TDCi Defender Appreciation Thread

[solmanic]

Now I know you only ever read bad stuff on these forums, and I know that we all come here to air our problems in the hope that we find a solution or at least some company in our misery.....

....but I thought it might be worth starting a Puma Appreciation thread! (I've noticed these type of threads pop up on some geeky - sci-fi forums, not that I frequent them mind you...) So here are the rules - no mention of issues or problems other than endearing idiosynchracies and the like. I want this to be a thread where we can simply say what we love about our new Defenders in the hope that we can restore the balance of good vs bad representation on the forum.
so here goes...

I BLOODY LOVE MY PUMA TDCi DEFENDER!!!!

Even with the ridiculous price of diesel I find I am still making excuses to get in it and drive across town or wherever just so I can be in it. The other day I did THREE trips to the SAME SUBURB just because it was a nice day for a drive in the Defender. And one of those trips was to another owner's place just to look at his all dirty from an epic trip around Australia.

Now, having seen his all covered in red dust, I just look at mine in the car port and have fantasies about where it can take me. But even just driving into town is fun enough.

The seats are comfortable, and I love the driving position. Yes, it's true, I get a warm feeling of superiority sitting up there looking over the roofs of most of the other "soft" SUVs in traffic. And not just because I'm higher up, it's because the very manual nature of the controls makes me feel that I'm somehow a more worthy, more capable driver than those people with automatic everything and air-bags all around.

I love the low down torque and the way I can leave it in third around most corners. I also love the way I can pootle around in sixth gear at 60kph with the engine just idling. Then I love the way I can slowly wind it all the way up to 110kph on the motorway (again in sixth gear) and cruise along without my ears bleeding.

I love the way the dog can ride in the back and stick his head out the windows so all I see are his ears flapping in the rear vision mirrors. And I love the way I don't have to care how dirty he is when he gets in because the rubber mats just wipe clean.

Off-road I love the fact that over just about any terrain it makes me feel so totally in control. I love that when I see ruts of any size I don't immediately feel nervous that I am going to rip the transmission out if I fall in one. I love that on steep pinches up the track to our property I can just let the gearing and engine do their thing while I enjoy the smells and the scenery. And I love just seeing it sitting out somewhere in the bush all covered in dirt and mud.

I love the way it still feels like every other Defender I've owned, but just a little bit better in every way. And most of all, I love the way that each time I get in I don't care where I'm going, just the fact that I get to spend some more time in my new Defender.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[PAT303]

I put a new A frame ball joint in my fender today,I like driving it now. Pat

[Narangga]

Love it - yes


Wash it - NEVER!

[dullbird]

I put a new A frame ball joint in my fender today,I like driving it now. Pat

i thought you drove a tdi:eek:.......

or is what your saying is now you have put a new ball joint in it drives great but i still wish i could have a TDCI:D

[spudboy]

I love the way I can talk to Ms Spudboy without yelling at 110km/h :D

She loves not having an airconditioner cramping her feet like the TD5 too.

[Iwannadiscomatt]

i love ur defender too :)

[Rugrat]

Love it - yes

With exclamations and bells X 2




Wash it - NEVER!

Only when the Lady owner tells me to..... .
.
.
.
.
.
I dont mind that though as I get to dirty it :)

[dmdigital]

The Puma just Purrrrrrrrrrrrs
:D:D:D:D:D:D

Boy do I miss it when I drive the other one. I do this most of the time as BM gets the Puma as here daily drive ... as if I have a say in it:(

[cripesamighty]

I know the feeling dm_td5. I am collecting our Puma Defender in the next day or so from the aftermarket guys and will be driving it every chance I get. The TD5 is my partner's daily drive too so she is currently in the 'I miss the old one already' stage - while we still have both at home of course. I am sure that will change when we sell the TD5 and she gets used to the new Defender. Then the shoe will be on the other foot! I have to say that although I love our TD5, I LOVE our new Puma Defender!

cripesamighty

[one_iota]

It's also that pleasure you get when you see the reflection in the shopfront windows when stopped at the lights.

:D

[solmanic]

Just to up the ante on this little Puma group hug...

I find that when ever I park it somewhere, if I see another Defender I always park next to it, or near by. That's because the only thing better than seeing one Defender in the car park, is seeing TWO! I also like to think that seeing both together may give the owner of the other one pleasure when they come back. There is also the possibility of bumping into them for a little on-the-spot Defender love-in.

I also like driving into town where I can only get street parks because of the height, and jamming it into a space with only a foot at either end just to prove I am the master of manoeuvrability. :thumbsup:

[dmdigital]

Every night mine parks next to an older Defender.




What's better than having one Defender in the driveway?




Two Defenders in the driveway of course:D

[solmanic]

What's better than having one Defender in the driveway?Two Defenders in the driveway of course:D

And I know there are those here who are fortunate to have even more...

I went to the Brisbane International Motor show early in the year and even though I already had my own new Defender, I still had to go and have a stickybeak at the one on the Land Rover stand. They are like automotive pornography - you just have to look :p.

[cripesamighty]

I guess I can count us in that group of multi-Landy owners, at least until we sell the TD5. Will definitely have to get some photos of both of them together before that happens.

[solmanic]

Yes, there is definitely a warm, satisfied feeling inside when you have a fleet of Defenders...

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/IMGP1962.jpg

This is one of my favourite photos when my high-mileage, early 2002 Defender was yet to be delivered to its new owner and my low mileage, 2003 one had just arrived.

[Aaron]

I like the one on the left :P


Ill be there to pick your Puma up in a few years time.... Just like old times.

[jddisco200tdi]

I love the luggage space. I had a disco D1 before and getting the camping gear in for a family is going to be so much easier.

John D - Defender 110 2.4

[wally]

Now I know you only ever read bad stuff on these forums, and I know that we all come here to air our problems in the hope that we find a solution or at least some company in our misery.....

....but I thought it might be worth starting a Puma Appreciation thread! (I've noticed these type of threads pop up on some geeky - sci-fi forums, not that I frequent them mind you...) So here are the rules - no mention of issues or problems other than endearing idiosynchracies and the like. I want this to be a thread where we can simply say what we love about our new Defenders in the hope that we can restore the balance of good vs bad representation on the forum.
so here goes...

I BLOODY LOVE MY PUMA TDCi DEFENDER!!!!

Even with the ridiculous price of diesel I find I am still making excuses to get in it and drive across town or wherever just so I can be in it. The other day I did THREE trips to the SAME SUBURB just because it was a nice day for a drive in the Defender. And one of those trips was to another owner's place just to look at his all dirty from an epic trip around Australia.

Now, having seen his all covered in red dust, I just look at mine in the car port and have fantasies about where it can take me. But even just driving into town is fun enough.

The seats are comfortable, and I love the driving position. Yes, it's true, I get a warm feeling of superiority sitting up there looking over the roofs of most of the other "soft" SUVs in traffic. And not just because I'm higher up, it's because the very manual nature of the controls makes me feel that I'm somehow a more worthy, more capable driver than those people with automatic everything and air-bags all around.

I love the low down torque and the way I can leave it in third around most corners. I also love the way I can pootle around in sixth gear at 60kph with the engine just idling. Then I love the way I can slowly wind it all the way up to 110kph on the motorway (again in sixth gear) and cruise along without my ears bleeding.

I love the way the dog can ride in the back and stick his head out the windows so all I see are his ears flapping in the rear vision mirrors. And I love the way I don't have to care how dirty he is when he gets in because the rubber mats just wipe clean.

Off-road I love the fact that over just about any terrain it makes me feel so totally in control. I love that when I see ruts of any size I don't immediately feel nervous that I am going to rip the transmission out if I fall in one. I love that on steep pinches up the track to our property I can just let the gearing and engine do their thing while I enjoy the smells and the scenery. And I love just seeing it sitting out somewhere in the bush all covered in dirt and mud.

I love the way it still feels like every other Defender I've owned, but just a little bit better in every way. And most of all, I love the way that each time I get in I don't care where I'm going, just the fact that I get to spend some more time in my new Defender.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

And you like iced coffee too?

[solmanic]

And you like iced coffee too?

... And I like the way it has beverage holders just the right size for a 500ml iced coffee.

[justinc]

And I get to drive everyone elses when i service them!!:D:D

Aren't I the lucky one???:p:p


Agreed they are a great drive, couldn't quite justify the purchase of one as a work vehicle yet, but working on it:cool:

JC

[snowbound]

Now I know you only ever read bad stuff on these forums, and I know that we all come here to air our problems in the hope that we find a solution or at least some company in our misery.....

....but I thought it might be worth starting a Puma Appreciation thread! (I've noticed these type of threads pop up on some geeky - sci-fi forums, not that I frequent them mind you...) So here are the rules - no mention of issues or problems other than endearing idiosynchracies and the like. I want this to be a thread where we can simply say what we love about our new Defenders in the hope that we can restore the balance of good vs bad representation on the forum.
so here goes...

I BLOODY LOVE MY PUMA TDCi DEFENDER!!!!

Even with the ridiculous price of diesel I find I am still making excuses to get in it and drive across town or wherever just so I can be in it. The other day I did THREE trips to the SAME SUBURB just because it was a nice day for a drive in the Defender. And one of those trips was to another owner's place just to look at his all dirty from an epic trip around Australia.

Now, having seen his all covered in red dust, I just look at mine in the car port and have fantasies about where it can take me. But even just driving into town is fun enough.

The seats are comfortable, and I love the driving position. Yes, it's true, I get a warm feeling of superiority sitting up there looking over the roofs of most of the other "soft" SUVs in traffic. And not just because I'm higher up, it's because the very manual nature of the controls makes me feel that I'm somehow a more worthy, more capable driver than those people with automatic everything and air-bags all around.

I love the low down torque and the way I can leave it in third around most corners. I also love the way I can pootle around in sixth gear at 60kph with the engine just idling. Then I love the way I can slowly wind it all the way up to 110kph on the motorway (again in sixth gear) and cruise along without my ears bleeding.

I love the way the dog can ride in the back and stick his head out the windows so all I see are his ears flapping in the rear vision mirrors. And I love the way I don't have to care how dirty he is when he gets in because the rubber mats just wipe clean.

Off-road I love the fact that over just about any terrain it makes me feel so totally in control. I love that when I see ruts of any size I don't immediately feel nervous that I am going to rip the transmission out if I fall in one. I love that on steep pinches up the track to our property I can just let the gearing and engine do their thing while I enjoy the smells and the scenery. And I love just seeing it sitting out somewhere in the bush all covered in dirt and mud.

I love the way it still feels like every other Defender I've owned, but just a little bit better in every way. And most of all, I love the way that each time I get in I don't care where I'm going, just the fact that I get to spend some more time in my new Defender.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh191/solmanic42/080321MtMee006Reduced.jpg

Don't worry mate, I'm sure it will grow on you!:D

[one_iota]

My Defender Day:

Off to work and a big wave (returned) from a 130 :)

Provided taxi service for colleagues to a meeting on the other side of the harbour. Noticed a recent model Volvo sports giving the Defender the eye...he made a point of getting past me to have a good look at the front.

My interested passengers talked about it positively all the way there and back.
Prefaced by "do you use this off road (if not you are a ******)".

One, an Audi TT owner, could only speak positively about her..."great ground clearance"..."looks like the old ones just like Porsches do"..."this is a great car!"...

They needn't have said a word so I guess they had their first Land Rover experience? It might not have been what they would choose but they could see why I did.

I don't need affirmation but it is great to get positive feedback from non Land Rover people as well.

[spudfan]

Have my new Defender about one month now.Thought long and hard before buying it.The electronics frightened me as I have driven a 200 Tdi for the last 12 years.I remembered all the doom and gloom about the Td5 and its electronics when it came out.Like an idiot I believed them.The Td5 turned out to be a fine vehicle.
There is about 2,000 kms on my new Land Rover so far.Last week we were away for our Summer holidays and covered about 800 kms.Fuel consumption has yet to stabilise.My first full fill up returned 26.26 mpg.My second full fill up returned 28.78 mpg while my last full fill up was 29.88mpg.Top speed was 100kms(62.50 mph).
Today I noticed a drip from the fuel tank when full.Could be just a loose hose at the top of the tank.Have spoken to the dealer and will get it checked probably at the first service.
My version is the 7 seat station wagon version.Though the rear seats fold to one side they do take up valuable luggage space when folded. The rear seats are really good for anyone up to mid teens.
Having driven the 200 Tdi for so long it took some time to settle into the new Defender.
The following are some differences between the TDCi and the Tdi(1992 version).
The TDCi is noticeably taller.Unless you very athletic get side steps.Rear one is standard as it would be impossible to get into it without it.
Front under shields on front wheelarches are plastic where as the older ones were metal.
Fuel tank is plastic and has a smaller capacity-1.5 gallons less than the Tdi.
So far it seems to have no obvious leaks (apart from the fuel tank)
Tyre noise when driving rather than engine noise-fitted with General Grabbers.
Very good speakers installed-good sound.
Middle row of seats are a big improvement on the old middle row.
Heating system is completely different.Looks like any other car.It does deliver warmth when needed.
The doors are completely different and seem to be all one piece and not sections welded together.Also close with a nice solid clunk.Could be made of steel.
Ditto for the bonnet.Obviously higher and judging by the weight of it is of steel construction too.
Very well finished through out both inside and outside.
Bigger intercooler than the Tdi.
Storage space in new dash is negligible compared to the old one.
The handbook is lacking in info regarding self servicing.Does not give instructions even on how to change the oil or the airfilter.
The clutch is a completely different feel to the old one.Very light in comparison.I stalled it twice when I picked it up.Still do when going immediately from the Tdi to the TDCi.-and vice versa.
Very good to drive.The only other car my wife has driven is the 200 Tdi.She learned how to drive in it and passed her test in it first time.She has never driven a normal car.She took to the TDCi like a duck to water.
So far not as good on fuel as the Tdi which will do 32mpg.
Only had the TDCi -christened ZULU- two days when I decided to up the protection on the chassis.I put two coats of thick metal paint on it and all the outriggers brackets etc I could reach.I then squirted Waxoil inside the chassis.Then I taped over the access holes with ducktape and applied another coat of paint over the chassis and tape.
As a chassis rust from the inside I hope to stop water getting in .Then I unblocked the drain holes in the bottom of the chassis.
It was a little disconcerting to be lying underneath a Defender and see Ford stamped into the sump.Hope to get the dealer to remove the door trim at the first service and waxoil inside using the holes for the plastic clips.They told me to bring my gear and they will let me work away.Will also replace any damaged clips when refitting the door trim for me.And they will not charge me for the help.
All in all it is a fine machine.A little more technical than I am used to.Then again owing to emissions legislation that is how things have gone, same for the rear benches-killed by legislation.
I miss the flaps-they were great especially on a long journey with the wife and kids.With the Tdi when the cold weather arrived I put a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator-approximately one third of it was covered.This gave us great heat in Winter.It was simply removed when warmer weather arrived.It was painted black with duck tape around the edges.Lasts for years!
In the TDCi the coolant is not to be changed for 10 years.Must be great stuff.Unfortunately try as I might I cannot get any for topping up purposes.It's Texaco coolant.
The TDCi uses synthetic oil with a service interval of 10,000 miles(12,000kms).I was always told that an engine should only be run in on mineral oil.Then after first service use synthetic.My point being that I do not know whether Land Rover have synthetic oil in from new.If so they are wrong.Good as synthetic is it is so fine and slick that is does not leave a coating on the engine surface.It does travel to all engine parts like greased lightning when the engine is starting up though which is great for preventing wear.However mineral oil does give that initial all important coating.
It is always strange getting a new vehicle but this on is a fine machine.The Tdi is in getting a facelift -new crossmember etc.When she returns it will be a two Land Rover family again.
Our second car was a series 111.Two days before ZULU arrived it started jumping out of reverse gear.She is now retired until sometime in the future-distant future!The new Defender has many changes but it is still a Defender through and through.Hopes this is of interest.
Will now try to put up a photo of ZULU.

[dullbird]

how come you got stickers all over it did you put them on yourself??

[spudboy]

Spudfan - That was an epic first post!!

Welcome from another Spud. I am presuming you are the same SpudFan from Landrover.Net in the UK seeing as you are mixing your metric and imperial. If you fill in your location details in your profile we'll know where you're from.

Cheers
David

[one_iota]

how come you got stickers all over it did you put them on yourself??

Also interesting are the amber coloured front and side indicator lenses as opposed to the clear. Is that black rather than grey light surrounds and grille?

[spudfan]

Hello I am in Ireland.I had the graphics done myself.Silver,black with white Defender on the door and ZULU towards the rear.TDCi with ZULU beneath this.Defender on the front.If anyone wants closeups I'll do my best to oblige.
The light surrounds are black with orange and white lenses.
The vehicle is Tonga green so the stripes look awesome on it.The photo does not do it justice.

[Naks]

Had our new Puma for 2 weeks now (only 501km), and loving every minute in it. Bar the f****up with the radio: between LRUK, LRSA and the dealer, the radio code is invalid so it's getting a new radio this week under warranty.

Had a Mantec snorkel and a Madman EMS fitted yesterday:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/02/347.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/714.jpg

[Allan]

This is my Rocket. Best vehicle I ever had

Allan

[Brid]

Geez!! You fellas have got it bad!!

....me too!

[isuzurover]

This is my Rocket. Best vehicle I ever had

Allan

Looks awesome!

[Izmirblue]

I love that when I'm out and about people assume I have an old car - not a brand new one! I also love that I get fantastic torque offoad without having to pay for an enormous engine thanks to the gear ratios!

[Grockle]

best Defender we've had.

[Naks]

So now we have our first issue with the Puma.

When I got back from Barca last weekend, I had the first chance to drive the Puma properly and noticed that it was drifting to the left and also was swerving to the left under braking.

When I took it in to LR N1 City for the radio fitment, they did a wheel alignment and according to them it's sorted. However, the braking thing, they will require the car for at least a day to be able to diagnose and fix, so it has to go back in next week *sigh*

In the meantime, the wheel alignment has sort of worked: the Puma does not drift so much on a smooth road. But on a bumpy street, it will swerve as soon as one wheel hits a bump/speedbump/etc. Also, as soon as a gust of wind hits, it swerves to the left.

Anyone else experience this sort of thing in the Puma?

[Allan]

I sorted mine with the removel of the sway bars and shock absorber changes. This may not be legal in all states I believe, but my defer now drives like a different vehicle.

Allan

[Naks]

I sorted mine with the removel of the sway bars and shock absorber changes. This may not be legal in all states I believe, but my defer now drives like a different vehicle.

Allan, how is the handling on tar without the sway bars? Did you remove both front and rear?

What shock absorbers did you put on?

[Allan]

Allan, how is the handling on tar without the sway bars? Did you remove both front and rear?

What shock absorbers did you put on?

Yes I removed both sway bars and have used the dampers to control the ride. As I have an ARB bar and winch I eventualy went for 130 Land Rover front springs and used the OME shocks I had (when the OME dampers die I'll change these to Terra Firma also). I used standard springs rear with dislocation cones and Terra Firma +2 inch shocks. I'm also running 265/75 16 on 8 inch rims but at standard pressures. I think this mod. will save a lot of disc pads as my traction control does'nt make a sound unless pushed very hard, unlike when i took it offroad at first. I would say it has 10 to 15 percent more body roll than it had standard but the ride is 70 to 80 percent improved especialy with a bit of a load compared to the standard Puma. I drove my wifes 90 today and I think it going to get the same treatment. My SVX rides as good on corrigations as my sons D3. Worth the try.

Allan

[skoller]

My Puma did the same.Veering to the left.I mentioned it to service crew and they knew about it.They done something to,I think,the steering box and now it seems much better.

[Naks]

My Puma did the same.Veering to the left.I mentioned it to service crew and they knew about it.They done something to,I think,the steering box and now it seems much better.

Skoller, would you be so kind as to find out what they did exactly? thanks :)

[skoller]

I am going to see the dealer on friday about my 2nd noisy rear diff so I will try to get them to tell me what they did about the steering.

[rovercare]

The direction of the thread is turning to faults and problems:D

[Chucaro]

The direction of the thread is turning to faults and problems:D

Yes I think that I would keep my Tdi300 for a few years more :D

[Naks]

The direction of the thread is turning to faults and problems:D

it was bound to happen :angel:

Btw, I'm getting my ScanGauge device this evening, will take pics once installed and post them here.

[one_iota]

The direction of the thread is turning to faults and problems:D

Yes

This is bloody typical

Just when you think there is something good to say someone wants to have a bleat

I wish I'd bought a Toyota

You never hear anything bad about them

I like my Puma engined Defender and I think I might keep for quite a few years yet!!!

[Chucaro]

Yes

This is bloody typical

Just when you think there is something good to say someone wants to have a bleat

I wish I'd bought a Toyota

You never hear anything bad about them

I like my Puma and I think I might keep for quite a few years yet

Did you have the chance to read about the recalls from Toyota?
Mate, I like the Puma and believe that it is one of the best 4WD out there.
Keep your Puma, and enjoy it is agreat car :)
It is a pity that some owners complain about the faults of the vehicle all the time and that it is what make many other LR owners reluctant to upgrade.

Cheers

[one_iota]

Did you have the chance to read about the recalls from Toyota?
Mate, I like the Puma and believe that it is one of the best 4WD out there.
Keep your Puma, and enjoy it is agreat car :)
It is a pity that some owners complain about the faults of the vehicle all the time and that it is what make many other LR owners reluctant to upgrade.

Cheers

Mate I forgot to add the sarcasm icons to my post. ;)

Just trying to get this thread back on track.

Having had a look at the recall notices I reckon the Defender stacks up very well against most makes including other model Land Rovers :D

[TwoUp]

Keep going men!!

They are good. I do not hear any faults from other vehicles, yet search and you will find them. As you will with any vehicle or machine.

Haven driven only one, I can say that they are (in Defender-110 type terms) by far superior to the standard vehicle. I did highway, dirt road and off road, and yes i bogged it but would have bogged any other vehicle. The vehicle just idled through what my 300TDI would have had to take a run at. I did a anti stall go at a jump at and it is on u-tube, search 1P1J1W for the vid. Overall the car was very good.

I remember when in Brisbane and was going to Townsville and haven just returned from Malaya mid year 1976, a Honda 750 fello said to me that my (newly purchased) Kowasaki 1000 would not make it. I could.

Rid the bike everywhere, as do I drive my Defender anywhere. Knockers really need a good knocking I reckon.

Regards,
PeterW

[Chucaro]

As an old Defender owner I would like to see in this thread review posts of the Puma like driving position and seats, is the body sealed or like the Tdi300? and so on.
For sure there are 90% of positive points and only the common 10% of problems like in any new model regardless of the brand.

I love to have an used 130 one day but I would like to see if the owners of the new Pumas can maintaining the vehicle in the same way that a Tdi300 is maintained now.

You know.......the Tdi and the County are Defes for the senior and pension card holders budget ;):D

[rovercare]

Keep going men!!

They are good. I do not hear any faults from other vehicles, yet search and you will find them. As you will with any vehicle or machine.



Regards,
PeterW

I tried REALLLLLY hard to find common faults with 78/78 series with 1HT-FTE and there is very little at all on the interweb, plenty about every other make, model, variation though:D

I haven't driven a puma yet, must do one day:)

[one_iota]

I drove a 300 Tdi Disco for over 10 years on and off road...it was a great vehicle.....went places that made my hair stand on end.

I still have a soft spot for her...I learned enough from that to appreciate the latest Defender even more.

The Defender is a universe away. Basic capability with smart development applied.

[one_iota]

As an old Defender owner I would like to see in this thread review posts of the Puma like driving position and seats, is the body sealed or like the Tdi300? and so on.
For sure there are 90% of positive points and only the common 10% of problems like in any new model regardless of the brand.

I love to have an used 130 one day but I would like to see if the owners of the new Pumas can maintaining the vehicle in the same way that a Tdi300 is maintained now.

You know.......the Tdi and the County are Defes for the senior and pension card holders budget ;):D

There is no way that I could fiddle with the Defender engine the same way I did with the Tdi.

It was basic and easy to get my feeble brain around.

I can't do that with the latest setup.

The rest is just a Defender.

However a Defender is stiil a bit like living in a cave regardless of the engine...most sensible people would like to live in a penthouse apartment with views of the Sydney Opera House.

But no Defender owner is sensible

[Allan]

I love my Puma, have a TD5 90 also (wifes car) but would not swap my Puma for any car - yes it has had its faults, as any vehicle does, but it is still the best car I have ever owned.

Allan

[Naks]

I have had my Puma for only 3 weeks and I love it. But when I hear things like this when my new Puma drift to the left... eish:


LR sent my car to an approved panel-beater to find out what the problem is. They found that the bracket to which the left-front steering control rod is attached is 3.5 millimeters too far back. This bracket is welded directly onto the chassis. The result of this is that the front left wheel is slightly behind the front right wheel. The effect of this is that the vehicle then drives to the left.

This is a manufacturing defect. It was built like this.

[TwoUp]

"LR sent my car to an approved panel-beater to find out what the problem is. They found that the bracket to which the left-front steering control rod is attached is 3.5 millimeters too far back. This bracket is welded directly onto the chassis. The result of this is that the front left wheel is slightly behind the front right wheel. The effect of this is that the vehicle then drives to the left.

This is a manufacturing defect. It was built like this."

Good thing you found the problem, now have it removed, prepare the site for replacement, re-fit and coat the area and get on with enjoying the vehicle.

Whether L/R does the job or you commision some other, it would pay to fix the problem strait away.

Regards,
PeterW

[Gav110]

I tried REALLLLLY hard to find common faults with 78/78 series with 1HT-FTE and there is very little at all on the interweb, plenty about every other make, model, variation though:D

I haven't driven a puma yet, must do one day:)

I think Toyota's quality is generally a lot higher than LR, but somehow they keep the bad press hosed down (bar the ... ahem... little matter of the er, sticking accelerator 'issue' - viz: fronting the US Senate to explain...), and to be fair to them their faults as a % of units shipped is probably low, but I can still feel my ar_e shaking from the leaf sprung shudder from my recent test drive... :wheelchair:

See my earlier post: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/98514-journey-dark-side-lc70-gxl-test-drive.html

[MacFamily]

Well I dont own a new defender but I have a appreciation for the new one and have talked to the missus about selling the 300tdi for a TD5 or a Puma.

But the funds are not there at the moment and Ive nearly got the 300tdi how I want it.Besides Iam scarred that if I test drove a new one I wouldnt want to get back in the old 300tdi or just not return the puma and drive it home :D.

Would also like to see the owners of Puma's have a pic thread of there defenders.Would help potencial puma owners decide on which colour,new accessories and show us old fender driver's what we are missing out on but dont get me wrong I LOVE my old fender and all landys :D.

Yes I know we have a Sticky: Show us your Deefers thread but would just like to see a Puma thread and as I dont own one cannot start it :(

[PBob]

Now that I have my new crew cab 110 that replaces my HSE TDV6 D3, these are my loves and hates:
I love::)
I love to drive it.:cool:
I love the torque of the motor - very impressive.
I love the solid build and the looks you get (envy), when driving it about.
I like the sound of the doors when they shut.
I like its towing capacity (2.5 tonne 23' boat, double horse float, Kimberley Kamper trailer).
I love the seats (but mud rails on the way).
I like the GG tyres.

I hate::mad:
The turning circle is a disgrace. My D3 is a similar wheelbase and would turn in half the length of this thing. I almost leave Mudgee when turning it around.
I hate the cramped door.
I hate the clunks and noisy joints when changing up through the gears from a standing start.

[Dave128]

Coming from a 2005 TD5 110 SW to a Puma 2010MY there are some interesting refinements and some similarities from my perspective...

Sealing:
Rear doors have thicker rubber seals, especially bottom 6 inches (the old trick of sliding another rubber tube up the inside does not work anymore - and is not required).
For all doors, the rubber wall on seals is thicker.
Very bottom corner of rear door requires some sealant once you pull away rubber. Very little dust in through back door even before sealant.
No dust entry behind speakers.
Fuel filler recess into interior had a couple of small holes where metal folded back.
Same dust entry slot in floor next to the seat belt mounting of the outside middle row seats, better seen from under car.
No dust through B posts.
Battery seat box requires some sealing.
Driver seat box sealed.

Other:
Bonnet hinge tighter, does not rattle in the rough.
Rear body, side window frames - new design.
2nd row seats not affected by body flex because they are not attached to C post.
Seats all round are better particularly headrests.
Rear cargo space shorter at top of seat.

Would I go back?......................no..........

[isuzutoo-eh]

Yesterday on Scouse's AULRO daytrip, the two least experienced drivers were myself in an Isuzu County 110, and Pumice in his fresh off the boat 110 TDCi.
We have similar tyres fitted, though mine is 2" bigger :p I mean larger diameter
We did exactly the same tracks.
We had difficulties in the same spots.
If we had difficulties, it was driver error not vehicle limitations.
I think traction control and all the electronic 'gimmickry' gave Pumice more control and made things just that little bit easier and successful. It really isn't a gimmick.
On the highway on the way home, there was no way I could keep up :p
Pumice's aircon works, and the seats aren't collapsed by 25 years of bums. Doesn't sound as good though.

The modern Defender is a great vehicle :D

[Naks]

Our Puma during the Land Rover Experience course on Saturday:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_huL2HUJX8hU/S5Juvvtoh6I/AAAAAAAABgQ/F93BPgCpmfE/LR%20Experience%202010%20083.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_huL2HUJX8hU/S5JvFLN3_DI/AAAAAAAABis/jhBNdpjLm_E/LR%20Experience%202010%20120.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_huL2HUJX8hU/S5JvH30giyI/AAAAAAAABjA/dMtNdmU5Vgg/LR%20Experience%202010%20125.jpg