Wanted! Defender Horror Stories

[Taipan]

Wanted! Defender Horror Stories

I was wondering if anyone else had major problems with their new defenders.

As my 2007 110 Station Wagon, just 6 months out of warrenty (31 Oct 2010) and all services done by Land Rover Dealers (last done 40,000 mid october 2010). On the weekend (61,000 km) whilst doing 80km/h on hume hway the Cooling Expansion Tank exploded.

After a replacement Expansion Tank and further inspections;
Work required;
Split Radiator Assembly ($2800)
Crack Transfer Box ($3800)

Would like to hear any similar stories

[rumman43]

I would also like to hear the GOOD stories..:)

I'm so close to buying one. Everytime I'm psyched and good to go I see another HORROR story n the web site..

I'm happy with the horror.:twisted:.but can i see some good ones as well.

pleeeease..

[rumman43]

Wanted! Defender Horror Stories

I was wondering if anyone else had major problems with their new defenders.

As my 2007 110 Station Wagon, just 6 months out of warrenty (31 Oct 2010) and all services done by Land Rover Dealers (last done 40,000 mid october 2010). On the weekend (61,000 km) whilst doing 80km/h on hume hway the Cooling Expansion Tank exploded.

After a replacement Expansion Tank and further inspections;
Work required;
Split Radiator Assembly ($2800)
Crack Transfer Box ($3800)

Would like to hear any similar stories

Taipan, If someone said to you

"hey dude I'm thinking of getting a 2011 defender"

WHAT would you say back..honestly ?????

[isuzurover]

Defender horror stories... Let's see...

It was midnight on Friday the 13th, and a poor innocent defender was driving alone through a graveyard...

[Allan]

The horror, the horror, parking a Defender in your car port at night and finding next morning, the evil witch from the east has turned it into a Tojo, a Poo Roll, or a Bitsaremissing:D.

Allan

[Psimpson7]

On the weekend (61,000 km) whilst doing 80km/h on hume hway the Cooling Expansion Tank exploded.

After a replacement Expansion Tank and further inspections;
Work required;
Split Radiator Assembly ($2800)
Crack Transfer Box ($3800)



I really want to know how an exploding header tank can take out the transfer case!! Even damaging the radiator I would think would be very unlucky!

Also how can the radiator possibly cost nearly $3k!

Thats ridiculous!

[Wal Rat]

Which dealer did you take it to???

[alittlebitconcerned]

If you want horror stories just do a search, it really won't be hard to find them.
Although out of warranty I would still push LR to foot the bill for the repair assuming of course that it wasn't caused by driver error. They are not your friends so don't bother asking them, tell them. There are consumer laws to protect you in this situation. If you need advice call the auto body of fair trading; they have been a great help to me recently.

[DeeJay]

Is it leaking oil after your unscheduled stop?
Sounds to me like a try on from the dealer. I would ask to see it on a hoist & make sure they don't get time to "doctor" it beforehand.
Sorry, but I don't trust Dealers, whether LR or not.

[spudboy]

Are the radiator/TC issues connected to the expansion tank failing, or is that just something discovered when you got it looked at?

My '07 is also just out of warranty, so in the same boat as you.

To date, mine has been a good one. CD/Radio and rear diff replaced under warranty and that's it. I'm not game to say I never have any issues with it, because as soon as I say that, you just know what'll happen.....

[wagoo]

I had a horrible dream the other day that I bought a Defender. Will that do?:).
Wagoo.

[Reads90]

I would also like to hear the GOOD stories..:)

I'm so close to buying one. Everytime I'm psyched and good to go I see another HORROR story n the web site..

I'm happy with the horror.:twisted:.but can i see some good ones as well.

pleeeease..

Well I have had 5 90's and 4 110's and never had a problem. And I have given them some real crap

Problem with forums is you always hear when people have a problem and not when nothing is wrong and they are happy with them


Sent from my iPhone

[PAT303]

Me too,so good in fact I bought another one. Pat

[TimNZ]

My Defender Horror Story....

One day I jumped in my 110 and flipped down the sun visor. Sitting behind the sun visor was a Huntsman Spider, not a particularly big one, but as it was only 5 inches from my eyeball I considered it to be the biggest spider in the world at that time. I was scared.

The end.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/660.jpg

[George130]

My Defender Horror Story....

One day I jumped in my 110 and flipped down the sun visor. Sitting behind the sun visor was a Huntsman Spider, not a particularly big one, but as it was only 5 inches from my eyeball I considered it to be the biggest spider in the world at that time. I was scared.

The end.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/660.jpg

I have a big one that lives in my Defer. I just let him stay these days and in return he only shows himself when I park.

[TimNZ]

I have a big one that lives in my Defer. I just let him stay these days and in return he only shows himself when I park.

I guess all Defenders have a spider, according to Google they even have a part number: LEG5008 :)

[Allan]

I spray mine weekly for spiders, wouldn't want to poison the stealers at service time:twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted::twisted:

Allan

[Taipan]

I really want to know how an exploding header tank can take out the transfer case!! Even damaging the radiator I would think would be very unlucky!

Also how can the radiator possibly cost nearly $3k!

Thats ridiculous!

The split radiator assembley & coolant expansion tank was cause by a faulty expandsion pressure cap and it will cost $2800 to remove, and reconnect a new one. The Transfer Box Assembly was discover during the repairs, and it might have been cause by some extreme 4wding done last month but not certain.

[Taipan]

Taipan, If someone said to you

"hey dude I'm thinking of getting a 2011 defender"

WHAT would you say back..honestly ?????


Honestly, I would say go for it.

Sadly I would have to increase my debt to cover these repairs, but I love the Defender. If you can afford it buy it new, if not and you are handy
working on your vehichle go for a older model.

As I love my Puma, but sometimes I miss my old Series 3 '73 109 GS ExArmy LR as it was easy to repair it yourself.

[Taipan]

Well I have had 5 90's and 4 110's and never had a problem. And I have given them some real crap

Problem with forums is you always hear when people have a problem and not when nothing is wrong and they are happy with them


Sent from my iPhone

Very True, had it now for 3.5 years and the only problem I had apart from now is the oil leak on the hand brake drum, which was covered under warrenty/LR Recall.

[dobbo]

The split radiator assembley & coolant expansion tank was cause by a faulty expandsion pressure cap and it will cost $2800 to remove, and reconnect a new one. The Transfer Box Assembly was discover during the repairs, and it might have been cause by some extreme 4wding done last month but not certain.


Thats because your hand brake sits below the chassis rails. Puma's are not made to go 4wding.

Thanks, you've convinced me not to make the big mistake.

[Wal Rat]

Horror Stories
I tow N.R.M.A break downs in the last three years I have towed patrols and cruisers at the rate of one every second day at least.land rover type
may be one every two weeks mostly starter,alt,water pumps
defenders
1.. for welsh plug
1..for lift pump
1..for Tow flat tyres
1..for rego
not bad for three years
Thats why I bought a defender and I get towing for free

[rumman43]

Honestly, I would say go for it.

Sadly I would have to increase my debt to cover these repairs, but I love the Defender. If you can afford it buy it new, if not and you are handy
working on your vehichle go for a older model.

As I love my Puma, but sometimes I miss my old Series 3 '73 109 GS ExArmy LR as it was easy to repair it yourself.

Thanks maaate...appreciate the honest reply..

ab

[RVR110]

Here's my horror story... I've had two County 110 wagons. They each used to cost between $5k (good year) and $9k (bad year) to keep on the road - and that's just repairs.

The horror story ended when I went down to the dealer and bought a Puma.


Puma's are not made to go 4wding.

Sorry dobbo but I have to disagree. Having had both (have you?), my opinion is that the Puma is more capable off road than the Counties. On sand. On rock. In mud. There was an overlap period where we used to take both the Puma and County out so we had a direct side-by-side comparison since my wife and I would swap cars regularly. The Puma is a pleasure to drive. It has more clearance. I can comfortably sit on 110km/h all day. I can even accelerate. The aircon works. I don't damage my hearing every time I drive somewhere. The Puma doesn't want to wander all over the road. I don't have to top up the oil when driving between Sydney and Melbourne. In remote areas I am no longer worrying what will break down next.

In comparison to the Puma the Counties were a horror story and I'd never go back to a County - unless my only other choice wasn't a 110!

[PAT303]

Here's my horror story... I've had two County 110 wagons. They each used to cost between $5k (good year) and $9k (bad year) to keep on the road - and that's just repairs.

The horror story ended when I went down to the dealer and bought a Puma.



Sorry dobbo but I have to disagree. Having had both (have you?), my opinion is that the Puma is more capable off road than the Counties. On sand. On rock. In mud. There was an overlap period where we used to take both the Puma and County out so we had a direct side-by-side comparison since my wife and I would swap cars regularly. The Puma is a pleasure to drive. It has more clearance. I can comfortably sit on 110km/h all day. I can even accelerate. The aircon works. I don't damage my hearing every time I drive somewhere. The Puma doesn't want to wander all over the road. I don't have to top up the oil when driving between Sydney and Melbourne. In remote areas I am no longer worrying what will break down next.

In comparison to the Puma the Counties were a horror story and I'd never go back to a County - unless my only other choice wasn't a 110!

It's nice to see a reply based on fact not opinion or hearsay. Pat

[Rugrat]

If someone said to you

"hey dude I'm thinking of getting a 2011 defender"

WHAT would you say back..honestly ?????

I'd say buy it....
2007 Stornoway with loving bush paint work
- 97 thou and still a pleasure to drive.

Issues:
Rear door bolts
Clutchs by 3 (1 flywheel seperation - 1 replaced because the EGR squeak was diagnosed as clutch) So on 3rd one.
EGR Valve Sticking
Radio - CD was faulty
Rear Diff - noise
Rear seat (single) latch sticking - seat replaced

Now thats on a vehicle that has done hard mileage in mud, on rocks and in sand but also 50% town commute.:D SWMBO will not give it over to me without a fight.:(

Doesnt burn oil, loose oil or need much TLC - just the odd wash and grease up. Tows fantastic and the 1tonne payload plus the towning capabilty makes it un believeable.

Off road it goes just about everywhere the Lifted and locked JK Wrangler does - but sometimes it does it better. The JK is just MORE FUN to drive....

No horror story and its better than the bitsamissin, pwado, or poo-trols we have had the misfortune of owning prior.

Needs new springs and shocks but after 100k I see that as fair wear.....

[one_iota]

I've just done 5,500 km out far west and back....on rough roads where most vehicles (when you see them) are Toyota work horses.

The prospect of having the vehicle taken to the nearest LR dealer probably 1000 km away if something goes wrong is daunting. Not a worry: not one LR related problem encountered.

My co-driver had never driven the Defender before but had driven a Troopy remarked at the Defenders capability and comfort.

I wouldn't do it any other way.

[alittlebitconcerned]

It's nice to see a reply based on fact not opinion or hearsay. Pat

Are all replies in the negative heresay or opinion?

[PAT303]

No.But how many times have people replied on how bad a particular model is even tho they have never owned one?.The puma is not designed for the bush because the handbrake is an inch lower????,give me a break. Pat

[alittlebitconcerned]

No.But how many times have people replied on how bad a particular model is even tho they have never owned one?.The puma is not designed for the bush because the handbrake is an inch lower????,give me a break. Pat

Pretty often I guess. More often (i hope) are the comments based on direct personal experience that are not dismissed off hand as being nonsense.

[one_iota]

...Matt you could probably fill a book full of Puma horror stories based your real life experience :(

[dullbird]

:lol2:

[Scouse]

I think they're lovely cars :).

[ozscott]

The split radiator assembley & coolant expansion tank was cause by a faulty expandsion pressure cap and it will cost $2800 to remove, and reconnect a new one. The Transfer Box Assembly was discover during the repairs, and it might have been cause by some extreme 4wding done last month but not certain.


I have just purchased an OEM one for my 02 d2 v8 for $460 odd. An expansion tank for them is under 100. I just don't get that the puma is going to costs 2800. Is labour massive to replace those compOnents on puma? Cheers

[PAT303]

Just a dealer rip off. Pat

[87County]

Just a dealer rip off. Pat

... please do tell Pat

rustproofing , pre-delivery or something like that perhaps?

(I want to know what to look out for) ;)

[newhue]

Tiapan, Rumman

I am very happy with my puma, mind you initially I wasn't but that was sorted under warranty. All makes and brands have issues, all can break down for some unforeseen reason. All cost far to much these days to fix.

We are building ours as a expedition (how LR) to travel this nation. Making it possible for extended trips into remote areas like the desert of up to 15 days. For this however we have to have faith in reliability.
We are fortunate to be in a position, but the way I see it, if the diffs are susceptible to failure as it seems so, replace it with a locker and enjoy the benefits. Again it seems the puma fuel/water filter is small, so we are fitting a bigger trap to the system. I guess its a bit like Jap owners think very little about replacing the standard suspension with new lifted stuff from brand new. It's a given if you want the car to do something reliably, and it's unfortunate manufacturers can never get it completely right. And yes there is marketing in there, needs and wants, but it all goes into the mix.

I am one who bagged their defender initially, out of frustration on many fronts. But the vehicle is sound and I believe it will continue to be.
Any vehicle can have some cooling issue and cause major harm. Just like any common rail will explode if water is added. Bits fail unfortunately.
It is true the hand brake sits below the chassis, by about 20mm, inline with the diff banjos. Hardly poor off road performance stuff. On the other hand air con, reasonably quiet cab, bit of get up and go are just a few benefits to add to what others have said.
This is my first Defender and hopefully my last. I have found coming from a Jap past these trucks often don't make sense. However imagine what the doubting toms thought of the wheel, a dam wall, a space ship, or the series 1.


EDIT: Tiapan, what sort or extreme 4x4ing did you do to possibly crack the transfer case?

[Roulston]

I would also like to hear the GOOD stories..:)

I'm so close to buying one. Everytime I'm psyched and good to go I see another HORROR story n the web site..

I'm happy with the horror.:twisted:.but can i see some good ones as well.

pleeeease..


I have owned my Defender SVX for two years now with about 38000 on the clock, with not one single complaint. I hear some of the stories, but have to say that this is the best ( most liked) car I have ever owned.

My only regret was not getting the 90, but I think that by the time the 90's were ADR'd here the SVX versions were all sold elsewhere. ( the 110 does not come with a turning circle;) ) and the 90 would have been large enough for me.

I have considered trading it in for a 90 but don't Really know if I could part with my SVX.

The pic shows it in the forest. It has 3 pairs of HID lights, the ironman spots, the standard H3 and small high-beam spots. Bull bar and winch fitted.

It now has MT Baja tyres.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/04/402.jpg

Tony

[uninformed]

thanks tony,

to the others that have had good experinces (pat, reads etc) how old was your newest vehicle. Im not here to bag, the OP seems to be looking for info on newer vehicles. I have had some big problems with my rig, but being a 98 year model i fell it irrelivant.

cheers,
Serg

[gusthedog]

My defender horror story:

Back in 2007 I took a mate, my two trusty dogs and my 1996 110 single cab ute on a trip to perth along the old nullabor road. Lots of fun had. Dropped my mate in Perth and started heading back. Decided to drop in to the Eyre Bird Observatory and take the back road to Madura. Was all going well and I'd just gone through the dingo fence when I hit a patch of bulldust and the car lurched to the left. The front right wheel got caught up on some saltbush and over she went!

Took me ten hours to get it back on its wheels with the trusty hand winch. Buried the spare tyre 4 times and kept pulling it out of the ground. Ended up digging a 30ft long trench and laying the winch and cable in it so the tyre was pulling against the ground rather than pulling it out of the ground.

While i was doing all of this I didnt notice but my big dog got into the spilled dog food in the tray and ate about 5 kilos of it. The fat bugger. The deefer got a smashed drivers side window, broken windscreen and crushed in cab. Got her back on her wheels and she fired right up. It still drove so piled all the gear and dogs in and headed off.

Got to Madura eventually and pulled into a motel. Rang the Royal Auto rip off club and told them i'd had a spill. They said they'd have a tow truck to me in 3 or 4 days. I yelled and screamed and ended up making the poor girl cry - I lived in albury at the time and told her I could be home in 2 days so to take the tow truck and shove it. So drove the car accross the nullabor and stopped only for fuel. Took 18 hours straight to drive from Ceduna to Albury. Arrived at 6am on the day Albury hit a record low of -7 degrees celcius. With no drivers window this was not fun.

Had to pull up every half hour because my big dog had the runs because of all the dog food he ate after the roll over. He crapped on two tarps which got thrown out at two stops. He then proceeded to crap on my swag, my tools, the tray, the canopy, all over the head of my other dog which nearly broke me. I thought how many times can this dog poo - and the bastard did it all the way back to Albury. Was not happy, hence the horror story. Took the Royal auto brigade 11 weeks to write my deefer off - right through winter and I had to ride the motorbike every day through rain and bloody hail.

So there you have it. When you roll your car - make sure your fat arsed dog cant get into the tucker box.

Cheers,

gusthedog

[dobbo]

Here's my horror story... I've had two County 110 wagons. They each used to cost between $5k (good year) and $9k (bad year) to keep on the road - and that's just repairs.

The horror story ended when I went down to the dealer and bought a Puma.



Sorry dobbo but I have to disagree. Having had both (have you?), my opinion is that the Puma is more capable off road than the Counties. On sand. On rock. In mud. There was an overlap period where we used to take both the Puma and County out so we had a direct side-by-side comparison since my wife and I would swap cars regularly. The Puma is a pleasure to drive. It has more clearance. I can comfortably sit on 110km/h all day. I can even accelerate. The aircon works. I don't damage my hearing every time I drive somewhere. The Puma doesn't want to wander all over the road. I don't have to top up the oil when driving between Sydney and Melbourne. In remote areas I am no longer worrying what will break down next.

In comparison to the Puma the Counties were a horror story and I'd never go back to a County - unless my only other choice wasn't a 110!


I have come close to buying on a few occasions, every time I get a separate opinion from different Land Rover experts, every time the same answer. Restore the Isuzu, for half the price you can get a much better vehicle. Being lazy, and having a lack of mechanical and fabricating ability, I always go back to looking at buying (the easier option), 26yo vehicles need work, it's a reality.



It's nice to see a reply based on fact not opinion or hearsay. Pat


Does one really need the displeasure and expense of owning one to formulate a conclusion that the current Defender is a crap version of an iconic vehicle?

[LR D4]

I have come close to buying on a few occasions, every time I get a separate opinion from different Land Rover experts, every time the same answer. Restore the Isuzu, for half the price you can get a much better vehicle. Being lazy, and having a lack of mechanical and fabricating ability, I always go back to looking at buying (the easier option), 26yo vehicles need work, it's a reality. Sounds like someone has Puma Envy... its ok dobbo I used to pull the **** out of my friends puma too when I couldn't afford one either.... Now I have one, 22000kms and going strong, no probs at all, 80% of that pulling 1.5t boat and 10% of through very soft sand..





Does one really need the displeasure and expense of owning one to formulate a conclusion that the current Defender is a crap version of an iconic vehicle? Sounds like someone has Puma Envy... its ok dobbo I used to pull the **** out of my friends puma too when I couldn't afford one either.... Now I have one, 22000kms and going strong, no probs at all, 80% of that pulling 1.5t boat and 10% of that through very soft sand, and the difference driving around town just loving it, even the wife wants to drive it over her VW Golf R32...:p:p:p

[gng1]

There's nothing horrible about a Puma. Except the embarrassment of doing a three point U-turn on a major road with two lanes and a U-turn permitted sign and cars behind...

We had a 1995 TDi before the Puma and hence we call it the luxury bus. It is quiet (all things are relative...) and it cruises nicely at 110km/hr and is a pleasure to drive for long distances. Off road it is very capable and it's never been bogged despite best efforts and a heap of unused recovery equipment. A problem with the airconditioning was temporarily upsetting, but that seems to have been fixed by the dealer.

[alittlebitconcerned]

...Matt you could probably fill a book full of Puma horror stories based your real life experience :(

:D True but what a godawful boring read it would be.
Glad to see your trip was incident free.

A note to the OP. Here sums up for me the large role chance plays in your owning a reliable Puma. Mahn has just done a 5.5k round trip and continues to have an incident free Puma while I continue to experience problems new and old.
It appears some are great and others are a bit of a joke, and unfortunately I don't know if you can determine which is which before buying. Before I bought mine I paid two separate mechanics go over it, did complete research to what faults it already had (none) and what work had been done to it (only services and a reflash upgrade that everyone got). All reports showed it was a pearler. I drove it for a couple of months and couldnt fault it and then seemingly overnight it turned an energy, time and money sapping basket case out of the blue. IMO It's just a roll of the dice. If you roll badly, just hope that you have good dealer to do your repairs. It will make a world of difference to your sanity and your overall experience

[uninformed]

Horror Stories
I tow N.R.M.A break downs in the last three years I have towed patrols and cruisers at the rate of one every second day at least.land rover type
may be one every two weeks mostly starter,alt,water pumps
defenders
1.. for welsh plug
1..for lift pump
1..for Tow flat tyres
1..for rego
not bad for three years
Thats why I bought a defender and I get towing for free

what about the fact that there are 10-1 of toys and nissans to defer's???

[dobbo]

Sounds like someone has Puma Envy... its ok dobbo I used to pull the **** out of my friends puma too when I couldn't afford one either.... Now I have one, 22000kms and going strong, no probs at all, 80% of that pulling 1.5t boat and 10% of that through very soft sand, and the difference driving around town just loving it, even the wife wants to drive it over her VW Golf R32...:p:p:p

If only that were the problem, 1.5t is just the float and tack. What about the horses?

Q: Apart from Land Rover, How many people have retrofitted transit engines to 110's? Compare that to the 4BD1

[wagoo]

Well I have had 5 90's and 4 110's and never had a problem. And I have given them some real crap

Problem with forums is you always hear when people have a problem and not when nothing is wrong and they are happy with them


Sent from my iPhone
What, they are so good and trouble free that you have gone through 9 of them?:p Do you put one out on the nature strip every time you put the wheely bins out?:)
Wagoo.

[PAT303]

If only that were the problem, 1.5t is just the float and tack. What about the horses?

Q: Apart from Land Rover, How many people have retrofitted transit engines to 110's? Compare that to the 4BD1

Fitting transit engines in series models through to 110's is very common,far more than the Isuzu.Silly arguement really. Pat

[rovercare]

My defender horror story:

Back in 2007 I took a mate, my two trusty dogs and my 1996 110 single cab ute on a trip to perth along the old nullabor road. Lots of fun had. Dropped my mate in Perth and started heading back. Decided to drop in to the Eyre Bird Observatory and take the back road to Madura. Was all going well and I'd just gone through the dingo fence when I hit a patch of bulldust and the car lurched to the left. The front right wheel got caught up on some saltbush and over she went!

Took me ten hours to get it back on its wheels with the trusty hand winch. Buried the spare tyre 4 times and kept pulling it out of the ground. Ended up digging a 30ft long trench and laying the winch and cable in it so the tyre was pulling against the ground rather than pulling it out of the ground.

While i was doing all of this I didnt notice but my big dog got into the spilled dog food in the tray and ate about 5 kilos of it. The fat bugger. The deefer got a smashed drivers side window, broken windscreen and crushed in cab. Got her back on her wheels and she fired right up. It still drove so piled all the gear and dogs in and headed off.

Got to Madura eventually and pulled into a motel. Rang the Royal Auto rip off club and told them i'd had a spill. They said they'd have a tow truck to me in 3 or 4 days. I yelled and screamed and ended up making the poor girl cry - I lived in albury at the time and told her I could be home in 2 days so to take the tow truck and shove it. So drove the car accross the nullabor and stopped only for fuel. Took 18 hours straight to drive from Ceduna to Albury. Arrived at 6am on the day Albury hit a record low of -7 degrees celcius. With no drivers window this was not fun.

Had to pull up every half hour because my big dog had the runs because of all the dog food he ate after the roll over. He crapped on two tarps which got thrown out at two stops. He then proceeded to crap on my swag, my tools, the tray, the canopy, all over the head of my other dog which nearly broke me. I thought how many times can this dog poo - and the bastard did it all the way back to Albury. Was not happy, hence the horror story. Took the Royal auto brigade 11 weeks to write my deefer off - right through winter and I had to ride the motorbike every day through rain and bloody hail.

So there you have it. When you roll your car - make sure your fat arsed dog cant get into the tucker box.

Cheers,

gusthedog


Haha, that's awseome:)

[dullbird]

If only that were the problem, 1.5t is just the float and tack. What about the horses?

Q: Apart from Land Rover, How many people have retrofitted transit engines to 110's? Compare that to the 4BD1


Add a horse and your only looking at 2T any horse under 16.3 is not going to weight more than 600kg :)

[wouldbeowner]

Well I have had 5 90's and 4 110's and never had a problem. And I have given them some real crap
Problem with forums is you always hear when people have a problem and not when nothing is wrong and they are happy with them
Sent from my iPhone

This is a very valid point. I have a mate who has a D2. When I asked him if he ever went on this form his answer was "only when I have a problem and need info".

[ozscott]

That attitude annoys me - he is not checking the forum to see if he can help people himself then? Perhaps he knows nothing - ie cannot help, but if he has had problems and has had them resolved he could add something. If everyone thought they would only log on if they had a problem, no one would be answering people's problems...

Cheers

PS. I dont know about Defender horror stories, because the County and 110 were always pretty good, but Puma, wow, never seen such a sheer concentration of the same problems time and time again on a web site!

[RVR110]

<snip>PS. I dont know about Defender horror stories, because the County and 110 were always pretty good, but Puma, wow, never seen such a sheer concentration of the same problems time and time again on a web site!

It's just a thought, but if this forum were around in 1985 (and as active as it is today) then I think that there would have been a lot of unhappy posts about water leaks (remember the water ingress manual?) and a few other recurring horror stories. For example I remember taking one of my County v8's with an erratic idling problem to a well know LR specialist who said "Oh, that. We used to fix it by..." I suspect that the County owners on this forum who bought their vehicle brand new are in the minority - and that the current owners of those vehicles have been shielded from the early issues that were experienced (and rectified) by the original owners. I'm happy to be corrected as I'm not an *original* County owner... It's just a suspicion I have! Maybe there's a few people who bought one new and can remember all the work that they've had (or not had) done who can set the record straight? Maybe I'm wrong and they were all perfect!

[spudboy]

RVR100 - you are right. Same any time there is change.

Think of how 'bad' the TD5 models were when they first came out, compared the the good old 300TDi. Now the TD5 is the good old engine.....

Actually, the 300TDi is still not a bad old engine :p

[PAT303]

Imagine the world of 4wd's without any forums.We would be paying money out left right and center for fix's we do at home,just think for a moment how many times in the last year you used this forum for information or for chasing cheaper parts.Both the Tdi and Td5 are very good old engines. Pat

[ozscott]

Yep I get all that fellas, but this is not a new vehicle. LR have taken a well sorted drive train in a vehicle and stuck in a drive train, that, to my mind, is a backward step in terms of reliability with only modest gains in noise, power etc...

If the Puma was a ground up new on like say D3 was then fair enough, but not otherwise.

Cheers

[Beckford]

Add a horse and your only looking at 2T any horse under 16.3 is not going to weight more than 600kg :)

Our new Puma just pulled a horse float + horse (1,500kg) from Dungog to Somersby NSW. 150km 3 hour trip over poor quality roads & road works. (Plus 200kg of tack including water & food in back of the defender.)

No effort.

Beckford.