6 years of Puma Ownership

[Scallops]

Folks - my 2.4 Puma 110 is now almost 6 years old (106,000km), and is about to come out of the old Allianz extended warranty.

Firstly - this extended warranty was an excellent product. It covered what it said it would.....absolutely everything that the original 3 year warranty did. The only issues I've had in the past year was my fuel cap no longer locking....oh, and my headlight switch burning out....and this policy provided another of each - as it should.

Secondly - just took my vehicle to RACQ for a full comprehensive Master Check prior to warranty expiring. I was expecting at least a few minor things to be found - but no, absolutely nothing. RACQ could not fault it, and gave it an excellent condition rating, even though it looks like it's been to hell and back ATM!:D

MR Automotive are clearly doing an excellent job looking after my 110, in combination with user care.

I have been very happy with my 2.4 for quite some time, but it's good to have confirmation. :) Just thought a good news story should be posted up here too.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/837/anst.jpg/)

Kat and I between Greenvale and Charters Towers recently.

[Chops]

Good to hear. :D
I'm very happy with mine, even though I've had a couple of early minor problems which warranty has fixed. I didn't get extended warranty, kind of figured by the time I get to that point, I should have her well and truly sorted,, by geez, time goes fast :eek:, not two years old yet, already 60k on the clock :angel:

I do love her though :D

[Drover]

5 years in the SVX and still love'n it.

Never had an issue that would even nearly rate as major and very few minor issues.

Long live the mighty PUMA :D

[Pickles2]

Always good to hear GOOD news.
Glad it's going well, Pickles.

[newhue]

Cricket scallops what have you been doing. I'm out of warranty end of month with 90K on the dial. But great to hear its all tip top.

My tuck has run well lately, but developed a knock in the donk, and idles like old school car with aircon kincking in and out.
Still, I have faith in the warranty, it's sure copped a pilling over the past few years. Might go out with a bang.

[Scallops]

Cricket scallops what have you been doing. I'm out of warranty end of month with 90K on the dial. But great to hear its all tip top.

My tuck has run well lately, but developed a knock in the donk, and idles like old school car with aircon kincking in and out.
Still, I have faith in the warranty, it's sure copped a pilling over the past few years. Might go out with a bang.

Maybe you should have the inspection done too....http://www.racq.com.au/motoring/cars/car_advice/vehicle_inspections

[Greyfox]

It is good to see that the Puma,s are performing well know that they are starting to get some years on them.
How about some Puma owners do a review on there Defenders, say a 50 k and 100 k review of the good and bad points etc :)
I am sure this would be of interest to all:cool:

[ericvv]

OK, here we go. My SVX is turning 5 years old in Sep, has 64k km on the clock. It is not being driven off road at all, driving it with respect I would say. Only mechanical problems I have had were in its first year truck going into limp mode several times, which was on account of a sticking EGR valve. Was replaced under warranty, never a problem since. Second problem was a leaking rear diff seal at abt 55k km, which was easily replaced under the existing warranty. Other than that, none.
Truck is fully Dinitrolled, all bolts were replaced from new with SS versions, and to date, absolutely zero rust anywhere. Besides its annual service, I have an oil/filter change in between, and at 45k km I had for first time gearbox/transfer box/diffs oils changed too, which I will repeat every 20k km from now on.
Mine is a keeper, so taking good care of it. As they say.... You never own a Defender, you merely take care of it for the next generation.:D

[PAT303]

Mines turned over 65K,bought it almost two years ago,I've done most of WA from top to bottom and across the middle and back to NSW twice and most of SA including Kangaroo island.I've replaced the therno switch on the aircon and LR replaced the clutch at thier insistance,other than that it doesn't leak,starts everytime and does everything from being a mums taxi to towing our camper.I've also used Land Rover dealers in NSW,SA and WA and without doubt the dealers are the best by far,Solitiar in SA and Barbagallos at Osborn Park have been exceptional in every way,Solitair went above and beyong when I had it serviced thier in Feb this year. Pat

[juddy]

Had mine for 3 and a half years, 74,000 on the clock.

Never missed a beat, had one land rover recall fix, a few odds and sods, door seals, window winder, roof joins done. But that's it, serviced by land rover, and also mr automotive.

As a vehicle we use more for work, it's a pleasure to drive, and starts every time, it's warm in winter, and cold in the summer.

It's never let us down, and was a pleasure drive on the remote trips we have done in it

[newhue]

Hmmm, lets see
It's my daily driver work truck, carries a constant 300+ 500kg every day. Its also the out of hours run around . It then goes 2 to 3 weekends a month camping, usually involving low range somewhere.
Has done two 8000k trips to the red centre, one to the high country, and goes to he beach for a week annually.
It as been the best and worst car I have ever owned. It is the only new car I ever bought.
I drive it respectfully and mechanically sympathetically 98% of the time, but i am also happy to do in it what it was built for, I love the Landy crawl.

My first 8 weeks of ownership LR had it for 6 of them. It's had a starter motor, ecu, couple immobilisers, couple ignition barrels, coupe egr valves, couple filler caps, couple swivel hubs. One clutch, one transfers case, door handles put back on, central locking rear door locks replaced, trans box oil seal recall, windscreen washer fountain replaced, air con thing replaced, and still leaks when it rains. Has had multiple swivel hub seals, a door seal, and the thing that controls the revs when changing gears. There is other stuff if I could be bothered going through the old service invoices.

All of this has been done by warranty. I have been given freelancers, disco's, and range rovers as loaners. I have to say, all of it with a smile and very helpful and friendly approach. Some will think I'm a looser, but I'm still happy with he defer and prefer it over the other offering in the stable.
I have a few current concerns, but like I said before I have faith in the warranty so hopefully it won't let me down.
Would I buy another, yes

[Disco4_tech]

Folks - my 2.4 Puma 110 is now almost 6 years old (106,0000km), and is about to come out of the old Allianz extended warranty.

Firstly - this extended warranty was an excellent product. It covered what it said it would.....absolutely everything that the original 3 year warranty did. The only issues I've had in the past year was my fuel cap no longer locking....oh, and my headlight switch burning out....and this policy provided another of each - as it should.

Secondly - just took my vehicle to RACQ for a full comprehensive Master Check prior to warranty expiring. I was expecting at least a few minor things to be found - but no, absolutely nothing. RACQ could not fault it, and gave it an excellent condition rating, even though it looks like it's been to hell and back ATM!:D

MR Automotive are clearly doing an excellent job looking after my 110, in combination with user care.

I have been very happy with my 2.4 for quite some time, but it's good to have confirmation. :) Just thought a good news story should be posted up here too.

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/3661/anst.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/837/anst.jpg/)

Kat and I between Greenvale and Charters Towers recently.

Looks like Fletcher's or lolworth creek?

[Scallops]

Looks like Fletcher's or lolworth creek?

Fletcher's yes. Just went in for a look....stayed the previous night in Greenvale and had a great night with the locals at the Golf Club - went onto Carnarvon Gorge that day....but well picked!

Great to read the experiences of others here too....keep the stories coming.

[labrado]

Folks - my 2.4 Puma 110 is now almost 6 years old (106,0000km), ....

160,000km every year???

I must be a big loser among the puma owners, I bought my 09MY puma with 46,000km on the clock. It had a gear box failure at 49,000km, a LR dealer in Melbourne carried out the repair work and replaced the gear box and rebuilt the transfer case under warranty within 2 weeks. At 82,000km, it had a transfer case failure and a LR dealer in Dubbo replaced the transfer case and rebuilt the gearbox under warranty. But this time the repair work took more than 6 weeks and I was quite ****ed off to have to call the dealer every day to ask for the progress, they never called me to report the progress as they promised they would. Luckily LR reimbursed the cost caused by long delay.

Other major warranty fixes included wiper motor, intake manifold, passenger side electric window motor, fuel tank breather pipe, transfer case seal, steering damper shield.

[ericvv]

Other major warranty fixes included....fuel tank breather pipe.....

Labrado, fuel tank breather pipe replaced under warranty... Was it leaking then?
I am asking because my breather pipe which now is 5 years old is showing cracking on the top connection. No leaks yet, but I am going to have it replaced on my own expense this coming week in order to avoid leaks. I understand that this fuel breather pipe cracking up on top and bottom connections is somewhat of a common problem, and think better to do some preventive maintenance here. When I asked my dealer about it, he told me that two weeks before they still had the same job to do on a Puma which was leaking fuel from the bottom end of that breather pipe.
If it would leak probably would be replaced under my extended warranty, but I don't want to wait til that happens.

[The Cone of Silence]

2008 Puma 110 'Monty'. 104,000kms.

Issues (in order of seriousness):

Driver
Radiator - overheating issues on freeway climbs. Not good. Will explore different fan set-up.
Gunky EGR valve sticking (now by-passed with a Bruce Davis re-map)
Hazards come on when I hit something hard....have to turn engine off to reboot. Causes mild driver irritation.
Occasional electrical issues e.g dash lights stopped working

I LOVE this vehicle. I put it through a great deal and it comes out on top everytime and always gets me home (touch wood). Everytime I look out of the window at the car, I smile.

Bobby

[Samblers]

My 2010 Puma with 70k on the clock is coming up warrantys end - would love to extend but didnt think this was possible?

Has anyone else done this? Through Allianz direct?

All my Puma issues have been irritating rather than debillitating - dashboard squeeks, rattles, creaky clutch pedal, aircon sensor, loose drive axle.

Love it, despite the irritations

Sam

[Scallops]

160,000km every year???

:D Typo fixed. 17,666km every year....

The extended warranty is now no longer available. The older Allianz EW was very robust...not so many of the other offerings, none of which are available any longer I am led to believe.

Mine has had every upgrade and recall done...and many newer version parts fitted over these 6 years.....clutch, gearbox, rear axles, prop shafts, brake vac pump, the modified sump (after 2007), front ABS sensors....had a rear main seal go and sorted under extended warranty along with an expensive body work defect fixed...had the EGR valve bung up....everything fixed and upgraded.....had the Bruce Davis "chip" done, nugget's water proof snorkel/airbox upgrade, full under vehicle armour, king springs, traxide duel battery setup....all in all, fully decked out for expedition work.....been all good for several years now, and I'm very happy I bought it. :)

[Brid]

My 2007 is just under 6 years old & done 235,000kms. I had plenty of warranty work up to the 100,000km mark, which is all ancient history to me now.

Problems have been few and far between since then, and I plan to keep it long term, so have upgraded the front seats, swapped to HD axles & flanges, fitted a winch and will probably continue with other improvements instead up buying another one.

[ATH]

My 2010 110 has done 93000 now and has had the drive line slack taken out, new EGR valve, new rear door heated screen as the globe went and they've attempted to rehang the right rear passenger door but with little success.
Overall I'm happy with it now and the stealer (Barbagallo Osborne Park) has given good service. I've got a BAS remap but haven't installed it yet but will do when warranty runs out at end of month.
Cook and I are looking forward to doing some remote trips but finding it hard to connect up with like minded people who don't want to rush things.
Mate has a 2007 and is still very pleased as it's been very reliable and he's done well over a 100K.
AlanH.

[Scallops]

From reading the above 2 comments, and my experience....I'm thinking the earlier 2.4's are 100,000km run in/get them sorted vehicles! :D

[Disco Muppet]

From reading the above 2 comments, and my experience....I'm thinking the earlier 2.4's are 100,000km run in/get them sorted vehicles! :D

As opposed to 3L Nissans, which are 100,000km run for cover vehicles! :o :angel:

[Tomo]

Quote,
......... along with an expensive body work defect fixed...
What was this defect?
Cheers

[Scallops]

Quote,
......... along with an expensive body work defect fixed...
What was this defect?
Cheers

A spot weld on the roof, very far front RHS - turned into a pin end sized hole....judged a manufacturing defect and fixed.....cost a bomb apparently.

[Samblers]

Allan what did Barbagellos do/replace to take the drivetrain slack out? I'm concerned about the loose clunking coming from underneath and will also be asking Barbagellos to investigate within the next month?

Sam


My 2010 110 has done 93000 now and has had the drive line slack taken out, new EGR valve, new rear door heated screen as the globe went and they've attempted to rehang the right rear passenger door but with little success.

[Chops]

My 2007 is just under 6 years old & done 235,000kms. I had plenty of warranty work up to the 100,000km mark, which is all ancient history to me now.

Problems have been few and far between since then, and I plan to keep it long term, so have upgraded the front seats, swapped to HD axles & flanges, fitted a winch and will probably continue with other improvements instead up buying another one.

G'day Brid,
What replacement seats did you get? My back rest has actually collapsed just near the seatbelt clasp, so rather than having LR just replace it, I might look into getting a good set.

[labrado]

Labrado, fuel tank breather pipe replaced under warranty... Was it leaking then?
I am asking because my breather pipe which now is 5 years old is showing cracking on the top connection. No leaks yet, but I am going to have it replaced on my own expense this coming week in order to avoid leaks. I understand that this fuel breather pipe cracking up on top and bottom connections is somewhat of a common problem, and think better to do some preventive maintenance here. When I asked my dealer about it, he told me that two weeks before they still had the same job to do on a Puma which was leaking fuel from the bottom end of that breather pipe.
If it would leak probably would be replaced under my extended warranty, but I don't want to wait til that happens.

No more leaks since the replacement. Leaking from the button of the pipe, where the pipe is connected to the tank, So I had leaks only when the tank was full.

[labrado]

From reading the above 2 comments, and my experience....I'm thinking the earlier 2.4's are 100,000km run in/get them sorted vehicles! :D
I do hope this is a truth, mine has clocked more than 100,000km now, finger crossed.

[newhue]

x3.

[Brid]

G'day Brid,
What replacement seats did you get? My back rest has actually collapsed just near the seatbelt clasp, so rather than having LR just replace it, I might look into getting a good set.

Hey Chops
I got Scheel Mann seats with adjustable lumbar. I thought the standard Puma seats were fairly good really, compared to the earlier Defenders, but these are truly excellent. This is weird, but the car seemed to steer better, so I think I must have had more lateral movement in the factory seats, than I realized.

[Gerokent]

MY2007, had it from 35 000km (demo), now at 100 000km. Changed vaccuum pump, replaced plastic fuel hose with rubber, changed fuel filter to one with in-built primer pump, removed fuel cooler/heater, done all my own servicing and no other mechanical faults. Survived a roll over with only a cracked wind screen and windscreen frame and the body work is a bit crinkley in spots.
:)Still smile every time I drive it.

[red roo]

Gerokent were did u get that fuel filter, i like that idea

[BigBlueOne]

MY12 90, just clocked 30,000km this morning. No problems as yet. love it

[CharlesTeton]

I have a 110 2.4 Puma 2011, only 8,000 miles, bought in the beginning of 2011 with only 1,800 miles on the clock.

Question: Would you go for the extended LR warranty? It runs to about £600 a year in the UK.

[Gerokent]

Red Roo, I got the fuel filter from a diesel injection repair place, but they would be readily avalible at most auto spares place i reckon. I got the "Fuel Manager" brand. It's been on for about three years now (no cover as it needs modifying, I'll do that one day) no probs.

[patclan]

Well, my 2009 MY10 has now hit 120k, I had a fair bit done under warranty and will add that since the 100k it has been great, it always was great, It has never let me down and I feel it will take me anywhere and it has so far.

There were a few things that it needed done like a gearbox change at 30k to get rid of the crunch and gear selection issues, a new clutch at 60k as the springs were rattling, I had to pay to get a new clutch at 110k but that was my choice I could not stand the rattle any longer of the second clutch, I have been assured that the latest clutch will not rattle like the previous, but I have 10 months left of warranty on the clutch and if it does back it will go.

I do wonder that as we hit the 100k and the warranty ends do we stop looking for issues or hearing noises as they will then cost us money to fix, and if that is the case how much of the warranty work that I or maybe others have had done were necessary. I am in no doubt there are issues to be fixed under warranty like my leaking radiator and the dodgy gearbox but if I did not read this forum, how many of the items I had fixed under warranty would have still worked for another 100k, albeit not 100% and I would never have known, and I will never know. On the up side the forum has allowed me to identify issues and align them with my symptoms and maybe that is why I have no current issues and my dream car runs like a dream..

Anyway thanks be to LR for still creating this magnificent machine for now.

And go Palmer!!! :arms::arms::arms:

[nugge t]

My 2010 has now done 73,000 kms and has been fantastic especially given the amount of remote work it has done...I do very few city kms.

Had a few early issues, none of which were show stoppers but the Brisbane dealer has been fantastic and few issues I had were resolved under warranty without question. they do a pre trip service and check over for me as well.

On the last trip I had a starting problem and the Alice Springs dealer was talking ECU, wiring harness but a brain storm from my dealer suggested a loose main relay, and they were right.

Is a great truck that I have really enjoyed modding up and which I love driving.

[newhue]

good to hear there have been some trouble free runs. We all love our Defers, but seems run a little rough sometimes.

[brendanm]

I have nearly 160000 on my08. Similar story to most. A swag of stuff done under warranty, most was dealer initiated. Since the 100K mark only biggie was the replacement of an air conditioning hose that was a dash out job. Another minor one was a slow leak that developed in a heater hose on a 22 hour dash to western Victoria and back with another car in tow. Just bypassed the heater and kept going, fixed properly back at home. The last 80K has also been done running portals and 35's. The car does quite a bit of bush tracks both local and extended trips from the High Country to the Cape. I am always impressed by the vehicles capability.

[one_iota]

65,000km on my '08 including some long trips on dirt.

Apart from the usual teething issues...clutch springs and remap all covered by warranty, I've got a noisy rear diff that makes me feel at home when I'm in an well used Ford Falcon taxi. I've still got the original vacuum pump!

The only thing that has caused her to stop in her tracks was when the clutch master cylinder failed in the driveway. I'm told by Pete the rover man that checking the clutch fluid isn't an item on the standard service schedule and the under-bonnet temperatures can turn the fluid to a thick grease like substance, hence the failure.

No plans yet to move to an electric cart with a red flag on a staff.

[patclan]

I have nearly 160000 on my08. Similar story to most. A swag of stuff done under warranty, most was dealer initiated.

I have to agree with this ( not that that's a problem) but dealers get a rough ride, and I will say that I had all my services done up to 100k in Brisbane at the dealer and I would go in with a list of issues and they would fix them and always add more to the list that they found. For me it is reassuring when this happens, at least you know they are having a look and doing the right thing, I know they get paid but probably not as much as it actually costs to do the work ( time wise ). I use the Gold Coast dealer now as I do not work in the city anymore and they are just as helpful.

Pat.

[justinc]

just a word on dealer warranty work, landrover squeeze them pretty hard, for example a warranty trans removal and refit for a clutch replacement in a puma is just 4.5 hours allowable. that is all they get paid by LR.

this includes everything. the whole procedure.

not fair in my books, it is a good 7 to 9 hours all up to do it right without breaking stuff and this also includes pulling bits of the floor mats up and reassembling, bleeding clutch if slave replaced, removing and refitting exhaust engine pipe, cat and heat shields, bla bla bla.

worse still is the tdv8 vogue alternator replacement time, again IIRC it is 4 hours. and the book says to remove the rh turbocharger!!!!:mad::eek: first one i did was 6 hours and some blood levy, too :p, next one will be quicker :)

don't be too hard on them, i would hate to be dictated to like that.

jc

[PAT303]

My 2010 has now done 73,000 kms and has been fantastic especially given the amount of remote work it has done...I do very few city kms.

Had a few early issues, none of which were show stoppers but the Brisbane dealer has been fantastic and few issues I had were resolved under warranty without question. they do a pre trip service and check over for me as well.

On the last trip I had a starting problem and the Alice Springs dealer was talking ECU, wiring harness but a brain storm from my dealer suggested a loose main relay, and they were right.

Is a great truck that I have really enjoyed modding up and which I love driving.
Mines the same,very few city K's,mostly outback WA and it loves it. Pat

[ezyrama]

2012, with 26,000km on the clock, had the turbo hose come loose at 137km and went into limp mode. wasn't happy as I was on my way to see my sick Dad and it put me 5 hrs behind on a 960 km drive. Other than the back door not shutting properly every 2nd or 3rd time I close it and after a week or so the back windows seem to wind themselves down 5-10 mm, It's still the only car I've had that puts a smile on my dial, every time I drive it. I have put it places I didn't think it would go but it just keeps going. Mulgo seat rails fitted to give me a bit more leg room, now too much when right back but the handbrake (not the wife) now works as a great foot rest.

[malsgoing130]

2011, 32000km love it but:
1. brake failure-master cylinder bypass
2. clutch replaced
3. ECU remapped by dealer
4. gearbox pulled out and seals done
5. some bit made of cheese replaced on gearbox out put to fix severe backlash

still to do:
1. gearbox very notchy will be fixed by dealer
2. rust starting around bonnet hinges
3. water leaks

All said and done not too bad. still a great vehicle though

Cheers
Mal

[Samblers]

Mal, which dealer are you using? barbagellos os pk?

I'm about to take mine into their to investigate the clickety-clacking backlash

Are they planning to do anything about water leaks/ I get occasional small puddles on passenger side footwell in heavy rain.

I guess i'm expecting a lukewarm reponse

Sam

[Samblers]

Was intending to take the puma to an independent mechanic to get an end-of-warranty type check done… as part of the my current list of remedial work required LR are quoting me $200 as the service isn’t currently due and this is a ‘health check’ appointment

Thoughts? Are LR likely to be a criticial/picky with issues if they have to fix/pay for it?

[Lagerfan]

I guess i'm expecting a lukewarm reponse


Same here, I'd love to get our backlash looked into but not sure what approach to take with the dealer. Seems quite a few here have had the clutch replaced for the heavy duty one under warranty and now say it drives like a new car, but I'm not sure how to pitch it to the dealer to convince them to do it. Any suggestions advice welcome.

[ATH]

At first they gave me "It's a Defender" excuse for the backlash but I insisted it wasn't good enough. Took them 2 weeks but it does drive much better and in that time they fixed a couple of other things as well... like changing the rear screen because the globe had stopped working!!!! That won't get done by me if it goes after warranty.
They also changed the radio unit which stopped playing CDs (probably Pilbara dust) which didn't bother me at all but the Cook likes a bit of noise to shut me out.:mad:
I'm trying to get mine checked for end of warranty but don't think I'll get the stealer to do it.
AlanH.

[newhue]

Was intending to take the puma to an independent mechanic to get an end-of-warranty type check done… as part of the my current list of remedial work required LR are quoting me $200 as the service isn’t currently due and this is a ‘health check’ appointment

Thoughts? Are LR likely to be a criticial/picky with issues if they have to fix/pay for it?

Hard to say, I guess depends on how you get along with them to a degree.

I just took mine for the end of warranty service. I had a booking at an independent but was made for after the LR service was done. I guess I have a good relationship with my dealer, I and them have been working on it from day dot. I didn't want to walk in saying this mob found bla bla bla. I thought I'd give them a go, and if some sounds were not resolved than I'd go independent for a second opinion. I think if I were them I'd like it that way.

I have to say I'm very happy with the response. I asked them to look at a knock in the motor, and a clunky second gear when cold. There was some other small stuff in there as well.
They didn't bork or tell me I'm dreaming, they just fixed it. Again, some amazing stuff went on and I'm glad I didn't pay for it. But no sounds anymore, and runs like the day I first drove it out of the dealer.

If it's still in warranty then I'd imagine it's within your rights to book it in, and get fixed whatever is not right. My guess is the $200 is just covering cost for inspection and processing as LR HQ wont pay for that. Where if it were a service it can get worked into the service cost. I'd pay it, $200 is nothing compared to a $1800 clutch.

[PAT303]

Was intending to take the puma to an independent mechanic to get an end-of-warranty type check done… as part of the my current list of remedial work required LR are quoting me $200 as the service isn’t currently due and this is a ‘health check’ appointment

Thoughts? Are LR likely to be a criticial/picky with issues if they have to fix/pay for it?

Not in my experience. Pat

[Samblers]

Thanks Jason, you make some good points. Yes $200 is not much and if it means they actually road test the thing and have a good look around i'm happy with that.

And to be fair there is nothing that ive asked for that LR have balked at - they havent resolved everything first try but they keep taking it back and having another go (and cleaning it - ive never washed it meself!).

I have clunky second gear when cold too. It irritates me but then i think about the cost/hassle to replace a gearbox and imagine i'll just get laughed out the room. But then why should i accept this in a -3yr old car....?

Love the deefer, but want it properly sorted so i can keep it and use it long term with confidence

Sam

[Scallops]

I found the RACQ master inspection to be pretty comprehensive. They check everything from individual cylinder compression through to marking my AC "defective" because the little plastic tab on the driver's adjustable vent had snapped off! (since super glued back on).....

It is peace of mind. My Mazda when it came out of warranty had been checked by a dealer and passed perfect...this same inspection by RACQ found a slight leak on the back of the gearbox which cost Mazda a bomb to fix.....so I wouldn't take the dealer's word for it myself.

[Samblers]

I'm hesitant because i got an RACQ pre-purchase inspection done on the Defender (buying interstate) which was lousy

[Scallops]

I'm hesitant because i got an RACQ pre-purchase inspection done on the Defender (buying interstate) which was lousy

I don't think that inspection is perhaps as comprehensive as the Master inspection. I had to take the Defy to them, they had it on a hoist, on diagnostics, on a road test - and they took 4 hours going over it. That said, I guess the inspection is only as good as the person conducting it.

[Samblers]

So I took the 110 to LR to address some issues prior to end of warranty. Was expecting a full road test and report for $200, but they didn’t charge me but then also didn’t raise any new issues so doubt they actually performed an overall inspection. I think if they do this they may get in trouble with the insurers as they are actively seeking out issues.

Clutch pedal creak – (4 visits to LR for this) - They had my clutch assembly incl master cylinder in bits and sprayed lube around like holy water. No creak so far. I got the feeling that this was the last time they were willing to look into it! I’m sick of it too so hope it doesn’t come back.

My tight 2nd gear was not detected by the service guys – they said it seems normal, and a ‘characteristic of the car’. Cute. I’m either super-sensitive, or fussy, or both. I can live with it, but Its definitely stiff to engage, esp. when cold. I’m sure if there was something relatively obvious to find they would have done so.

Drivetrain backlash they took a bit more seriously but all three service guys (incl. service manager) drove it and deemed it normal and another ‘characteristic’. But then they put a warranty claim in for replacing some worn washers or something within the transfer case, plus some drive flange caps or something? I’m not familiar with the system. Sounds expensive and 3 days work. I was told in 6 months it’ll be making the same noises!

A new (to me) metallic scraping sound from engine at idle was not diagnosed. All the pulleys checked out OK but they put in a warranty claim for replacing the drive belt (a wear part) but this was rejected. Shame, as I would be up for this at 100,000km anyway, but I don’t see how this would have caused or solved a scraping sound, so not overly upset.

The rest of my list was all rattles, squeaks, windows that slide of their own accord, stereos that shake loose… apparently this sort of thing is not covered by the warranty and is further cute-ness (‘characteristic of the car’). A little bit lame, but then i know how difficult and frustrating these minor irritations can be to solve. My dashboard squeak they seemed to have inadvertently solved when they took the dash apart.

Finally they put a low pressure hose on it and failed to find any leaks at the front. The couple of times I’ve found puddles in the passenger footwell tell me otherwise… but hey ho…

[patclan]

Clutch pedal creak – (4 visits to LR for this) - They had my clutch assembly incl master cylinder in bits and sprayed lube around like holy water. No creak so far. I got the feeling that this was the last time they were willing to look into it! I’m sick of it too so hope it doesn’t come back.



I have had the same creak, I spray it every now and again and it is OK for a few K's then comes back.

There is a fix on Defender2.net for it, looks easy but I have not tried it yet, keep meaning to though.

Defender2 - View topic - Squeaky clutch?.....Easy mod! (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic22839.html)

[Samblers]

Great post. When I looked previously I couldn’t even find the pedal box, let alone lube it

But then I am an IDIOT

:)

[JamesB71]

Compared to the japanese 4wds my 90 has a gearbox and backlash like a grey fergie, but I'm assuming that's all part of the rustic charm..

[PAT303]

On the backlash issue,you must remember the drive goes through two gearbox's and three diffs,all with backlash.The backlash is part and parcel of a defender as it was with the D1 and RRC before it,learn to drive it smoothly and don't drop the clutch and you'll find it alot easier to live with. Pat

[JamesB71]

On the backlash issue,you must remember the drive goes through two gearbox's and three diffs,all with backlash.The backlash is part and parcel of a defender as it was with the D1 and RRC before it,learn to drive it smoothly and don't drop the clutch and you'll find it alot easier to live with. Pat

Its all fine Pat. It never makes a sound if your easy on it.

[Drover]

I fitted Ashcroft 1/2 shafts front and rear along with their drive flanges. Very slight improvement on back lash.

Fitted the new Ashcroft HDP38 centre....back lash gone :thumbsup::thumbsup:

90% of back lash is down to the rear diff.

[Samblers]

On the backlash issue,you must remember the drive goes through two gearbox's and three diffs,all with backlash.

Does it not do this on other makes of 4WD as well?

[Samblers]

I fitted Ashcroft 1/2 shafts front and rear along with their drive flanges. Very slight improvement on back lash.

Fitted the new Ashcroft HDP38 centre....back lash gone :thumbsup::thumbsup:

90% of back lash is down to the rear diff.

Mine sounds like rear diff area... but then what would i know. LR say not

[PAT303]

Does it not do this on other makes of 4WD as well?

Other makes don't run the same drivetrain,remember your defenders dates back to 1970.My TDCi had bad clunk and it was the clutch,a new one was fitted and it has a small amount now. Pat

[PAT303]

Mine sounds like rear diff area... but then what would i know. LR say not

Drove my kids to school this morning and nary a clunk,mine originaly felt like it came from the diff but after a new clutch it's all good. Pat

[Samblers]

Mines currently at LR. The backlash issue they are re-shimming the transfer case (so centre diff), replaced splined output shaft thingo and also replaced rear drive flanges.

Also taking my dash apart looking for a water leak - surprised at this as they had previously dismissed this issue.

I have to say, dealer have been impressive. They get a bagging by some but (reading the above) they have been good to many of us and must be experts in Defender rectification work

[Scallops]

Well, another year gone, my Defender is now 7 years old, so time for an update.....122,000km.

Another year with zero major issues. Had three minor issues.....

1) Headlight switch burnt out. The switch has been replaced, and Tim's Traxide headlight loom fitted to prevent problem reoccurring. I now have brighter headlights. BTW - a symptom of this about to happen was my ABS pump going nuts cutting in and out as I drove around a paddock but without any loss of traction. I couldn't understand why the ABS pump was activating, but next morning I noticed that I had no headlights - only parkers.

2) Bonnet cable broke. I now have a repaired cable which operates from the lever under the dash, but also, a second cable that is tucked behind the LHS of the grill - you'd need to know it was there, but if the cabin accessed cable ever breaks again, I can still open my bonnet by retrieving the secondary cable and pulling on it with a pair of pliers. MR Auto fitted this at my request.

3) My vehicle started to run extremely roughly at idle. In heavy traffic, it would occasionally stall. The injectors made a very distinctive clatter at around 2000rpm in 4th (60km/h)......had the car with MR auto and they were thinking injector issue, but insisted on adding a bottle of Wurth Biocide and Heptane improver before condeming the injectors and to quote them, "it transformed the vehicle". They claim they have seen this on a few vehicles - bad fuel was the diagnosis. They also did a "relearn"on the injectors. The engine is again purring as a Puma should, and has not once returned to it's rough idle state after a winter and several thousand km following MR's work. The additive cost $18.00.

So to summarise - my 7 year old Puma Defender 110 continues to be a solid and reliable vehicle that doesn't even leak oil (or water - just charm)! Still loving it.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/10/438.jpg (http://s1314.photobucket.com/user/dandienes1/media/imagejpg2_zps36c9d4e5.jpg.html)

[Cracka]

Great to hear mate. I'm 2 years in, 38000kms and no issues (MY12 90).

As you mentioned it, I am in the middle of a headlight combo loom upgrade from Tim (Traxide) very impressive results which I will post when complete.

Mick

[Scallops]

Great to hear mate. I'm 2 years in, 38000kms and no issues (MY12 90).

As you mentioned it, I am in the middle of a headlight combo loom upgrade from Tim (Traxide) very impressive results which I will post when complete.

Mick

Mick, the lux upgrade is great but the fact that your switch won't burn out is perhaps even better! One thing I noticed when the loom was fitted was that the rivets securing the radiator - well, some had broken - no doubt the Gunbarrel strikes from the past - so check them too....there are 4 rivets at each corner - and can be accessed from the front with the grill removed.

[Quigley]

Scallops, how long did your original battery last? I purchased my 110 in June, 2009 and the battery operates today as strongly as day one. Far better longevity than anything else I've ever had.

[Scallops]

Scallops, how long did your original battery last? I purchased my 110 in June, 2009 and the battery operates today as strongly as day one. Far better longevity than anything else I've ever had.

Hello Quigley - yes, my original Varta cranker is still going strong. I can't even wear out the tyres.

[patclan]

Hello Quigley - yes, my original Varta cranker is still going strong. I can't even wear out the tyres.

That is great you have another good year in, you are 2 ahead of me, my Puma just hit 5yrs, 150k on the clock and it still feels good.

Question about your head light harness, I have LED head lamps, do you thing there would be any benefit fitting the harness? I am not sure if they draw enough power to burn out the switch. Also Varta is still going strong, it appears to have out lived my yellow top which I am really annoyed about but it could be my side winder isolator causing the probblem and it not charging.

Anyway great to hear yours is still going strong, hopefully that means I have 2 more years of trouble free defendering also..

cheers
Pat.

[Scallops]

That is great you have another good year in, you are 2 ahead of me, my Puma just hit 5yrs, 150k on the clock and it still feels good.

Question about your head light harness, I have LED head lamps, do you thing there would be any benefit fitting the harness? I am not sure if they draw enough power to burn out the switch. Also Varta is still going strong, it appears to have out lived my yellow top which I am really annoyed about but it could be my side winder isolator causing the probblem and it not charging.

Anyway great to hear yours is still going strong, hopefully that means I have 2 more years of trouble free defendering also..

cheers
Pat.

Hello Pat,

I think every Defender benefits from fitting a headlight loom because there is no relay on the original setup and as such the switch will eventually fail - I suspect, even if it's drawing slightly less power.

I also use traxide's SC-40 dual battery setup which I suspect has helped my cranker to last so long, because it effectively makes both batteries 1 larger capacity battery, and in normal operation, reduced votage drop on the cranker.

Apart from all the minor things that we all seemed to cop, my Defy has proved thus far to be very reliable and suprisingly cheap to keep on the road.

I just hope my report when Grover turns 8 is still good news!

[ozscott]

this is good peops. My Disco2 V8 had zero issues save for soft front springs at all until 160,000 then it needed a new alternator. ..did a lot of offroading, and towing 2 tonn boat in that time. After that slowly things will need attention on most LR's...although my stuff was very minor to 200000 then new radiator and water pump and since then brake master clutch master and slave at 250000. I did a manual transmission overhaul at 220000 but only because 5th was getting noisy and i am anal. I would be upset if a vehicle had problems before 150000k or so...i was upset with my VT Commodore that had quite a few issues before 110000.

[ozscott]

ohh and suspension needs new shocks at about 150000

[Sandgroper]

My 2012 Puma has not missed a beat, I just love this thing!! I've only owned Landrovers for the last 23 years and this one is the first new vehicle I've ever bought and I'm as happy with it as I was the day I drove it home from Southern Landrover, it's just brilliant!!

[Robmacca]

Wow, this post has been a great read for me in seeing how the Pumas have faired over the years...... but I must admit I am surprised to read about the number of issues /things fixed people had up to the 100,000k mark, mostly under warranty..... Good to know that once the issues are sorted, that the majority of Defenders go on to be fairly trouble free....

[skidrov]

I think every Defender benefits from fitting a headlight loom because there is no relay on the original setup and as such the switch will eventually fail - I suspect, even if it's drawing slightly less power.



...I thought the Pumas introduced a relay into the headlight circuit? I did see that you said your switch failed, so clearly something's not up to the ampage ex-factory. But, as I say, while I have read the TD5 and earlier models didn't have a relay, I thought the Pumas did? There is one shown in the workshop manual, in the fuse box under the dash (yeah, a zillion cabling miles from the lights.... :mad: )

[Scallops]

...I thought the Pumas introduced a relay into the headlight circuit? I did see that you said your switch failed, so clearly something's not up to the ampage ex-factory. But, as I say, while I have read the TD5 and earlier models didn't have a relay, I thought the Pumas did? There is one shown in the workshop manual, in the fuse box under the dash (yeah, a zillion cabling miles from the lights.... :mad: )

Well, in terms of burning out the switch - it's identical to the TD5 prior - and likely all the predecessors too. No relay where it's needed.

[LoveB]

might have been mentioned but where did you get the extended warranty? on the allianz website they dont have any for a land rover defender.

[Loubrey]

LoveB,

I understand that it's through the Land Rover main dealers underwritten by Allianz (as is my comprehensive insurance).

Lots of very, very fine print and it covers very little other than major catastrophic failures...

Cheers,

Lou

[Scallops]

might have been mentioned but where did you get the extended warranty? on the allianz website they dont have any for a land rover defender.

I bought a policy a few weeks prior to it becoming unavailable. It was an exact repitition of the original warranty but for 2 years and was organise through Southern Cross LR in Toowoomba - undewritten by Allianze. This former policy, contrary to the later one offered, had no fine print, as in it covered everything the original warranty did.

The replacement policy was as Loubrey says - next to useless.

They probably ceased offering it because of the amount of claims on it - mine paid for itself many times over.

[AndyG]

Extended warranty is back on LR website, with Allianz

[PAT303]

My battery died the other week,dropped a cell,I have a feeling that all the corrigations did it,other than that she's running sweet at just under 100K. Pat

[JayBoRover]

My 2012 Puma has not missed a beat, I just love this thing!! I've only owned Landrovers for the last 23 years and this one is the first new vehicle I've ever bought and I'm as happy with it as I was the day I drove it home from Southern Landrover, it's just brilliant!!
Despite living just down the road from you in Wandi, I don't think I've come across you yet. My 2012 Puma has also not missed a beat, and I also love this thing!!:cool: It's also the first new vehicle I've ever bought but I would say I'm getting happier with it, rather than "as happy", every day since I drove it home from World of Wheels in Albany.:)