Did I make a mistake ?

[Dockstrada]

So after reading through some threads I have the feeling I have made a mistake buying a 2.4 powered 2008 Defender. I know forums can be a place where people can vent their frustrations with problems they have, and all you read is a select few problems that are concentrated onto a small community .But I’m a little concerned as I have had a bad experience with land rover in the past .
I have read that this 2.4 engine may not be such a great achievement by Land Rover (ford) should I be concerned ?

[bob10]

.But I’m a little concerned as I have had a bad experience with land rover in the past .
I
Tell us about your bad experience, and we will tell you about how good the 2.4 engine is Bob

[DeanoH]

There is good and bad in all cars, Land Rovers included. There is good design, bad design and the mediocre, the problem is that the jury is out for several years before they make a decision, so you don't really know untill way after you have made your choice.

Have you made a good or a bad or a mediocre choice ?, only you can say. Does the car do what you expected of it ? has it been reliable ? does it give you the 'vibe' that you wanted when you bought it ? If the answer is yes then you've just bought yourself a magic machine that will give you years of pleasure.:)

Until or unless it proves otherwise enjoy.:D

You don't need to 'buy' grief, in life there's plenty of that for free.

Deano :)

[Tank]

Well that same engine powers half the worlds Vans, now if you asked about the Nissan 3lt. hand grenade..., Regards Frank.

[alittlebitconcerned]

Engine's is fine! But, Replaced multiple clutches (new one needed soon), multipe diffs (one now leaking), new steering box, multiple door seals, multiple EGR's (latest now failing), multiple water shedders inside doors, bubbled paint, cracked paint, multiple hub seals (still leaking), new rear demister, new radio, new clock, new bearings, new signal lights, multiple seat mechanisms (still dont work properly), new aircon box, at times screeching turbo, multiple misaligned panels, weird rumbling sound, TC/ABS nearly killed me on gravel road, central locking not working, central locking working when it shouldn't with my keys inside, door handle fell off in my hand, pulling to left, etc etc ad nauseum... And don't get me started on all the damage caused by some hamfisted dealership mechanics. Then there's the battle to get stuff sorted and then there's the.... Sorry... what was the question again? :D

[bob10]

Engine's is fine! But, Replaced multiple clutches (new one needed soon), multipe diffs (one now leaking), new steering box, multiple door seals, multiple EGR's (latest now failing), multiple water shedders inside doors, bubbled paint, cracked paint, multiple hub seals (still leaking), new rear demister, new radio, new clock, new bearings, new signal lights, multiple seat mechanisms (still dont work properly), new aircon box, at times screeching turbo, multiple misaligned panels, weird rumbling sound, TC/ABS nearly killed me on gravel road, central locking not working, central locking working when it shouldn't with my keys inside, door handle fell off in my hand, pulling to left, etc etc ad nauseum... And don't get me started on all the damage caused by some hamfisted dealership mechanics. Then there's the battle to get stuff sorted and then there's the.... Sorry... what was the question again? :D
Perhaps we can put the engine into an old county..... touchs forelock & backs away, carefully. Bob

[alittlebitconcerned]

Perhaps we can put the engine into an old county..... touchs forelock & backs away, carefully. Bob

Oh thats real clever; a funny guy huh? You think I'm...I'm... wait on, hmmm, not a bad idea. :D:D:D

[Dockstrada]

Well I My dad owned 2 Land Rovers both Range Rovers 1 was a 2 door the other a 4 door I was only young so can’t remember the year . my first Land Rover was a second hand 88 Range Rover it got me hooked was a beast after many years I decided to buy a New 96 Disco it turned out to be a big disappointment engine and box were…… JUNK! after that in 97 I decided to ditch the Disco and buy a new 97 Range Rover SE once again engine and box Yep…… JUNK! add to the list the electronic suspension split system AC ……. JUNK ! .

So as you can imagine I’m a little apprehensive . I understand land Rover has moved forward since then but it seems there are still several common issues that haunt the brand . please prove me wrong I love my Defender .

[bob10]

Well I My dad owned 2 Land Rovers both Range Rovers 1 was a 2 door the other a 4 door I was only young so can’t remember the year . my first Land Rover was a second hand 88 Range Rover it got me hooked was a beast after many years I decided to buy a New 96 Disco it turned out to be a big disappointment engine and box were…… JUNK! after that in 97 I decided to ditch the Disco and buy a new 97 Range Rover SE once again engine and box Yep…… JUNK! add to the list the electronic suspension split system AC ……. JUNK ! .

So as you can imagine I’m a little apprehensive . I understand land Rover has moved forward since then but it seems there are still several common issues that haunt the brand . please prove me wrong I love my Defender .



I don't mean to be pedantic[ think it's in my amcos] but , mate , sit on the couch, and elaborate on what you mean by junk. Doesn't mean a thing ,till you state that thing, what happened , Bob

[101RRS]

there are still several common issues that haunt the brand .

What are they??

I have owned various landrovers, some new and some second hand and currently own four and am not sure what these common issues that haunt the brand are.

Cheers

Garry

[Dockstrada]

I don't mean to be pedantic[ think it's in my amcos] but , mate , sit on the couch, and elaborate on what you mean by junk. Doesn't mean a thing ,till you state that thing, what happened , Bob


I don’t want to get to in-depth about it, but I spent more time sitting on the customer waiting lounge in the dealer having diagnostics done than I did in the driver seat.

Both engine had the same problem, after heavy towing they wouldn’t idle something about carbon build up around the valve seats, Gear box would over heat like clockwork, The elec suspension had a mind of its own, I felt like a home boy when the rear end would settle on its lowest setting and the front on its highest setting, The Climate control system would send freezing cold air to the passenger and scorching hot to the drive that was on a good day. Not to mention the 3 differentials that were replaced 1 in the disco and 2 in the RR . let me add they were both petrol auto's .

So I’m safe to say I’ve had a pretty bad run . But as you can see I’m not beaten yet I’ve bought another Land Rover . Let me add in 2001 I bought a 100 series cruiser which I still have 200000 plus km it has never seen the dealers work shop . I also own a F250 120000km since 05 once again not one issue . So I’m stepping out on a limb with the current purchase of the Defender as you can understand.

[Sleepy]

You've got me wondering.

2 bad runs with Land Rovers and a Cruiser that did 200,000km without going to a dealer...yet you buy another Land Rover.:woot:

You want me to pass you a saw whilst you stand on that limb?

There are some common issues that haunt mankind!

:lol2:

[Dockstrada]

You've got me wondering.

2 bad runs with Land Rovers and a Cruiser that did 200,000km without going to a dealer...yet you buy another Land Rover.:woot:

You want me to pass you a saw whilst you stand on that limb?

There are some common issues that haunt mankind!

:lol2:

Yeah I'm wondering myself , most men marry more than once see if you can work that one out :cool:

[Utemad]

I'd be more worried about that F250!
We had two of the 7.3 V8s that were problem after problem. They both had the same issues but the dealer that serviced them was always amazed and had "never seen that problem before" even when there were TSBs for some of them. Mostly engine related issues so if yours is a 6 cylinder it might be different.
After changing dealer the new dealer agreed they were a POS and said his techs hide when one came in.
All manufacturers make the odd lemon.

[Dockstrada]

I'd be more worried about that F250!
We had two of the 7.3 V8s that were problem after problem. They both had the same issues but the dealer that serviced them was always amazed and had "never seen that problem before" even when there were TSBs for some of them. Mostly engine related issues so if yours is a 6 cylinder it might be different.
After changing dealer the new dealer agreed they were a POS and said his techs hide when one came in.
All manufacturers make the odd lemon.


Mine is a 7.3 V8 and runs like clock work ,never a problem , only problem it ever had is when it went into for a service and they messed up 3 injectors when changing the fuel filter , they got some crap in them , other than that its been gold . Only just posted this vid in another thread .As you can see it was pretty cold out .

F250 powerstroke 7.3 - YouTube

[TerryO]

So after reading through some threads I have the feeling I have made a mistake buying a 2.4 powered 2008 Defender. I know forums can be a place where people can vent their frustrations with problems they have, and all you read is a select few problems that are concentrated onto a small community .But I’m a little concerned as I have had a bad experience with land rover in the past .
I have read that this 2.4 engine may not be such a great achievement by Land Rover (ford) should I be concerned ?


I think your right you made a terrible mistake and your Puma is junk, even though you don't say you have had any issues with it so far, but that's not the point they are junk and you should sell it. ...now!

You need to do this before it causes you any problems.

I'm a nice guy so I'll give you 10k for it and that would be doing you a favour, either that or just drive the bloody thing and if and or when something goes wrong then come back and ask for advice on how to fix it.

So when can I pick the Puma up? ...By the way would you take a personal cheque?

Cheers,
Terry :angel:

[Dockstrada]

I think your right you made a terrible mistake and your Puma is junk, even though you don't say you have had any issues with it so far, but that's not the point they are junk and you should sell it. ...now!

Before it causes any problems.

I'm a nice guy so I'll give you 10k for it and that would be doing you a favour, either that or just drive the bloody thing and if and or when something goes wrong then come back and ask for advice.

So when can I pick the Puma up?

Cheers,
Terry :angel:

I think you may need to have another read of my first post .Until I went through all the bad drivel about the Puma written by owners on this forum I had 100% faith in the Defender .

Now I’m reading about problems with clutch, engine, dif, water leaks, EGR on and on and on and on, so it was only thanks to the members of this forum that I have this negative vibe about the Defender.

But in any case my initial post was just a way to understand the level of reliability of the new gen Land Rovers, don't get all tensed about it .
If a few people get their nose out of joint because I express my bad luck experience and opinion with previous models that perhaps they may own, I can understand that ... it’s like a chick telling you old fella is to short right.

If 10k is you budget you better buy a Suzuki :twobeers:

[101RRS]

Mine is a 7.3 V8 and runs like clock work ,never a problem

My brother had one from 2007 (his was a 2006 model) to earlier this year - he thought it was a POS - poor power for its engine size and drank according to its engine size and very unreliable - he stopped using it in late 2010 and bought another 4wd but it took him over 14 months to sell at great loss because no one wants them.

Again what are these "common issues that haunt the Landrover brand". Any brand is not perfect but not sure what these common issues are.

Garry

[Davo]

I've just been through this thread twice and I still don't know what the original question was.

[V8Ian]

I don't mean to be pedantic[ think it's in my amcos] but , mate , sit on the couch, and elaborate on what you mean by junk. Doesn't mean a thing ,till you state that thing, what happened , Bob
That would have gone over half the forumites' heads (you ancient ol' beggar). :p

[MR LR]

It's late, i just read all that, quote "drivel", twice and i still have no idea what the point of this thread is...

Also Terry doesn't have his nose out of joint, he's having a laugh :D

Shoulda had a geeze before laying down the hard-earned if this is how you feel :)

Cheers
Will

[Dockstrada]

Ok so it looks like the initial question has been drowned by certain comments made in my first post that has sparked a bit of tension , that’s fair enough this was not my intention , so if there are any sore noses out there my apologies . It seems this is going to be one of those threads that is going to go on and on without any conclusion.

So just to recap the question, well it was actually 2 of them for those who missed them, they were as follows.

1: Did I make a mistake?

2: I have read that this 2.4 engine may not be such a great achievement by Land Rover (ford) should I be concerned?

Now another after reading more threads re problems .

3: Is there a drive line problem eg: clutch,tranmission,diff's ?

Now in saying that I have only had the Defender for a few days which it still has a short amount of warranty so I’m just searching around for any information pre warranty ending date. It doesn’t seem to have any noticeable problems, though I ‘m certainly concerned based on the information I have read on this form and my past history with Land Rover.

I’m certainly accustom to dealing with inherited manufacturing problems this is for sure I own several Ducati’s and it’s a never ending maintenance schedule .

So all in all I’m just here like every other member trying to get a consensus form a community in regards to my Defenders reliability.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/09/1339.jpg

[Utemad]

My brother had one from 2007 (his was a 2006 model) to earlier this year - he thought it was a POS - poor power for its engine size and drank according to its engine size and very unreliable - he stopped using it in late 2010 and bought another 4wd but it took him over 14 months to sell at great loss because no one wants them.

Garry

I loved driving ours when it was working.

That is interesting as when we sold ours some were asking for near or more than new prices as they were dropped by Ford. Don't know what they were actually selling for though.
We sold ours sight unseen to a southern dealership.

[Barra1]

Ok so it looks like the initial question has been drowned by certain comments made in my first post that has sparked a bit of tension , that’s fair enough this was not my intention , so if there are any sore noses out there my apologies . It seems this is going to be one of those threads that is going to go on and on without any conclusion.

So just to recap the question, well it was actually 2 of them for those who missed them, they were as follows.

1: Did I make a mistake?

Yes, most certainly. This is probably a perfect example of a "self-fulfilling prophecy". That vehicle might give you years of untroubled service but when it does falter (and it will at sometime) you will be justified: "I knew I should have been concerned".

2: I have read that this 2.4 engine may not be such a great achievement by Land Rover (ford) should I be concerned?

The engine - should you be concerned? I'm with Tank - the damn things powers half the world's vans - and a fair proportion of them driven by gear-crunchers, clutch riders and who-gives-a-damn-it-is-not-my-vehicle.
It is not the engine rather the "auxiliary stuff" (for the want of a better description) around the engine. (Refer next question)
Now another after reading more threads re problems .

3: Is there a drive line problem eg: clutch,tranmission,diff's ?

Clutch, transmission? Probably no more concern than any codger purchasing a new Hi-lux or Cruiser.
Diff? You've won the chocolates! If we are all honest I reckon it would be a concensus that the P38 diff is not a success story. Enough said.
Now in saying that I have only had the Defender for a few days which it still has a short amount of warranty so I’m just searching around for any information pre warranty ending date. It doesn’t seem to have any noticeable problems, though I ‘m certainly concerned based on the information I have read on this form and my past history with Land Rover.

I’m certainly accustom to dealing with inherited manufacturing problems this is for sure I own several Ducati’s and it’s a never ending maintenance schedule .

So all in all I’m just here like every other member trying to get a consensus form a community in regards to my Defenders reliability.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/09/1339.jpg

Hope the above helps. May I add, in all my years of Land Rover ownership I have come to shudder when I see someone purchase a Land Rover who really shouldn't. Other people on this site will recognise what I'm talking about.

To a Land Rover person, the vehicle has a soul. A soul that you, the owner, embraces and caresses. And fight with. Failure to embrace the soul will bring the wrath of the Land Rover God upon you.

Very poetic that for 9.01am on a Sunday morning:eek:

[justinc]

Like all above have mentioned, there are some problems that plague certain parts of certain models of LR, this site is also here to help and discuss the solutions to these issues, mild or serious in nature.

The appeal of these vehicles is their soul, character, whatever you want to call it, they have it in abundance.

At the risk of going on about it, we have 2 vehicles, a 2002 Lexus LS430, and a 1985 110 Isuzu county.
The Lexus is totally reliable, totally. It is like driving around in someones luxury leather loungeroom, front and rear Climate control, heated and cooled seats, automatic door closers, Satnav, Awesome stereo, 9.5l/100km on the highway even though it is a 32valve 4.3 V8. Brakes are huge, suspension is fantastic and yes, overall it is about as far removed from a 27 year old Diesel county as you can get.

I spend more time driving my 110 than the wifes car (Yes I am not allowed to sit in it until I have got changed and showered after working on Landies, as it has cream leather :eek:) on weekends. I have a connection to my 110 that isn't there in the LS430.

So, explain THAT:confused:

:D

JC

[Ratel10mm]

1: No. You love it, you said so yourself. So that's a BIG win. :)

2: Some engines are good, others are bad. In the same batch of the same model. If you are unlucky, then oh dear. HOWEVER: There's a reason why the Transit is advertised as the Backbone of Britain. Given a choice of van, Transit would be it almost every time. The only real problem I ever had when driving them was height - most Uk car parks are limited to 2m headroom.

[Dockstrada]

Ok so I’m happy the thread has moved on to a more informative direction, this can only be a good thing.

So what I have is a 2008 November built SVX with 80k on the clock , is there anything I should be keeping a look out for in terms of warrantable issues ?


I’m keen to do some engine mods like a DP chip or something down the lines, though 1400 bucks for the DP is a bit on the rich side for 15% increase in torque, is there any other reputable options ?

Also needs lights bull bar as I don’t like the existing one, rear bar , roof basket which I will make my self and duel battery setup .

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/08/681.jpg

[DeanoH]

Original post


So after reading through some threads I have the feeling I have made a mistake buying a 2.4 powered 2008 Defender. I know forums can be a place where people can vent their frustrations with problems they have, and all you read is a select few problems that are concentrated onto a small community .But I’m a little concerned as I have had a bad experience with land rover in the past .
I have read that this 2.4 engine may not be such a great achievement by Land Rover (ford) should I be concerned ?

At the risk of getting back on track.

I reckon youse blokes are being a bit hard on the OP, he's just bought himself a 4 yo Puma :wasntme:and is having second thoughts as to whether it was a wise decision so has come here for a bit of support / encouragement.

It's no secret that the 'Puma' isn't LR's greatest success story. Just because the Transit engine is in many vehicles doesn't mean it is any good, especially a 2008 build. Though I would expect the current offerings to be a LOT better. As for the P38 diffs., well their crappiness is legendary.:(

Perhaps some helpful info from 'Puma' owners on what to look out for and how to be a bit pro-active with maintenance might be more useful than shooting the bloke for asking ?:)

Getting all defensive about unexplainesd LR 'issues' doesn't help the cause either.
It's no secret that my SIIA had weak LR diffs, cheesy axles and poor brakes (fortunately it didn't go very fast :D). My SIII diesel re wrote the book on 'underpowered', had a crappy plastic dash and the six cylinder version was an absolute joke, but at least had a good rear diff.. My classic is a beauty, but again weak diffs., poor low range ratio and the smallest V8 known to man. My P38 was an outstanding machine, complete with a scaringly complex Lucas electrical system, un reliable air bag syspension and again weak diffs. (definite LR trend here:(). Our D2a is a winner as fortunately the oil pump bolt was tightened, has steel dowells and no 'amigos' yet, though it is on it's 5th inhibitor switch. My Defender Tdi is of course perfect. :D

Yes all vehicles have problems, identifying them and getting ahead of the game is what makes LR ownership enjoyable, otherwise we'd all buy an LS430 and get bored to death.;)

Deano :)

[LowRanger]

Ok so I’m happy the thread has moved on to a more informative direction, this can only be a good thing.

So what I have is a 2008 November built SVX with 80k on the clock , is there anything I should be keeping a look out for in terms of warrantable issues ?


I’m keen to do some engine mods like a DP chip or something down the lines, though 1400 bucks for the DP is a bit on the rich side for 15% increase in torque, is there any other reputable options ?

Also needs lights bull bar as I don’t like the existing one, rear bar , roof basket which I will make my self and duel battery setup .



The main problem is,that you say you have read through the available information and have heard here about possible problems with the drive line ie.Noisy leaky diffs and rattling clutches etc.And the first thing you state that you want to do is to go and add a chip to the engine management system to increase the stress on the driveline!When a standard Puma engined vehicle will already haul more weight than your 100 series,happily all day at the speed limit.
You also need to remember that it isn't a Japanese vehicle,so doesn't require a rear bar.Maybe you might want to add a swing away rear wheel carrier.Add a Traxide dual battery setup,that is made to fit the vehicle,and all will be good in that department.
What you need to remember is that just because you had 200k of good motoring from your 100 series,doesn't make them a great vehicle,they also had their vices,and plenty of them at that,but you got lucky.There are plenty of people on this forum that have late model Defenders and haven't had any mechanical problems at all.So it is all relative,just listen for unusual noises from the driveline,and check for oil leaks(despite what people say,oil leaks on late model Land Rovers,is NOT normal) and you should be good for many miles of happy motoring.And if you see a Defender driver out on the road,you can tell they are happy,because you can't wipe the smile off our faces.

[wagoo]

You've got me wondering.

2 bad runs with Land Rovers and a Cruiser that did 200,000km without going to a dealer...yet you buy another Land Rover.:woot:

You want me to pass you a saw whilst you stand on that limb?

There are some common issues that haunt mankind!

:lol2:

There's no mystery. Some people are religious and believe that if they submit themselves to Hell on Earth, then they will go straight to heaven when they die. With my LR experiences, I reckon I deserve to be Gods right hand man when my time's up.:)
Bill.

[Barra1]

Ther's no mystery. Some people are religeous and believe that if they submit themselves to Hell on Earth, then they will go straight to heaven when they die. With my LR experiences, I reckon I deserve to be Gods right hand man when my time's up.:)
Bill.

God's right-hand side is going to be crowded:eek:

[1976_michelle]

wont know if you made a mistake until you KNOW you made a mistake lol, unless you're psychic other than checking the obvious and less obvious things you can't know if a car is riddled with gremlins or not till you have it a while

[Homestar]

As mentioned by others - the engines are out there in almost plague proportions, and doing there thing well. I drove a transit van for 10 years and the last 2 were powered by these engines. If they were weak, then we would have killed them for sure. In my area, there were about 10 of these in the company - driven by Sparkies and Mechanics who flogged them every day - never saw a major failure in all that time (with the engine anyway). The worst I saw was a low power issue that took Ford a week to sort out - it was a split intercooler hose.

I wouldn't be concerned with the engine at all - pretty damn reliable from my experience.

Cheers - Gav

[pannawonica]

From what I was told 2.4 Puma needs to do work, the ones that don't seem to have the problems. I think this is true for most diesels.:D

[ThoBar]

I'll be honest, I've skim-read this thread... BUT....

The thing about this forum, which (if I'm reading you correctly) is where, aside from you're previous bad experience, you're sentiments are coming from, is that it's 'warts'n'all'.

I'd say there are more people who come to this forum looking for advice BEFORE any other forum, workshop, dealer, etc.. I do.

Even on other 4wd forums that I frequent, there is an understnding that this forum "tells it like it is" more than pretty much any other marque's. And that's a bloody good thing as far as I'm concerned. :) It doesn;t mean that the vehicle is bad, just that most of the members here will stop by to share their experience - good, bad or indifferent. Not too many other forums have that... maybe the Jeep ones.... ;)

T

[TerryO]

Ok so it looks like the initial question has been drowned by certain comments made in my first post that has sparked a bit of tension

You didn't create any tension, whether it's true or not you just sounded like a bumbling fool who can't make up his mind and is very insecure with his own decision making process.

So just to recap the question, well it was actually 2 of them for those who missed them, they were as follows.

1: Did I make a mistake?

Here we go again, see my above comments for the answer to how you have portrayed yourself because seriously only you can decide if you have blundered or not in buying the Puma. Why give that responsibility to others and then get upset when you get answers you don't like?

2: I have read that this 2.4 engine may not be such a great achievement by Land Rover (ford) should I be concerned?

Now another after reading more threads re problems .

3: Is there a drive line problem eg: clutch,tranmission,diff's ?

Now in saying that I have only had the Defender for a few days which it still has a short amount of warranty so I’m just searching around for any information pre warranty ending date. It doesn’t seem to have any noticeable problems, though I ‘m certainly concerned based on the information I have read on this form and my past history with Land Rover.

Now these are good questions worthy of answering by those who are in the know. But seriously it might have been a better idea to do your homework before buying it. Because no matter what it is to late now, you can't go back on your decision other than selling it if you don't feel confident in the vehicle.

I’m certainly accustom to dealing with inherited manufacturing problems this is for sure I own several Ducati’s and it’s a never ending maintenance schedule .

It is fair to say you have bought the Ducati of 4x4's, it will cost you money, so either you will love your Fender or you will end up hating it, just like most first time Ducati owners do with their Ducati's and either end up buying more of them or can't wait to get rid of it and never buy another.

So all in all I’m just here like every other member trying to get a consensus form a community in regards to my Defenders reliability.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/09/1339.jpg

Good luck with it but as others have said after reading your comments your more than likely heading down the path of a 'self fulfilling prophecy' because you will eventually end up having some issues sooner or later. It you want another vehicle that can do 200,000 k's without ever seeing a workshop then you more than likely have purchased the wrong vehicle, but who knows, maybe you will be lucky.

You decided to buy a 4 year old SVX Puma which is a very nice bit of kit with lots of flash add on's. But for not a lot more you could have bought a brand new 110 with heaps of warranty. Time will tell if you made the right decision or not.

As I said good luck.

Regards,
Terry

[The Cone of Silence]

Dockstrada,

I also have a 2008 Puma, although not an SVX - mine's a 110 wagon by the name of "Monty". I also had a Ducati so I share your love of head scratching and getting covered in oil and grease of a weekend.

The engine in Monty has been wonderful - it's done 100,000kms now and a lot of the more recent ones have been off-road and with plenty of weight in the back. I've had no engine complaints other than the EGR valve getting sooted up and the warnign light going on, but that issue will go away when I get a re-map done next year.

Fuel economy is good, the torque is excellent - I have towed my mates' Toyotas out of sticky bogs several times and the engine hasn't complained once. When I'm on the road, cruising at speed in 6th gear is fantastic...and surprisingly quiet (for a Defender!).

The thing with internet forums is that you'll always hear more about the negatives than the positives....it's human nature to voice our complaints and concerns and seek assistance; the normal day-to-day operation that people are happy with doesn't get spoken about.

I did a pre-warranty expiration check at an independent LR specialist in Brookvale and they found a couple of little things that LR sorted - leaks and tings like that. Otherwise, Monty's been just fine and keeps on doing whatever I ask of him...and looks awesome too.

Hope this helps mate.

Bobby

[Dockstrada]

Dockstrada,

I also have a 2008 Puma, although not an SVX - mine's a 110 wagon by the name of "Monty". I also had a Ducati so I share your love of head scratching and getting covered in oil and grease of a weekend.

The engine in Monty has been wonderful - it's done 100,000kms now and a lot of the more recent ones have been off-road and with plenty of weight in the back. I've had no engine complaints other than the EGR valve getting sooted up and the warnign light going on, but that issue will go away when I get a re-map done next year.

Fuel economy is good, the torque is excellent - I have towed my mates' Toyotas out of sticky bogs several times and the engine hasn't complained once. When I'm on the road, cruising at speed in 6th gear is fantastic...and surprisingly quiet (for a Defender!).

The thing with internet forums is that you'll always hear more about the negatives than the positives....it's human nature to voice our complaints and concerns and seek assistance; the normal day-to-day operation that people are happy with doesn't get spoken about.

I did a pre-warranty expiration check at an independent LR specialist in Brookvale and they found a couple of little things that LR sorted - leaks and tings like that. Otherwise, Monty's been just fine and keeps on doing whatever I ask of him...and looks awesome too.

Hope this helps mate.

Bobby


Thanks very much Bobby I'm starting to get the vibe of this forum now.

Ducati's Phfffffffff, if only you know my pain but I still keep buying them. What model did you have?

Things are flat out at work at the moment but I plan on heading down the Becroft Track next weekend, let’s see what the Defender thinks of that.

I’m just drawing up rear bar on CAD at the moment; the defender doesn't have much rock protection on the rear quarters, let’s wait and see what comes of it. Any suggestions to what attachments I should include ?
?

[The Cone of Silence]

Thanks very much Bobby I'm starting to get the vibe of this forum now.

Ducati's Phfffffffff, if only you know my pain but I still keep buying them. What model did you have?

Things are flat out at work at the moment but I plan on heading down the Becroft Track next weekend, let’s see what the Defender thinks of that.

I’m just drawing up rear bar on CAD at the moment; the defender doesn't have much rock protection on the rear quarters, let’s wait and see what comes of it. Any suggestions to what attachments I should include ?
?

This forum is awesome for finding expertise and advice from people who really care and know a lot about their vehicles - and much of the time it comes out of someone's unfortunate problem or issue...but stick around, you'll soon see quite a few threads started by people who just want to know more and ask questions like you. Monty is my first 4x4 vehicle so I'm pretty new to it all.

Ducati - I had a Monster 620 - it was my first bike. Loved it. Sadly it has gone to a new home but once I've sold my classic car and sorted the Defender, I'd like a classic bike to tinker with.

Rear quarter protection - well the Mulgo bumperettes look pretty sturdy and are on my shopping list. Is that what you meant by attachments to include?
Mulgo Bumperette (pair) | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/vehicle-protection/mulgo-bumperette-pair-.html)

[Dockstrada]

This forum is awesome for finding expertise and advice from people who really care and know a lot about their vehicles - and much of the time it comes out of someone's unfortunate problem or issue...but stick around, you'll soon see quite a few threads started by people who just want to know more and ask questions like you. Monty is my first 4x4 vehicle so I'm pretty new to it all.

Ducati - I had a Monster 620 - it was my first bike. Loved it. Sadly it has gone to a new home but once I've sold my classic car and sorted the Defender, I'd like a classic bike to tinker with.

Rear quarter protection - well the Mulgo bumperettes look pretty sturdy and are on my shopping list. Is that what you meant by attachments to include?
Mulgo Bumperette (pair) | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/vehicle-protection/mulgo-bumperette-pair-.html)

I totally agree, this is the reason I have hacked my way to this point. Much of the information positive or negative is of value in some way or form.

Ducati Monster, nice ! I had a S4Rs once, I regret selling it . My mate has it now and its looking better than ever , DOH!

I had a look at the Mulgo product, although functional and well fitting, I’m looking to design more of a complete bumper that conforms more to the style of the Defenders somewhat naked rear end.

[clubagreenie]

I think you may need to have another read of my first post .Until I went through all the bad drivel about the Puma written by owners on this forum I had 100% faith in the Defender .

Now I’m reading about problems with clutch, engine, dif, water leaks, EGR on and on and on and on, so it was only thanks to the members of this forum that I have this negative vibe about the Defender.

But in any case my initial post was just a way to understand the level of reliability of the new gen Land Rovers, don't get all tensed about it .
If a few people get their nose out of joint because I express my bad luck experience and opinion with previous models that perhaps they may own, I can understand that ... it’s like a chick telling you old fella is to short right.


It took me until this post to completely be sure I had understand the original posts point.

So you've just got the vehicle, it has no issues but you've read all the doom and gloom from assorted other peoples experiences which are singularities, no one has experienced a total sum of all faults in one vehicle. And on this basis you're doubting the integrity of the chosen one.

It's a good thing you didn't end up with my D2. By the first 20,000k's I had it for it had a new engine, auto, MAF & heater core. But I wouldn't swap it for anything (except maybe if I found my first restored S2 again).

As said the Ford engine is a trooper whether its used by ham fisted gear crunchers or seasoned self servicers. If something is going to go wrong because it was built on Friday then it would have happened. No matter which component it is or which vehicle it's fitted to. If the Ford employee had an extra pint for lunch, then Defender or Transit, something will fail.

Best you can do is what you've done. Be pro-active & self aware of what to keep an eye on and what to listen for. Make the seller aware of any issues that have the potential to raise their head (diffs sound like a good place to start).