New Defender - Purchase Query

[solmanic]

Well several months back I was rattling everyone's cage about putting together a list of those wanting new Defenders for a bulk-purchase. I just thought I would summarise where things got to before proceeding as I am NOW looking to take the plunge.

I confirmed that purchase through a dealer was THE ONLY OPTION. No warranty on imported vehicles and to be honest, it's all too hard.

LRA advised that the best method was to "tender" the deal through multiple dealers to see who could give the best price however, pick-up of the new vehicles from one location was likely the only way that would work. This would only get around the same level of discount you might be able to negotiate privately since fleet pricing is only available to companies with $X annual turnover. Consequently it looks like it's everyone for themselves in the purchase stakes - multpile purchases in situations like these are always too hard to put together because everyone has different purchase timelines anyway.

WELL...
I got caught out last week when I went for a test drive. The dealer ACTUALLY HAD A FEW VEHICLES IN STOCK!!! All along I had been believing that Defenders where a "build-to-order" item and I would be waiting months for one to arrive but the prospect of having one on my drive within weeks means I am keen to do the deal if the price is right.

So has anybody else successfully price shopped between dealers? Even interstate? Also, has anyone had success playing the "quick cash sale" card? Is anyone willing to divulge their on-road cost (actual or quoted) for a new Defender?

I don't know how much longer I can keep my hand out of my wallet so any information would be appreciated. I really want to avoid that next day "bugger, I paid too much" feeling.

[solmanic]

I probably need to clarify that "in stock" doesn't actually mean "in stock". It just means the dealer has a vehicle coming in which is not yet pre-sold. So the wait is two-three weeks instead of three months from LR.

Sorry to anyone who got their hopes up based on that comment.

[mike_beecham]

A mate of mine hit up LR Melbourne. The soonest he could get one is Feb next year. He got a very good trade in price on his 40,000km TD5 Defender to.

They were very helpful. Test drove it. Loved it. Wants it.

LR Melb have 4 on the property - that have been sold for months.

hmmm....

I am looking to upgrade to one also - so may be a two vehicle purchase....


Beechy

[solmanic]

If you don't mind my asking, how did he get a trade-in price when the new vehicle is still three months away? The problem I am facing now is having to decide whether to sell my current vehicle privately and risk being without it for who-knows how long vs getting an "idea" of trade-in price without really knowing until the new car is delivered.

BTW - all those "in stock" new Defenders are now sold so we're back to placing an order and waiting.

[Tank]

Well several months back I was rattling everyone's cage about putting together a list of those wanting new Defenders for a bulk-purchase. I just thought I would summarise where things got to before proceeding as I am NOW looking to take the plunge.

I confirmed that purchase through a dealer was THE ONLY OPTION. No warranty on imported vehicles and to be honest, it's all too hard.

LRA advised that the best method was to "tender" the deal through multiple dealers to see who could give the best price however, pick-up of the new vehicles from one location was likely the only way that would work. This would only get around the same level of discount you might be able to negotiate privately since fleet pricing is only available to companies with $X annual turnover. Consequently it looks like it's everyone for themselves in the purchase stakes - multpile purchases in situations like these are always too hard to put together because everyone has different purchase timelines anyway.

WELL...
I got caught out last week when I went for a test drive. The dealer ACTUALLY HAD A FEW VEHICLES IN STOCK!!! All along I had been believing that Defenders where a "build-to-order" item and I would be waiting months for one to arrive but the prospect of having one on my drive within weeks means I am keen to do the deal if the price is right.

So has anybody else successfully price shopped between dealers? Even interstate? Also, has anyone had success playing the "quick cash sale" card? Is anyone willing to divulge their on-road cost (actual or quoted) for a new Defender?

I don't know how much longer I can keep my hand out of my wallet so any information would be appreciated. I really want to avoid that next day "bugger, I paid too much" feeling.
Or worse still. "Bugger, they're all gone", Regards Frank.

[solmanic]

Or worse still. "Bugger, they're all gone", Regards Frank.

Yessss... That seems to be what we're looking at now. The dealer said today that they had "sold" FIVE since Friday (ie. five on Saturday) which took the three un-sold ones they had coming plus two more they don't know where to get from. Consequently they are having a panic meeting on Wednesday to sort out their order numbers for the next batch. Seems they may have somewhat underestimated the demand.

Anyway, I guess I am going to have to list mine for sale and run the risk of being without for a while. I'll get it detailed then post it in the markets.

[mike_beecham]

Old mate got his trade in price on Saturday as he has only very recently bought the TD5 from that ealership. It has done a central Aus tour and thats why it put the 40,000kms on so quick.

They didn't even look over the thing - same salesman that he bought it from 6 months ago - he just says, "Oh, yeah. I know that vehicle. $39,000".

he sent us away to see if we could source some at another dealer. Otherwise he was ready to take an order for delivery in Feb.

Was very painless.


MB

[Jeff]

On the fleet purchase thingy, Defence Force members can buy Land Rovers for the fleet price. There was an ad in Army News recently with pictures of Range Rover, Disco and Defender, I suppose officers can afford a Range Rover.

Jeff

:rocket::rocket:

[Searover]

Ordered silver 110 in August then quoting January/February delivey, just been advised due late December.

On road with ARB bullbar and window tint $54,931.30.

And really I don't care if I've paid too much, it's worth it not having to drive that toymotor again!!!

[solmanic]

I hear you - price becomes a bit secondary when you really, really want it. Pity the dealers know this too and I find it hard to keep a poker face. The test drive put a smile on my dial and that was that.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

so,, if there ARE unsold ones arriving--
its only if you order something special
the 6 month wait STILL happens ?

[solmanic]

That's what I believe. I was asked to provide a couple of colour options so the dealer can haggle for an un-sold one already coming in. If I wanted to be specific then the wait was who-knows how long. Factor in Christmas shutdown at Solihull + Christmas schedule for the shipping companies + Christmas shutdown on the waterfront + indefinite shutdown by the unions following a Labor Party election victory...

[Pedro_The_Swift]

when you put it like that,,
I'd just take whatever they had---;)

[waynep]

not sure if it's worth organising a group buy ...seems to be a bit of a seller's ( dealer's ) market at this stage.

[solmanic]

That's right - and that's what I was referring to in the first post. From my investigations I found that the likely discount we could get from a dealer for a "group" buy would only be about the same as for an individual cash purchase. Added to that the fact that dealers are fighting amongst themselves to secure cars for purchasers then any offer to buy, say 10 vehicles would probably cause the dealer to drop their bundle.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Dare I say it... but is it worth contacting a car broker? Sometimes they can get significant savings? Maybe being so new and with supply issues might hinder it but a phone call is pretty cheap.

[LRHybrid100]

also leasing companies - have good buying power!!!

ring the dealer and tell them you are leasing through XYZ (you can get the leasing company's preferred suppliers from most of their websites) AND get Fleet prices :D

LRH

[LRHybrid100]

also note - LR cannot keep up with supplier for their own domestic market, what would have happened if the US could take the Defender???

LRH

[solmanic]

I'm waaaay ahead of you all on this one. I have a family member who is a purchaser for a large government body. He is using his existing relationship with a dealer to get me a discounted price. I won't say any more until the deal is done as the dealer is still hunting for the right coloured vehicle and would get grief from other dealers if he was discovered to be discounting at this early stage.

And before anyone asks me, sorry, if I was to start asking him about deals for everyone on the site that would be stretching the friendship.

[UncleHo]

G'day Folks :)

And for those that want a 90 go for a holiday to NZ and order one while you are there ;) then when delivery occures go over Register it then stick it in a container,;) I have been transfered back to Aust :D

Wallah! one 2007 my 90:D

cheers

[Greylandy]

G'day Folks :)

And for those that want a 90 go for a holiday to NZ and order one while you are there ;) then when delivery occures go over Register it then stick it in a container,;) I have been transfered back to Aust :D

Wallah! one 2007 my 90:D

cheers

if they are made for NZ .. they probably come with a choke? ;o)

[solmanic]

Yes - it is a Landrover and the warranty is VERY important in a new model.

[RMB3218]

I picked mine up this Monday from MLR in melb. I paid 52k drive away with t/bar, genuine matts & driver + passenger weathershields

[disco2hse]

if they are made for NZ .. they probably come with a choke? ;o)

Ummm, on a diesel? :blink:

[Greylandy]

Ummm, on a diesel? :blink:

just tongue in cheek reference to the All Blacks performance in the RWC ... ;)

[solmanic]

Well RMB3218 I can definitely say $52K on road is a GOOD PRICE. Especially this early in the model cycle with queues of buyers - well done.

Joy of joys, I realised that I will be getting most of the GST back on mine so the on-road price is looking really good.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

just tongue in cheek reference to the All Blacks performance in the RWC ... ;)


:lol2::lol2::lol2:


ooops!
:wasntme:

[solmanic]

Ironic that the new Defender hes a sux-speed trensmussion too.

[disco2hse]

just tongue in cheek reference to the All Blacks performance in the RWC ... ;)

uhh that was obvious :p

Anyway who are they? Oh that's right they're the guys who dipped after the ozzies :lol2::lol2:

[Xavie]

I just deposited on a demonstrator with 150klm's on it. 40 of those km's are mine at least, lol. IT will be ready in a week as I am getting a few extras. I'm getting a snorkel, arb bull bar, and I think something else too which passes my mind at the moment.

I have to say I was very surprised with how well it drove and it is not something I'd generally associate with a Defender. The dealer let me take it on m4 and back roads and james ruse which was good because I got to give it a test at all speeds. And that 6th gear is the bees knees. It does have that unfortunate flat spot in acceleration off the line but it is not that bad.

All in all it was a big ticket purchase and I loved it and I really hope I don't regret it but I think it is just great! God I hope I don't regret it, any one want a defender? haha

[disco2hse]

I just deposited on a demonstrator

Well, when I said I had a few niggles I didn't go THAT far :eek::eek: :p:p :D:D :wasntme:

[Greylandy]

Congrats mate ... there is no way you will regret it! :D

[spudboy]

Well done. LR can hardly have any left available for sale at this rate. Wonder when the next boat load arrives?

[solmanic]

I'm surprised they were willing to let the deomnstrator go at all.

Got the call from my purchaser today - mine will be hitting the docks early December:) The dealer had to jump over all manner of hurdles to get my colour (Stornoway Grey). Had to swap one of his in Red for one in white, then swapped the white one for the Grey one.

So Xavie - do you mind me asking what the cost was for the dealer to fit the snorkel & bullbar? I don't think I'll worry about the snorkel this time, but I think the bar is necessary even if it's only so I have a solid mount for the UHF aerial and something to push the scrub out of the way.

I also need to solve the rear cargo area matting issue. My 2003 Defender (which is FOR SALE in case people are not aware) has rubber matting which I cut and formed over the boxes in the back. I'm looking for recommendations though on any methods people have used. Removable is preferable for easy cleaning, but I'm wondering whether fitted marine carpet might be a good option.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I also need to solve the rear cargo area matting issue. My 2003 Defender (which is FOR SALE in case people are not aware) has rubber matting which I cut and formed over the boxes in the back. I'm looking for recommendations though on any methods people have used. Removable is preferable for easy cleaning, but I'm wondering whether fitted marine carpet might be a good option.

I got the same rubber as they use on the floor, and then bought a couple of rolls of contact. I then stuck the contact to the rubber using contact adhesive, peeled the backing off the contact and then stuck that to the wheel arches. It's been a couple of years now, and a couple of big trips and it's still working well :) I can remove it if I want to ... but still it seems to stick fairly well and fits around the wheel arches.

[muddymech]

Well done. LR can hardly have any left available for sale at this rate. Wonder when the next boat load arrives?



6th nov thats when mine arrives can hardly wait. like a kid in a candy store.
dealer still can not quote on tow bar or snorkel, never mind in true uk tradition a bit of drain pipe should do:)

[solmanic]

I got the same rubber as they use on the floor

Sounds similar to what I have done in the old one (which is FOR SALE I might add) only I used a couple of strips of velcro tape to hold it down. I don't plan on using the same ridged matting as the main floor mat this time as it is just a bit too hard to keep clean.

[Scouse]

6th nov thats when mine arrives can hardly wait. like a kid in a candy store.
Should I be careful with this one when it comes off the truck ?
:D

[muddymech]

yes yes and yes, does that mean you will drive it before me?

[Scouse]

yes yes and yes, does that mean you will drive it before me?'Fraid so :p.

Of course, you could park yourself at the dealership all day or happen to follow the truck from Minto so you could be at the dealership when it arrives ;).


But you'd have to know the secret drop off location.....

[solmanic]

You make it all sound like a "drop".

"...Park around the corner then flash your lights not once, not twice but thrice as the truck pulls in. Wait 5 minutes before walking past carrying a newspaper in your LEFT hand. If it's in the RIGHT hand then the deal's off..."

[muddymech]

'Fraid so :p.

Of course, you could park yourself at the dealership all day or happen to follow the truck from Minto so you could be at the dealership when it arrives ;).


But you'd have to know the secret drop off location.....


better still send the lorry opps truck to my place, i promise to return all the rrs and d3 unused very quickly

[Scouse]

better still send the lorry opps truck to my place, i promise to return all the rrs and d3 unused very quicklyMaybe we can do a deal here.

Mmmmm....Classic RR TDV8 :cool:.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

so Solmanic,,
ANOTHER grey Defender??

3 in a row?(!),, would've made a nice pic:D


I'm sure the NEW avo will be worth the wait,,:p

even if theres only a bulge difference:p

[solmanic]

so Solmanic,,
ANOTHER grey Defender??

Not exactly - the first two have been Blue. Just posted some photos of the one for sale in the markets and market place alerts and DAMN it looks good. I'm having uncomfortable pangs of pre-sale regret.

[solmanic]

I'm sure the NEW avo will be worth the wait,,:p

even if theres only a bulge difference:p

Hmmm, maybe I should photoshop a new grey one in to see how that looks...

[Pedro_The_Swift]

do one full size(well,,8x5 :twisted:)

:whistling:




oh,, and nice add :)