All discussions relating to the Defenders end of production

[El Rey]

Three things:

Land Rover says the Defender was not going to meet new Euro emissions standards, and perhaps the cost of reverse engineering or upgrading it was going to be so high they decided to invest that money in trying to start a new chapter with the Defender's replacement.
I don't know why they couldn't just source a different engine, but they might have decided this is the right time to also address all the other issues and quirks that Defender owners either love or endure, but which make it a non-starter for new generations of drivers who expect a higher base level of technology.

Secondly, there could be a financial plan at work. Look at the annual sales figures for Defenders in Europe on this page: Land Rover Defender European sales figures (http://left-lane.com/european-car-sales-data/land-rover/land-rover-defender/)
They're small and tapering off to abysmal. Rather than trickle along like that and reach a point where people are still thinking about the classic defender when the new one is launched, they may want to build some nostalgia and longing for a year or two, run an 'It's coming...' marketing campaign, and launch with an explosion of sales to new customers who would never have bought the current Defender but are willing to buy a modern LR that trades on its legend.

Land Rover was bought in 2008. The current owners could be losing money already on every LR being sold because of the low volume.



Given that ive just joined the forum and am slowly reading through things this might've been answered or addressed previously but with the Defender ceasing production have Land Rover cost themselves millions of dollars in not having a suitable replacement ready to go?

[Pickles2]

Very good link El, ...it shows EXACTLY why the current Defender is to be no more.........they ain't selling ANYWHERE NEAR ENOUGH to make continued production of this vehicle worthwhile, and a new engine, airbags etc ain't gonna fix that problem,.......which is simply that, Defender in its current form, for the buying public, has had its day, except maybe, in the minds of "enthusiasts" like us, who obviously do not provide enough sales.
Would JLR be worrying about Defender, would they be losing sales, market penetration, losing income etc. Nope, none of that at all. Everything that JLR touches these days, seems to "turn to gold",...Evoque , Disco Sport etc,...they're selling HEAPS,...highly optioned in many cases, long waiting lists,Plants working to capacity,...Defender is just not up there, priority wise, as it used to be.
So, whilst We may miss it, I think JLR's "boffins" have proven that they know what they're doing,.....I just can't wait to see what these "boffins" will come up with relative to the "new" Defender.
Pickles.

[DiscoMick]

I read somewhere that JLR want to sell at least 80,000 of the Defender replacement worldwide to make it profitable, so that's about four times the current sales. It has to sell in the USA to be viable.


I'm expecting maybe five body styles (single cab, dual cab, five-door wagon, three-door (like the 90) and open top. Will have to be at least three engines (small diesel, larger diesel and petrol). I assume an all-aluminium chassis and coil suspension. Maybe an upmarket version with airbags. Guess there will be a stripped down base model for work, a mid-range (the biggest seller) and an urban luxo model. I read somewhere they are trying to use as many industry standard parts as possible e.g. wheel sizes, bolts, filters etc.


Could be good if they do it well.

[AndyG]

Consider

Quote:
Nevertheless, 70 Series sales are still strong in Australia. ?Last year almost 20 per cent of the global 70 Series volume was sold within the Oceania Region,? Toyota Australia product public relations manager Stephen Coughlan told 4X4 Australia.
?The vehicle remains popular within the Middle East, Africa and Australia. The single cab chassis is easily the most popular model in the 70 Series line-up in Australia but the new double cab is also popular. Since its local introduction, the double cab has been particularly well received. Whilst the bulk of 2013 sales (53 per cent) were, not surprisingly, the single cab, the double cab accounted for 34 per cent of the mix, followed by the wagon (seven per cent) and TroopCarrier (six per cent).?

To get volume can we reasonably expect LR to target the 70 series customer/market?
If yes, cab chassis dominates ,
So next gen Defender will have a heavy chassis ?

Be interesting a HD 5 star Defender vs the aging 70 series.

[MrLandy]

Some good thinking there AndyG.

I agree with you, that is the market they should be targeting.

I reckon the five main factors that have killed Defender in this market against the 70 series are:
1. Land Rover's Focus on luxury market instead of work vehicle market
2. Abysmal service/dealer network
3. No larger engine option
4. No advertising
5. No airbags
All resulting in no consumer confidence
If they address all of these issues properly AND keep the heavy chassis, yes it will be interesting.

...but they won't.

They will target the luxury play toy market, not do anything about the service network and the chassis will be monocoque. So the HD work ute market won't be interested. Toyota will kill it again with the new 90series or whatever they call it.

...maybe the over crowded dual cab market, if they're lucky, but I can't see a new Defender selling for only $35,000.

[El Rey]

Yes good call.

No.2: Experienced this first hand.
No.3: I would have gone for a bigger engine if it was available.
No.5: Even if they weren't standard, I'd have paid extra for these too.



I reckon the five main factors that have killed Defender in this market against the 70 series are:
1. Land Rover's Focus on luxury market instead of work vehicle market
2. Abysmal service/dealer network
3. No larger engine option
4. No advertising
5. No airbags
All resulting in no consumer confidence

[scarry]

The 70 series is going the same place as the deefer,it won't be around for much longer.

And that is straight out of the mouth of the manufacturer.

It is the safety aspect of the Deefer that has sent it to the same place as the dinosaurs,not emissions.

And also as said,numbers sold.

[MrLandy]

The 70 series is going the same place as the deefer,it won't be around for much longer.

And that is straight out of the mouth of the manufacturer.

yes, it's a massive opportunity for Land Rover to regain the heavy duty work vehicle sector! But will they??

[scarry]

yes, it's a massive opportunity for Land Rover to regain the heavy duty work vehicle sector! But will they??

I doubt it that market is to small,except for maybe the US,but they have their own vehicles over there.

It is the smaller ute market that is massive,ranger,lowlux,navara,etc.

[MrLandy]

I doubt it that market is to small,except for maybe the US,but they have their own vehicles over there.

It is the smaller ute market that is massive,ranger,lowlux,navara,etc.

A $30K Defender dual cab? I doubt it.

[EastFreo]

I am sowing the seeds for my wife to replace her Volvo XC60 with the new Defender!

[MrLandy]

I am sowing the seeds for my wife to replace her Volvo XC60 with the new Defender!

You can do that now, it's called Discovery Sport.

[EastFreo]

You can do that now, it's called Discovery Sport.

To be honest I am not entirely taken with it. The rear somehow misses the mark for me. my wife was quite keen on the Evoke but it is a tad small so the new Discovery may be a contender. But I will continue to plug away on the new Defender so we can have one of the last of your old style and one of the first new ones!

[cuppabillytea]

I reckon you're a good chance at sound long term investment with that Strategy.

[MrLandy]

I reckon you're a good chance at sound long term investment with that Strategy.

:Rolling: yes, brilliant! Invest the money you were planning to spend on a new Defender...

[Pickles2]

yes, it's a massive opportunity for Land Rover to regain the heavy duty work vehicle sector! But will they??
IMHO, they will not be interested in doing that, because that is a VERY competitive part of the market, and IMHO JLR will not be willing, or feel the need, or indeed, actually be able, to compete,....based on price.
Quite simply, I don't believe that Defender will ever be the market leader that it once was, because when it was, there was nowhere near the competition of makes or pricing that exists today.
Pickles.

[scarry]

A $30K Defender dual cab? I doubt it.

There are not to many 4x4 dual cabs at that price.

And no doubt if LR made one it would have all the whistles and bells,and lead the market in many areas,they don't do things in halves.

For $30k,a doubt it.

[loneranger]

When you consider the price of the top of the range Ranger, Hilux etc I don't see why Land Rover can't compete in that market. Don't forget they won't be building a 2wd budget 2dr cab chassis so they won't be seeking to enter the bottom of the ute market.

They've also stated they intend to sell in the US and the new Defender will be a volume seller which will reduce manufacturing costs enabling them to be more price competitive.

[AndyG]

Gee, this subject has been chewed over,

Firstly, they have to make a decision Commercial/Military or Recreational/Private. They have the latter well covered, and could always do a poverty pack D4 to stretch the range.

Now look at Defender, Toyota 70 series, MB G wagon, Nissan Patrol, etc, apart from the new Aluminium F100, what modern post 2000 design is there? To me that's a huge niche globally. And i deliberately do not include the car like dual cabs in this segment.

[Andrew86]

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is the right topic to be asking in, but I was wondering what sorts of discounts (if any) people we able to achieve from dealers selling the last of their new 110 allocations?

I'll be heading down to a dealership this weekend for a test drive and hope to make an offer soon after, and want to be realistic about what to expect. I'm hoping to do better than RRP, but I also know there aren't many left in the country so it might also be a case of 'take it or leave it'.

Experiences? Anyone?

Cheers
Andrew:)

[cuppabillytea]

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is the right topic to be asking in, but I was wondering what sorts of discounts (if any) people we able to achieve from dealers selling the last of their new 110 allocations?

I'll be heading down to a dealership this weekend for a test drive and hope to make an offer soon after, and want to be realistic about what to expect. I'm hoping to do better than RRP, but I also know there aren't many left in the country so it might also be a case of 'take it or leave it'.

Experiences? Anyone?

Cheers
Andrew:)
Somehow I doubt that your dealer will be finding his last Defenders difficult to sell. you should still go in hard for the best deal you can get. Now get down there and be quick about it. Maybe seek advice from East Freo.
Cheers, Billy.

[Andrew86]

Somehow I doubt that your dealer will be finding his last Defenders difficult to sell. you should still go in hard for the best deal you can get. Now get down there and be quick about it. Maybe seek advice from East Freo.
Cheers, Billy.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm not expecting a bargain, I just don't want to be the guy who paid the most either. There's certainly a time pressure acting against me here, but I'll be trying to stay objective about the purchase and not get carried away.

[Pickles2]

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is the right topic to be asking in, but I was wondering what sorts of discounts (if any) people we able to achieve from dealers selling the last of their new 110 allocations?

I'll be heading down to a dealership this weekend for a test drive and hope to make an offer soon after, and want to be realistic about what to expect. I'm hoping to do better than RRP, but I also know there aren't many left in the country so it might also be a case of 'take it or leave it'.

Experiences? Anyone?

Cheers
Andrew:)
I'd be interested to know what's still available.
Can you still order anything to your "own" spec, or do you have to take what the Dealer has, either in stock, or on the water.
Your experiences will be interesting, with respect to availability & price.
Updates would be good, Pickles.

[cuppabillytea]

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm not expecting a bargain, I just don't want to be the guy who paid the most either. There's certainly a time pressure acting against me here, but I'll be trying to stay objective about the purchase and not get carried away.
Yes beware. That's what the salesman will be thinking. You have to go in angry and prepared to be utterly disgusted an any suggestion he makes. It's a bit like riding a bike. You go where you are looking. Don't let the salesman determine where you look. Stay focused on where you want to look.
Cheers, Billy.

[Andrew86]

I'd be interested to know what's still available.
Can you still order anything to your "own" spec, or do you have to take what the Dealer has, either in stock, or on the water.
Your experiences will be interesting, with respect to availability & price.
Updates would be good, Pickles.

Most dealerships have one or two 90s and 110s in the order books that are place holders that can be modified up to a particular point in time. I think the cut off is early November for the last boat heading our way.

I'll report back if things progress beyond the test drive.


You have to go in angry and prepared to be utterly disgusted an any suggestion he makes. It's a bit like riding a bike. You go where you are looking. Don't let the salesman determine where you look. Stay focused on where you want to look.
Cheers, Billy.

Thanks. I've got a price in mind and if I can find the right car for that price then I'll be a happy man. If not, I guess it wasn't meant to be. I'm certainly not interested in paying $5k dealer delivery, which is what most places seem to be quoting.

[Pickles2]

Well, despite "time running out", there still doesn't appear to be a real shortage, at this stage, of Defenders, and when they are in stock, they don't seem to sell straight away.
As an example, when We took Gracie in to ULR for her oil pump recall about a month ago, we were lent a New (Demo) Aintree 90 with part leather, dual finish alloys, side runners etc, a REALLY nice combination, and a lovely vehicle to drive, and today,........it's still there, now done around 600ks.
So, if ya're looking for a really nice 90, have a look at this one!!
I'll be interested to see how long it takes to find a lucky owner.
Pickles.

[YOLO110]

You may well find the price increases whilst you are there!

No discounts now... they have no reason to! :angel:

[Pickles2]

You may well find the price increases whilst you are there!

No discounts now... they have no reason to! :angel:
G'day Pete, ain't it about time you put up some more pics of your "latest"?!
Martin.

[YOLO110]

All in good time mate!

Mulling 'Limestone' atm! My paint shop can do it... but says 'why waste your money on just another white'...!

Unfortunately, I kinda see his point... :bangin:

[YOLO110]

Well, if you must ask... still loving Keswick! :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/09/663.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
upload images free (http://postimage.org/)[/IMG]

[MrLandy]

Well, if you must ask... still loving Keswick! :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/09/663.jpg (http://postimage.org/)
upload images free (http://postimage.org/)[/IMG]

Nice grill logo Yolo, where did you score it?

[Pickles2]

Lovely image Pete.
Limestone?...Well that would still be my choice, but mate, it's your vehicle, and I look forward to further "developments", & pics.
Martin.

[Olsey]

Now that looks very retro! Very classy!

[YOLO110]

Martin, mate not too sure about Limestone now... I think it kinda 'clashes' with the Keswick... :confused:

My friendly paint shop said he 'would take my money' if I wanted... but thought the OEM white looked better!

A few things do do in the next few weeks... then I may revisit this!...

Mr Landy... grill badge is from Gavin of Artmen designs in Ireland! Love it! :cool:

[MrLandy]

Thanks YOLO, reckon I'll chase one up, it looks great. ...Hey I reckon stick with the classic white. 😊

[mattp]

I just read an article claiming that LR are extending the manufacturing cut-off from December to end of January (and maybe later), due to the great demand for the last of the classic Defenders. Not surprising, but I was pleased mine was a December 2015 build, i.e. the last of them; it's a bit annoying there'll be 2016 build dates. Whether any make it to Australia is another story, I guess.

Defender given stay of execution - motoring.com.au (http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2015/small-4x4/land-rover/defender/defender-given-stay-of-execution-52655)

[Pickles2]

That article is 6 weeks old, and there has been no substantiation of that from Landrover.
There have been all sorts of "rumours" surrounding Defender,....production overseas, etc etc, but absolutely NOTHING from Solihull.
Not saying it ain't true, 'cause I've got no inside info, but it'll be interesting to see what ACTUALLY happens, as December draws close.
Pickles.

[AndyG]

I suspect they pretty much have the right number of components in the pipeline, phoning around for more would not be viable as suppliers like Ford have their own commitments. Plus there would be plans in hand to demolish a vacant production line

[pablo]

If anyone's interested I've just seen a Limited Edition Adventure 110 at Southern Landrover. I believe it is available as a result of a canceled order due to finance.

[AndyG]

Download a Brochure (http://www.landrover.com/shopping-tools/brochures.html)

I just noticed this, interesting the range of specialist vehicles, if this is a LR focus for the Defender, the future looks good.

http://www.landrover.com/Images/Military%20Products%202012_ENG_tcm281-88776.pdf

Check out page 21, ;):twisted::cool: better ring my dealer

THat is a vehicle that can do almost anything with Factory endorsement

[Andrew86]

If anyone's interested I've just seen a Limited Edition Adventure 110 at Southern Landrover. I believe it is available as a result of a canceled order due to finance.

They're asking $80k for it too :o

[cuppabillytea]

Yes. No problems with the traffic either.

[loneranger]

If anyone's interested I've just seen a Limited Edition Adventure 110 at Southern Landrover. I believe it is available as a result of a canceled order due to finance.

We'd noticed it driving past so out of interest and as I needed to book mine in for some warranty work we had a look. Looks nice but at the end of the day if I ask myself would I buy one if I won Lotto, the answer was no. It just didn't really appeal to me and I think I'd get sick of looking at that colour after a while.

[Pickles2]

Here's a few pics of some Adventure "features".
The lucky owner is Forum Member dfendr.

[Andrew86]

Here's a few pics of some Adventure "features".
The lucky owner is Forum Member dfendr.

Very nice! I really like the leather on the doors, I'm sure that helps with cabin noise. The silver highlights inside look great too.

[WakeMeForMeals]

Hi all, I have just been told by my dealer that there are NO spec changes allowed on Defenders that have not yet been built but scheduled for production. So, all specs as they are on the system as of now remain as is for all unbuilt Defenders (at least those being delivered to OZ). Has anyone else heard this? Thanks

[mattp]

I've been told 25th of November is my last date for changes (and that's what the online dealer spec page for my order says too), but I have heard conflicting reports from different sources in more general terms.

[WakeMeForMeals]

Thanks MattP. I too was told mid-November for last spec changes and the dealer system showed the same. I placed my order last week - spec'd to my requirements, so changed the spec of an already ordered car by the dealer. I got a call today from the dealer that they could not change the spec anymore as Land Rover Australia has frozen all changes and they can't get it through. I will either have to cancel my order or accept the specs per their original order, which I don't really want!


For those with current orders waiting to be built, I would check on this with the dealer ASAP if you were intending to change the spec. Appreciate if you could also update us all on this forum as to what your dealer says to you.


Thanks in advance

[Pickles2]

When We purchased our 90 in '13 the time between production, & date of last spec change, was around 5-6 weeks.
I have no idea what the current situation is, but with production ending, & with a rush of last orders, I could see the date of last change being bought forward.
Pickles.

[mattp]

I'll find out for you tomorrow, thankfully I got all my specs in already but was thinking of adding factory side steps, so I'll see what they say when I call them. What specs were you after for your new order?

[Pickles2]

I'll find out for you tomorrow, thankfully I got all my specs in already but was thinking of adding factory side steps, so I'll see what they say when I call them. What specs were you after for your new order?
Don't worry, if you can't change the specs, it's not an issue, because the Dealer can fit them (the same item), with exactly the same end result.
Pickles.

[mattp]

That's what I thought originally, then the dealer told me though that the factory fitted ones were better/stronger and would work out cheaper than getting them as a spare part. I'm glad you've confirmed my initial thoughts, thanks. I'll probably get the LandyBitz ones then :)

[WakeMeForMeals]

I'll find out for you tomorrow, thankfully I got all my specs in already but was thinking of adding factory side steps, so I'll see what they say when I call them. What specs were you after for your new order?










Thanks MattP. Mt spec is a Corris Grey with Black Pack, Black Side Runners, Sunhatch, Cold Climate Pack and Contrast Leather (in red).

[Pickles2]

That Dealer is talking nonsense. I'm a big wrap for O.E., so I made sure that the end result of Dealer Fit & Factory Fit was exactly the same, and it was, for this item anyway.
I'm (We) pretty happy with the single rail OE side runners,...very good for getting in & out of our 90,......others on here would say that many aftermarket items are much stronger, and they probably are, but the OE items that we have are ideal for our use.
Pickles.

[mattp]

Thanks MattP. Mt spec is a Corris Grey with Black Pack, Black Side Runners, Sunhatch, Cold Climate Pack and Contrast Leather (in red).

Sounds good, I was going to point you in the direction of a highly specced order that I just cancelled in case yours couldn't be changed, but it's a 110 rather than a 90. There was still a few 90 orders around when I scrambled last week to replace mine, I hope you manage to get what you're after. I'll let you know what my dealer says anyway regarding the changes.

[mattp]

That Dealer is talking nonsense. I'm a big wrap for O.E., so I made sure that the end result of Dealer Fit & Factory Fit was exactly the same, and it was, for this item anyway.
I'm (We) pretty happy with the single rail OE side runners,...very good for getting in & out of our 90,......others on here would say that many aftermarket items are much stronger, and they probably are, but the OE items that we have are ideal for our use.
Pickles.
Thanks, I'm a bit surprised as he seemed very knowledgeable otherwise. Good to know I can add them later anyway if I decide on those ones. They're mainly for getting in and out, but a little more side impact protection never goes astray, in case the airbags don't work ;)

I saw recently in the corresponding thread on Defender2 the LR representative said that the last orders were taken 25/6/15, but the order page on the dealer system here for mine says it was placed in July; anyone have any insights here? I had a horrible feeling my order would fall through again!

[Andrew86]

I too was told mid-November for last spec changes and the dealer system showed the same. I placed my order last week - spec'd to my requirements, so changed the spec of an already ordered car by the dealer. I got a call today from the dealer that they could not change the spec anymore as Land Rover Australia has frozen all changes and they can't get it through.

That's interesting. I ordered my 110 a couple of weeks ago now and fortunately got my specs through in time (or at least I haven't heard anything to suggest otherwise). I was told I could make changes up until around 2 weeks before production, which was going to be November/December sometime. Not that I want any changes made.

I guess I don't have to think about it now.

[WakeMeForMeals]

Just heard back from my dealer. They confirmed that, effective now, specs on Defenders that have been ordered scheduled for build till end of production cannot be changed EXCEPT for colour.

[AndyG]

That's what I thought originally, then the dealer told me though that the factory fitted ones were better/stronger and would work out cheaper than getting them as a spare part. I'm glad you've confirmed my initial thoughts, thanks. I'll probably get the LandyBitz ones then :)

I have those, excellent

[TheGrumpy]

I have requested the black pack be added to by Dec build order this morning so Ill let you know if it gets rejected!

[WakeMeForMeals]

I have requested the black pack be added to by Dec build order this morning so Ill let you know if it gets rejected!

Great thanks. The dealer tried to input my changes again today on the LR system and got rejected. Will be very interested to see if yours go through.

[Pickles2]

What were your listed build dates,...different dates could have different outcomes?
Pickles.

[TheGrumpy]

Rejected!
Mine was a Dec build (not sure of date). The dealer said only colour changes are being accepted. They had no notification from LR prior to trying to change mine. They are getting a price to paint the roof, guards and grill etc. black locally.

[Andrew86]

I got my 8-digit build order number on Friday, but my car isn't due for production until December. I guess that makes sense if they've locked down remaining orders.

I didn't want any further changes made, but it seems pretty ordinary that LR did this without giving any warning.

[mattp]

“Dear Colleagues,

Further to the Defender Amendability Run Out Notice that was sent to you on the 2/9/15. We have been advised that only amendments to colours can be accepted.

All requests that have been received for other than colour changes in the last week have been rejected by supply planning.

Sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused.” (From Friday 9/10/15)

I agree it's unfortunate there was no forewarning, to get any last minute changes in. If you'd been told you had until a certain date why would you rush, but it sounds like the dealers were a bit caught out too.

[WakeMeForMeals]

Thanks. that pretty much confirms it then... its a shame - some warning from LR, even a few days, would have been nice to have. Clealry, there was some stuff up in communication between the LR UK and LR Australia, as I can't imagine LR UK deciding to stop any further changes to Defender specs on a whim and with immediate effect. I wonder if LR OZ can open the window for a few days, given the lack of notification.
The last of the Defenders to roll off the production floor will /do have special meaning to their owners, who would understandably like their Defenders built to their exact liking, with a view to holding them long-term...the least LR Oz can do is open the change window (even for a day!).

[MrLandy]

Seriously guys? You really expect to be able to change your orders now, with only a couple of months to go until end of production?!

[WakeMeForMeals]

Seriously guys? You really expect to be able to change your orders now, with only a couple of months to go until end of production?!

Ummm... Yes and only because LR OZ indicated this would be possible. If they were clear on the fact orders could not be changed after a certain date, then so be it...it would have been sweet in that case. Anyways, first world problems I know but....

[Andrew86]

Seriously guys? You really expect to be able to change your orders now, with only a couple of months to go until end of production?!

The expectation comes from what was explicitly communicated by dealers. I finalised my spec when I ordered because I wanted every single item listed, priced and signed on my contract, but I was told by my dealer that I could still make changes up until the end of November.

I can understand why some people might take some time to think about what they want, and they were told in no uncertain terms that they could. Having that option removed without warning is pretty ordinary.

[WakeMeForMeals]

Thanks Andrew. My situation is a bit different. I am NOT requesting a change to my order. I put my order in with the dealer, got a sales contract signed by them and paid my deposit. To fulfil that order, the dealer was to change an existing order they had on the system which they were told by LR OZ they could do. But when they tried to change the details of this existing order they had with LR OZ to the details of my order, it was rejected.
I am not wanting to change any of the specs that I ordered originally. So, I have a signed Purchase Contract by both the dealer and I, a deposit paid by me, a receipt for the deposit and an updated Sales Contract reflecting that deposit having been paid AND a dealer who is now telling me they can't fulfil that contract.
What to do?

[Andrew86]

So, I have a signed Purchase Contract by both the dealer and I, a deposit paid by me, a receipt for the deposit and an updated Sales Contract reflecting that deposit having been paid AND a dealer who is now telling me they can't fulfil that contract.
What to do?

Do you know what configuration your dealer originally lodged with LR? I bought my car the same way you did, but my dealer was able to get my updated config through to LR successfully 3 weeks ago (before the cutoff). The dealer's original order was for a white 110 without much else, and it was updated for me to a Corris Grey with leather and a bunch of other things.

I guess you've got two options. If the configuration that the dealer originally ordered appeals to you, you can sign a new contract for that car at a revised price. Alternatively, the current contract has been frustrated so you're well within your rights to walk away and ask for your deposit back.

[Pickles2]

Thanks Andrew. My situation is a bit different. I am NOT requesting a change to my order. I put my order in with the dealer, got a sales contract signed by them and paid my deposit. To fulfil that order, the dealer was to change an existing order they had on the system which they were told by LR OZ they could do. But when they tried to change the details of this existing order they had with LR OZ to the details of my order, it was rejected.
I am not wanting to change any of the specs that I ordered originally. So, I have a signed Purchase Contract by both the dealer and I, a deposit paid by me, a receipt for the deposit and an updated Sales Contract reflecting that deposit having been paid AND a dealer who is now telling me they can't fulfil that contract.
What to do?
I feel for you my friend, but with "the end" coming very shortly, things will be getting very tight at Solihull, so I guess these things are going to happen.
As Andrew says, they cannot hold you to that contract. So, what you could do is have a look on Car Sales, and see if there's a Defender that suits what you're looking for,...I'd say there would be. You might have to compromise a bit, but remember that a lot of stuff is Dealer fitted, so you might be able to get pretty close.
Time to get on to Car Sales,......and then on the phone (or get your Dealer to have a go?), but I reckon first to contact other local Dealers to see what they've got in the pipeline. One way or another, you should get pretty close I reckon.
Pickles.

[WakeMeForMeals]

Thanks. So, I decided to go with the spec the dealer had originally ordered with a colour change to Keswick Green. The order was rejected again! The dealer was informed when inputting my amended order into the LR system that Keswick Green is now not available.... new information yet again. It seems to be a try and see approach now with ordering the last of the Defenders. Point of this is not to rant...but to inform anyone who has a Defender on order to check with their dealer ASAP as to whether their orders can be delivered as specified. My dealer had another Keswick green order that was finalized a month or so ago - the dealer admitted that it seems they will have another disappointed customer... Lack of parts, limitation on supplies of options, etc is expected given production is being finalized, but the forward planning and communication from LR OZ to their dealers and indirectly LR customers has been nothing short of atrocious.
On a more positive note, picked up my 90 Adventure during the week - have posted photos in the "Limited Edition" thread.

[Pickles2]

"No more Keswick"?....another first,...haven't heard that one before either!!So when you say that your Dealer has a Keswick order finalized, is that someone elses or can you obtain it?
What spec were you originally after & what is your next step?
Just saw your pics of your Adventure,.....Well at least you've got that!!...So you're going to own two Defenders?
Pickles.

[Rolly]

I too have a Keswick Green on order and so far there have been no issues.
Can't help but wonder if your not being spun a Pork Pie.....Have you tried contacting LandRover U.K with your order number and testing the validity of the dealers claim......seems bloody odd for a manufacturer to have run out of a very popular colour!

[barkingmad]

Keswick Green is now not available....

...as in they've run out of green paint? :eek:

[AndyG]

A whole new meaning to just in time inventory.
Well Burt, how much Green Paint should we order for 2015? Fred, I will let you know once we finish this pre production Range Rover :D

[mattp]

How hard is it to mix up more paint? What happens if you ding your Keswick Green defender? "Sorry sir, we'll have to paint it black, no more green paint you see"

[scarry]

Maybe order one with base primer only then get it done locally.That should confuse the ordering system:D

[AndyG]

How hard is it to mix up more paint? What happens if you ding your Keswick Green defender? "Sorry sir, we'll have to paint it black, no more green paint you see"

Santorini the new Keswick ;)

[Andrew86]

Lack of parts, limitation on supplies of options, etc is expected given production is being finalized

Land Rover might be stopping production of the Defender, but they've committed producing spare parts for the next 15 years. It's not like they only need enough bits and pieces to make these last few cars, I don't understand the problem.

Admittedly, I'm feeling a little nervous about the order I placed a month ago but I've heard nothing to suggest I won't get what I ordered. I might seek reassurance on Monday from my dealer.

[DiscoMick]

Is Keswick a unique colour for Defenders or is it also used on other LRs?

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[Pickles2]

Is Keswick a unique colour for Defenders or is it also used on other LRs?

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app
I have never seen it on anything other than a Defender.
Pickles.

[WakeMeForMeals]

"No more Keswick"?....another first,...haven't heard that one before either!!So when you say that your Dealer has a Keswick order finalized, is that someone elses or can you obtain it?
What spec were you originally after & what is your next step?
Just saw your pics of your Adventure,.....Well at least you've got that!!...So you're going to own two Defenders?
Pickles.

Thanks Pickles. The other order is someone elses. My next step is really to either accept the order they have allocated to me with the specs they have or cancel the order. I have a few days to decide. The dealer has been quite good about it and have themselves followed it up through the chain of command at LR OZ.
I have also approached LR OZ directly as I want them to explain the lack of communication, direction and advice they seemingly have given their dealers, which directly impacts their customers. I just want to see what they have to say on this and what they can do about my order in this situation, although the very nice lady on the call desk who was my first point of contact, after spending a few minutes consulting with someone whilst I was on hold, said "There is nothing that Land Rover can do to help you out" which is not very encouraging. I said to her that I wanted this in writing, after which she gave me a case number and said they normally respond within 48 hours. I called them on Thursday ... lets see what they come back with. .
Don't want to make too big a deal or spend too much time on this ... just interested to hear what they have to say. Again, first world problems but ....

[WakeMeForMeals]

I too have a Keswick Green on order and so far there have been no issues.
Can't help but wonder if your not being spun a Pork Pie.....Have you tried contacting LandRover U.K with your order number and testing the validity of the dealers claim......seems bloody odd for a manufacturer to have run out of a very popular colour!

I would suggest you check with your dealer on this .... there was no communication to my dealer on the unavailability of Keswick Green. We only found out when the dealer tried to input my order and it got rejected in the LR system. I hope you are fortunate in that its a case of LRA not accepting order CHANGES to Keswick Green and are honouring all existing orders with Keswick Green. who knows though ... I don't think LR know themselves!
I haven't contacted LR UK...although I have contacted LR OZ (see my previous post). Don't want to take it any further really ....

[WakeMeForMeals]

Land Rover might be stopping production of the Defender, but they've committed producing spare parts for the next 15 years. It's not like they only need enough bits and pieces to make these last few cars, I don't understand the problem.

Admittedly, I'm feeling a little nervous about the order I placed a month ago but I've heard nothing to suggest I won't get what I ordered. I might seek reassurance on Monday from my dealer.


Thanks Andrew86. Appreciate if you could let us know what the dealer says. Thanks

[Andrew86]

Thanks Andrew86. Appreciate if you could let us know what the dealer says. Thanks

I think my dealer could sense I was a little uneasy so they double checked with LR for me and sent me a screen capture of my order as it stands in the Land Rover system as double reassurance. It's all correct as per my contract, with my build due to commence week ending 11/12/15.

It looks like I might have just scraped in, because it says the last date of order change was 8/10/15 and not 2 weeks before production as I was initially told.

I guess that settles the indecision I've been feeling lately around whether Corris Grey was the right choice, or if Indus Silver would have been better :p

[AndyG]

Regardless, once you got your Defender you will be so choofed, no matter what colour

[Glenpick]

Am getting restless & very envious of all of you who have had recent arrivals - I'm very much looking forward to Feb 16 - no more delays I hope!

Had this badge delivered from the UK - very nice work.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/356.jpg (http://img234.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=669763924_2015_10_1606.56.17_122_81l o.jpg)

[Didge]

That's so cool - how much was it? Will they take orders for anyone or do you have to be ordering a new car?

[Glenpick]

That's so cool - how much was it? Will they take orders for anyone or do you have to be ordering a new car?
About $100 landed on Fleabay

They have huge range to choose from - great quality.

falon-nameplates on eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/usr/falon-nameplates)

[Andrew86]

Thanks Pickles. The other order is someone elses. My next step is really to either accept the order they have allocated to me with the specs they have or cancel the order. I have a few days to decide.

What did you end up deciding?

[AndyG]

Only 1,000 more sleeps (roughly) for the new model :p

Land Rover Defender's production to be extended into 2016 (http://steeringnews.com/land-rover-defender-production-2016-12116/)

So it's an L633 Model and uses Premium Lightweight Architecture (PLA)

And with a smick Ingenium engine

And hopefully a utilitarian body, and suspension, looking good , patience.

[WakeMeForMeals]

What did you end up deciding?
Hi Andrew 86, I was overseas for a few days so have not had much of a chance to follow this up. Still have not heard anything from LROZ Customer Service, who said they would get back to me in 48 hours. I have called a couple of dealers to see if they have anything with my spec and no success. I will keep ringing dealers and see. In the interim, I still have my order with the dealer, albeit a different spec to what I want. Will keep you posted. This is my third Defender order (One Adventure, one Corris Grey which is confirmed and this Keswick green) so at least I will have two Defenders and not feel too greedy if the third is not possible. Although, the Keswick Green is the one that I was most looking forward to! Again, first world problems!

[loneranger]

Hi Andrew 86, I was overseas for a few days so have not had much of a chance to follow this up. Still have not heard anything from LROZ Customer Service, who said they would get back to me in 48 hours. I have called a couple of dealers to see if they have anything with my spec and no success. I will keep ringing dealers and see. In the interim, I still have my order with the dealer, albeit a different spec to what I want. Will keep you posted. This is my third Defender order (One Adventure, one Corris Grey which is confirmed and this Keswick green) so at least I will have two Defenders and not feel too greedy if the third is not possible. Although, the Keswick Green is the one that I was most looking forward to! Again, first world problems!

Is the Keswick a 90 as well. Have you thought you may have been better off with one 130 :p

[Tombie]

Vehicles are batch painted. Once they have programmed the batch run, which is thousands of litres of paint they will not run a single vehicle etc run...

It's likely that if your vehicle has missed the batch run for a certain colour you may be out of luck...

[jon3950]

Vehicles are batch painted. Once they have programmed the batch run, which is thousands of litres of paint they will not run a single vehicle etc run...

It's likely that if your vehicle has missed the batch run for a certain colour you may be out of luck...

Don't know how its done on the Defender line (probably by hand using a brush) but on the Disco and RR lines they are actually painted individually to according to the build order. This surprised me as I expected to see them painted in batches, as you say. The guns can change colour between each vehicle and are cleaned in seconds.

It is amazing to see all different engines, bodies and interiors all come down the line and just slot in to the right place. Obviously the order is programmed well in advance. An amazing feat of production engineering and logistics.

If you ever get the chance to visit Solihull, do it, you'd love it.

Cheers,
Jon

[WakeMeForMeals]

Is the Keswick a 90 as well. Have you thought you may have been better off with one 130 :p
Yes, the Keswick is (or likely "was") a 90. I love the 90 - was looking to drive the cars myself .. at worst, I was looking to compare the three when they are physically with me and sell the one I least want to be in. Probably better with the 130 thinking logically and objectively but went with emotions ... having one of the last ones built is what is important to me .. hence harder to get the car I want .. my build was a 90 Keswick with the brown full leather pack, cold climate pack, sunhatch, heated seats, white roof, white steel wheels ... was to be built Dec 15 and delivered Feb/March 16 as a MY16.

[Pickles2]

Yes, the Keswick is (or likely "was") a 90. I love the 90 - was looking to drive the cars myself .. at worst, I was looking to compare the three when they are physically with me and sell the one I least want to be in. Probably better with the 130 thinking logically and objectively but went with emotions ... having one of the last ones built is what is important to me .. hence harder to get the car I want .. my build was a 90 Keswick with the brown full leather pack, cold climate pack, sunhatch, heated seats, white roof, white steel wheels ... was to be built Dec 15 and delivered Feb/March 16 as a MY16.
I'm still not clear what you're going to end up with, or what you would like to end up with??!
So, this time next year, when all this is "over & done", what Defenders will be in your "corral", and what will their build/options have been?
Pickles.

[YOLO110]

Vehicles are batch painted. Once they have programmed the batch run, which is thousands of litres of paint they will not run a single vehicle etc run...

It's likely that if your vehicle has missed the batch run for a certain colour you may be out of luck...

Not convinced of that Tombie!

When I went on the factory tour in May this year, we were shown that all Landrover models from RRS to LRD go through the same paint processes on the same line. They were also coming off the line in all different colours at once, certainly not in batches of lots of cars... It was a bit like a coffee/tea machine at the airport, able to make all different types of hot drink one after the other! :D

[Andrew86]

This is my third Defender order (One Adventure, one Corris Grey which is confirmed and this Keswick green) so at least I will have two Defenders and not feel too greedy if the third is not possible.

You've got three on order?! Sorry but my sympathy just ran out :p

[Tombie]

Not convinced of that Tombie!

When I went on the factory tour in May this year, we were shown that all Landrover models from RRS to LRD go through the same paint processes on the same line. They were also coming off the line in all different colours at once, certainly not in batches of lots of cars... It was a bit like a coffee/tea machine at the airport, able to make all different types of hot drink one after the other! :D

Ah.. They're using that system now :cool: Wonder how long they've been using that.

Thats a great set up.. Interestingly, if you go to a panel shop you'll find that for each vehicle colour there are usually multiple codes...
This is because the pigment in several manufacturers who paint like that gets just a little from the last colour - A Suzuki colour for example offers 4 versions - complete, red, blue, yellow - all for a Grey shade!!!

I wonder if they are just trying to keep the Keswick a little exclusive / control its numbers :cool:;)

[cuppabillytea]

You've got three on order?! Sorry but my sympathy just ran out :p
I was in the dealers recently looking at a Rangie for the Missus. The sales person told us that they had just sold a Defender to a 12 year old boy. It is to be kept in Moth Balls until he has a Licence.

[jon3950]

Ah.. They're using that system now :cool: Wonder how long they've been using that.


They were using it on the RR line when I went there in 2004. From what I gathered at the time the L322 was a bit of a revolution for their processes.

They were certainly very proud of it at the time, but wouldn't let us anywhere near the Disco2 or Defender lines. They seemed quite embarassed about the Defender line, a bit different to now.

Cheers,
Jon

[jon3950]

I wonder if they are just trying to keep the Keswick a little exclusive / control its numbers :cool:;)

It's already very exclusive :cool: :cool: :cool:

[Andrew86]

The sales person told us that they had just sold a Defender to a 12 year old boy.

Given 12 year-olds don't have legal capacity to sign contracts, I'm guessing there was some parental involvement too. That'll be a very cool thing for that kid to look forward to though :)

[AndyG]

Little twerp, i dont like him already :D

[juddy]

I was talking to a chap the other day, he's, got 3 special editions.

Another chap said his new Heritage was going in the aircraft hanger for a few years then selling it on to make a profit. ( cant see that happening )

[WakeMeForMeals]

You've got three on order?! Sorry but my sympathy just ran out :p

Haha ... I'm not greedy, I promise! just love the Defy!

[WakeMeForMeals]

I'm still not clear what you're going to end up with, or what you would like to end up with??!
So, this time next year, when all this is "over & done", what Defenders will be in your "corral", and what will their build/options have been?
Pickles.
I'm not surprised you're confused! Others get lost with what I do with my cars. In fact, the more confusing it is, the better it is so my wife has no idea what she is complaining about :)
With the hope that my wife will not read this, I have the following 90's either with me or ordered..
1) 90 Adventure, Phoenix Orange, with sun hatch, cold climate pack and side runners, dark tinted windows - driving this now and thoroughly enjoying it!
2) 90, Corris Grey, Black Pack, Black side runners, Red full leather pack, sun hatch, cold climate pack, dark tinted windows - confirmed to be produced in 12/15 and delivered Feb or March 2016
3) 90, Keswick Green, brown full leather pack, cold climate pack, sun hatch, white roof, white steel wheels ... was to be built Dec 15 and delivered Feb/March 16 as a MY16. This is the order that cannot be delivered.
So, I am hoping I can get a car with a similar build as (3) above ... Clear as mud?

[Andrew86]

Another chap said his new Heritage was going in the aircraft hanger for a few years then selling it on to make a profit. ( cant see that happening )

Grrr, that really irks me. For every car mothballed in a hanger, there's someone who missed out on the opportunity to own and love one :mad:

[Avion8]

Grrr, that really irks me. For every car mothballed in a hanger, there's someone who missed out on the opportunity to own and love one :mad:

Irks me too as they are so nice to drive. Mine even got caught in quite a significant thunderstorm on Sunday, luckily heavy rain & no hail - amazingly it stayed dry inside! Here he is with his older brother which would have needed bailing out in similar circumstances:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/12/489.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1030188_zpsy2iqhmhd.jpg.html)

[MrLandy]

Oh the first world problems of the Defender elite! ...I can't get my preferred colour at the last minute to go with my leopard skin couch! Tantrum! :Rolling:

It's an addictive love that's for sure! I'd have a Heritage 90 if I had the moolah too. But I certainly wouldn't be complaining if one of my three! new vehicle orders was not in the colour I wanted!

Only in the land of nod.

[Andrew86]

Here he is with his older brother which would have needed bailing out in similar circumstances

She blends in well with the shed! It took me a while to spot it ;)

[WakeMeForMeals]

Oh the first world problems of the Defender elite! ...I can't get my preferred colour at the last minute to go with my leopard skin couch! Tantrum! :Rolling:

It's an addictive love that's for sure! I'd have a Heritage 90 if I had the moolah too. But I certainly wouldn't be complaining if one of my three! new vehicle orders was not in the colour I wanted!

Only in the land of nod.
Actually, my posts were not intended to be complaints or rants at all... I just wanted to share my experience and hopefully help someone who may have been impacted by these last minute unanticipated changes to end of production specs... this is a great forum to share information and help each other out ... I have learnt a lot from it - hopefully, my posts have helped rather than appeared as mere rants.
With regards to "leopard skin couches" , I am actually a vegetarian so no chance of me having these!

[JDNSW]

......
With regards to "leopard skin couches" , I am actually a vegetarian so no chance of me having these!

Who eats leopards? I thought they were killed either for protection of locals or as trophies (apart from the fact that 99% of the leopard skin couches today come from petrochemical plants not African safaris!).

John

[loneranger]

Grrr, that really irks me. For every car mothballed in a hanger, there's someone who missed out on the opportunity to own and love one :mad:

We were told by our dealer that 1 person bought 6 of the Heritages to add to his collection and as he buys a lot of cars it was allowed. It was in another state.

Sent from my SM-G920I using AULRO mobile app

[Avion8]

She blends in well with the shed! It took me a while to spot it ;)

It is very similar to colourbond river gum, blends in even better with the house as that is river gum & a light cream, now find the Land Rover:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/113.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1030168_zpsmsph6k5y.jpg.html)

[cuppabillytea]

Little twerp, i dont like him already :D
He'l be one of us soon enough Andy. With that sort of dedication, I'll bet he'l be one of your favourites. :D

[cuppabillytea]

Actually, my posts were not intended to be complaints or rants at all... I just wanted to share my experience and hopefully help someone who may have been impacted by these last minute unanticipated changes to end of production specs... this is a great forum to share information and help each other out ... I have learnt a lot from it - hopefully, my posts have helped rather than appeared as mere rants.
With regards to "leopard skin couches" , I am actually a vegetarian so no chance of me having these!
Don't worry about MrLandy. His Indus is any colour he wants it to be. It's the quantity he's jealous of. He can probably only afford Leopard skin Jocks.

[loneranger]

Actually, my posts were not intended to be complaints or rants at all... I just wanted to share my experience and hopefully help someone who may have been impacted by these last minute unanticipated changes to end of production specs... this is a great forum to share information and help each other out ... I have learnt a lot from it - hopefully, my posts have helped rather than appeared as mere rants.
With regards to "leopard skin couches" , I am actually a vegetarian so no chance of me having these!

Its okay some people can't understand wanting to own more than 1 Defender. I have a choice of a 90 or 110 any time I want to drive. Both bought new last year so don't worry about it. Enjoy the drive and keep collecting them :D

[cuppabillytea]

Its okay some people can't understand wanting to own more than 1 Defender. I have a choice of a 90 or 110 any time I want to drive. Both bought new last year so don't worry about it. Enjoy the drive and keep collecting them :D
Who gets to choose, you or Pocket Rocket? :wasntme:

[MrLandy]

Yeah :Rolling::Rolling:...and you should see me in my colourbond 'river gum' mankini quaffing leopard burgers and dreaming of a Heritage Defender. Infact I'm so freaked out that I don't have six of them that I'm thinking of covering my Indus Landy with 'river gum' coro. No one will notice will they?

[cuppabillytea]

Yeah :Rolling::Rolling:...and you should see me in my colourbond 'river gum' mankini quaffing leopard burgers and dreaming of a Heritage Defender. Infact I'm so freaked out that I don't have six of them that I'm thinking of covering my Indus Landy with 'river gum' coro. No one will notice will they?
Can't wait to see that mod. Be careful LR might pinch your idea. :p

[loneranger]

Who gets to choose, you or Pocket Rocket? :wasntme:


Me I think :angel:

[juddy]

We were told by our dealer that 1 person bought 6 of the Heritages to add to his collection and as he buys a lot of cars it was allowed. It was in another state.

Sent from my SM-G920I using AULRO mobile app

Jesus six is a fair few when theres so few to go around, did not this type of thing Happen in the UK, people trying to buy from different dealers, and LRUK caught on?

[loneranger]

Jesus six is a fair few when theres so few to go around, did not this type of thing Happen in the UK, people trying to buy from different dealers, and LRUK caught on?

Apparently it was allowed because he was a big money spender on other much more expensive vehicles.

[Pickles2]

I'm not surprised you're confused! Others get lost with what I do with my cars. In fact, the more confusing it is, the better it is so my wife has no idea what she is complaining about :)
With the hope that my wife will not read this, I have the following 90's either with me or ordered..
1) 90 Adventure, Phoenix Orange, with sun hatch, cold climate pack and side runners, dark tinted windows - driving this now and thoroughly enjoying it!
2) 90, Corris Grey, Black Pack, Black side runners, Red full leather pack, sun hatch, cold climate pack, dark tinted windows - confirmed to be produced in 12/15 and delivered Feb or March 2016
3) 90, Keswick Green, brown full leather pack, cold climate pack, sun hatch, white roof, white steel wheels ... was to be built Dec 15 and delivered Feb/March 16 as a MY16. This is the order that cannot be delivered.
So, I am hoping I can get a car with a similar build as (3) above ... Clear as mud?
No worries, I get it now, 1 in hand, 1 to be built, & 1 you would "like" to be built!!
Unit 3 looks like it would've been a good one too.....but of course with keswick, I'm biased!!.....Any news on this one, & are you trying other Dealers,...there's a couple of keswick 90s on Carsales, but probably not with the brown Premium seats.
Pickles.

[MrLandy]

So what's the consensus on a limited edition Defender being a good financial investment for the future? It's like collecting anything, there are various motivations, some financial and some just for passion, which is totally understandable in this context 😊. But is there a general pragmatic sense as to how much Defender and Series vehicle values might rise? Or is this too subjective?

[tonyf]

So what's the consensus on a limited edition Defender being a good financial investment for the future? It's like collecting anything, there are various motivations, some financial and some just for passion, which is totally understandable in this context 😊. But is there a general pragmatic sense as to how much Defender and Series vehicle values might rise? Or is this too subjective?

For me, I would not pay for anything, more than I value it for myself. It would be nice if the Limited Editions held their value and justified the extra we are paying for them, but my intention is to keep the vehicle and pass it on to my grandson.

I few months ago my dealer told me that another interested party would pay $80,000 for my Heritage 90. Some of my friends felt that I should take it up. But I want that vehicle more than another that I could buy for $80,000 anyway.

[juddy]

Theres no way any of these limited Editions will be worth more than what people pay for them. ( Maybe the odd buyer in the next few months who will be happy to pay someone with 3 or 4 another 10 grand over and above RRP ) They may hold more value than standard editions, but theres less 130's around so you could say they may become more sought after.

Then theres normal Defenders that people change to there own taste, these are really one offs, so far more rare than a 2500 run plus of a Heritage.

The SVX tends to keep its value, but theres a fair few out there that have not been treated well, yet there owners still think there worth 55K++.

Only the market will dictate what values will be in the future.

[Andrew86]

So what's the consensus on a limited edition Defender being a good financial investment for the future?

Defenders have always held their value well and I think the limited editions will be no different. The Heritage 90 is the closest representation of the original HUE166, so will probably be the better choice for 'investment purposes'. I don't think we'll see any significant appreciation in values in the near term though.

To be honest, there are far better and easier ways to make money than buying and storing several tonnes of steel and aluminium though. I've got no problem with collectors, it's the people who have no interest in the product who only see a quick dollar to be made that I disagree with. No one around here falls into that category :)

[LouisW]

I was in the dealers recently looking at a Rangie for the Missus. The sales person told us that they had just sold a Defender to a 12 year old boy. It is to be kept in Moth Balls until he has a Licence.

Smart move if I had a son I would do exactly the same

[DiscoMick]

For me, I would not pay for anything, more than I value it for myself. It would be nice if the Limited Editions held their value and justified the extra we are paying for them, but my intention is to keep the vehicle and pass it on to my grandson.

I few months ago my dealer told me that another interested party would pay $80,000 for my Heritage 90. Some of my friends felt that I should take it up. But I want that vehicle more than another that I could buy for $80,000 anyway.
You could buy a standard one for about $50k or so, add some accessories and still be better off.


I imagine they'll hold their value for a whole, then fall for maybe 20 years and then start to rise again because of rarity.

[juddy]

you could buy a year old one spend on it and still save $$$$$$$$.

I wonder if the $138000 Autobiography will hold its money.

AU Prices

Land Rover Defender Limited Edition pricing (plus on-road costs):

90 Heritage Edition ? $54,900
90 Adventure Edition ? $61,896
110 Heritage Edition ? $59,900
110 Adventure Edition ? $68,510

[Avion8]

So what's the consensus on a limited edition Defender being a good financial investment for the future? It's like collecting anything, there are various motivations, some financial and some just for passion, which is totally understandable in this context 😊. But is there a general pragmatic sense as to how much Defender and Series vehicle values might rise? Or is this too subjective?

I bought mine because I liked it & it is an improvement on the Series 1 which I will also keep. This is probably the last new Land Rover I will purchase - unless the new Defender is something special & I know it will last me the next 20 years or so of my driving career., & will then be handed over to one of my 4 children or one of the grand kids. Mine seems to be the only 90 in WA so just maybe a little different.

[tact]

I was in the dealers recently looking at a Rangie for the Missus. The sales person told us that they had just sold a Defender to a 12 year old boy. It is to be kept in Moth Balls until he has a Licence.

Hehe... Two yrs ago I bought a new TDCi dual cab for my son, then 5yo!

But it's not going into mothballs! Am making sure it's well worn by the time he can drive it!

[cuppabillytea]

Smart move if I had a son I would do exactly the same
You were the first one to pop into my mind whilst she was telling that story. The Kid in question is up the northern beaches somewhere.

[cuppabillytea]

Hehe... Two yrs ago I bought a new TDCi dual cab for my son, then 5yo!

But it's not going into mothballs! Am making sure it's well worn by the time he can drive it!
HeHe......Ditto. ;) Except mine's a seven seat wagon.

[Didge]

Who wants a Series 3? No one? Not surprising if you've got a new Defender (or an old one). So when the new Defender replacement comes out, my bet is no one will want the current one.

[LouisW]

You were the first one to pop into my mind whilst she was telling that story. The Kid in question is up the northern beaches somewhere.

Don't know who that may be but the a chap round the corner from me bought a new 110 and 90

[Pickles2]

Who wants a Series 3? No one? Not surprising if you've got a new Defender (or an old one). So when the new Defender replacement comes out, my bet is no one will want the current one.
You make a valid point.
My own thoughts are that a good Defender will always hold its value well, relative to other vehicles.
However, how well, particularly the later models, could be influenced, IMHO, by what type of vehicle the "New" Defender turns out to be.
Pickles.

[Andrew86]

Who wants a Series 3? No one? Not surprising if you've got a new Defender (or an old one). So when the new Defender replacement comes out, my bet is no one will want the current one.

I'm not sure I agree with that. The current Defender is as good as the car as we know it is ever going to get. Decades of iterations and improvements to the iconic Defender shape and underpinnings have resulted in a car that's more comfortable, capable and usable than ever and there's never going to be a "new" model that improves on that timeless formula. There will be a safer, more refined "Defender" replacement released in 2018-19 that complies with modern safety and emissions standards, but it'll be a totally fresh start for the line.

I think all Series/Defenders are desirable, but I think there's something special about the last of the breed.

[Avion8]

I'm not sure I agree with that. The current Defender is as good as the car as we know it is ever going to get. Decades of iterations and improvements to the iconic Defender shape and underpinnings have resulted in a car that's more comfortable, capable and usable than ever and there's never going to be a "new" model that improves on that timeless formula. There will be a safer, more refined "Defender" replacement released in 2018-19 that complies with modern safety and emissions standards, but it'll be a totally fresh start for the line.

I think all Series/Defenders are desirable, but I think there's something special about the last of the breed.

I agree with you Andrew, and if you follow the Classic Land Rover magazine, plenty people still like their Series 3's & they were an improvement over the Series 1's, in terms of ride & usability. I also believe that there will always be a strong following for the Defender. We had to take our 90 in for side steps & tow bar installation yesterday & were given a new (600kms) Discovery 4, which although nice to drive didn't put a smile on my face like the Heritage does. It was brilliant, but not memorable. Hope Land Rover can make the new Defender brilliant & memorable, could be the wife's next car!:)

[DiscoMick]

I assume the new Defender will be more advanced but I expect it will take time to win over those of us who like it as is. However there aren't enough of us buying it to make the cost of designing a new one viable so it will have to attract maybe four times as many buyers and they may want a different type of vehicle.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[Didge]

Hi guys, I thought the hornets nest might become agitated. Don't get me wrong - I'm driving a 96 Tdi 110 and love her to bits but I think a 2015 might be a more than a tad nicer to drive both off road and especially on road (I'd have one tomorrow if I could justify it financially but I wouldn't borrow money to buy a series or county even in good condition). If the series models were still being produced concurrently with the latest Defenders, who would buy one to use as a daily driver instead of the Defender? My bet is no one. IF (and it's a big one) the Defender replacement is as good as its touted to be and is the toughest yet and far superior to the existing Defender and the design appeases the Defender tragics (and that's the premise of my original point) I expect the current Defender to go the same way as the Series or County's have now; into the history books. People will generally accept and appreciate the new technology cos its an improvement and once they've won over the Defender diehards, the rest is history.
Andrew86, I don't know about the Defender being as good a car as we know its ever going to be - I've read about more faults with the late model cars than I can believe - diffs letting go at 70,000km, electrical faults, etc, etc so I suspect there are more than a few improvements JLR can make, and yes I know it happens with other brands as well. I'm hoping we get the Defender replacement that we want and without faults :)

[MrLandy]

Obviously if the next Defender "is the toughest yet and far superior to the existing Defender", it may go like hotcakes. But, most of us here would say the Defenders we own are better than anything else on the market, and they haven't exactly gone like hotcakes.

...this obsession with selling to the mass market as the reason-for-being just doesn't cut it for me. What's wrong with the best vehicle for purpose being a small market segment? A rare gem? A bespoke object? A design marvel?

The way Land Rover are currently going is that all new models look almost identical and are all aimed at the city based luxury aspirational market, which they've clearly identified as the growth/mass market. This is not the Defender market. If the new Defender is aimed at this market, it will be a Defender in name only.

[Pickles2]

Obviously if the next Defender "is the toughest yet and far superior to the existing Defender", it may go like hotcakes. But, most of us here would say the Defenders we own are better than anything else on the market, and they haven't exactly gone like hotcakes.

...this obsession with selling to the mass market as the reason-for-being just doesn't cut it for me. What's wrong with the best vehicle for purpose being a small market segment? A rare gem? A bespoke object? A design marvel?

The way Land Rover are currently going is that all new models look almost identical and are all aimed at the city based luxury aspirational market, which they've clearly identified as the growth/mass market. This is not the Defender market. If the new Defender is aimed at this market, it will be a Defender in name only.
"Small Market Segment"?......Well that's the secret isn't it, the "New Defender" has to appeal to much more than that.
Pickles.

[DiscoMick]

Safety and emissions rules will largely determine what kind of vehicle it is. It has to pass to sell in all markets, so that means it has to meet the latest and likely future safety standards, so that dictates the body design, plus it has to be very clean. The new LR engines meet the emissions standards, so there's the engines sorted. The body has to crumple to absorb impacts so that rules out the current body and determines the basic structure of the new one. After all that is in place, all that's left to decide is appearance items.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[MrLandy]

"Small Market Segment"?......Well that's the secret isn't it, the "New Defender" has to appeal to much more than that.
Pickles.

Why?

[MrLandy]

Safety and emissions rules will largely determine what kind of vehicle it is. It has to pass to sell in all markets, so that means it has to meet the latest and likely future safety standards, so that dictates the body design, plus it has to be very clean. The new LR engines meet the emissions standards, so there's the engines sorted. The body has to crumple to absorb impacts so that rules out the current body and determines the basic structure of the new one. After all that is in place, all that's left to decide is appearance items.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

A new body that crumples could be designed to the exact same proportions of the old one.

[DiscoMick]

But not built the same way.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[JDNSW]

Why?

Because the design, tooling, and certification costs have to be amortised over a sufficiently large volume that it can be sold at a price that will sell.

The existing Defender has for nearly seventy years used largely existing designs for most of the vehicle - even more than that if you consider the Series gearbox was first sold in 1932.

The increasing stringency of design rules has made it essential to completely redesign the vehicle - although one way of reducing this cost is to make a lot of use of existing designs, and hence the probability of using the Disc 3/4 platform. The problem with this approach is they have to steer between producing a design that is (obviously) the same design with cosmetic changes, and making so many changes that would have been less cost to have started from a clean sheet!

And I think that the reason for the successive postponements of the end of production, and uncertainty about what will replace it is that Land Rover have had trouble deciding just what to do.

John

[Tombie]

Bespoke? Like Bugatti, Ferrari etc? A limited amount made so expensive no one would buy one?

Your arguments go around in circles.

It should stay the same, it's should be rugged, it should be affordable, it should be bespoke, it should be low volume....

[Tombie]

The current defender is unique - only because it is a dinosaur in a digital age.

If someone had tried to release that design onto the market even 10 years ago they would have been laughed out of existence..

It's only selling in volume now because it is a modern dinosaur and will soon become extinct.

I've had one - loved it - Emma has a 90 - we love it too...

The end of an era, and the birth of a new model line is not a bad thing - sometimes we need to cherish the past but embrace the future.

If you choose to hold onto your little slice of the past; that's a great thing too... We all love the classics, the memories they invoke etc...

I've enjoyed every single vehicle I've ever owned.. Including the newest versions.

Time will tell if the new one is a success - and I'm betting it will be... In its own right...

I can do everything I want offroad and on in a D4/3/2 and go exactly where the Defender was taken... Technology is not a boundary to adventure, nor are a few curves or composite materials. After all - the original LR was a composite of Alloys and Steel [emoji41]

[MrLandy]

Bespoke? Like Bugatti, Ferrari etc? A limited amount made so expensive no one would buy one?

Your arguments go around in circles.

It should stay the same, it's should be rugged, it should be affordable, it should be bespoke, it should be low volume....

Loving the banter Tombie 😊 ...If a 2015 hand-made Defender is $50,000, surely a new model, using mass production techniques might still come in under $80,000 (the price of pretty much any other large 4WD) even if the volumes sold are not as great as more mainstream vehicles.

[MrLandy]

The current defender is unique - only because it is a dinosaur in a digital age.
rubbish, it's because it is an extraordinary design in its own right
If someone had tried to release that design onto the market even 10 years ago they would have been laughed out of existence..
defenders have been laughed out of existence unsuccessfully for decades!
It's only selling in volume now because it is a modern dinosaur and will soon become extinct.

I've had one - loved it - Emma has a 90 - we love it too...

The end of an era, and the birth of a new model line is not a bad thing - sometimes we need to cherish the past but embrace the future.
yes totally agree, but not by rejecting the essence of great design in favour of homogenisation.
If you choose to hold onto your little slice of the past; that's a great thing too... We all love the classics, the memories they invoke etc...

I've enjoyed every single vehicle I've ever owned.. Including the newest versions.

Time will tell if the new one is a success - and I'm betting it will be... In its own right...
it depends on your definition of success; great design? Or high profit?
I can do everything I want offroad and on in a D4/3/2 and go exactly where the Defender was taken... Technology is not a boundary to adventure, nor are a few curves or composite materials. After all - the original LR was a composite of Alloys and Steel [emoji41]

i like your optimism but I'm yet to be convinced about disco durability

[Andrew86]

Andrew86, I don't know about the Defender being as good a car as we know its ever going to be - I've read about more faults with the late model cars than I can believe - diffs letting go at 70,000km, electrical faults, etc, etc so I suspect there are more than a few improvements JLR can make

I didn't mean the current car was perfect, it isn't, but there aren't going to be any more improvements made to the Defender as we know it today. It's as good as it's ever going to get because there isn't going to be another revision or update.

I'm confident the new Defender will be fantastic and I can't wait to see what JLR comes up with. I don't think many people will consider the older cars redundant when it arrives though.

The Defender is as iconic as the 911, it'll never truly be replaced.

[Landybitz]

I would hope Land Rover make a decent Defender replacement, and I am sure the target market is those who buy other brands, would be foolish to aim the new Defender to the die hard few who love to drive a tractor like 4wd, times have changed and the Defender must move on, volume sales are what they need to make it happen, a return to the USA is a must, and a Defender that as all the bells and whistle's as a Range Rover Sport will satisfy most buyers, just by calling it a Defender will be a enough to generate sales.

That said they do need a base version, Toyota. Ford. VW etc all do the same so hopefully Land Rover Will.

[DiscoMick]

They've said they want to beat the Hilux, so that means single and dual cabs, and there will have to be a wagon, maybe an extended wheelbase and probably a military version. The aluminium Disco platform is ready to use. It has to meet all crash standards so that means crumple zones and airbags. JLR already has the new Ingenium 2.0-2.5 engines and it could drop in the 3.0TDV6. The ZF transmissions are in place. I assume it will get the LR corporate front end. That just leaves decisions about the suspension and styling. How hard can it be?

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[MrLandy]

I would hope Land Rover make a decent Defender replacement, and I am sure the target market is those who buy other brands, would be foolish to aim the new Defender to the die hard few who love to drive a tractor like 4wd, times have changed and the Defender must move on, volume sales are what they need to make it happen, a return to the USA is a must, and a Defender that as all the bells and whistle's as a Range Rover Sport will satisfy most buyers, just by calling it a Defender will be a enough to generate sales.

That said they do need a base version, Toyota. Ford. VW etc all do the same so hopefully Land Rover Will.

Actually we don't yet have any comparison. Neither Ford nor VW make a full size heavy duty 4WD. And Toyota are yet to reveal their 75 series replacement. So no one is currently filling this market segment with a new model.

[MrLandy]

They've said they want to beat the Hilux, so that means single and dual cabs, and there will have to be a wagon, maybe an extended wheelbase and probably a military version. The aluminium Disco platform is ready to use. It has to meet all crash standards so that means crumple zones and airbags. JLR already has the new Ingenium 2.0-2.5 engines and it could drop in the 3.0TDV6. The ZF transmissions are in place. I assume it will get the LR corporate front end. That just leaves decisions about the suspension and styling. How hard can it be?

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

There's no chance they will beat hilux and there are too many players in that market already (by the way, those all have ladder frame chassis and meet crash regs). ...They should be trying to beat Land Cruiser.

[Defender Ben]

Hey guys and girls so I called my Land Rover dealer I purchased the car through to confirm my car was as I wanted it and the salesman told me the factory was adding options to all of the last vehicles to clear the parts and all of his cars were getting a free sun roof and possibly more which he didn't know what, if any. How cool is that! Not that it makes much difference to mine because I ordered the expedition rack so not sure if it will be able to be opened anyway but I thought to score anything free out of a car maker was a touch lucky!


So much so I went out and bought a lotto ticket to cash in on my new found luck and won a huge amount of stuff all lol! Has anyone else scored anything they didn't order when they received their defender?

[Andrew86]

Hey guys and girls so I called my Land Rover dealer I purchased the car through to confirm my car was as I wanted it and the salesman told me the factory was adding options to all of the last vehicles to clear the parts and all of his cars were getting a free sun roof and possibly more which he didn't know what, if any. How cool is that!

I don't think I want a sunroof. I'll take a roof rack or something (that I can remove) but I don't see how Land Rover can go cutting holes in people's roofs without asking them first.

I don't really understand why LR would be under pressure to get rid of parts. They have to keep a stock of spares for the next 15 years anyway.

[Defender Ben]

I don't think I want a sunroof. I'll take a roof rack or something (that I can remove) but I don't see how Land Rover can go cutting holes in people's roofs without asking them first.

I don't really understand why LR would be under pressure to get rid of parts. They have to keep a stock of spares for the next 15 years anyway.



I did think the same thing Andrew but maybe my lack of objection was good enough answer for him not sure. He did say though it was only for factory fitted options because I said if he wanted to get rid of a bulbar and winch on my vehicle that I would have no objections! I would be not happy if they sent me red leather seats when I ordered partial black though so not too sure how it all works...

[cuppabillytea]

I've got a sun roof. I hardly ever open it. It adds to the green house effect in the car, which is OK for three months of the year. On the plus side, its nice to look up through it sometimes.

[mattp]

If it's a removable extra then it's fine, I wouldn't mind mats or sidesteps, but I would be unimpressed if they 'upgraded' anything without checking with me. Maybe I should ask for a refund on my sunroof if they're throwing them in for free 😉

[DiscoMick]

Sun roofs leak and the dust jams their opening mechanism, as I know from personal experience, so I'd pass on one.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

[Didge]

Sun roofs only leak because the draings get blocked - hose them out occasionally and you won't have a problem.

[Orkney 90]

I don't really understand why LR would be under pressure to get rid of parts. They have to keep a stock of spares for the next 15 years anyway.

I think the sun roof is classed as an "accessory". I am not sure whether the 15 years spare parts rule includes accessory items as well.

[MrLandy]

There will be a market opening (pardon the pun) for sunroof blanks in the near future.

[cuppabillytea]

I'm with you there MrLandy.

[AndyG]

They may be getting rid of excess stock, not 100%. If they estimate they need 15 spares and they have 19, 4 must go. The cost of warehousing can be significant

[LouisW]

I've got a sun roof. I hardly ever open it. It adds to the green house effect in the car, which is OK for three months of the year. On the plus side, its nice to look up through it sometimes.

agree; I opted for one waste of time and money

[Avion8]

French Top Gear tribute to the Defender - just the trailer but nice Heritage:

Top Gear France - Episode 2/11 : La rel've du Defender (http://www.programme.tv/c15744879-top-gear-france/episode-2-11-la-releve-du-defender-100393620/#videos)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Final days run,
Final Defender set for January 29 | LRO.com UK (http://www.lro.com/news/land-rover/1601/final-defender-set-for-january-29/)

[The ho har's]

For everyone in S.E.Qld....

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/slow-trips/231264-160129-qld-defender-wake-rip-defender.html

Mrs hh:angel:

[Xtreme]

For every SLOW Member in S.E.Qld....

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/slow-trips/231264-160129-qld-defender-wake-rip-defender.html

Mrs hh:angel:
I've corrected it for you Caroline as non members don't have permission to access the link. :(

[The ho har's]

I've corrected it for you Caroline as non members don't have permission to access the link. :(

OK Sunshine Coast club are hosting it..

Hi all AULRO group,

This Friday at approximately 7:30 PM Queensland time an historic moment will occur at Land Rover Solihull. The last Defender will be built, ending a line of 68 years of production.

A few Sunshine Coast Land Rover club members decided that this event can not go unnoticed and we have decided to mark the demise by holding a wake. We will gather at the exact time that the production ceases of the last Defender and celebrate the passing of an icon.

Details of the event.

We will be doing a BBQ sausage sizzle as well as finger food and snacks. This is a joint event with British Off Road and The Sunshine Coast Land Rover Owners Club. We hope to have at least one or two models present through the years, Series 1 , 2 , 2A , s3 as well as the different variants of Defenders.

Who can come?: Open to any owners or in fact anyone with an interest in Land Rovers whether you have a Series, Defender, Discovery, Range Rover or Freelander as they all were ultimately spawned from the Land Rover.
Where: British Off Road forest Glen, Queensland.
When : From 6.00 pm until around 8.00 pm. Friday 29th Jan. ( Please try and come early as we would like some photos in daylight.)
What to bring BYO drinks.
Dress: Black for mourning.
Cost: This is a free event.

If you are keen to come please let me or Derek know by Thursday for catering purposes. Brian: brianwolthers@gmail.com Derek: barcrest4044@bigpond.com

Brian Wolthers
President
Sunshine Coast Land Rover Owners Club inc

[Xtreme]

Thanks Brian and apologies for getting the club wrong.
Congratulations on you and your team for making it happen. If I was a bit closer I'd be sure to attend.
Hope it goes well. ;)

[MrLandy]

Great idea, what a celebration! If only I was in QLD :(

Saw my first Heritage 90 in the flesh today, stunning! Grasmere is a spectacular colour. Well done to all who have snapped them up. I hope you have one there for Friday eve. Best wishes to all.

[The ho har's]

Great idea, what a celebration! If only I was in QLD :(

Saw my first Heritage 90 in the flesh today, stunning! Grasmere is a spectacular colour. Well done to all who have snapped them up. I hope you have one there for Friday eve. Best wishes to all.


You can it is only Wednesday, leave tomorrow morn and you will be here:D

You can stay with our Land Rovers;) In fact any one is welcome to say if they feel the need to come up or down for the wake:)

Mrs hh:angel:

[MrLandy]

You can it is only Wednesday, leave tomorrow morn and you will be here:D

You can stay with our Land Rovers;) In fact any one is welcome to say if they feel the need to come up or down for the wake:)

Mrs hh:angel:

...if only! Thanks for your generous offer :)

[YOLO110]

I have seen this lovely Heritage 90 parked in the same place in Perth over a few days... :cool::cool:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/114.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/qeqae1jdn/full/)


Neat licence plate... It must be the ONLY other 90 Heritage in WA, correct Nigel?

Anyone on here! I will be 'local' to you in a couple of months!

Cheers, Peter.

[Avion8]

I have seen this lovely Heritage 90 parked in the same place in Perth over a few days... :cool::cool:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/114.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/qeqae1jdn/full/)


Neat licence plate... It must be the ONLY other 90 Heritage in WA, correct Nigel?

Anyone on here! I will be 'local' to you in a couple of months!

Cheers, Peter.

That looks nice Pete, & I believe that would be the only other Heritage 90 in WA. Like the rego.Would really have liked to make this celebration as well, but alas too far.

Cheers Nigel

[juddy]

Looks like the last 6 are going to people who were involved in the project with the last ever one going to Gaydon ( So they Say )

Interesting to see its a 90 soft-Top in the Heritage style.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/107.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%207.06.08%20am_zpsfpyz4r0g.png.html)

[Dark61]

[bigsad]

[seaweed]

Fantastic photo. Many thanks.

[Pickles2]

Yes, today's the day,..was gonna post another thread but this will do.
As someone on here has said, the line is to shut at around 7.30PM our time, so I'll make sure that I'm sitting in Gracie, having a drink!
Pickles.

[TimNZ]

:C


Tim

[jon3950]

Yeah, I'll be having a quiet toast tonight - with a Kilchoman of course. I'll make sure its at 7:30.

A sad day for sure, but we should be grateful it lasted as long as it did.

Cheers,
Jon

[Gerokent]

So these are the guys that can't put a defender together properly?

[J RAD]

The last real Land Rover. :wasntme:
End of an era.

[Avion8]

Yes, today's the day,..was gonna post another thread but this will do.
As someone on here has said, the line is to shut at around 7.30PM our time, so I'll make sure that I'm sitting in Gracie, having a drink!
Pickles.

I'll have to have an early drink at 4:30pm over here in the West. A very sad day, but at least the last looks like it is the right colour - Grasmere Green:)

[Andrew86]

That picture is both fantastic and utterly heartbreaking. I'm so grateful to have been in a position to buy one of these machines this year.

Long may each and every Defender live on :BigCry:

[jimr1]

As a Land Rover devotee , and having owned many series , and Defenders over the years . This a sad day for me as well , I like the comment from Pickles about sitting having a drink at 7.30 . It may seen a bit childish , but sometimes I never did grow up , lol I was given a bottle of Red when I picked up my 2015 110 from the dealer. This would be the perfect time to open It . So I will raise my glass to the end of something I've been the part of . The Land Rover Story !!.. Cheers everyone ... Jim :D:D

[YOLO110]

Yes, today's the day,..was gonna post another thread but this will do.
As someone on here has said, the line is to shut at around 7.30PM our time, so I'll make sure that I'm sitting in Gracie, having a drink!
Pickles.

Thats where you hang out Martin! A portable man cave with an Esky filled with cold ones! :D

[DefenderSte]

I am chuffed to bits with mine too,but had I still been living in the UK well central London I would'nt have bought one certainly not a 130..... :):):)

No where to park it.......

[DiscoMick]

Certainly a turning point in LR's history. Whatever replaces it, it can't be the same. Let's do our little bit to ensure that Defenders stay on the road for as long as possible and keep up the record that 70% of LRs ever built are still going strong.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[jon3950]

Cheers. Here's to the Defender.

[Pickles2]

Yes, here I am, Wifey & I have just come out of the Garage from toasting Gracie & defender!
Pickles.

[Avion8]

Here is Hugh doing the same as Pickles but at 4:30pm WA time:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/63.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1030804_zps2rlij8aa.jpg.html)

Handy wine tray on the fender.

A nice drop of 2013 vintage Devils Lair:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/64.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1030807_zpsrj0zi5at.jpg.html)

The toast at 4:30 exactly - well Land Rover time. Should have had a coldie, as it was 36.2C outside:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/65.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1030808_zpsda7fbdgx.jpg.html)

And now it's gone forever:dbcry:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/66.jpg (http://s938.photobucket.com/user/jodel1050/media/Heritage%2090/P1030811_zpsqsclvymf.jpg.html)

[karlz]

Looks like the last 6 are going to people who were involved in the project with the last ever one going to Gaydon ( So they Say )

Interesting to see its a 90 soft-Top in the Heritage style.


Great photo (also some of you other ones in photobucket too)

Its a sad day. I already drank my beer for it, and Im gunna have another.

[Avion8]

Great photo (also some of you other ones in photobucket too)

Its a sad day. I already drank my beer for it, and Im gunna have another.

Thanks Karlz, and yes I have the wine cooling back down in the fridge, & then I'm going to finish that bottle, and cry into my soup!

[juddy]

Nearly Over

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/62.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%207.12.08%20pm_zpszgz6vxrf.png.html)

[seaweed]

Fantastic photos. Many thanks Pickles2 and Avion8

[juddy]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/61.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%207.28.01%20pm_zpspbfpjstm.png.html)

[juddy]

And here it is all over

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/60.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%207.44.59%20pm_zpsgqslslga.png.html)

[AlecW]

Mine just got to the dealer today,

Will be taking extra care of her that's for sure. Be keeping it for as long as I possibly can through the good times and the bad. Look after em guys, that's a wrap!:(

[squizzyhunter]

104969
A sad day indeed! Just went up to the lookout for the 7:30 passing. Had a couple of drinks on the bullbar.... Until the rain came then sat in the cab, had a min silence and then my girlfriend had to sit through some old landy commercials on YouTube with my phone propped up on the dash :-)

[Dark61]

I just had to do the rounds to make sure the old boys weren't feeling too down in the grille. Chumlee seemed to be taking it hard, Mutley didnt seem all that bothered (typical Diesel) and Woodstock just thought I was going to interfere with him again.

I may have had a very large Scotch or two.
cheers,
D

[AlecW]

Salute from a base near you....

[copba]

Yes, very sad day indeed.

I found a little half bottle of 12 year old Balvenie Double Wood, and thought this was the perfect time for it :D

And it went down a treat, beautiful and smooth with a lovely warming finish mmmmm.......:)

I wish it was a bigger bottle though, I've got the taste now :(

Long live the Defender

[juddy]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/59.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%209.06.30%20pm_zpslsumjzn1.png.html)

[Toxic_Avenger]

Had a sippie cup of port for the occasion. Something a mate of mine had put away in oak for a while.

It is with excitement and anticipation that I await the next chapter...

[juddy]

THERES MORE

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/29.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%209.21.45%20pm_zpstaqevepz.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/30.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%209.23.37%20pm_zpsuxcbuahb.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/31.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%209.23.25%20pm_zpsf47za0xa.png.html)

[YOLO110]

Hosted by QW and VBH of 'Fifth Gear' I see!

[klonk]

Anyone want to move to England ?


9800: Heritage Operations Vehicle Technician | Jaguar Land Rover Careers ? Excellence In Motion (http://www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com/job-roles/9800-heritage-operations-vehicle-technician-3/)

[Andrew86]

Take a bow, Solihull.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLZ49Jce_n0

[tonyf]

THERES MORE

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/29.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%209.21.45%20pm_zpstaqevepz.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/30.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%209.23.37%20pm_zpsuxcbuahb.png.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/01/31.jpg (http://s856.photobucket.com/user/juddyburton/media/Landybitz/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-29%20at%209.23.25%20pm_zpsf47za0xa.png.html)

That last Defender is probably the spec that every Heritage should have been built to - 90" soft top. Absolute ripper.

[ULYSSES]

...after a nice GUINNESS, I pondered, should we worry about parts availability for beloved DEFENDER ?

[dullbird]

No you shouldn't because even third parties still make parts for series vehicles [emoji4]

[MrLandy]

No you shouldn't because even third parties still make parts for series vehicles [emoji4]

Defender parts production will actually increase as more people keep their ageing Defenders on the road.

[spudboy]

Wonder what's going to happen to all the old tooling and presses that were used to make them?

Shipped off to another country to make some more under a different brand name?

[Bohica]

BBC - Autos - This is the last Land Rover Defender (http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20160129-this-is-the-last-land-rover-defender)

[DiscoMick]

Had a nice red with dinner.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[Andrew86]

So the last car was number 2,016,933...

How do I know what number mine is? Is there a clue in the VIN or engine number?

[MrLandy]

Had a nice red with dinner.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

:Rolling: 👍

[SG1 Bones]

BBC - Autos - This is the last Land Rover Defender (http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20160129-this-is-the-last-land-rover-defender)


I noticed it mentioned restoration of Series Landies does that mean Series parts may become easier to get now?!

Nathan.

[cuppabillytea]

...after a nice GUINNESS, I pondered, should we worry about parts availability for beloved DEFENDER ?

Guinness makes you ponder all kinds if imponderables.

[cuppabillytea]

So the last car was number 2,016,933...

How do I know what number mine is? Is there a clue in the VIN or engine number?

Good question. I'd like to know that too.

[Cap]

Speaking of Defenders of course, here is aparently the new BETTER Defender...

If this is true, what a f^&%&ing JOKE! :censored: :censored:

New Defender “more capable” that original (http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/new-defender-more-capable-that-original-20150402-1mdy6t.html)

[Pickles2]

That article says nothing, about the "New" Defender.
AFAIAC, "No-One" knows anything about it,...shape, mechanicals, suspension,....no-one knows anything with any degree of certainty.
It's the World's best kept secret at the moment.
The point I make is, when will we get the first REAL facts about it,.....ain't heard a scrap to date.
Pickles.

[MrLandy]

It's the same old Gerry McGovern quotes we've been reading for years. The journalist should be ashamed of himself.

[Cap]

That article says nothing, about the "New" Defender.
AFAIAC, "No-One" knows anything about it,...shape, mechanicals, suspension,....no-one knows anything with any degree of certainty.
It's the World's best kept secret at the moment.
The point I make is, when will we get the first REAL facts about it,.....ain't heard a scrap to date.
Pickles.

I so hope this is the case Pickles...

[cuppabillytea]

I so hope this is the case Pickles...
It is the case Cap. The date could easily have been 2013 instead of 2015.

[Pickles2]

It is the case Cap. The date could easily have been 2013 instead of 2015.
Exactly,.......because there has been NO REAL FACTUAL info about the "NEW" Defender, ....anywhere, during the last two years,.......ANYTHING ya've heard has been simply,...."MYTH & HEARSAY"!!
But, I can't wait for the FACTS!!!......the "FACTUAL Facts"!!
Pickles.

[Didge]

Only a brief mention of the Def replacement, but an interesting article nonetheless :)

Nocookies | The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/motoring/land-rover-defender-is-the-definitive-bush-basher/news-story/0404d8c09691d2017b05dd4f33ed6280)

[El Rey]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DtHFPLU2xE

Youtube overview of the Heritage.

[DiscoMick]

Should this thread be in the Land Rover History section, since the Defender production has stopped?

[cuppabillytea]

Should this thread be in the Land Rover History section, since the Defender production has stopped?
The Land Rover History section is for interesting facts not ridiculous unfounded assertions and uninformed speculation. Dare I say not as much fun either. :angel::wasntme:

[AndyG]

2017 Jeep Wrangler Africa May Be Killer of Land Rover Defender – Autoomobile (http://www.autoomobile.com/news/2017-jeep-wrangler-africa-may-be-killer-of-land-rover-defender/40028925/)

Noone told him the Defender is dead. If nothing else it lifts the bar for the next Defender

Jeep Wrangler Or Land Rover Defender: Winner Is (http://www.autoomobile.com/news/jeep-wrangler-or-land-rover-defender-winner-is/40028861/)

Yet to watch in full

[cuppabillytea]

I think I might have a Frontal Lobotomy and become a Motoring Journo. It seems like a good lark I reckon. :p

[MrLandy]

What next Defender? ....oh that would be the "Jeep Defender with automatic engine." 😝

[cuppabillytea]

What next Defender? ....oh that would be the "Jeep Defender with automatic engine." 😝
MrLandy, I think you and I should go and have Frontal Lobotomys together. We could start our own Motoring Journal.. What do you reckon?

[MrLandy]

MrLandy, I think you and I should go and have Frontal Lobotomys together. We could start our own Motoring Journal.. What do you reckon?

Brilliant idea CBT!! Let's do it...

[cuppabillytea]

:twobeers:

[Didge]

I've always said I'd rather have a full bottle in front of me than a full frontal lobotomy :)

[MrLandy]

I've always said I'd rather have a full bottle in front of me than a full frontal lobotomy :)

Yeah Didge, normally I would agree, but I've tried that. :p When it comes to comprehending Land Rovers attitude and approach in abandoning its roots and the heavy duty 4WD market with the demise of Defender, adopting the SUV mentality that a veneer of adventure is all that is required and treats their loyal Defender customers with such contempt, only a full frontal lobotomy will do I'm afraid. And joining the ranks of scribes who are feverishly attempting to make all that fit their word limits, editors limits and limited experience with Land Rovers, doubly so! ...can you have a double frontal lobotomy CBT? Or is that why we need to put our heads together so to speak? Just in order to cope! :eek::p

[cuppabillytea]

I think you can have your left lobe separated from your right lobe as a complimentary extra, but we could just bang our heads together.
Didge's approach is highly effective also and my observation is that it is very popular amongst the Journalistic Fraternities.