Will I regret buying a new Defender?

[Scott]

Hi all, I currently have a good 2002 130 single cab and was thinking of "upgrading" if that correct? phrase to describe buying a new one. Mine currently has about 170K on it and I thought now would be a good time to get another one. There are some good deals around now and mine would still have a reasonable value for resale.

I have read a lot on this site and am scared away from buying another defender. My nearest dealer is 4 hours drive away and cannot be trucking a broken down car to Toowoomba every week at my cost. The truck has to be ultra reliable and not stop. If some minor things break down thats liveable but it must still be driveable. There are lots of stories from members that have had diff, fuel, electrical and clutch problems. Are these in the minority? from the reports, I believe they are the majority. Some members have broken more than one diff. Have they changed them in the past couple of years? I know this question has been asked but I couldn't find it in a search. Am I going to regret buying a new one from a reliability point.

I am extreemly happy with my current 130 and have had no real problems. There is nothing that compares to it for load carrying and ride and handling. It is more important to me now that its reliable though. I am considering purchasing a Patrol just because of that reason. I know it won't be as good to drive and use but at least it will keep going and I have a local dealer.

What are your thoughts on these new Pumas? If I get one, is it going to let me down?
Cheers Scott

[mark2]

Mate, I reckon you might have answered your own question.......

[Scott]

So I should probably sell the fender and buy a Patrol then. May see one for sale in the near future. I just don't want to keep this one till it starts costing me big money. It has been serviced more than recommended, and should go for a long time yet. Now it still has resale though and thats important.

[dmdigital]

I am 1100km from my nearest "dealer" (for what of a better description) and at present couldn't drive there if I wanted to. The Puma has been very good to me and I wouldn't hesitate getting one again. It has it's quirks, but it is a Defender after all.

[Fish78]

Might be better off holding onto yours for a little while.

Im reading that in 2012/13 LR will release a 'New' Defender, based on the RRS/D4 platform with a 2.7l TD and 5.0l V8 petrol for American/Australian markets,the LR guys are promising the same off-road type of ability.

I think that any info at the moment should be taken with a jar of salt, the new Defer IMO will probably be a little softer, but still have the rugged look, something like the USA market 'FJ' Cruiser perhaps.

Link to an Artists rendition.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/land-rover-defender-2012.html
(http://hvtm.posterous.com/2012-defender)

[KarlB]

What you haven't made clear Scott is whether you are contemplating a new vehicle or second hand. If a new vehicle, it should not cost you anything to get it trucked to a dealer for any breakdown during your 3 year warranty period. Many have negotiated inclusion in the LR Corporate Program as part of their purchase and that means replacement vehicle while servicing is being done and while the vehicle is off the road for any warranty repair.

I have just completed 20,000 km in 9 months and my Defender has not let me down. No major warranty issues. Only warranty item was an oil seal in the transfer case. Fixed in the morning while I drove around in a new Freelander.

Before you make your decision, get onto a Patrol forum (I gather there are several) and have a browse. I expect you will find they too will have their share of problems.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[miky]

A new Nissan?
Seriously, I suggest you do some research on that. The new patrols are not a patch on the old ones.
I doubt you could buy a new 4x4 with no problems.. That said my March 2010 build Defender 110 station wagon has just done 11000 km and is going fine. Really pleased.



.

[Tombie]

What are your thoughts on these new Pumas? If I get one, is it going to let me down?
Cheers Scott

Most likely:twisted::angel:

[sashadidi]

What you haven't made clear Scott is whether you are contemplating a new vehicle or second hand. If a new vehicle, it should not cost you anything to get it trucked to a dealer for any breakdown during your 3 year warranty period. Many have negotiated inclusion in the LR Corporate Program as part of their purchase and that means replacement vehicle while servicing is being done and while the vehicle is off the road for any warranty repair.

I have just completed 20,000 km in 9 months and the vehicle has not let me down. No major warranty issues. Only warranty item was an oil seal in the transfer case. Fixed in the morning while I drove around in a new Freelander.

Before you make your decision, get onto a Patrol forum (I gather there are several) and have a browse. I expect you will find they too will have their share of problems.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

and a new Landcruiser V8 forum!!!

[alittlebitconcerned]

I think it's a roll of the dice as to whether you get a good one or not. On a UK forum there was a recent question asked if there were any trouble free Puma's out there. There were numerous replies in the positive so I guess there's some there at least.

It bit may also be based on your expectations. I feel there are some owners who expect issues from a new defender because of the "it is a defender after all" thing, and therefore don't rate anything as a drama as long as it gets fixed under warranty.

I'm in the other camp. I do not expect a new car to have the long list of issues as mine did (and there are still a few) therefore did feel let down. To be clear I've never been stranded, but there have also been less chances because of multiple cancelled tripped due to issues not being resolved.

Whether you feel let down or not could partly be based on your experience of the dealership support when something does go wrong. I've had some good experiences but they are unfortunately are well dwarfed by the bad ones.

Recently third party insurers offering extended warranty stopped backing the puma which feels to me like they expect them to stuff up.

I love my defender though :confused:

[Tombie]

IMO reliability is measured by the following:

-availability for task
-never leaving me stranded
-requiring no changes to my travel

If a radio goes for example I don't mind.
But a failed engine or gearbox or vac pump would be considered.
And if I miss a planned or UNplanned trip because vehicle not ready or at dealers, that's a fail too!

[Scott]

Thanks everyone
I was considering a new 130 single cab chassis. They are less than $40K at present like the 90 series are trying to sell them off. By the time you add all the accessories and a tray you are looking at another 10K though.

If a new one does come out I don't expect it to be affordable though for me. I have looked at buying a used 130 puma but there are none about.
karl, are you sure about the trucking of the broken truck to the nearest dealer? Is the case that you ring the roadside service that is included and if they cannot fix it, it gets sent to the nearest dealer, and back again to your home or at least where ever it was when the breakdown occurred?

I don't expect anything to go wrong with the vechicle. If I pay good money for a new car I expect it to perform as intended and not have anything at all serious break. My wife and I have a 2007 Hyundai Santa fe Elite Diesel and the only things that have broken in 3 years and 85,000Km are the rear door lock sometimes doesn't open (a common fault) and also it blows parking headlamp bulbs. That is all nothing else has broken or been faulty. The elite has everything you would expect to break, 10 way electric seats, tilt slide sunroof, climate control air both sides and 6 stack cd player. If Hyundai can build a reliable car, and the model we have is an early one of the series then LR should be able to build a Defender after decades.

I am a farmer so all my friends have utes so I am aware of some of the problems that occur. The V8 landcruisers are woefull and way overpriced for what they are. No way would I or could I pay $60K + accessories for one. I know the early Patrol 3L had problem and locally a few were destroyed if driven hard. The sump and oil system was too small I believe and if driven hard they didn't last. I think now they have sorted them out but maybe I am wrong. I am they only person in our area with a td5 defender single cab ute. I would like another one but not if its going to ruin me.

I will have to check with Toowoomba LR on warrenty.
Cheers

[KarlB]

Scott, Land Rover Assist comes with every new Land Rover and lasts as long as the warranty (ie 3 years). After that you can renew subject to an annual fee. See Roadside Assistance | Land Rover Australia (http://www.landrover.com/au/en/lr/owners/warranty-and-assistance/roadside-assistance/) for more detail. Like all such services there is are limits and fine print. With towing, you are covered for the first 60 km.

For some recent discussion see: Defender2 - View topic - Land Rover Assist - How good? (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic5024.html)

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[Marshall]

2002 130 with 170K on the clock, what's it worth? say 20K? a new one at 40K? so you would look at spending another 20K? then if you are as happy as you say with your current rig, why not spend 10K or so upgrading it? maybe a new engine? or even get a whole new interior to get that new car feel...
Do the math, work out what you REALLY want your ute for, make a list of what it will all cost etc, and maybe you can upgrade you current rig to your "new" standard and have some dough left in the kitty!

Sometimes it's better the devil you know...

just my 2cents worth...

[Nero]

2002 130 with 170K on the clock, what's it worth? say 20K? a new one at 40K? so you would look at spending another 20K? then if you are as happy as you say with your current rig, why not spend 10K or so upgrading it? maybe a new engine? or even get a whole new interior to get that new car feel...
Do the math, work out what you REALLY want your ute for, make a list of what it will all cost etc, and maybe you can upgrade you current rig to your "new" standard and have some dough left in the kitty!

Sometimes it's better the devil you know...

just my 2cents worth...

By the time he gets the primary producers price and writes the vehicle up against tax it would be a fair bit less than a 20k upgrade methinks.

[PAT303]

Why worry?.If it's what you want buy one. Pat

[clean32]

I wouldn’t read to much into what’s written around AULRO on how bad the puma is. I think it’s a bit biased. But that’s easy to understand if you look and the puma posters and there post counts.


I have an Isuzu county so its just sport to bag puma owners. Who are really just van drivers
:twisted::twisted::twisted:

I say if thats what you want, just do it. thay are a great wagon

[Scott]

I don't get any concessions. I get the Gst back but also have to charge it on my old one. A new one is just under $40k with GST. There is $10K worth of accessories including a tray which is $5500. The above also would include stamp duty and rego. If I get $22K for mine that gives me $20 but its now depreciated below that so I would have to pay tax on the capital gain. The change over would be at least $26K if not more.

"The LR assist Towing/Transportation
If your vehicle cannot be mobilised at the breakdown location and/or requires electronic diagnosis, we will arrange to have your vehicle transported to the nearest Land Rover Dealer or other repairer as approved by us. If your vehicle is outside a capital city or major regional town, we may use a road transport company to transport the vehicle.

Towing is provided free of charge up to a limit of 20 kilometres from the breakdown location, where the breakdown location is within any capital city or major regional town. Outside of these areas, towing is provided free of charge up to a limit of 60 kilometres. All additional towing costs are your responsibility.
If the breakdown has occurred after business hours, we will arrange for your vehicle to be stored at a secure facility and delivered to a Land Rover Dealer on the morning of the next working day."

This says to me that if it breaks down in Inverell they will take it 60Km towards Toowoomba and I have to pay to take it the rest of the way. This doesn't sound very good to me, especially if I have a problem which I probably will.

If I keep my current TD5 how much would it cost to get a new engine and where would you buy it from? Assuming I need one in the near future. The gearbox should only cost a couple of grand to recondition I assume. The sals diff should go for a long time.

I could spend a lot on repairs for the price of a new one, but you would still have an old truck in the end. Food for thought though.

[TimNZ]

Towing is provided free of charge up to a limit of 20 kilometres from the breakdown location, where the breakdown location is within any capital city or major regional town. Outside of these areas, towing is provided free of charge up to a limit of 60 kilometres. All additional towing costs are your responsibility.


Hi Scott, where did you find this? I only ask because there is no mention of it in the owners warranty book, (for my 2010 110), and I've had another vehicle towed much further than those limits by LR Assist whilst it was under warranty.

I must say LR Assist are very good, (possibly due to practice :) ). LR customer care on the other hand....... I've had some of my most dissatisfying conversations with this dept of LR.

Best of luck which ever way you decide to go :)

Cheers,

[Drover]

2002 130 with 170K on the clock, what's it worth? say 20K? a new one at 40K? so you would look at spending another 20K? then if you are as happy as you say with your current rig, why not spend 10K or so upgrading it? maybe a new engine? or even get a whole new interior to get that new car feel...
Do the math, work out what you REALLY want your ute for, make a list of what it will all cost etc, and maybe you can upgrade you current rig to your "new" standard and have some dough left in the kitty!

Sometimes it's better the devil you know...

just my 2cents worth...


Keep your 130.

I have got a PUMA and it has been a “Gem”, can’t fault it.

We have been across the Simpson, tows a 1.5t camper, and travelled 22k’s and it hasn't missed a beat,

Only warranty issues have been rear seat release and a water leak. Typically the problem with “open forums” is that people will tell their most frustrating or worst stories, the good/boring stories are generally not told.

BUT.

How much better is a PUMA over what you have already got, probably not $20k better.

If you didn't have Defender at all - get a PUMA, but for you - keep what you have got - buy some accessories :D.

[Scott]

I got that information from the link on Karls post. Straight from LR's website. I cut and pasted it here. I will ring Toowoomba on Monday and check with them. I haven't got a quote from them yet on a new one, only from another dealer. They may not have any white ones in stock. The good price I got was for a truck in stock, and been in stock since March 2010. They are extreemly popular by the looks of it:)

[JamesH]

It's a work ute, and it's working, so what's the problem? This depreciation, and starting to cost stuff may be well and good for your family car or your hobby but a farmers ute should be bought, looked after as all tools and equipment should on the place and worked until it's time to push the poor tired old thing under a tree, and then you take the tray and bull-bar off and put it on the next one.

Keep the one you've got going. You think it's going to cost you money? It's costing you $26000 right now if you swap it. You do your oil changes but every year take it in to town to someone trustworthy who knows these vehicles for a major service and looksee. They'll tell you which bits are getting tired or starting to clag and you'll fix it before it lets you down.

$26 hard earned big ones sure feels better in your pocket than in LRA's. Strewth it's not as if something else on your place is not going to go pear shaped and reliee you of some of that 26.

Of course if you feel like a new ute and can afford it then you go for it, absolutely, but we're talking gut not head, so its a different conversation.

[miky]

Yesterday I said that I was very happy with my Puma after 11000km...
Today walk out and spot some oil.
Further investigation and it appears to be from a leaking transfer box rear oil seal.
Ah well, such is life.

[justinc]

Yesterday I said that I was very happy with my Puma after 11000km...
Today walk out and spot some oil.
Further investigation and it appears to be from a leaking transfer box rear oil seal.
Ah well, such is life.

Miky, I have seen a few do this, and believe it or not both have had loose output flange nuts, the oil travelling down the splines, out past the washer and nut and past the flange and park brake drum where you see it right now.

Get it checked/ tightened ASAP, the longer it stays like that, the more has to be replaced, worst case tailshaft nuts come loose next and the drum, tailshaft flange, and output flange will require replacement too.

JC

[n plus one]

I have no comment of the relative merits of the purchase - that's for you to decide.

What I can provide commment on is my 110 Puma wagon - it's got 40k on it now and hasn't let me down once.

Issues I have had are:

Front passenger door return mechanism failed (split pin fell out).
Paint on the roof (over the winscreen and panel join) needed some minor repairs.
Front passenger mud flap went west - incorrectly fitted at dealer.
Tow bar wiring not right - incorrectly fitted at dealer.
Clunk in rear diff went moving off - flange bolts replaced and loctitied.
Excessive drive train lash (rear end) - new drive flange fitted.


None of these remotely approach show stoppers and the rear dif thing is something I'm pretty picky about - I ultimately suspect that the diff will be replaced.

I wouldn't say my Defender has had the hardest life but it's seen it's fair share of dirt and low range, also I take perverse pleasure in racing faster cars around town and on windy roads - so it definitelty hasn't been babied either.

From memory I had pretty much the same amount of warranty stuff with my TD5.

[Scott]

Thanks
I am interested in everyones problems or not. As someone mentioned earlier, the people that have had problems may well be over represented on the forum, and those with none don't stand out from the crowd. This may not be the case but its good to know that there are a few that haven't had major problems.

I have had a look at a Patrol forum and the new 3L ones have had their fair share of problems. The gearbox's don't seam to last is one prob and Nissan don't want to warrent them I have read. They are also very heavy on fuel, something my TD5 and the new Pumas are not.

Its ok to spend money keeping mine going but it doesn't take long to start spending big bucks if you do need a new engine or injectors etc. The only difference is its small amounts over a period not all at once like a new car. I am not going to talk about the pros and cons of buying a new car cost wise as thats a seperate issue. I have never purchased a new car before always low km second hand. I am getting off topic, but thanks for giving me your opionions on the reliability of the new defenders.

If they were really bad then you should here about them breaking down on road tests for 4x4 Au and Overlander. They have tested quite a few in the fast few years and I don't remember reading about anything that broke or any other problems. I do remember a 100 series cruiser breaking a front diff in a 4x4 of the year shootout some time ago. Not sure which mag though.

Thanks again for the feedback.:)

[PAT303]

You Td5 has got quite a bit of life left in it but for me I'm buying one because my Tdi hasn't.I'm also getting a lease because I want to lower my tax so I can kill two birds with one stone. Pat

[aew849]

I have a 2004 130 TD5 with 115K, and a 2010 puma 90 with 9k...ok call me greedy but I also would like my old Series 3 88" back that I imported from UK and perhaps a 101FC, ...but I digress.

The 130 was secondhand from Kalgoorlie, and has done 60k in 2 years (including a month long Karrtha trip, a WA goldfields blast and a 2 week Per-Syd-Mel-Ade-Per adventure) and aside from good preventative maintenance and the odd cabin niggle, has only required a rear diff seal and a clutch master cylinder. Admittedly it was 2 seals and 3 clutch cylinders but the replacement spares were crap.

The Puma 90 is now on 9k in 6 months and has been utterly fault free. Not a glitch, pause, fault, gripe or concern.

New or old. If there's nothing wrong with your 130, keep it, love it and keep doing the maintenance....I flew helicopters in the military that were over 25 years old, and we are hosting one here in Perth where we just cut the cake for its 50th birthday!!! If you want the 'security' of buying new, then remember that companies don't pump out warranties for nothing, new cars break down too, especially new models. (The recalls.gov.au website shows that LR had 2 last year, 14 in past 5 years - not Defender though!!). And new models also have more critical electronic control and gadgets.

I love the 130 because its basic and goes. I love the 90 because the aircon works well, I can hear the radio and it doesn't have the turning circle of the QE2. But when heading across the country the 130 is the pick for me. :):)


aew849

[TwoUp]

I can't help but think what I would be reading had this been early 1998, just prior to ordering my 300Tdi,110! I picked it up on return home on the 4th July 98. I had a number of persons saying things like "ensure it's had the gearbox upgrade", Oh an another said "what a pretty little Defender this will be", the latter just made me more determine to go ahead.

Similarly I had ""good advice"" on all the changes that I would have to make, "you know how to get it up to speed"! One of the first trips was to the Cape full of family and gear and had no troubles whatsoever. 80 Series in company had to do bushes etc, etc and was astounded that I had no issues. He an older fellow and somewhat more experienced than I, was quite impressed.

I have purchased a Puma and have had little time to give it a good old roggering, but am confident that it will do the job, for a standard vehicle.

If for some reason you are doubtfull, then do not go ahead in purchasing, anything for that matter. Especially for the sum of dollars exchanged. If however you are somewhat confident in the purchase and you believe this is truely what you want then "fill your boots".

[portafilter]

Wrong thread.

[newhue]

Scott, unfortunately I think if you like the wife's Hyundai kind of reliability then probably don't go a puma. Stick with your 130 and keep on top of maintenance as others have mentioned.

If you do decide on a puma undoubtedly you will enjoy the new refinements, but it seems like a lucky dip as to weather you get the more serious warranty issues. Mine let me down badly initially, but has run as it should thereafter touch wood. And I do find it comforting LR seem to accept there are issues and don't try and fob them off as Japanese manufactures seem to.

It does not surprise me you are the only one in the district with a Defender. I have just driven 1400klm and passed only 3 other defenders, I can't tell you how many toyos and Nissans I passed. So rightly or wrongly I guess dealer presence in rural Australia is worth far more than a nation wide two truck service that LR have. Just depends on weather they accept there is a problem with there vehicle.

[John W]

Landrover assist may have changed but when my disco was newish it did 3 trips on the back of a truck all of them over 60km. One was from Timber Creek to Kununurra seemed a long way at the time. LR assist paid them all even my accommodation. To me the lesson is that I will not get a new model for a year or two. If the new defender comes out in 2012 (I will not be holding my breath) and it is as good as every ones expectations then I would hold out until say 2014. Seems LR (& others) take a long time to iron out the bugs.

[Loubrey]

Another thumbs up for Puma. Firmly clutching the desk (wood) as I'm typing this!

Mine's a 2010 90 and coming up for it's first birthday in March/April as it was one of the first ones after the relaunch of the 90. It's had 2 services on the Corporate arrangement and nothing more. No additional visits to the dealer at all. I'm in Perth and the car has spent a lot of time in low range on the dunes and a local track known as the "power-lines" and all remains fine.

I have a little lash in the drive train, but no more than previous 300Tdi's and the 6 speed box is an absolute pleasure when touring (been up the West Coast a couple times).

I have to hang my head in shame and admit that I nearly bought a Patrol due to the lack of dealers, especially in WA, this after 16 years of Land Rover ownership! Luckily I saw the light in time and I absolutely love my Puma 90.

Good luck on the decision, but as others have said, the forum is mostly for discussing issues and advice on those and seldom represents the "trouble free' ones.

[2010DEF130]

I have a 2010 130 Dual cab that has had some issues and LR assist have been more that helpful. Had vehicle towed to dealer from bottom of toowoomba range when an electrical problem arose. Wouldnt start and found a loose earth wire.
Had a couple of persistant oil leaks in rear diff pinion and after the 3rd seal the head mechanic decided to replace the flange and its been fine since. The other leak we thought was the front output on transfer case but after 2 seals the dealer mechanic had a closer look and found that it wasnt that seal at all, it was in fact the "o" ring where the hi-lo ratio levergoes into the top of transfer. picked up vehicle today 21/1/11 after 3 days without. The dealed offered me their loan car without hesitation, but i declined. (the lure of a xr8 ute was all too much:D)

Would i buy a new one
YES!!!!!!! wouldnt even think twice

Dave

[Robo]

I have just clocked up 70000Km in my Puma and love it
only little problems and the dealer has fixed with out any problems

[Gav110]

17,000km on mine and it gets better to drive every day (esp. after 10,000km as it all loosens up). Tranny is much better, air vents are night-and-day, seats are better, better low down torque and driveability, better 1st and 6th gears = more relaxed towing and highway miles.

I've thought long and hard about what I'd buy instead, and as far as I can tell, I've eliminated Patrol (I'm a wagon man) as too cramped inside - esp. load area; 200 Series has multiple issues but esp. no live front axle and questionable electrics; LC76 as only has 5 speeds and leaf spring agricultural ride. The new G-Wagen is tempting - or not - who would be mad enough to spend $180k on a better built version of a Defender?

So the only options I'm left with (not that I'm looking but maybe in the future) are:

1. 80 or 100 series Land Cruiser - probably the last proper cruisers - but still cramped (I have 4 kids)

2. Custom built OKA or similar - effectively an Isuzu or Merc diesel and drive train on an offroad body (it's not as expensive as you think esp. when paying Discovery $)

3. Keep the Puma and when the drive train is clapped out, get Bruce Davis to put a TDV6 engine and manual box in there (he's already started working on a conversion, and there are several UK guys doing it). By then Bruce will have the 3.0 twin turbo or V8 diesel from Rangie. $10-12k may sound expensive but look at the $ we're taling about here for the upgrade - similar ballpark !

Just my 2 penneth...

[PAT303]

My X Tech wagon is the colour I like,has most of the extra's I want as standard and the on road cost is 5 grand cheaper than the yard price of a cruiser.Win all round for me. Pat

[phippsey]

Hi all,

Has the driving/comfort factor improved on the new Defenders?

I drove the old man's Td5 on a long trip and just found it rev'd far too high, used an unacceptable amount of fuel, aircon hardly breaths anything, and really was just not a comfortable vehicle to drive on 10hrs trips

Have they fixed the rear sliding windows rattling?

Incidently, it was the only vehicle on our Cape York trip last year not to break something (3x patrols including 2x 4.2 diesels)

[one_iota]

phippsey,



it rev'd far too high


The top gear six speed box makes 100 kmh+ cruising easy and relatively quiet in 6th gear. The torque delivered by the motor at 2000 to 2200 rpm means that changing down to lower gears is a rare requirement.



used an unacceptable amount of fuel


Any speed over 100km/h will hit the Defenders aerodynamic wall and fuel consumption will increase. My Puma engined Defender will get about 11l/100km at this pace.



....aircon hardly breaths anything


This is the greatest comfort improvement...the AC works very well..at least for those sitting up front.



.....not a comfortable vehicle to drive on 10hrs trips


10 hrs is a long stint in any vehicle. I find the Defender more comfortable to drive in a long stint than most cars that I have driven.



Have they fixed the rear sliding windows rattling?


At least on mine I have not had this problem...I don't think that LR has changed anything in this department with the "new" ones.

Would I buy another one?

I don't need to.

Hope this helps

[phippsey]

Cheers for theh prompt reply.

In the end I'll just have to ask a dealer to take one for a drive, but don't want to waste their time (and all the follow up calls etc) if it is just the old model with better AC :D

The new 'cruiser is prob just as uncomfortable - but the thought of V8 power is nice :twisted: but then you see the price tag :eek:

If only they made a disco that was live axle and a slight bit bigger. I have a S1 V8i and is such a pleasure to drive, even 12+yrs old.

The 6 speed and the new interior caught my eye - a bit disapointing the only still produce 90kw - 100-110kw would just give that extra nudge.

Are they any mods you can do that don't stuff warrenty up??

On my patrol the 3in exhaust + new turbo made the car a different machine, with better fuel economy to boot.

The old man's Td5 was averaging around 15L/100km doing 110-115kph (110 zone) which was about par with my 4.2 patrol

I had met a guy who had a 2008 that had a world of troubles, so just goes to show there are good ones and bad eggs.

Old man had a Hilux many years ago on the farm and just nothing but trouble - I guess put together by the apprentice on a Friday arvo after being hung over :cool::twisted:

[one_iota]

Torque is everything in a diesel...totally different to petrol V8's....compared with horses think Clydesdales rather than Arabs. :)

Performance mods of any description during the warranty period will have the dealer and LR safely sheltered in their bunkers with you left in no-man's-land. But I guess that this would apply to any new vehicle.

[Scott]

I have decided to wait another 12 months and then either buy a new puma or see if something else is made by then. The deals at the moment are good though. But I would have to borrow the funds and the extra interest would nearly wipe out any discounts in the next 2 years anyway. I have also decided that the puma defenders are actually very good with just a few having serious problems.

I am still waiting for a Qld dealer to actually clarify the warrenty on a new one. I am lead to believe, they would take a broken down defender to the nearest dealer but only return it to home, if it broke down more that 100km from home. I mainly only drive it within 100km of home so this would not be satisfactory.

Putting another 10,000km on mine probably won't hurt its resale much and it is going well. The added comforts of a new one wouldn't go astray though.

For interest I watched a pickles Auction on Thursday online there were 3 turbo landcruisers for sale all 05 model trayback ex country energy. No side boards or winches but with bull bars and side rails. Two had 140K and 150K on them and sold for a whopping $37250 and another with 315K sold for $27500. No one likes the new v8's much it seems and are willing to pay huge prices for the old turbo six. Five years ago a mate bought the same truck but a few years older of Pickles for $27,000 with 120K on it. Exactly the same vechicle but a 2002 model.

If only my defender was worth as much as these cruisers the change over wouldn't be so bad into a Puma.

Thanks for all your replies and recommendations.
Scott

[Naks]

a bit disapointing the only still produce 90kw - 100-110kw would just give that extra nudge.


On a brick-shaped 2.5t vehicle riding on solid axles? You don't need more, trust me.

I have seen some jaws drop from sedan drivers when I put foot and suddenly they see a Defender keeping up with them doing 120kmh uphill and still accelerating :angel:

[miky]

Quote:
Originally Posted by miky https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/768.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/120887-will-i-regret-buying-new-defender-3.html#post1407316)
Yesterday I said that I was very happy with my Puma after 11000km...
Today walk out and spot some oil.
Further investigation and it appears to be from a leaking transfer box rear oil seal.
Ah well, such is life.



Miky, I have seen a few do this, and believe it or not both have had loose output flange nuts, the oil travelling down the splines, out past the washer and nut and past the flange and park brake drum where you see it right now.

Get it checked/ tightened ASAP, the longer it stays like that, the more has to be replaced, worst case tailshaft nuts come loose next and the drum, tailshaft flange, and output flange will require replacement too.

JC


Puma in for first service and Adelaide dealer just called to say it was the oil seal.


.

[lrajdude]

Howdy Guys, yeah any mod on a brand new car whether be a Land Rover or a Nissan, have a mate with a new BT50 made some slight mods to it, non approved by Nissan and they advised read your owners manual, naturally in there in black and white says any non genuine modifications done to your vehicle may void the warranty. Putting extra heavy duty springs nice fat bull bar spotties, roll over bar and then going to them about brake and wheel issues was a no go...

Guess it pays to read what your warranty does and does not cover ay..
Lesson learned there for my buddy and me whenever I buy a new 4be.

[islu51]

Land Rover China have just issued a recall on Defender 90 transfer case oil seals (The only Defender model currently sold in China) all vehicles sold since spring 2010 launch.

373 Imported Land Rover Defenders Recalled (http://english.cri.cn/6826/2011/01/21/2681s616874.htm)