Looking to purchase a puma!!

[Garethdexy]

Hey everyone, I’m currently in the market for a defender. I’m looking at a 2012 and I’ve no idea what to look for. I’m pretty clued up on the series land rovers but have no idea what I’m I’m looking at when it comes to the pumas. Any info would be great.

[DiscoMick]

Good choice. We have a 2009.

Check the gearshift for clunks, but beware it's a slow truck-like gearshift, so don't try to rush it. The six speed means you should only be doing 2000 revs at 100 kmh in 6th.

Some came out of the factory without enough grease on the output shaft and can go dry.

In some the heater valve, which is plastic, warps and let's warm coolant heat the air if the air-con is off. It's a cheap fix as its a generic Fiat Citroen part.

Water leaks are possible, particularly from the joint between the flat roof and the sloping front. The gutters can also leak if too much weight has been carried on the roof. Silicone is your friend.

I recommend you fit:

Extended seat runner rails
An extension to the door brackets so the second doors can open further.
A stay to hold the rear door open.

These are all available from The Expedition Centre in Sydney.

I also recommend a rear wheel carrier to get the weight of the spare off the rear door before it warps.
We fitted rear Airbag Man airbags to ours to level it when towing.
Plus 50 headlight bulbs make a big difference.

These are very thoroughly proven and tough vehicles, so they don't need extensive modifications. For example, it isn't necessary to lift them because they already have lots of clearance. Wider tyres don't do much and are for looks only, I reckon.

Hope that is helpful.

[andrewmacrae]

Hey everyone, I’m currently in the market for a defender. I’m looking at a 2012 and I’ve no idea what to look for. I’m pretty clued up on the series land rovers but have no idea what I’m I’m looking at when it comes to the pumas. Any info would be great.

I bought a MY12 in April. It’s been a steep and at times painful learning curve, but I love the truck and the LR community is just awesome. So many helpful people out there and tons and tons of useful information on every aspect of the vehicle.

Best advice is to get a prepurchase inspection from an independent LR specialist.

This article was super helpful when I was looking.

The Ultimate Land Rover Defender Buyer's Guide (http://www.loaded4x4.com.au/5241/the-ultimate-land-rover-defender-buying-guide/)

Good luck!

[big harold]

Check for clutch rattles and drivetrain backlash.
Also ask if transfer/gearbox adapter shaft has been replaced.
How many k's
Mark

[bulldog2004]

hope the search goes well, one things for sure when you buy one these and drive past your fellow defender driver you feel part of tight knit community

[Robmacca]

We just got back from our 1st big trip in the PUMA that I bought mid-last year... The trip went well but one thing that surprised me on the PUMAS was the ingress of DUST - Bucket loads of it!!! So, my next job is to try and dust-seal the puma as much as I can because the amount of dust through gaps in the panels (especially either side of the rear passengers) was huge...

[alien]

MY12 has the 2•2 motor which I feel is a better set up than the earlier 2•4, upgrades where small things like no VCV and a primer for the fuel system.
The most common failure is the adapter shaft between the gear and transfer box’s hence the previous comment about it.
Feel free to call into Winter Wombat this weekend if you want look at our 2011(MY12) with a few modifications for touring.

[karlz]

.... it isn't necessary to lift them because they already have lots of clearance. Wider tyres don't do much and are for looks only, I reckon...


Hahaha so much agree with this.

[spudfan]

Wonderful to drive on long journeys. Does everything the other Defenders do but with a bit more refinement.