily drive i cant fault mine.... I have not driven a Toybota ute so i cant comment on the driving comfort, i did once have a Toyota SR5 Hilux, and other than being very very fast, it was terrible to drive, and sitting in for a long period of time....

[newhue]

Sorry style side = HCPU. Got to stop using Japanese lingo

I think, Jap owners say LR's are uncomfortable because they don't spend much time in them perhaps. LR are just different to all the other modern offerings.
But if you want an out of the box decent 4x4, with good looks, and need a twin cab ute. The old Defender ticks the boxes, then comes with character, not glossy brochures and pictures.

[Scallops]

Looks great - and black checker wing tops will look very cool. Really pleased for you and glad to see you're enjoying it. There is nothing like a Land Rover. :)

[The ho har's]

OK weeds...when is that defender only trip you you were talking about on;):D


Get cracking my son:p

Mrs hh:angel:

[cucinadio]

so mate how has the 130 been traveling ??, any issues as yet , and are you in love??...

cheers

[newhue]

ummmmmm.... it's kind of a love hate relationship at the moment.

Rolling into my 4th week of ownership, I have only driven it for 1.5 of them.
got some issues
kinda feel quite down about the whole deal really, but nevermind it will pick up.

[one_iota]

ummmmmm.... it's kind of a love hate relationship at the moment.

Rolling into my 4th week of ownership, I have only driven it for 1.5 of them.
got some issues
kinda feel quite down about the whole deal really, but nevermind it will pick up.

I hope the issues are only Defender related...and if so AULRO is a sort of encounter/support group so share if you want. No point trying to bury it.

[newhue]

you guys make me laugh, I should point out they are defender related.

oil, electrical, water.....its like a box of chocolates. No point banging on about it, it's something only LR can fix.

[one_iota]

We have a local chocolate maker and they make a mean chilli chocolate...

It's a bit like Defender ownership...there is a fine line between pleasure and pain.

Hope you get to improve the proportion of pleasure in the ratio.

[JohnR]

Jason, which LR dealership are you using?

[newhue]

well I'll crawl out from under my rock now the sun has begun to shine. Still don't have my Defender back just yet. Another 4 days to go but after some 11 days in the home office already, I am happy it actually starts again.

I'd say a brain teaser for LR after the vehicle developed an electrical issue that rendered absolutely no response upon turning the key to start. So much so the poor mechanics had the dash out looking for a resolve. Bit of a brain teaser for me as well with having such an issue some 8 days into ownership.

Looking forward to getting it back and continuing the build on it. Also really looking forward to getting out with a few of you and using it a bit in low gear.

[JohnR]

That's good news. Did they tell you what caused it to not start?

[newhue]

No. I will ask again when I pick it up. It was some kind of spike I believe.

Initially I poped the L and R rear tail light 10amp fuses because I cross wired the number plate light whilst re fitting the tray.
Somehow the spike didn't stop at the fuses and cause some electrical failure elsewhere.

I hope for all of us, mine was a one off.

[weeds]

hope you can make the defender day out

[newhue]

I hope so weeds, but one day at a time.

After watching various videos, reading things and just being an owner I'm itching to take it for a run. On the other hand I could do with staying home a few weekend to continue it's build for xmas holidays.

It's off for a measure up at the steel fabricators Monday arvo if all goes well. If all goes really well I will fit the roof console through week, canopy on Sunday, and place the duel battery as well.

Ahhhh if all goes well.

[JohnR]

Take your time with the mods, don't rush them. I always find I have a millions jobs to do before I go away and I usually only manage half a million but I still manage to get away and have a great time :)

Cheers,

[newhue]

Well my babe has come back. I cant say shiny and new but after a quick bath yesterday she sure look it now.

I asked what was the issue, this significant electrical spike that took LR a long time to fix and I was given a vague answer. It was hard to find, we had everything out, there were other fuses blown, we have written a two page report on it.....but no real explanation.
I know it has had a new ECU and another significant part of the electrics which I can't recall. The dealer clammed up after that, or after I sent an email to all parties involved explaining what it's like from a new purchasers point of view. Just an observation of time, correspondence, and a new vehicle.

On one hand I'm little disappointed with the whole experience, I have no understanding as to why and what the issue was and how to avoid it returning perhaps. And I certainly don't need the hassle again.

On the other hand who gives a rip, I have my car back, LR picked up the bill, it's time to move on.

gee I love my landy

[newhue]

Take your time with the mods, don't rush them. I always find I have a millions jobs to do before I go away and I usually only manage half a million but I still manage to get away and have a great time :)

Cheers,

yeh thanks John, I should pop around and have a look at yours, you have done a fair bit.

I have a list like us all, but basically I am going to duplicate what we had in the old car pretty much. We ran that set up for 2 years and for regular weekend camping and the odd 2 or 3 week tour, it worked well for us.

I find time is the problem, xmas is coming quickly and I know what I want. Just work, money, family, getting the bits to do the mod, it's takes time to work it all together.
But at least now I have the car back so I feel like a winner, or at least at the starting blocks.

[The ho har's]

good news jason we will see you at the defender run then and take youre mind off a few things and enjoy the day with other deffers owners

[The ho har's]

good news Jason we will see you at the defender run then and take youre mind off a few things and enjoy the day with other deffer owners:)

Mrs hh:angel:

P.S. see you again at the next meeting;)

[fender22]

I disagree with some of the posts in as much as you'll instantly love it or hate it. I reckon anyone that got in one would instantly hate it. The first day I bought mine I wondered what the hell I'd done. Slow, noisey, handbrake sticking into one leg and the door pressed against the other. Had I yearned for one of these for years?
By the next day I was head over heals in love. We have a Freelander 2 which I must say is one of the most comfortable and easy to drive vehicles I've ever been in, but I'd rather driver my Defender. It's like an event I look forward to every time I get in it :-)

[The ho har's]

I disagree with some of the posts in as much as you'll instantly love it or hate it. I reckon anyone that got in one would instantly hate it. The first day I bought mine I wondered what the hell I'd done. Slow, noisey, handbrake sticking into one leg and the door pressed against the other. Had I yearned for one of these for years?
By the next day I was head over heals in love. We have a Freelander 2 which I must say is one of the most comfortable and easy to drive vehicles I've ever been in, but I'd rather driver my Defender. It's like an event I look forward to every time I get in it :-)


so have you put youre name down on this trip...


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/upcoming-events/115236-qld-14th-nov-defender-day-out.html

Mrs hh:angel:

[newhue]

Oh I don't know there fender22. 12 months earlier I drove past a 130 in a sales yard. I stopped and looked it over. It seems odd to me because I was looking through Japanese comparative glasses. It didn't seem to have much going for it I concluded. The simpleness of it struck me as...well how can these compare, they are just plain and simple, have no carpet and holes in the floor. And check out that dash. I sat in it, discovered the hand brake took up leg space. Door rubbed on my arm, seat had little adjustability, and the cab seemed cramped, compared to a Japanese car.

When I got the opportunity to actually drive one, all that seemed to go out the window. I started to see the car through Land Rover glasses, it's is comfortable after all. The radio is not a stretch, my knee doesn't ache because I actually sit fairly true or correctly, instead of slobing. No carpet means no mouldy smells or vacuuming dirt, sand, or grass seeds for hours out of it. I love that it doesn't tell me something is not closed, on, off or other. And slow means good for my licence, wallet, and going down hills.

But yeas for sure, every time I drive it, it's a fun experience in itself.

I reckon I for one could put my hand up for instantly hating it or loving it.

[fender22]

so have you put youre name down on this trip...


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/upcoming-events/115236-qld-14th-nov-defender-day-out.html

Mrs hh:angel:

Sounds good! Is it a 4wdriving day or just a get together?
Are there any Land rover show days scheduled for Brisbane?

Love looking at Land rovers!

[fender22]

Oh I don't know there fender22. 12 months earlier I drove past a 130 in a sales yard. I stopped and looked it over. It seems odd to me because I was looking through Japanese comparative glasses. It didn't seem to have much going for it I concluded. The simpleness of it struck me as...well how can these compare, they are just plain and simple, have no carpet and holes in the floor. And check out that dash. I sat in it, discovered the hand brake took up leg space. Door rubbed on my arm, seat had little adjustability, and the cab seemed cramped, compared to a Japanese car.

When I got the opportunity to actually drive one, all that seemed to go out the window. I started to see the car through Land Rover glasses, it's is comfortable after all. The radio is not a stretch, my knee doesn't ache because I actually sit fairly true or correctly, instead of slobing. No carpet means no mouldy smells or vacuuming dirt, sand, or grass seeds for hours out of it. I love that it doesn't tell me something is not closed, on, off or other. And slow means good for my licence, wallet, and going down hills.

But yeas for sure, every time I drive it, it's a fun experience in itself.

I reckon I for one could put my hand up for instantly hating it or loving it.

Couldn't agree more on all points! Sounds like it must have taken me about 12hrs longer to get smitten though. There are so many parts to a LR that you just "get" after a while, and everything starts to make sense. I find mine extremely comfortable to drive.

[weeds]

Sounds good! Is it a 4wdriving day or just a get together?
Are there any Land rover show days scheduled for Brisbane?

Love looking at Land rovers!

once on the property we will be in low range however nothing overly tough however it you want to make it tougher feel free to veer of the tracks

re: land rover show days, not that i know off