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View Full Version : How's your 07 Defender going???



rumman43
16th February 2008, 02:07 PM
Hi guys..am selling 02 def at the mo..
Wife wants to update, preferably to a PRADO..I know is shocking news..
Anyhow I took her for a drive in the 07 demo here in perth..She was impressed with the noise, ease of cruising at 110-130 dah setup and very important to her the aircon system...We are expecting a baby in three weeks..She thinks my current model is too noisy and struggles in the heat.
So now after the test drive, she has said maybe..to a new def..
I would love to hear feedback from all guys who updated and all who have a new model defender..

Was the upgrade worth it???

What do you like with the new one??

what do you dislike???etc etc..

Also I would love any pics of the different colours..
I'm not real good at choosing of the colour chart..
So if you could spare some time and advice would be a great help..
ab

spudboy
16th February 2008, 02:41 PM
Likes:
- Cruising at 110 and being able to talk to one another
- Engine is FABULOUS + 6th gear is BRILLIANT
- No aircon in the passenger footwell (Ms Spud very happy about that)

Dislikes:
- Comes with Alloys only - Steel rims not an option
- No passenger grab rail
- Still pretty primitive compared to most modern 4x4s
- CD player won't play MP3s like the instruction manual intonates (we get the cheap version in Aust)
- Bit overpriced for what it is, but guess it will last 30 or 40 years....

Overall I love it and plan to keep it long term. The dislikes are more niggles than dislikes. It's a big step forward from the TD5 version.

As for colour, this time I've gone for something not white:
http://www.gestalt.net.au/Defender/MurrayMouth2007110.JPG

rumman43
16th February 2008, 03:56 PM
Thanks spudboy,
Is that the tonga green????
Did you ask for white roof???

looks good. ...I love the bonnet hump.

I know there are more comfy cars out there and i'm still pretty new to 4wding..
I just love the look of the defender.
And I love that theres not millions out there.

I'm in Broome at the mo waiting for weather to die down so we can fly out to the rig..Was in town for a brew and no sh#t i saw nothing but Landcruisers (some nice rigs)..
Same when the missus and I went away to Denmark for Aussie day long weekend.

Bennett
16th February 2008, 09:19 PM
Hey Rumman43,

I too am looking at a 07 defender and am interested in a response to your questions. We have a 8 month old and I will have to figure out how to set up a child car seat. This vehicle would be the family holiday/4x4 vehicle and my general duty vehicle..

Wife wants a patrol or d3 so far, but I don't like the patrol too much and the d3 is a bit fancy for my liking :) Was wondering for the people who upgraded from an old defender to a new 07 model if they think the new one is a big step up in terms of comfort etc? Wife didn't like the '05 model we looked at a while ago.

Still have yet to see an 07 on the road anywhere in Melbourne...

If I get a new one I might have to put a defender sticker on the windscreen....I'm not to sure about the Land Rover lettering on the bonnet.

rumman43
16th February 2008, 10:22 PM
I hear you!!! I'm not interested in D3 or patrols..my wifes keen on a prado..
Defender dont come with anchor points for baby seats..
I called a recognised engineering place here in WA,They fit a crab bar and you anchor the seatt to that..was about $385....thats fitted with a compliance plate..
Spending that amount of coin is a big thing..
CAn you get the wife into a demo????

rangieman
16th February 2008, 10:44 PM
I hear you!!! I'm not interested in D3 or patrols..my wifes keen on a prado..
Defender dont come with anchor points for baby seats..
I called a recognised engineering place here in WA,They fit a crab bar and you anchor the seatt to that..was about $385....thats fitted with a compliance plate..
Spending that amount of coin is a big thing..
CAn you get the wife into a demo????
What 50 g,s on a car and then $385 on a anchor point is that the straw that breaks the camels back:wasntme:

Xavie
17th February 2008, 07:49 AM
What are your plans with the vehicle? Do you plan on raising it and other mods?

Xav

Captain_Rightfoot
17th February 2008, 10:11 AM
Like the previous defender there are no child restraints as standard. Make sure someone is making them or that could be a problem.

spudboy
17th February 2008, 11:47 AM
Yeah - Tonga Green, and I especially ordered the white roof (otherwise they just come the same colour as the body) because it is cooler than a dark coloured roof. With tinted windows it stays relatively cool inside.

WRT raising it, I would say don't bother. It is already a big hike to get up there with the standard suspension and it already has exceptionally good ground clearance straight from the factory. I get a few complaints from the missus about how she has to stretch to get in, but she is not that tall (5' 6"). Her main complaint was the lack of a grab rail in the passenger seat, and I fixed that by purchasing a genuine LR grab handle ($20) and fitting it with a couple of brackets and screws.

rumman43
17th February 2008, 04:11 PM
What 50 g,s on a car and then $385 on a anchor point is that the straw that breaks the camels back:wasntme:


56,000 on a car + car restraint mount (not a big deal they have to be fitted by approved people and there are a few here in WA

I can afford the money..However i've never spent that much and if/when i do I want to keep it for a few years and not regret my decision...(e.g think "f@rk I bought the wrong car shoulda got"....)

Also convincing the missus as well...The new 07 seems to address most of her concerns..eg. noise, aircon..

Spudboys the only one with an 07 to reply (thanks mate)...

JohnR
17th February 2008, 09:16 PM
Heh Runman,

I've had my 07 for 4 months now and LOVING IT!!! We have had several LR's startng with Serries II, 2 x Serries III, 03 Defender Extreme, 96 HSE Range Rover and now the 07 Defender. I have to say they have come a awfull long way when it comes to comfort and performance but still have the old charm. We've done nearly 8000km's in ours and some reasonably long trips, it is very comfortable.

Likes:
Engine: Very econnomical (especially compared to the Rangie!!), Good turbo range (lag is minimal), A lot quieter than the TD5
Gear box: 6 speed is awsome on the highway if you want to over take back to 5th and nail it and it goes!, Very quiet, Low range is VERY low (big plus when rock crawling)
Interier: Very comfy, seats are great (if your tall it could be a issue), Air con is very cold, too cold some times. (as for previous reply about not in passenger well I don't know what they are talking about our has it, I'd go see your dealer!)
Babies: We have three baby seat in the back of ours although it's a bit squezy (big baby seats!) they all fit well. I did have a issue when seat are facing backwards as this REALLY limits how far you can get your front seats back. We have a engineering company fit our 3 points all on the ground straight behind the rear seats, very easy, $420 cheep when your talking safety.
All it's little quirks.:D

Dislikes:
Hmmmmmm.......
Other non landrover people trying to convince you that you made a mistake and that their massive advertising budgets prove it!!!!:wasntme:

Colour: Ours is BLACK and it looks awsome I get tonnes of positive coments about it and a few stupid negatives, like:
"Wouldn't it get dirty????"
"Yes stupid it's a Four Wheel Drive!!"
When it gets dirty it looks used (so what), so you wash it and it looks cool, easy.

I also have to say I ran into another 07 owner today and we both just went off about how much we like our 07's.

If you choose to buy one, Welcome to the family:D, if you don't, you'll just missed out on one of the best cars you could have ever owned.:(

Cheers,

rumman43
17th February 2008, 09:45 PM
Awesome reply...gets a man fired up..

Really good point about the anchor points being on the floor..as opposed to the crab bar (due to old weak backs on seats)

the demo in perth is Black...
I've had SS commodores that were black and swore never again...
BUUUUUUTTT..the black Defendor looks tuff as...and i admit i reckon the bonnet hump is unreal.....
is a big decision...lots to think about..

Three baby seats..thats commitment..
thanks again JohnR for sharing your thoughtts..
ab

numpty
18th February 2008, 07:33 AM
Heh Runman,


Likes:
Interier: Very comfy, seats are great (if your tall it could be a issue), Air con is very cold, too cold some times. (as for previous reply about not in passenger well I don't know what they are talking about our has it, I'd go see your dealer!)
missed out on one of the best cars you could have ever owned.:(

Cheers,

In the previous models, the airconditioning compressor etc takes up space in the passenger foot well. Whereas in the 2007 Defender it is all under the bonnet so not encroaching on foot room.

BigJon
18th February 2008, 08:55 AM
, the airconditioning compressor etc takes up space in the passenger foot well. .

The compressor is in the footwell?? Your engine must be in backwards...:p:p

numpty
18th February 2008, 11:20 AM
The compressor is in the footwell?? Your engine must be in backwards...:p:p

Point taken.:( What I was trying to get across (probably successfully, as you would know about them) was that the passenger footwell has a lot of the airconditioning bits and pieces encroaching into it.

Is that better:p

BigJon
18th February 2008, 11:23 AM
Much better :D:D.

Scallops
18th February 2008, 02:57 PM
I've had mine since October 22, 2007 and now have 8500km on it. We have had zero issues mechanically. The vehicle doesn't leak, is now dust proof (after blocking the door seal gaps with foam - done by dealer on request) and is very enjoyable and comfortable to drive all day, as I found out on our Christmas trip down south.

I have had a few minor issues - such as rear seat stops out of position, a broken check strap on front passenger door - but these were sorted under warranty to my satisfaction.

The new Defender is everything I imagined and more! I'm really enjoying it, and having had the chance to drive a TD5 side by side with mine, I'm very glad I waited for the Puma. This engine is perfect for the Defender - buckets of usable torque and the lack of turbo lag makes it feel much more powerful than the old engine - even though power output is identical.

The interior is a huge improvement - all the seats are new and they are very supportive. The AC actually works and it is possible to hold a conversation at 100km per hour without shouting. I'm 6 foot one and have no problems with the driving position or the handbrake position etc - it's a perfect match for me.

You really owe it to yourself to drive the Puma if a Defender is your type of vehicle - it's a class act, and the last of a great lineage.

I have now completely fitted mine out for outback touring and can't wait to begin my trip around the country in May. :)

rumman43
18th February 2008, 06:26 PM
Scollops can you please please please put some pics up reference your defender..would love to hear and see what you've done to it...

Scallops
18th February 2008, 07:07 PM
Scollops can you please please please put some pics up reference your defender..would love to hear and see what you've done to it...

Here are my Outback drawers and Engel 40 l fridge...

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9603/img1431ui6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9603/img1431ui6.73cc7df982.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=527&i=img1431ui6.jpg)

My 75 l water tank and Blue Tongue air compressor...

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/2445/img1432600rf3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

My Pure sine wave inverter - 300 Watts...

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5600/img1430600uy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Spare wheel carrier, Snorkel and rear floodlight...

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8241/img1420600of9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Bullbar, UHF, headlight protectors, Bash plate - there's also a diff guard under there...

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9523/dsc0204ml6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This one is taken by the Snowy River - roof rack on display...

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/4305/dsc0163screenpj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The checker plate, snorkel, weathershields, front mudflaps, headlight protectors, rear worklight - all genuine LR accessories.

The rest is from OL - there is also a 45l aux fuel tank in the LHS rear wheel arch. :D

rumman43
18th February 2008, 07:44 PM
Nice mate VERY NICE.....

you are gonna have some serious kickarse fun....
ab

Scallops
18th February 2008, 09:14 PM
Nice mate VERY NICE.....

you are gonna have some serious kickarse fun....
ab

Yeah - thanks mate - you'll have some fun too once you convince SWMBO to ditch the Playdo idea and get "the real thing". ;)

Craig
19th February 2008, 02:40 AM
Hi Rumman43

Great thread. Look farward to catching up when me and the "russian fishing trawler" get down to Perth next week.

Scallops

Nice rig!!

Is that roof rack the 2.0m aluminium one from OL?
Also how do you find the O/L spare wheel carrier? I have one on my '94 Defender and I find that its either to tight and you cant open the door, or its to loose and it rattles over the corrigations.

Thanks

Craig
'94 300TDi Defender
'08 Defender - comming soon :)

Scallops
19th February 2008, 08:37 AM
Hi Rumman43

Great thread. Look farward to catching up when me and the "russian fishing trawler" get down to Perth next week.

Scallops

Nice rig!!

Is that roof rack the 2.0m aluminium one from OL?
Also how do you find the O/L spare wheel carrier? I have one on my '94 Defender and I find that its either to tight and you cant open the door, or its to loose and it rattles over the corrigations.

Thanks

Craig
'94 300TDi Defender
'08 Defender - comming soon :)

G'day Craig - yes, roof rack is the OL 2.0m aluminium one - I find the spare wheel carrier fine - when I first got it the door was stiff to open - so I applied some Prolink bicycle lube to the horizontal piston and the hinges, including the Defender's hinges - so now it opens sweetly and doesn't rattle. ;)

rumman43
19th February 2008, 10:45 AM
Craig (crackles)
Is cool hearing bout the defers...isn't it..must get you fired up for your black beastie...
what you doin with the old 110??selling or trading??

I'm on the rig again...there might be another cyclone this weekend..bit early to tell..
ab

solmanic
19th February 2008, 05:20 PM
Here's mine in Stornoway Grey...

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6217/071206newdefender001re2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5456/071206newdefender002up1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8241/071206newdefender013mz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It was the easier cruising, slightly lighter clutch and gear change and better A/C that got my wife keen. When we went for a test drive I told her that her job was to make me keep my chequebook in my pocket. That failed miserably and by the time we got back to the dealership she was doing the maths and trying to convince me that it was a sensible time to trade up!

rumman43
19th February 2008, 06:00 PM
CooooL I've been hanging out to see a grey one..
I'm not even gettting one and think i've looked at the colour chart a thousand times and gone ..oh yeh i'd get that nah nah maybe that one..
..
What add-ons do you have plans for????
has anyone seen/or have a blue, red or silver one would love to see the picks..??????????????????????

ab

solmanic
19th February 2008, 06:38 PM
I've done a comprehensive stereo upgrade.
I've also trimmed the rear with rubber matting throughout and foam backing. Got a fire extinguisher to fit too.

The next thing is a UHF, bullbar & snorkel.

And that should do me.

spudboy
19th February 2008, 10:04 PM
has anyone seen/or have a blue, red or silver one would love to see the picks..??????????????????????

ab

The Adelaide dealer has a "red" demo and it doesn't look right to me. It is a kind of maroon type of red. Still, he's had 3 or 4 people who want to buy it so it must be someone's cup of tea......

Captain_Rightfoot
19th February 2008, 10:36 PM
My nephew is toying with the idea of ditching the hilux and buying a fender. We just went for a good drive and he was very impressed with mine. I think he'll be lining for a test drive soon :)

The first thing he noticed was the noise which we all know is better in the new ones with the extra gear and the new motor. He was also impressed with the vents though, which of course have gone from the new one. :(

LRHybrid100
20th February 2008, 09:02 AM
I have now completely fitted mine out for outback touring and can't wait to begin my trip around the country in May. :)

G'day Scollops,

Sorry to take off topic - whats are you plans for travelling from May? We start out in June for 5 months in SA / NT / WA.

LRH

Scallops
20th February 2008, 09:24 AM
G'day Scollops,

Sorry to take off topic - whats are you plans for travelling from May? We start out in June for 5 months in SA / NT / WA.

LRH

G'day mate,

Kat and I are leaving Brisbane on May 26 - we're doing a anticlockwise lap over 12 -14 weeks. I've attached our itinerary - if you're anywhere near us we could hook up from time to time. :)

Basically we're going to Carnarvon Gorge - Salvator Rosa - up through Western Qld - Savannah country - Roper Bar - Katherine Gorge - Kakadu - Darwin - Litchfield - Gregory NP - Kimberleys - Karajiini NP - Willuna - Gunbarrel Highway - Olgas - Yulara - Kings Canyon - Alice - Chamber's Pillar - Mt Dare - Oodnadatta track - Birdsville track - Tibooburra - White Cliffs - then up to the Qld border (Hungerford) and follow it home - last night in Killarney.

Regards,

Dan.

solmanic
20th February 2008, 09:40 AM
Superb!

Ce sembler fantastiques. Merci pour le information et bon voyage mon ami.

Scallops
20th February 2008, 10:00 AM
Superb!

Ce sembler fantastiques. Merci pour le information et bon voyage mon ami.

Mon Plaisir, solmaneuix! :p

LRHybrid100
20th February 2008, 01:21 PM
G'day mate,

Kat and I are leaving Brisbane on May 26 - we're doing a anticlockwise lap over 12 -14 weeks. I've attached our itinerary - if you're anywhere near us we could hook up from time to time. :)

Basically we're going to Carnarvon Gorge - Salvator Rosa - up through Western Qld - Savannah country - Roper Bar - Katherine Gorge - Kakadu - Darwin - Litchfield - Gregory NP - Kimberleys - Karajiini NP - Willuna - Gunbarrel Highway - Olgas - Yulara - Kings Canyon - Alice - Chamber's Pillar - Mt Dare - Oodnadatta track - Birdsville track - Tibooburra - White Cliffs - then up to the Qld border (Hungerford) and follow it home - last night in Killarney.

Regards,

Dan.

WOW thats some planning!!!!

We leave mid June and only have a rough direction!!!

LRH

Scallops
20th February 2008, 01:43 PM
WOW thats some planning!!!!

We leave mid June and only have a rough direction!!!

LRH

Yep - the planning took many Sunday arvos and a lot of beer! :p

But in truth - many places up north require bookings at that time of year (eg Broome) so you need to plan ahead somewhat. :)

Will you be in our vicinity?

Scouse
20th February 2008, 02:30 PM
We leave mid June and only have a rough direction!!!Don't worry Mark. As long as that rough direction isn't East, you'll be OK.
:):)

Xavie
20th February 2008, 08:06 PM
It may not be coloured but it still looks the goods.

Xav

Scallops
20th February 2008, 08:13 PM
It may not be coloured but it still looks the goods.

Xav

Does this mean you're back up and running with your truck? :o Jeez - I'm hoping so - I reckon you must have killed a Chinaman with all the bad luck you've had. :D

Xavie
20th February 2008, 08:15 PM
Does this mean you're back up and running with your truck? :o Jeez - I'm hoping so - I reckon you must have killed a Chinaman with all the bad luck you've had. :D

hahaha, well, it ain't perfect but it's being worked on and just about sorted.

There was a few days there for which I was seeing how much I could sell it for.

What do you think of her?

Xavier

Scallops
20th February 2008, 08:54 PM
hahaha, well, it ain't perfect but it's being worked on and just about sorted.

There was a few days there for which I was seeing how much I could sell it for.

What do you think of her?

Xavier

Xavier - Don't sell it, mate - I know you've had dramas but I reckon you're almost there. I haven't had any problems with mine - so that should give you some confidence in the new model. :)

What do I think of her... wadda you reckon? It's a spitting image of the one I love! :p

Captain_Rightfoot
20th February 2008, 08:57 PM
White rocks!

It's amazing the punishment white can take without looking horrible, unlike the darker colours. :)

JohnR
20th February 2008, 10:54 PM
Heh Xavier,

Is that a Safari snorkle I see on your 07 ???? If so did you fit it yourself odid someone do it for you. Because I keep on getting told that the Safari snorkle hasn't been modified to suit the new internal airbox yet??

Cheers,

Xavie
20th February 2008, 11:06 PM
Heh Xavier,

Is that a Safari snorkle I see on your 07 ???? If so did you fit it yourself odid someone do it for you. Because I keep on getting told that the Safari snorkle hasn't been modified to suit the new internal airbox yet??

Cheers,

I did not do it and that's true it has not been modified yet. But, any good mechanic should be able to figure it out. In saying that it takes a lot longer because parts had to be removed and then replaced. I thought the whole Front guard was going to have to come off but luckily it did not.

Xavier

rumman43
21st February 2008, 10:00 AM
Xavier your rig looks tuff..I dont know what probs you've had but dont sell....
Am loving that front bash plate..it is the business

Has anyone got a silver/blue or red one...If so please post some pics??????????????????????????????????????

wally
23rd February 2008, 08:01 AM
hahaha, well, it ain't perfect but it's being worked on and just about sorted.

There was a few days there for which I was seeing how much I could sell it for.

What do you think of her?

Xavier

Xavier, no doubt you've outlined your problems here before, but would you mind doing so again for those of us that missed it. By the way she looks magnificent.

rldefender
3rd August 2008, 09:14 PM
Had some time in a Series 2 as a teen and since then 02 Rangie Diesel and 93 Pajero. Took the plunge on an 07 Defender to supplement a BMW 7 series (4 kids and I won;t let them eat in the "good car". Well, after a couple of months I had driven the "good" car twice so got rid of it. Sure the fender is noisy and won't do 250km BUT it will do 110-120 all day, tow a 1 1/2 ton boat between Brisbane and Hervey Bay without missing a beat, fit 6 pax in more comfort than a Cruiser and if someone hits it in the parking lot or shopping centre you feel sorry for them!!!!

We did over 10,000k in 2 months!!!!!! (Admittedly 3,500 of that was around NSW with the kids on a snow trip and 2 trips to Fraser)

It gets attention from other 4x4 drivers who want to compare themselves to you. You know that thing where subaru drivers say their car is as quick as a Porsche - but its not... a Porsche, that is) Well, cruiser drivers say that when they do some modification they can do what the fender does.

Its a 20K plus saving on a 200 cruiser and I'd rather the 20K and does the same stuff.

When you get somewhere, you forget comparing "how" you got there.

My kids love it and I hope that one of them can take it off me in the future.

Cheers