some puma 90 niggles and frustrations (Warranty)

[Leroy_Riding]

I’ve been avoiding posting this for a while but its really starting to get to me now,

This post is a two part, first to complain and vent, and second to ask for advice, I know both have been covered before though I’m after things more specific to my situation.

I will start with the whole story:

So i headed on out to drive Brisbane to Mt Isa in my MY12 puma 90 (2.2) towing an empty 7x5 trailer with a weight of 360KG
I had my 40ltr Engle in the back loaded with drinks and snacks, my triumph tail pack off my bike for my clothes and a hammer coat tool box with an assortment of tools I thought wise to take. all up my load (trailer included) would have come in at under 500KG EASY!

I started off on my journey the back way out toward Dalby and managed an acceptable near flat 10ltr to the 100 by my math through hills and winding rounds, filled up in Dalby and continued on.

Now on flat roads I expected better consumption instead I started getting consumption figures around 12-13 ltrs to the 100 but thought maybe it’s just the trailer and the hotter location.

anyway ill cut this bit short, i get to Mt Isa with an average of around 13-14 ltr to the 100 by my math (calculating the ks travelled between fuel stops and the amount that then goes back into the tank)

I also notice she seems a bit down on power but talking to locals the tell me it the air up there and all cars run bad efficiency so i think no biggy I can handle that.

then I notice my mud flat (around the exhaust one) is melted/deformed around the exhaust outlet, i believe this was due to higher exhaust tempts form the 'towing load' again from advice from others as this is my first Turbo diesel, so no biggy.

skip ahead a week in MT Isa (as my car didn’t move much while there as i jumped in with friends there)

we leave MT isa myself in my car now with about 250KGs in the back of the defender (my rear seats are removed and I swear they weighed almost that much while removing them!!!!) and a small car trailer with a dry weight of 650KG and a KE30 corolla on top which would be lucky to weigh 700KG so lets say a not load of 2ton on the car (well within limits)

my best mate has his V8 D2 with my 7x5 and a suzuki sierra jammed in it behind him fully loaded up with his full snapon roll cab and tools in his car he was overloaded in my opinion but handled it with ease.

again skip forward a little, were driving and I’m getting around 18ltr to the 100 by my math on the fly (going by half a tank on the gauge and the amount of KM's travelled) which I’m thinking okay bigger load fair enough.

we are about 50kms north of Winton now in convoy and a cow crosses the road. I back off and give my mate the heads up over the uhf there’s a cow on the road, to which he responds "what was that" I reply "cow on the road" and I get back a "no the hue puff of white smoke from your car" at which point I’m still Decelerating for the cow and im thinking what is he on about? when the cow moves so I put my foot back on the accelerator and the engine then decides to rattle and grumble and just die and I am forced to pull over.

I try turning it off, giving it a crank and it just pumps white smoke out and wont start. . so I think, okay what’s going on, I pop the hood, all looks good, oil/coolant yeah no worries, so I check the water trap on the fuel filter again nothing to report.

time to call land rover road side assist, we try the lock unlock process, nothing.

they try the hold the brakes and gas flat down and crank for 10 seconds, nothing but plooms and plooms of white smoke out the exhaust and no go.

she then decides to send a tow truck to tow me into Winton where we got my clothes out of my car and into my mates and threw some of his stuff into my car so I could fit in his with him.

we had to ditch the trailer in Winton (had friends from MT isa come down and tow it back there later on) and leave my car in Winton with the road side assist to have it taken to the closest dealer (Townsville)

I made it home in my mates D2 (without issue at all!)

so that all happened on the 2nd January.

im going to skip a bit of stuff here as this is getting rather long.

basically my car has been at the dealership in Townsville undergoing a warranty job for 2 weeks and they still can’t get the car started.

so far they have done:

first step, a diesel test (to determine waranty job or not)
which came back A-Okay so they pulled the Injectors to be tested, which found one injector was 'Stuck open' the assured me this is the issue and once replaced all will be good and my car returned to me.
injector gets replaced. still no change what so ever. .

now they have ordered a new high pressure diesel pump (which the mechanic there tells me is 2,500psi[seems very low pressure to me I would be more inclined to {with ym limited knowledge of diesel} to be 25,000psi)
which is now on backorder as none are in stock in Aus. . .

so basically I have been without my car fro 2 weeks and its in Townsville im in Brisbane, progress is very very very slow. and seems I am no closer to a resolution.

a couple of things to point out that concern me.

the car overheated and dumped its coolant a while back and the heater hose was replaced under warranty, im not sure what else may or may not have been done that that point.

when talking to the mechanic, no offence to him but he didnt seem to sound like he knew what he was talking about, but again Im new to this turbo diesel world so he may very well know exactly what he is talking about and im the muppet.

he told me that they have put over 40hours of work into my car totalling over $7,500 dollars in labour so far, which to me seems like 2 things, A: they charge through the nose per hour!!!! and B: what have you done that has taken you 40 hours :|

I asked about the mud flat melting and the mechanic assured me this happens to all defenders that do highway driving so I figure fair enough hes the mechanic

so here comes the second part of my post the questions.

what do people think in wrong?
when/if I get my car back what things should I be checking and forcing a dealer to repair or replace under warranty before they 'fail'
whats the go with my consumption does that sound right?
is the mechanic right about the mud flap?

advice on steps to take people please?
(bear in mind the dealer has always asked my questions and I am in no way in arguments with them or taking a stab at them in a bad way they seem to be doing whatever LRUK ask of them and have stated they cant do any more as then its not a warranty thing)


Leroy

[carlschmid2002]

My mud flap melted on the way up from Melbourne. I to returned horrendous fuel economy driving up but it improves considerably when I slowed down. I have just got it back from the dealers after it dumped all its coolant from a rubbing hose clamp. Any chance of getting a new mudflap on warranty? I was lucking the coolant issue happened in Melbourne before I left and not in the middle of QLD or NSW. I am now in Townsville if you need help with anything.

[slugworth]

I have read that the mudflap melting issue only occurs when towing. Something to do with airflow interacting with the load and flipping the mudflap up.

Not much help, but my MY11 90 is getting ~10.5 l/100 after 18,000 km, no towing though.

[Green Elephant]

Im sorry I have no advice on what may have failed. I have towed in the middle of winter and in 37 degree ambient temp in summer and really had no difference in consumption.

I had a few inconsistent fuel consumption results every now and then, and always felt like power levels were changing. I purchased an Ultra Gauge, which now shows ambient temps, EGR flow, water temps, turbo boost and fuel rail pressures, among many other pieces of information.


Interestingly the hottest the puma gets is on the highway, 96 degree water temp consistently while pulling the camper trailer at 100kph. The turbo is almost always at 22psi to maintain this speed. The combination of revs and constant boost is the key factor here. I have not been able to get higher than 93 degrees while in lowrange, regardless of what I am towing or the ambient air temp. I strongly recommend something like the ultragauge, it just helps keep a close eye on things. All the little questions of "is this normal" are out of my mind now... I can almost tell you how much EGR flow there is from the seat of the pants thanks to the ultra gauge.

[KarlB]

Mud flap is a warranty item (I am on to my third and a new one is on the way to the dealer for me). Just poor design of Australian spec. exhaust. Has nothing to do with towing.

Cheers
KarlB

[Leroy_Riding]

Thanks for the replies so far,

i was traveling at 90-100kmph when the limit was 110 like I normally do as before this it has given me great results in the low 9's while comuting to work (46kms 28 that as highway)
I also jam my foot into the sidewall of the cabin when on highway so my foot isnt bouncing around either as I noticed if my foot bounces around then the consumption gets worse. and I held constant speed.

regardless of fuel consumption I only put that in there incase it sparked a thought from a memeber as to what could be the cause of my issue.

ill ask about the mudflap being replaced on warranty aswell though doubt they will as mine is also damaged form offroad use so I think chances there are slim.

also anyone else had the intake grill fall off? mine must have come of somewhere on the way up (is being replaced under warranty aswell they told me so should be okay on that front)

[carlschmid2002]

As I said before, I have just moved up here. If you need a lift or somewhere to stay when you collect it PM me and I will send you my mobile number. I move into our new house here next Wed.

[gng1]

also anyone else had the intake grill fall off? mine must have come of somewhere on the way up (is being replaced under warranty aswell they told me so should be okay on that front)

Yes, the RHS air intake grill has come off on our 2012 110. Only got the vehicle less than 2 months ago... Noticed it loose when I washed the car and it came off when I touched it. Not the best design, I think. I will be asking for a warranty replacement.

[Leroy_Riding]

As I said before, I have just moved up here. If you need a lift or somewhere to stay when you collect it PM me and I will send you my mobile number. I move into our new house here next Wed.

Thanks for the offer, though Land Rover customer care will be freighting the car to Brisbane for me at there cost :) if it ever gets fixed that is lol.

[Hitower]

Leroy, just been talking with Diesel mechanic friend. He is of the opinion that white smoke, fuel economy and not starting issue as you have described is generally systemic of a diesel with the timing out of whack. We were both not short of the fuel delivery system in the Puma engines, but it would be well worth your while to have Land Rover go back to basics and check this. It may be as simple as the timing belt jumping a tooth or tension issue.
Hope this helps and keep us all informed on the out come.
Cheers
Tony

[isuzurover]

Mud flap is a warranty item (I am on to my third and a new one is on the way to the dealer for me). Just poor design of Australian spec. exhaust. Has nothing to do with towing.

Cheers
KarlB

What sort of rubbish is that - the design is defective, but we will just keep replacing the part rather than fix the problem! What happens when the warranty runs out!

Sure it is only a minor issue, but I would be getting them to find a permanent solution.

[Loubrey]

Doing my best not to Hijack Leroy's thread, just one or two ill conceived ideas found only on Australian Defenders. There are a couple Australian road rules that have had a bit of an impact on the old Defender.

I understand that the exhaust has to exit backwards instead of the 50 degree angle of the rest of the world. This has caused Australian Defenders to have custom tail pipes and that rediculous LHS mudflap that will melt on any long trip where you average above 95km/h. It has the cut out, but the moment it lifts up from the wind at speed it sit directly in the gas flow and it starts melting. The only solution I could see would be a rubber compound that is either stiff enough not to lift or being heat resistant.

The second is the fact that your rear number plate has to be rectangular instead of the "normal" square ones that fit Defenders perfectly. This being the need for that little triangular fitting just at the right hight to bank elbows and the like...

On a more serious note, hope your car gets sorted mate. There's been a couple threads now on main dealers that appear to be completely clueless!

[newhue]

Unfortunately head office is not the greatest at informing owners of what's going on. Chances are they are probably waiting on parts from the UK. They will be doing there best, but do have a goo look over the car before you leave when it returns.
Another thing to, LR seem to take 7 days to get parts from the UK. They should be able to get it here in 3 if they were keen, but very annoying when there is no parts in the country.
I have found they get one part, put it in and try it. No go.... lets look at the next probable cause, Oh, need to order a part, guess where from.

As frustrating as it is, don't loose your cool. Be firm, or even awkward, but never ****ty.

[scarry]

From what i have read here by the OP,the engine had been overheated before,high fuel usage and stuck open injector go hand in hand,maybe the engine is now the issue.Stuck open fuel injector will cause massive problems for a diesel.:(

Sorry to give you the bad news,just my 2 cents worth,and no i am no diesel mechanic.

I would presume all work will be covered under warranty.

If it ends up at Austral,you should be OK,they did a good job sorting out some niggles on the sons Puma at the end of it's warranty period.

Hope it all works out in the end.:)

Strange about the mudflap as the sons Puma has done a lot of highway travel and it has not melted.

[Leroy_Riding]

Thanks for all the comments,

The car has overheated before yes, and I have told this to the dealer in Townsville who keep telling me that that would not have anything to do with this.
I honestly do not know what they are doing at this stage, Austral were great when it was in there shop kept me updated very regularly and explained what they were doing and I was happy (with there warranty service that is)

I think the issue here is that the dealer in Townsville is like a 6 manufactures in one dealership that doesn't do many land rovers, I've spoken to the mechanic himself on the phone and he didn't give me much faith in his knowledge when asked a few simple questions, though as it is a warranty job there is nothing I can do but sit here and wait for them to 'fix' it at which point once It gets sent bakc down to Brisbane for me I will be requesting that Austral perform an entire check over of the vehicle for any possible warranty issues or poor work done and I wont be paying for it either.

Ive missed out on two planned outings now due to not having a 4wd and I had just sold my second car just before this all happened.

I'm starting to think there could be a more serious problem at hand here, adding together the engine overheating previously and all the other little signs (as mention above aswell) ive formulated a few theories (again based on my VERY limited knowledge of modern disel engines) possible head failure is one that I cant seem to get out of my own head. . . I just hope that the fuel pump they have ordered from the UK this time will be the fix so I can get my car back here and have it all checked over by someone that knows what they are doing.

Leroy

[460cixy]

Any news?

[Leroy_Riding]

nope :(

Any news?

[460cixy]

That's **** weak I would be jumping up and down by now :censored:

[Defender Mike]

Mud flap cut off the melted bit with stanley knife. Mine has backlash in transfer a bit worse than normal they have offered to replace thrust washers at next service. Fuel consmption I towed a series 1 across australia got around 20 litres /100ks towing at 120 kph. Heaps of power no problems fuel consumption impoves a lot when run in over 20,000ks. Sounds like your motor ran out of fuel have they replaced the electric pump in the tank. I have interior trim issues around the inside rear door plastic has come adrift clips do not line up at all outr by 20mm roof lining has sagged around little windows in the roof. I will get this looked at when doing the thrust shims. Other than that it climbs sand dunes like a started gazzelle fords deep creeks with ease and passes road trains like they were standing still even when towing its grandad on the back. I am rapt in my 90 its a bl@@dy ripper.

Mike :)

[jimr1]

Hi Leroy , i've been following your posts , like a lot of others on this forum . You must feel angry and let down . My son who is an ex Land Rover mechenic ,( on longer on the tools ), explained to me some of the problems , some of the dealers have ,keeping good mechanic. All modern verhicals are constanty changing , with the introduction of new technolagy . If training is not kept up it is harder to recognise new problems . Many mechanics do keep up and train , but a lot don't . The other problem mechanics face is skill level = wages . Alot of good mechanics leave the trade because they can better pay in other industries . I know this does't help you , but it may explain why your problemhasn't been recognised and fixed . I hope it is sorted out soon,and you are back on the road . Let us know how you get on .. regards ....jim r1

[Leroy_Riding]

Hi Leroy , I've been following your posts , like a lot of others on this forum . You must feel angry and let down . My son who is an ex Land Rover mechanic ,( on longer on the tools ), explained to me some of the problems , some of the dealers have ,keeping good mechanic. All modern vehicals are constantly changing , with the introduction of new technology . If training is not kept up it is harder to recognize new problems . Many mechanics do keep up and train , but a lot don't . The other problem mechanics face is skill level = wages . A lot of good mechanics leave the trade because they can better pay in other industries . I know this does't help you , but it may explain why your problem hasn't been recognized and fixed . I hope it is sorted out soon,and you are back on the road . Let us know how you get on .. regards ....jim r1

I just got of the phone with the Service Manager where my car is and feel a bit better about the whole situation.

I can understand his frustrations here as well.

I wont go into details but right now they are waiting on the tools to change the high pressure fuel pump, apparently no dealer in AUS has one and the tools are on order from Europe with no ETA as of yet. so the work is at a stand still till the Tools arrive.

all I can do is sit back and wait I guess. . . . They are confident that the Fuel pump will resolve the issue though. so that is a bonus i guess.

Leroy

[goingbush]

<snip>

I wont go into details but right now they are waiting on the tools to change the high pressure fuel pump, apparently no dealer in AUS has one and the tools are on order from Europe with no ETA as of yet. so the work is at a stand still till the Tools arrive.
<snip>

:eek: shaking my head.

you can make the tool in 5 minutes

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/354.jpg

I would never buy a new Defender unless I could get $5000 off the new price and agree to waive all warranty claims, at least If I do the work myself its done proper and not risk some idiot apprentice or some mechaniac who hates working on Defenders "fix" it.

[jimr1]

Hi mate, I agree i can't help feeling there giving Leroy the run around , how hard can it be to take a fuel pump out ..jimr1 ...

[isuzurover]

...apparently no dealer in AUS has one ...

I find this very hard to believe... Surely the tool is the same as used by Ford dealers as well???

[Leroy_Riding]

:eek: shaking my head.

you can make the tool in 5 minutes


I would never buy a new Defender unless I could get $5000 off the new price and agree to waive all warranty claims, at least If I do the work myself its done proper and not risk some idiot apprentice or some mechaniac who hates working on Defenders "fix" it.

funnily enough I got more than 5K off the price of mine so im happy there. . . Im not sure what the tool is, all I know is its for setting up the high pressure fuel pump, I don't know if its for removing or replace TBH I don't know much :|

though talking to them they do sound like they are doing what they can. . . .? I think.

maybe ill send them your photo and tell them to make it? might get my car back sooner :|

[Scallops]

...I got the same "no tool in Australia" garbage too once from my former dealer....when I explained that the loan Jaguar I'd had for 6 weeks was about to be fitted with a roof rack and several jerry can holders for a camping trip, they mysteriously found a way to do without the illusive "tool" and fix my friggin' truck...

as for mudflaps "melting" being normal...what complete bollocks. Dear me, they really are struggling.

I sincerely hope you get some service from these people. It never happened for me, which is why I use MR, but I understand you are required to go through LRA under factory warranty.

Good luck.

[jimr1]

Hi Leroy , I phoned a mate of mine yesterday , who has fitted a long range tank in his new 2003 etreme . So fuel pump out of standard tank into long range tank . Sold Extreme brought a Puma , so refit extreme tank + pump . Fitted same long range fuel tank, into Puma . So as you see fuel pumps in and out . I asked how hard was it to take the fuel pumps out , and what tools did he use . He told me 2 scewdrivers + a prize bar he said it was an easy job a bit of fiddling with the hoses . If i was me in your situation i would be contacting Land Rover Australia and telling them that your story is being watched with interest by Land Rover owners from all around the world it might just help , good luck ...jimr1...:(

[Leroy_Riding]

Hi Leroy , I phoned a mate of mine yesterday , who has fitted a long range tank in his new 2003 etreme . So fuel pump out of standard tank into long range tank . Sold Extreme brought a Puma , so refit extreme tank + pump . Fitted same long range fuel tank, into Puma . So as you see fuel pumps in and out . I asked how hard was it to take the fuel pumps out , and what tools did he use . He told me 2 scewdrivers + a prize bar he said it was an easy job a bit of fiddling with the hoses . If i was me in your situation i would be contacting Land Rover Australia and telling them that your story is being watched with interest by Land Rover owners from all around the world it might just help , good luck ...jimr1...:(

Thanks for your reply,
The issue isn't with the in-tank fuel pump, the issue is with the high pressure fuel pump for the high pressure fuel rail the injectors run of, the in-tank pump is functioning fine and getting diesel to the engine bay.

Thanks.

[Rick Fischer]

Sympathise with your problems :(

However, my past experience with the Dealer in T'ville has been very good. I found them to be quite competent. Better than most in fact. Possibly the only better "dealer" I have had to use was in Alice. Both T'ville and Alice have mechanics used to dealing with other than "mall crawlers".

Both dealers' mechanics picked up unidentified (by me) small faults which had nothing to do with the reason the vehicle was there, (and everything was working fine) but could have caused big problems "remote" .

Over the years my D2 went through both a couple of times. Don't ask me about their man-hour rates though :mad:

Cheers

RF

[Leroy_Riding]

got a call from the Dealer today,

some good news,
The dealer has turned around and impressed me, I think they must have been busy and stressed at the beginning as they seem much better now and give me a bit more confidence.

all the same,

so now they are waiting on a few more little bits which they hope to have by weeks end,
due to not being able to get the correct tool LR tech have advised them to pull down the front of the engine and do it what seems like 'the hard way' (my words not there's)

so hopefully ill have my car back soon :) its been 3 weeks exactly today without the little guy . . I miss him!! haha

[uninformed]

so if this is all under warantee? have they offered a replacement vehicle to get you around in the mean time?

[Leroy_Riding]

so if this is all under warantee? have they offered a replacement vehicle to get you around in the mean time?

Yes however as it would just be a rental(i.e. hyundai getz) and not a 4wd, I found it easier to borrow a car from family better suited to my needs.

so they should thank me for there reduced cost there ;)

[newhue]

Hey leroy, just to get the fuel pump on a puma story right, they don't have pump in the tank. They have a pump in the engine bay that sucks fuel from the tank, then pressurises it into the common rail. The excess goes back to the tank via the cooler mounted on the left hand chassis behind the motor.

I have been pondering to put a small fuel pump on mine to supply the pump in the engine bay with fuel. The excess just goes back into the tank just like standard, but the pump does away with that silly priming tool for when a fuel filter is changed or a break is made in the line for what ever reason.

Sorry to hear the hassle you are up for. I sympathise as mine just had a brake booster, I had to wait as it was ordered from the Uk, to only be told I now have to come back for the master cylinder on order from the UK. It appears virtually no spares are stocked in Aus. It is a sad state of affairs.

I'm a bit with Scollops, when I said I was hiring a tilt tray to move scaffold as it's would not fit on the Freelander's roof, they sprung into action quick smart..

[wpalmo]

This thread is sounding more and more like something from "Yes Minister". The tool coming from the UK is the funniest story I have heard yet.

[Leroy_Riding]

Thanks. NewHue, maybe I should try something similar. . .
I'm aware of where the pump is, I was confirming for someone who commented earlier about how hard ti could be to take a pump from the tank. :)
Hopefully ill see it back soon,

Leroy

[newhue]

hope that didn't come across the wrong way. It was not meant to be all knowing.

[Horatioau]

Sorry to hear about your troubles Leroy. I hope it all pans out okay. Keep us posted.

[Leroy_Riding]

Sorry to hear about your troubles Leroy. I hope it all pans out okay. Keep us posted.

Cheers,
And will do.
I have to call them again today as last I spoke with them they were pretty sure they would have it fixed by today. .

should I try and get some sort of compensation out of them or anything? Ive never had to deal with something like this before. . .

tbh they have gotten of pretty light, they havent had to give me a loan car or a hire car and they have had my Defender for 4 weeks. . .

hmmmm

will let you all know once I have spoken with them again today.

Leroy

[solmanic]

Yes however as it would just be a rental(i.e. hyundai getz) and not a 4wd, I found it easier to borrow a car from family better suited to my needs.

so they should thank me for there reduced cost there ;)

My dealer used to give me a Honda Jazz as a loaner. The trick it to just use it as you would the Defender. You'd be amazed how much dog can fit into a Jazz. ;)

[Leroy_Riding]

I'm seriously going to explode soon people. . .

Just got of the phone with Customer Care after a heated discussion, and before that a discussion with the Dealer who has my car in Townsville.

Lets summaries for you all (typing while angry probably not the best but who cares)

fuel pump has been replaced NO CHANGE!!!!!
and better yet NO EXPLANATION!

now they have apparently sent the Injectors away a second time and another one has come back faulty. . . . like really?

so now they are awaiting approval form LRA to replace that injector or all 3 remaining injectors.
So Ergo. . . I am no closer to haven't my car back and progress made = ZILCH!

I have requested every single bit fo paper and technical readouts they have for my car and that has been communicated between the dealer, LRA Technical and customer care and am awaiting a response on as to whether they will give me it or not. .

so I call customer care after this one. . .

Spoke with a helpfull fellow that ive been speaking too, Nice guy. . I feel bad for him having to deal with me.
I explained the situation, including how un-impressed I am with what has been done so far, and that I haven't requested a rental car till now.
I then told him that they WILL! be getting me a 4wd rental with towbar that I can and WILL take offroad as these are the two purposes for me owning a defender.
the response was along the lines of they can ask the rental companies but chances are the answer will be no as they wont let the cars be used offroad. .

so to re-cap
car still no closer to being fixed after 4 weeks. .
poor communication from the dealer
I have requested al technical documentation to be sent to me and am awaiting this
I have requested a 4wd with tow bar for 4wding and towing use
and Im about ready to explode. . .

where do things go from here? what can I do?

/End Rant
Leroy

[manic]

where do things go from here? what can I do?


Pretend you don't have a land rover perhaps then you will forget that you have one and then when you do eventually get it back it'll be like a surprise present and you'll be like "no way a defender 90, damn how did you know!?"

Sorry I had a night shift, haven't slept... :eek:

Seriously tho : meditate!

[scarry]

Thanks for the offer, though Land Rover customer care will be freighting the car to Brisbane for me at there cost :) if it ever gets fixed that is lol.

I would push harder to get this done now,as,maybe the dealer is the problem.Get it to Austral.

If they can't sort it there is always MR..............

[Mr Rover]

Hello,

Very sorry to hear about these issues, I hope things get sorted for you soon. I will be keeping a close eye on this thread and on my MY12 D90 too . . .

[jimr1]

Hi Leroy ,You ask were do things go from here ? What can I do ? You have to go to Land Rover Australia Sidney . Not customer service . Tell them that you are not happy with were your car is , Tell them you are not happy wiyh the dealreship . Tell them that you want it taken to another Dealership , one that can fix it . Tell them that you are sick of being fobbed off , and it is unacceptable . Tell them to fly a Land Rover Technition up to Townsville to have a look . Would Land Rover treat a $200k+ Range Rover owner the same , I think not . Most of all don't let them fob you off . I know a Defender owner who was not happy with a dealership , Land Rover used another .

[jimr1]

Hi Leroy ,Look up DAVID BLACKHALL managing director Jaguar Land Rover asia . Send him an email , tell him about your 90 , see if he can get things moving , good luck . jimr1 ...

[jimr1]

Hi Leroy ,Try DAVID BLACKHALL managing diretor , Jaguar Land Rover Astralia Asia Pacific . Tell him your story ,good luck jimr1 ..

[jimr1]

Hi Leroy ,Try DAVID BLACKHALL managing diretor , Jaguar Land Rover Astralia Asia Pacific . Tell him your story ,good luck jimr1 ..

[Leroy_Riding]

No real update, but thought I would post all the same.

After requesting all the technical documentation from my car on all the work done on Friday. . . I got an email late yesterday afternoon stating that "I have been speaking with our Head technician and Service Manager regarding your request for fuel pressures, I have been advised that the readings are electronic and are not downloadable or transmittable in normal format they are stored in a microchip vid block which unable to be downloaded"

(that's a direct copy and paste form the email[not the whole email])

also yesterday I called customer care requesting my car be moved to Austral motors in Brisbane as I was not happy with the work, nor the communication given my the dealership in Townsville.

Ill call them again today and follow up as they have still not contacted me back regarding the rental I asked for on Friday.

What really gets to me is that they are not diagnosing what is wrong with the car they are just throwing parts at it hoping its the issue, they can argue otherwise but until they give me the paperwork to prove it (which ive asked for, twice now) I am getting very strung out here. .

I have a large 4wd trip planned and no car do do it in. . and to top it off im still paying rego/insurance/repayments for this car I don't have, and when you are 22 years old on rather low income and the Defender was well and truly above my actual budget to buy. . its really frustrating!!!!

[jplambs]

Hi Leroy,

Have a read through here http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/128853-new-consumer-laws-re-car-purchases.html

The way I see it your car fits the category of being not fit for purpose, etc. Under the new laws you can either get a refund or or brand new car. I'd be suggesting you take this route with LRA, you could end up with a 2013MY vehicle which would be all around much better anyway. Better clutch, better seals, better sound system, better resale down the track. I think they would have a pretty hard time arguing against it given the amount of time that has now transpired.

All the best, JP

[Leroy_Riding]

Hi Leroy,

Have a read through here http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/128853-new-consumer-laws-re-car-purchases.html

The way I see it your car fits the category of being not fit for purpose, etc. Under the new laws you can either get a refund or or brand new car. I'd be suggesting you take this route with LRA, you could end up with a 2013MY vehicle which would be all around much better anyway. Better clutch, better seals, better sound system, better resale down the track. I think they would have a pretty hard time arguing against it given the amount of time that has now transpired.

All the best, JP

Thanks for the link.

I've had a read and I seems you may be correct though i cant find anything that determines what the 'reasonable time' is as to how long it has to be before I can force them to replace or refund me?

edit:
just got of the phone with Customer care again, explaining what I have read and how dissatisfied I am. .

the response was that they do not replace or refund and that they only return the car to manufacturers specifications that is all. .

interesting. .

I was also told again that I cannot have a 4wd rental that I can 4wd with and tow with as the rental agencies wont give me one. .
I told her again that is there problem not mine and to find me one or replace my car. .

she seemed less that impressed with me. .

thanks.

[jplambs]

I think you need to talk to the dealer or LRA itself, the comment about not replacing or refunding is typical, they are obligated to do so under the new laws. I'd be calling the ACCC and having a chat to them about the specifics.

[Leroy_Riding]

I think you need to talk to the dealer or LRA itself, the comment about not replacing or refunding is typical, they are obligated to do so under the new laws. I'd be calling the ACCC and having a chat to them about the specifics.

That will be my next step to cal consumer affairs directly,

I have given Land Rover Customer care an ultimatum. I told them to give me a rental that will do exactly what my Defender is advertised to do untill my car is returned to me, and I have TOLD them they will be compensating me for my vehicle aswell.

I have requested they pay to have the car i was towing shipped from Mt Isa to brisbane, and that they can foot the bill for my repayments on the car while I have not had it (4 weeks coming on 5 weeks of repayments) my insurance and registration costs all for a car I cannot use.

i again requested my car be transported to Austral motors for its remaining 'repairs' and was told they will not ship the car while in the middle of repairs, I take this to mean that if there 'latest fix' doesn't work then the car will be shipped to Austral but whilst the current dealer is waiting on parts it will remain there.

does anyone know what number I should call that is 'Above' customer care? as they wont put me on to anyone 'higher' up the food chain, Im afraid sending an email is not my strong point so am trying to avoid it as I believe I would not be able to express my disappointment and it would become more of an 'attack' and this is not how I want to come across, I just want my car back, or a replacement car that does exactly as advertised and to have the same spec as mine, including my lifetime warranty against rust and all that.

is that too much to be requesting? even customer care seems to be 'fobbing' me of now telling me to contact the dealer, and the dealer telling me to contact customer care. .

I have a few calls to make, just keeping everyone updated on here :)

[PhilipA]

A call to "Today Tonight" or similar might be in order.
Amazing how things can get fixed when ventilated on National TV.

Regards Philip A

[isuzurover]

Sorry to say but this is starting to sound like you may need to get a lawyer involved???

Manic in the D3/D4/RRS section has already done so, maybe you can share lawyers and reduce costs.

[jplambs]

I'd keep it calm for a little while longer yet, you've done the right thing asking for a replacement vehicle that does exactly what yours is supposed to do, there is a difference between having a sedan as a replacement for a couple of days as opposed to what you would expect after a month. I'd call consumer affairs QLD and / or the ACCC and find out exactly what you rights are. Remember to keep documented notes of all phone call including date, time, reference no. and the name of the person that you talked to.

It would have been a lot cheaper and easier if lRA had just replaced the engine.

[nugge t]

Personally I would spend the energy on getting it back to Austral.

Lawyers love charging for stuff like this and I would venture that Land rovers' pockets will be much deeper than yours.

I can certainly understand the frustration but it sounds more like a dealer issue.

[isuzurover]

Personally I would spend the energy on getting it back to Austral.

Lawyers love charging for stuff like this and I would venture that Land rovers' pockets will be much deeper than yours.

I can certainly understand the frustration but it sounds more like a dealer issue.

Agreed, however I was basing it on this:

...
Im afraid sending an email is not my strong point so am trying to avoid it as I believe I would not be able to express my disappointment and it would become more of an 'attack' and this is not how I want to come across,
...

Most of what a lawyer does is easy, but some people are not necessarily able to do it themself...

There are planty of draft templates [letters of demand] - and you can get people to read the letter to make sure the tone is correct.

[Leroy_Riding]

Thanks for all the reply's
I do not intend to take legal action as I don't think that will get my anywhere Ill await another response from Land Rover tomorrow morning as to if there latest fix has worked. if not the car is being moved to Austral Motors in Brisbane for the remainder of its repairs, even if fixed today/tomorrow I will have a full inspection done on the entire car to be sure there are no further issues with the car, and I will have all warranty work that needs to be done
I.e. intake grill that fell off, melted mudflap repaired here in Brisbane.

I'm confident once in Brisbane at a reputable dealer of whom I already deal with for my servicing that the issue will be resolved quickly.

I will keep everyone updated when I know more.

Leroy


Agreed, however I was basing it on this:


Most of what a lawyer does is easy, but some people are not necessarily able to do it themself...

There are planty of draft templates [letters of demand] - and you can get people to read the letter to make sure the tone is correct.

[Alra]

Hi Leroy,

I've been following your thread hoping things get better soon for you and your 90. Whats the latest on the situation?

Cheers,

Danial.

[morpheus]

Hi Leroy,

Any update on your Defender? Hope you get some good news.

Morpheus

[Leroy_Riding]

Hi Leroy,

Any update on your Defender? Hope you get some good news.

Morpheus

apparently they have it running but need to replace a hose then will ship it back to me, ive been told they will call me multiple times and never hear anything back :( its been since last Wednesday since any of them have called me, I was going to call them but thought I would see how long it takes them to call back when they say they will. . . apparently its one week at least!

so ill call them today and be like WTF? as i was told I would be called back and that they expected I would have my car end of this week(not a promise but they hoped to have it to me) -_-

[Leroy_Riding]

YAY! its fixed and on its way home. .
The bad is. . . they cant tell me what happened, just that they have replaced fuel lines, all 4 injectors, the fuel pump, a stack of gaskets on the front of the engine and a few other little 'shop items'
doesn't make me feel to great that they haven't told me what the 'cause' was though. . .

Ill be putting the car in for a FULL check over here in Brisbane just to be sure though.

they have offered what they think is good compensation, though I beg to differ, but ive given up now and decided these things happen and I was just unlucky and I need to deal with it.

but ill have my car back. . and heres another good one. . . 10-14 business days. . :| apparently that's the time frame quote from the transport company :S to travel townsville to brisbane is 10days. . yikes. .

anyway :) car back soon YAY!!!!!

[weeds]

you could have offered to land rover to fly you up so that you can get re-aquainted with your rig

lets hope you have trouble free motoring from here on....well at least to the defender day

[Leroy_Riding]

you could have offered to land rover to fly you up so that you can get re-aquainted with your rig

lets hope you have trouble free motoring from here on....well at least to the defender day

They did offer that, however I cannot get the time of work to fly up and drive it back or I would have gone with that option.

[jimr1]

Hi Leroy , Wow it's fixed . Now to get it back . Lets hope you are trouble free from now on . Good luck . jimr1 :D:D ..

[Disco44]

Sorry to say but this is starting to sound like you may need to get a lawyer involved???

Manic in the D3/D4/RRS section has already done so, maybe you can share lawyers and reduce costs.

Yep that is exactly what I think.Just make sure you get a good one,not a
snake oil doctor.there are plenty of those around.
John.

[Disco44]

Thanks for all the reply's
I do not intend to take legal action as I don't think that will get my anywhere Ill await another response from Land Rover tomorrow morning as to if there latest fix has worked. if not the car is being moved to Austral Motors in Brisbane for the remainder of its repairs, even if fixed today/tomorrow I will have a full inspection done on the entire car to be sure there are no further issues with the car, and I will have all warranty work that needs to be done
I.e. intake grill that fell off, melted mudflap repaired here in Brisbane.

I'm confident once in Brisbane at a reputable dealer of whom I already deal with for my servicing that the issue will be resolved quickly.

I will keep everyone updated when I know more.

Leroy

By not taking legal action that is exactly what Land rover want you to do.They will hold out for as long as the a solicitor is kept out of it.Then actions could change quickly so into them ASAP. That is the way of the modern business world,bluff,bluff as long as one can.

[nugge t]

By not taking legal action that is exactly what Land rover want you to do.They will hold out for as long as the a solicitor is kept out of it.Then actions could change quickly so into them ASAP. That is the way of the modern business world,bluff,bluff as long as one can.

Not sure that that is good or accurate advice.

Their pockets are always going to be way, way deeper than most individuals and in very, very short order the legal costs will be much higher than the cost of the vehicle, let alone the repair.

It can often be an advantage to be possession of all the facts before advocating such action. To me it would seem to be more of an issue with the individual dealer than Land rover.

[Leroy_Riding]

Ill avoid the discussion abotu legal action for now.

though seems my car is still in townsville. . .

almosted busted a nut for that. . seems the current weather has renderd the roads 'impassable' this is information form the transport company.. and my car will be relocated as soon as the roads are 'passable' again. this is not Land Rovers fault and I do not blame them for the weather.

just makes me sad seeing as ive missed 2 planned holidays/trip's already and im set to miss a third the weekend after next. :(

I have passed on to LR my opinions and experience so far and that's the best I can do.

hopefully Ill be re-united with my little truck soon.

Leroy

[weeds]

man you cannot take a trick........there have been plenty of days that the road has been open, i take it that it hasn't even been allocated a truck i i would have assumed there would be plenty of trucks coming back to brissy

[nugge t]

man you cannot take a trick........there have been plenty of days that the road has been open, i take it that it hasn't even been allocated a truck i i would have assumed there would be plenty of trucks coming back to brissy

Could not agree more. Not blindly defending LR but I would assume it would be the dealer arranging the transport rather than LR.

3 - 4 years ago I had to ship a vehicle from Adelaide from Brisbane. Originally advise it would be a minimum of 2 weeks but ended up taking 5 weeks as they wouldn't send the truck until it was full. Not sure if they still use the same system.

[PAT303]

Can I add that when my Tdi was new I had a similar problem,I went directly to LR's head office in Parramatta and had a good vent,no more problems.I would say if the engine has been overheated your not out of the woods yet. Pat

[carlschmid2002]

Since moving to Townsville I am less than impressed with the LR dealership. I went in and inquired about my melted mudflap and they were very nice and took some photos and said they would look into it. Two weeks later I still hadn't heard from them. Then they rang to say a wheel cover I had ordered had arrived. I asked if they had my new mudflap and they didn't know what I was talking about. I explained that I need to transfer the ergo to QLD and my vehicle was unroadworthy due to a defect. They said that LR had never heard of this problem before. I mentioned the forum and that it was a known problem. He said that AULRO don't decide warranty issues. I agreed that we don't but it is a well known occurrence and I find it hard to believe that you can't find any evidence in two weeks of it happening before. I got a phone call today to say that a modified mudflap has been ordered under warranty. I wonder how they modified it. They really annoyed me for no reason. Now I don't even want to get my car serviced there.

[Leroy_Riding]

Since moving to Townsville I am less than impressed with the LR dealership. I went in and inquired about my melted mudflap and they were very nice and took some photos and said they would look into it. Two weeks later I still hadn't heard from them. Then they rang to say a wheel cover I had ordered had arrived. I asked if they had my new mudflap and they didn't know what I was talking about. I explained that I need to transfer the ergo to QLD and my vehicle was unroadworthy due to a defect. They said that LR had never heard of this problem before. I mentioned the forum and that it was a known problem. He said that AULRO don't decide warranty issues. I agreed that we don't but it is a well known occurrence and I find it hard to believe that you can't find any evidence in two weeks of it happening before. I got a phone call today to say that a modified mudflap has been ordered under warranty. I wonder how they modified it. They really annoyed me for no reason. Now I don't even want to get my car serviced there.

Same deal with me, I asked them about the Mud Flap (townsville) seeing as my car was already there, they told me no way a warranty issue. . called Austral in Brisbane. . "yep when you get your car back to brisbane bring it in and we will fix that under warranty"

And in reply to the other messages about the shipping.

Im told yes its the dealer (who has stuffed me around for well over 6 weeks now!!) who is organising the transport (great, probably never get it back with there uselesness on the job) but was also told its not the truck not being full its weather *sigh* all I can say Is when I get my car back (in fear of them holding onto it longer to **** me off) Ill be making a very stern phone call to my Dealer in Townsville!

Anywho's just one more planned trip away canceled :( Ive missed 3 big trips so far. and all the compensation I have gotten is 2 free services. . . which Is better than nothing, but my repayments on the car whilst I haven't had it are a lot more than 2 services cost!

/post

[Loubrey]

I got a phone call today to say that a modified mudflap has been ordered under warranty. I wonder how they modified it. They really annoyed me for no reason. Now I don't even want to get my car serviced there.

Carl,

Could you please post photos of the "modified" mud flap before fitting if possible? If they fit it for you, one or two that shows what's different if possible?

I think there is a number of us keen on seeing what they've come up with!

Cheers,

Lou

[PAT303]

I don't get the mudflap thing,both my defenders have original flaps,the Tdi's are 15 years old???.I cannot understand how the exhaust could be so hot by the time it got there,unless it's just a 90 thing because of the shorter length. Pat

[Loubrey]

Pat,

It's an exclusive Puma 90 thing...

The left hand side rear mudflap bends back under freeway speeds (90+) and the "cut out" for the Australian specification exhaust ends up at around 45 degrees in front of the actual exhaust pipe.

The net result at long high speed drives is that the mudflap starts to pick up all the exhaust soot and heat and they've been known to melt to varying degrees.

Southern Land Rover has replaced mine twice (lots of Pilbara driving) as it ends up looking like some vandal took a Bic lighter to my mudflap!

If Land Rover (Australia) has finally recognized this and come up with a modification I would definitely be interrested.

Cheers,

Lou

[carlschmid2002]

Carl,

Could you please post photos of the "modified" mud flap before fitting if possible? If they fit it for you, one or two that shows what's different if possible?

I think there is a number of us keen on seeing what they've come up with!

Cheers,

Lou

Lou,
Will do, when, and if, it ever arrives.
Carl

[newhue]

Same deal with me, I asked them about the Mud Flap (townsville) seeing as my car was already there, they told me no way a warranty issue. . called Austral in Brisbane. . "yep when you get your car back to brisbane bring it in and we will fix that under warranty"

And in reply to the other messages about the shipping.

Im told yes its the dealer (who has stuffed me around for well over 6 weeks now!!) who is organising the transport (great, probably never get it back with there uselesness on the job) but was also told its not the truck not being full its weather *sigh* all I can say Is when I get my car back (in fear of them holding onto it longer to **** me off) Ill be making a very stern phone call to my Dealer in Townsville!

SNIP

why bother, it will most likely make 0 difference. If their view of business is like that why give them feedback. Let them pay a consultant thousands.
Give LR Aus the feedback, they hold the steering wheel, but who knows if they listen.

When mine was having issues Head Office controlled everything the dealer did, or so I was told. The dealer largely just reported outcomes of their decisions-approvals. In the end it came good, but took 5 weeks.

Shame you didn't have a loaner, the old Freelander is a capable little beast. Surly you'd get all your gear in the back. Not sure how that din't in the sill got there though:angel:

[debruiser]

Same deal with me, I asked them about the Mud Flap (townsville) seeing as my car was already there, they told me no way a warranty issue. . called Austral in Brisbane. . "yep when you get your car back to brisbane bring it in and we will fix that under warranty"

And in reply to the other messages about the shipping.

Im told yes its the dealer (who has stuffed me around for well over 6 weeks now!!) who is organising the transport (great, probably never get it back with there uselesness on the job) but was also told its not the truck not being full its weather *sigh* all I can say Is when I get my car back (in fear of them holding onto it longer to **** me off) Ill be making a very stern phone call to my Dealer in Townsville!

Anywho's just one more planned trip away canceled :( Ive missed 3 big trips so far. and all the compensation I have gotten is 2 free services. . . which Is better than nothing, but my repayments on the car whilst I haven't had it are a lot more than 2 services cost!

/post


Townsville is an awesome dealership as far as i can tell. COMPARED to Mackay! Mackay wasn't even very interested in selling a new car!

[2stroke]

Unbelievable! Just read this thread through for the first time. So you've been at least 6 weeks without your 90 and it's under warranty.:eek: And not keeping parts in the country, surely that's not true! Most bits for my Tdi are at MR or at FWD, if not they're a day or so from Sydney.
Definitely arrange with Rover that the vehicle be thoroughly checked at Austral when you get it back, you'd like to have confidence in the vehicle before you'd take it on another trip.
If this doesn't put you off Defenders you're a hard core Landy man.

[Loubrey]

Unbelievable! Just read this thread through for the first time. So you've been at least 6 weeks without your 90 and it's under warranty.:eek: And not keeping parts in the country, surely that's not true! Most bits for my Tdi are at MR or at FWD, if not they're a day or so from Sydney.
Definitely arrange with Rover that the vehicle be thoroughly checked at Austral when you get it back, you'd like to have confidence in the vehicle before you'd take it on another trip.
If this doesn't put you off Defenders you're a hard core Landy man.

Can't really blame the car for a completely useless dealer.

Here in Perth we have two dealers and I won't take my car to the one (who I won't name under the forum rules and policy) if you paid me. I would put money on it that they would do more harm than good (my opinion with no actual statistics!:))

Defenders remain niche vehicles that require an actual enthusiast to look after them, be it your main dealer (as in my case),your independent service centre or yourself.

Most dealers in small cities or larger towns have the same mechanic or workshop manager do the rounds between every vehicle marque dealer and it just turns into a job rather than a passion...(I have actually seen this happen in northern WA)

Hope it get sorted soon, but IMO the blame lies firmly with the dealer and his poor service rather than the vehicle itself.

Cheers,

Lou

[Leroy_Riding]

Can't really blame the car for a completely useless dealer.

Here in Perth we have two dealers and I won't take my car to the one (who I won't name under the forum rules and policy) if you paid me. I would put money on it that they would do more harm than good (my opinion with no actual statistics!:))

Defenders remain niche vehicles that require an actual enthusiast to look after them, be it your main dealer (as in my case),your independent service centre or yourself.

Most dealers in small cities or larger towns have the same mechanic or workshop manager do the rounds between every vehicle marque dealer and it just turns into a job rather than a passion...(I have actually seen this happen in northern WA)

Hope it get sorted soon, but IMO the blame lies firmly with the dealer and his poor service rather than the vehicle itself.

Cheers,

Lou


Totally Agree Dealer not the car, as all that has been done is replace a fuel pump (high pressure) and the injectors. . . 7th of January they got the car. . . Its still sitting there now, that puts it into its 9th week in Townsville I think?

I feel bad arguing with customer care, but the dealer wont speak to me anymore -_- and I am still waiting for an explanation as to what the cause was, or exactly what work has been done. . I asked for that over 3 weeks ago. . I received a stock list of bits I'm not sure why they sent that to me, but when I replied asking again no reply, and each time I called the dealer I got the 'Ill call you back' never ever got those phone calls back. . .

I just want my little guy back on my driveway :( I think I may need to treat him to that new winch bar and winch when he gets back as a gift, for having to put up with the incompetence of the dealer lol!

[n plus one]

Totally Agree Dealer not the car, as all that has been done is replace a fuel pump (high pressure) and the injectors. . . 7th of January they got the car. . . Its still sitting there now, that puts it into its 9th week in Townsville I think?

I feel bad arguing with customer care, but the dealer wont speak to me anymore -_- and I am still waiting for an explanation as to what the cause was, or exactly what work has been done. . I asked for that over 3 weeks ago. . I received a stock list of bits I'm not sure why they sent that to me, but when I replied asking again no reply, and each time I called the dealer I got the 'Ill call you back' never ever got those phone calls back. . .

I just want my little guy back on my driveway :( I think I may need to treat him to that new winch bar and winch when he gets back as a gift, for having to put up with the incompetence of the dealer lol!

Just to reiterate what has already been said, get the best dealer you can find or, better yet, an independent specialist to work on your car going forward.

The less a dealer has to do with your Defender. The more reliable it will be - that's certainly been my experience. The warranty period running out was the best thing that ever happened to mine!

Best of luck with it all.

[Cracka]

Just to reiterate what has already been said, get the best dealer you can find or, better yet, an independent specialist to work on your car going forward.

The less a dealer has to do with your Defender. The more reliable it will be - that's certainly been my experience. The warranty period running out was the best thing that ever happened to mine!

Best of luck with it all.

G'day n plus one,

Without contravening any forum rules, are you using the Philip dealership? Are they treating your baby well?

Mick

[n plus one]

G'day n plus one,

Without contravening any forum rules, are you using the Philip dealership? Are they treating your baby well?

Mick

PM sent

[Sheppie]

I feel for you man, just found this post.
I cant wait till mine runs out of warranty as well as the nearest dealer is incompetant, and not only with landrovers but VW's as well.
Same as for you, they never ring back etc....
All the best, stick with it and love ur landy more than ur missus..... well maybe not in the same way.......

[Scallops]

When it does get back to Brisbane - if you really want a decent workshop to look over it - forget the Brisbane dealer - go to MR Automotive on Anzac Avenue in Redcliffe. ;)

[Leroy_Riding]

It may interest you all to know, my car was delivered to me at 12:38am this morning :) so I’m happy for that I have my car back.

what I’m not happy about is my belongings in the car are all thrown around and now my heavy toolboxes upside-down and thrown in on top of soft fragile bags of items, my wiring in my battery box all messed up when It was neat, over half a tank of diesel seems to now mysteriously be just floating above empty and dirty greasy hand prints through the car.

I’m yet to inspect in the daylight as I had to head to work and will inspect it again when I get home, but I’m no impressed.

Once I have checked the car over fully I will call LR customer care and give them a little peice of my mind as to how the whole situation has been handled.

another thing is the clutch seems to now be light as a feather and the car seems to have less power than I remember. . . this could just be me though and my short few KM drive early this morning when collecting it. . . will report back on that later. .

All In all so fart the experience has left me very disappointed in the LR dealer in Townsville and could not recommend people go elsewhere more!
disappointed in LR customer care as well as when it go to much for one guy I was then flicked to another 'case worker' or whatever they are called and had to explain the whole lot again, the dealer has still not made contact with me for almost 1 month despite me requesting information and phone calls from them. Customer care have not been able to tell me what work was done on my car or what the cause of the problem was.

I can honestly say I no longer have any faith in the car I own to be able to take it into the desert or on a long trip ever again as the same thing will likely happen, so I am left with a car I purchased to do just that which I no longer believe is up to the task.

Do not take that as a stab at LR as I am a LR man, i am speaking about this vehicle in particular, and am seriously considering selling the car and moving to a second hand TD5 or something similar.

I’m exhausted and frustrated over the whole ordeal, the car was gone 2 months and 1 day exactly from me, and from what I can tell the extent of the work done involved replacing an injector and a fuel pump. . . 2 months to replace 2 items? Though I could be wrong here as like I said LR nor the dealer will tell me what work was actually carried out on my car nor what the actual issue was.

I feel there compensation offer or 2 free services is a bit light on considering the repayments on the car alone account for well over double the value of those services combined, I am still left with a car of mine in MT Isa as my LR broke down in Winton and I was forced (at my own cost) to return the vehicle I was towing to MT Isa as It could not stay in Winton and I did not have the funds to get it to Brisbane by other means (this was my whole purpose of going to MT Isa to return this car to Brisbane!!!) LR were unable to place me in a rental car to get me from Winton to Brisbane so I had to make my own arrangements, lucky I was travelling with someone else so with a luggage shuffle was able to squeeze in with him, and I was nice about it all, I didn’t pump them for a rental when I returned to Brisbane until I really really needed one, at which point it took them a week to organise one for me.

I dunno I'm just ranting on. . I just feel a little like I’ve been taken advantage of being young (22) and owning a defender, If I was a middle age man with a range rover I am sure this entire situation would have been handled in a completely different manner. .

/Rant

[frantic]

Yes.
Quick tale. Our local LR dealer also sells jag, Audi, vw, soda and now ford. When my wife's multivan had to go in for a 3day warranty repair I explained I required a loan as my wife needed to be able to get our kids to school etc . No argument no issue I got a used passat that I drove for the time they fixed the multivan and my wife suffered he defender .:D

[PAT303]

Thats **** poor,I've taken my Defender to three different dealers,WA,SA and NSW and all three were excellent,Solitair in SA went above and beyond,I would not put up with what you have and would complain direct to LR both here and in the UK. Pat

[scarry]

Thats **** poor,I've taken my Defender to three different dealers,WA,SA and NSW and all three were excellent,Solitair in SA went above and beyond,I would not put up with what you have and would complain direct to LR both here and in the UK. Pat

X2

There is absolutely no way in the world that what has happened is acceptable.
I would take it over to Austral in the condition it is and show them.
Maybe take some pics as well.

[Sandgroper]

That is very ordinary treatment mate. I would seriously consider ringing a current affair, explaining your story to them and see what transpires. Don't forget to take plenty of photos of how the vehicle was returned to you, don't clean it until you have. It is very poor service indeed and you would think Landrover Australia would be most interested in how their Townsville representatives are promoting their vehicles and treating their customers.

[Leroy_Riding]

thanks for all the responses guys,

unfortunately I have already cleaned the car out myself, but I have filled out the feedback and told customer care how i feel about it all, and I will be taking my car into Austral in Brisbane (who are awesome btw) to be checked over soon anyway as its coming to is corrosion inspection and al that deal and I may as well get it serviced at the same time.

I guess there is no further update here unless the car decided to fail on me again, or until I hear back from LR as to what they are going to do about my complaints (if anything at all)

Still a Land Rover man though :)

[Sandgroper]

It might pay you to send landrover Australia a link to this thread so they can see the kind of feedback that is being spread across the World Wide Web due to this dealers lack of service.

[Sue]

It might pay you to send landrover Australia a link to this thread so they can see the kind of feedback that is being spread across the World Wide Web due to this dealers lack of service.

The only thing that will achieve is to peeve them off and a possible new forum rule banning members from naming and shaming - like most other forums..

[dullbird]

I would highly recommend you don't do that.

Sue there already is a naming and shaming rule for the very reason that the forum has been threatened with legal action before...

the only reason this has been left in place because the original poster has not named the dealer, but the whole thread does tread a very fine line.

[Sandgroper]

The only thing that will achieve is to peeve them off and a possible new forum rule banning members from naming and shaming - like most other forums..

Good point, didn't think of that.

[adzee]

I feel for you. Been following the thread, and can say how disappointing it is when your young to be treated this way by the brand. I was 26 when I bought my discovery 3, but it took a phone call and appointment for anyone to acknowledge me. Now when I rock up in my thongs, tshirt and shorts I get looked at, and treated very differently to the man next to me in his cheap suit. I've seen it every time I go near a dealer and I hate it! If LR really cared (the sponsor the bells beach quicksilver pro now) about capturing the younger audience they need to start showing no prejudice against younger folk.

Always dress down so you see what the people's responses are, or dress up to the nines and see how well they treat you. Then you know who your dealing with.

If LR don't action something against this dealer, and give you a little more respect I can only assume more negative press for them. Good luck bro!

[Leroy_Riding]

Well, I think I can safely say, that the little defender is running okay, Ive pushed about half a tank through it so far, with some HW km's some city driving and some offroading and didn't miss a beat,

an inspection under the bonnet seems to point to the use of the 'ole tube of silicone for a gasket here and there, but that could be the LR method? a few hose clamps are put on in a funny way (as in back to the LR rub on the other hose deal) so Ill need to move them to prevent issues in the future (as ive already had one hose rub through form factory for the same issue)

Seems to be running okay though, which is a surprise, I will still be putting it in for a full check over for piece of mind though. :)

[Sheppie]

hopefully all your woes are over :)
30 years down the track you will look at the 90 and go 'well that was an adventure'.....
All the best

[dullbird]

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