2012 110, to buy or not to buy?

[nicko_cairns]

hi guys,

considering a 2012 110 wagon on salary packaging, so will get bullbar, spotlights, winch and roofrack, and offroad tyres included (as I live in NQ and it won't be used for city driving).

I've read some good and some poor reviews on the 2012 model, any comments etc appreciated, I could always buy a used 110 if the previous models are much better.

thanks,

Nicko.

[juddy]

You will be a happy bunny with a 2012 Defender.....
:)

[GlennWA]

Hello Nicko

I have just been through this process and pick up our new MY12 110 on Tuesday - after starting the ball rolling with test drives etc in March!

I thought about the additional extras through salary sacrificing but in the end didn't bother. The reason is the extra complexity in getting it organised as most of this stuff you will have to source externally as LR does not supply things like bullbars and from memory would not condone fitment of any either. Given their warnings, the warranty would also be in question if something did happen. e.g. Toyota owners and their chassis cracking covered if genuine bar fitted but not if aftermarket bar fitted.

Some LR accessories are also steeply priced so I pared them back too. At the end of the day many accessories just aren't justified (Not saying they are not desirable) and you will also be paying for them as part of finance for the rest of the lease term.

In regard to the MY12 model Puma. I have done as much research as I can and I can only hope it will be a good vehicle. I wanted a new Defender and the timing was right so a MY12 was realistically my only option. I guess I will find out starting Tuesday:D

[slovenia]

I change from 110 2007 2,4 87.000 km to 110 2012 2,2 16.000 km. The engine is much beter to ride and quiter. Gearbox is also more frendly.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/06/138.jpg

[ezyrama]

Extremely happy with my MY12 Deefer, clock over 14000km today and except for a loose turbo hose and a hose clamp that the excess clamp strap rubbed through on the hose next to it, its been great. Good/comfortable to drive, A/C works, I love it. Only things I have done are insulate the rear parcel area with carpet and soon will fit a stereo that you can run some auxillary music through. Pulling about 12.1L/100km towing the camper trailer as well.

[Mudnut]

hey Nicko,

The newer engines, and gear boxes seem quieter, at speed, and the 6 speed gear box is a bonus, especially once you leave Cairns CBD. I have a chipped TD5 110, and love it. There are plenty of Defenders up this way, and good mechanics to boot (and i'm not just talking about the stealers). If you don't already use the front air vents you won't miss them. The new airconditioner set up works a treat, and even de-mists the windscreen, something mine does not do. I don't think you would be disappointed about Defender you purchase, but new does have it's advantages. When I was considering a RRS for my wife, i contacted Townsville, and they were most accommodating. A good sounding board for the dealers up this way.
Good luck in your search.

Ken

[nicko_cairns]

thanks guys, some really great info. I forgot to ask about towing and that answered it nicely!

shame about the bullbar as i wanted to get spotties on it, and a winch. the sal sac mob want all the extras on at the start, so that's something to think seriously about.

i've found a great mechanic already, had some problems with my current car and he's been a star, so he'll have my business for life probably, services lots of 4x4s too.

so tommorow i'll go for a test drive, of a 130 utility but should still give me a rough feel of the comfort etc (wife's biggest worry), can't wait to get onto the creb track (will upgrade my own tyres and keep the factory ones in the shed for long trips).

cheers guys, thanks again.

[NT5224]

Nicko

My MY2012 puma ute is awesome. Much of our driving is off road, and its sooo much better for that purpose than the Toyota trayback it replaces! I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours.

One consideration in your planned purchase. As noted by others buying extras through LR or the dealership will cost you more than aftermarket, but there may be warranty advantages. Make sure you clarify with your dealer what aftermarket extras you intend to fit and get LR's line on whether they might effect warranty. Its always better to know up front.

Cheers

Alan

[jimb]

I also think you cannot salary sacrifice the b bar but only items to make the car move: tyres wheels etc


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[BilboBoggles]

Hello Nicko

I have just been through this process and pick up our new MY12 110 on Tuesday - after starting the ball rolling with test drives etc in March!

I thought about the additional extras through salary sacrificing but in the end didn't bother. The reason is the extra complexity in getting it organised as most of this stuff you will have to source externally as LR does not supply things like bullbars and from memory would not condone fitment of any either. Given their warnings, the warranty would also be in question if something did happen. e.g. Toyota owners and their chassis cracking covered if genuine bar fitted but not if aftermarket bar fitted.

Some LR accessories are also steeply priced so I pared them back too. At the end of the day many accessories just aren't justified (Not saying they are not desirable) and you will also be paying for them as part of finance for the rest of the lease term.

In regard to the MY12 model Puma. I have done as much research as I can and I can only hope it will be a good vehicle. I wanted a new Defender and the timing was right so a MY12 was realistically my only option. I guess I will find out starting Tuesday:D

So a couple of things to think about.

1) you can add up to a certain amount (Last time I did this it was $10k or something like that) in accessories (Any accessory) and that is included in the base cost of the novated lease, the advantage being you don't pay GST on the cost, and you get to do this pre tax

2) If the dealer fits the accessories they then have to cover the warranty implications. IF you fit any accessory after delivery you cover the warranty implications, be very very careful of Long range tanks on a PUMA, or any sort of lift as that can be a right pain with warranty.

3) If you work for a large company - see if you can get a corporate package - Free Rubber mats, and 3 years of servicing - this makes a BIG difference in running costs.

When I bought my first Defender - I got the dealer to fit an ARB bull bar and Warn winch, they organised it with ARB. (And when ARB dropped the bullbar on the bonnet they sorted out the repair).

So I'd recommend talking to your dealer and seeing if they can sort it out.

[VK3UTE]

G'day

I've had a MY2010 Defender since new, she has done 76K and so far has been very good with no issues. I have a friend with a MY2012 and the engine is a lot quieter but it seems to use more fuel? I average around 9.4Lt/100km where his is up around 11Lt/100km. He has leather seats which seem a bit nicer:cool:. The only thing I find disappointing is the turning circle, and I think the 130 is even worse, you need 3 lanes and some forward planning to do a U turn. Saying that I drive into Melbourne CBD most days, probable not a problem in your part of the world. Mine is on a novated lease which works well for me and I wouldn't swap her for the world!

Just buy a new one, get the warranty extended for as long as possible and enjoy owning a car that has some personality:D

Cheers Simon

[Scouse]

The only thing I find disappointing is the turning circle, Have you adjusted the steering stops? You can usually wind them in - just make sure the tyre clears the radius arm as that's what it hits first.

[nicko_cairns]

So a couple of things to think about.

1) you can add up to a certain amount (Last time I did this it was $10k or something like that) in accessories (Any accessory) and that is included in the base cost of the novated lease, the advantage being you don't pay GST on the cost, and you get to do this pre tax

2) If the dealer fits the accessories they then have to cover the warranty implications. IF you fit any accessory after delivery you cover the warranty implications, be very very careful of Long range tanks on a PUMA, or any sort of lift as that can be a right pain with warranty.

3) If you work for a large company - see if you can get a corporate package - Free Rubber mats, and 3 years of servicing - this makes a BIG difference in running costs.

When I bought my first Defender - I got the dealer to fit an ARB bull bar and Warn winch, they organised it with ARB. (And when ARB dropped the bullbar on the bonnet they sorted out the repair).

So I'd recommend talking to your dealer and seeing if they can sort it out.

Thanks Bilbo,

Yeah the sal sac company is actually really good, they've told me to get it all done before due to warranty, and to put a list of everything I want, and they'll see if it can be done. Good to know about the bullbar, thanks, ps who drops a bullbar on a bonnet?

Cheers.

[Michael2]

Hi Nicko,

If you didn't SP, are you able to claim the vehicle as a deduction?
ie: do you get paid a taxable travel allowance? is mandatory travel written into your contract? does the vehicle have sign writing?

If you can claim some vehicular use as Tax deductible, then consider that the ATO rules the Defender 110 Station Wagon to be a "Commercial Vehicle."

As a Commercial Vehicle, if it's used for a business purpose, it does not require a log book to substantiate costs, but becomes 100% tax deductible.

This obviously means that you have to come up with your own loan and servicing costs (which will be deductible), but you will also be able to depreciate the vehicle at 26.5% P/A (check in case the rate's changed).

On a $50K vehicle (on road), that's $13,250 in additional deductions in the first year. @ 30% Tax, that's an extra $3,975 in your tax return.

[carlschmid2002]

Thanks Bilbo,

Yeah the sal sac company is actually really good, they've told me to get it all done before due to warranty, and to put a list of everything I want, and they'll see if it can be done. Good to know about the bullbar, thanks, ps who drops a bullbar on a bonnet?

Cheers.

I salary sacrificed my MY 12 90 but the problem I had was LR wont allow any non genuine accessories and their accessories are too pricey. (Salary Sacrifice company will only accept one invoice) They wanted $1500 for a crap roof rack and about $5000 for a rubber bumper thingy with winch. I love my 90 but you have to go non genuine. If you want LR genuine bits look at Famous Four in the UK. Their accessories are more than reasonable but the freight is a killer. I bought mine in Melbourne. Moving back to Townsville in January. I am from just north of Cairns. If you want accessories local go to Mulgo or Expedition Centre in Sydney. Daniel is a legend.

[Michael2]

I've spoken to several people who SP and every SP company has it's own rules.

I SP a D2a (yes they let me SP an older car - up to 10yrs at start of contract!) and I do the servicing / repairs. I send them the invoices for the parts (not labour) and they send me a cheque for reimbursement.

If you can get the SP company to agree to that, then you can fit out the car as you see fit. Also the loan sum isn't as big. They may not do it, but it's worth asking.

[Defender Mike]

I'm on same deal notated lease on my new 90. Im very happy one small scare when a radiator hose blew but that was easily solved. Firing long. Range tanks to increase range .

[nicko_cairns]

Hey guys,

So the last 110 I sat in was during my Army days, I didn't realise that the dash is now much closer to the driver, at just under 6'2" I don't fit as easily as I used to with the older models. I sat in one on the weekend and I just don't fit well anymore.

Last thing I thought would happen but I'm unfortunately going to have to get something else, which is a shame as I love Defenders, their capability and looks easily win me over... but I need to be more comfortable for interstate driving.

Thank you to everyone for your advice, I'll unfortunately probably get a hilux SR5. I did consider older TD5s but want a new vehicle.

Nick.

[carlschmid2002]

I too am 6'2"and I have just bought a new D 90. It is really a simple fix. Buy a set of seat rail extensions Mulgo. Have a look at the www.expeditioncentre.com.au I did and it really changed the vehicle.

[dunny1]

Hi, I just SP my MY2012 and very happy, I was looking at getting a bar and winch but the cost stopped me in my tracks. I will most likely look at a few accessories later. I was a little concerned about the fee and sound of the gear box but thanks to this forum, I understand it is normal.