New Defender, any good?

[John W]

Hi Defender people.

Presently have owned my 9 year old Disco TD5 for 8 years. I have had heaps of fun and use out of it but it has been a black hole for the wallet with every thing imaginable go wrong with it from day 1. Love what it does but reliability is shocking and expensive.

Getting pressure from the wife to cut our losses and run. She has the audacity to suggest a Toyota playdough. I would like a D3 but can't justify the cost and still worried about reliability there as well.

This leads me to ask what people think of the new Defender. Are there any annoying problems. Are the oil seals better these days or do they still leak oil. I would really like something solid that just works when you turn the key! Tired of sticking up for LR at my work having to explain why my Disco is back in the workshop again to the Toyota owners who seem to have no trouble.

I like to do trips like Cape York, we need the 7 seats and also do a bit of towing 1500kg van. I note the spec sheet puts wading at just 500 mm. Is there a problem with deeper wading? Do you find the seats comfy, how do the passengers find the rear seats etc.

I would appreciate your thoughts as for some unknown reason I find myself emotionally wanting a LR but on a rational level having difficulty.

[Xavie]

Well, I was totally unimpressed but others here have found them good. I guess that's Land Rover in a nut shell. lol.

Xav

[weeds]

never owned one......but would buy one in a heart beat if i had the $$$, well i reckon i have the $$$ its just the accountant at home would object.

there are already a few stories of guys taking there puma defenders on extended outback touring trip with no dramas

scallops trip comes to mind, he reckons he will be buried in it........well something like that

[I Love My Landy!]

Xavie can you expand on why you dislike the new Defenders please?

[TimNZ]

They are a really great car, they are much eaiser to live with now they have a decent A/C system and a bit of sound profing. As for relaibility my one hasn't been so great, but the majority of them are fine. The second row seats look comfy but are quite hard to sit on.
The engine has heaps of torque making the car great for towing, and with the 6th gear they cruise comfortably at 100km/h. As for the wading the ECU is now on the firewall so there is less danger of damaging it, however the alternator is quite low so there could be some problems there.

Cheers,

Tim

[Blknight.aus]

IMHO they're not up to what I expect from a shed on wheels...

IF the same design things were in something like a disco or a rangie (just to keep it in the marque) I wouldnt be upset as you generally dont expect them to be as capable as the deefers off road (they are in most cases when all is stock but well you just dont expect it from a luxo barge)

now Im just guessing here but I get the feeling after having looked at a few that Ford took hold of something good and decided "well what can we do to squeeze our gear into it without remaking the whole damn thing"

what its led to for me is a basically capable suspension and chassis package with a reasonable transmission and a stupid engine and emmisions layout. then theres the inside...

ford transit engine problems have the probablity of raising their heads and the general layout of some of the sub systems leaves a lot to be desired.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

They are utter rubbish! Unreliable, thirsty, and slow :eek:


























Seriously they are great and you should get one! :D

I would get one but I've just got our td5 setup and it's only 3 years old. So, I have no conceivable excuse for getting another. They are quieter than the TD5, and the dash and ventilation is better. I would miss the vents though. If I really think hard about what I'd get for a trade the only real advantage to me is the 6th gear and being a bit quieter. There are some things I would miss on the current one like the vents and more rugged dash. Plus all our setup. I'll see what's happening when they finish building these in a few years time and asses things then. Also, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of discounts on them at the moment so they do work out to be LOTS more than we paid for ours.

You should get to a dealer and drive one. :)

[spudboy]

I've got a Dec 2007 model. After 10 months:
- no oil leaks
- love the cruising quiteness compared to the TD5 (6th gear + more sound insulation)
- 1 dealer recall to fit a new sump (FOC)
- the stereo is less than average. I thought it was going to come with am MP3 plug, but that is UK models only.
- If you are tall you will need to shift the drivers seat back, which makes the rear seat behind the drive only suitable for the legless or kids up to 10-12.
- Fuel economy is slowly getting better for some reason. Started at 11.5/100 now it is more like 10.5/100
- Starts first click of the key - I LOVE that diesel. Big improvement over the TD5, but more electrics I guess. Heaps of grunt. You won't believe it is a 2.4L when you drive it.
- For more then 500mm of water I've got a Mantec snorkel from the UK (about $500).
- Wish it still had the old fashioned vents. You have to use the fan a lot on warm days, whereas the TD5 you could open the vents to get a bit of fresh air.

For me it is a keeper, so hoping to still be running around in it in 25 years time (If I live to be 75...).

Get your hands on one and take it for a decent test drive. If you ask nicely you can get them overnight.

Cheers
David

[tolinja]

You would have to say " each to there own "
as i bought Xavie defender and after6 months I would say i love it.
I knew it was a truck and not a car so that hasnt bothered me , I do driver training in it and it is fantasic off road.
Its not a car for everyone as Xavie has shown but for some it is the perfect truck.
for me I love it
love to drive it
love to test how far it will go
brings a smile to my face every time i drive

cheers
Chaser
And yes Xavie I am looking after it .

[Forest]

I seriously think we all need to get over this whole D3 reliability "thing". Buy the defender for what it is, don't not get the D3 because of a mindset of what you think it is not. The D3 is as reliable as any other landrover. The defender and D3 are different vehicles. Both have good points and bad. Drive them both, see how you go.

[weeds]

I seriously think we all need to get over this whole D3 reliability "thing". Buy the defender for what it is, don't not get the D3 because of a mindset of what you think it is not. The D3 is as reliable as any other landrover. The defender and D3 are different vehicles. Both have good points and bad. Drive them both, see how you go.

i always find it odd when people compare the defender to a D3 or range rover.......quite opposites really when it comes to the style of the car, one is far less refined than the others

[John W]

Thanks everyone for your helpful thoughts. We live about 1hr from a dealer so it is great to have this web site to get help.

Secretly I am hoping that when we do the sums it will turn out to be cheaper to keep paying for repairs to the D2 than go for a new car. That said I do like the idea of a "shed on wheels" and driving a truck. The difference between a Fender and D3 is not lost on me. The D3 is off the list because of price for a 7 seat TDV6 and limited fuel tank but as said I would still like one.

I am going to test drive the Puma Fender.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

i always find it odd when people compare the defender to a D3 or range rover.......quite opposites really when it comes to the style of the car, one is far less refined than the others

Exactly. I love the D3 but I'm anal about my cars. If I used a D3 for the same off-roading that I do and have done I would find it heart breaking. It wouldn't get used.

The scratches and general damage that you pick up in serious off road use would mean the D3 would end up trashed in the longer term. Somehow... defenders just end up looking more beautiful (in my eyes) with use :) When I look at a defender that looks to have been used I can just tell it has stories and memories to be told.

The D3 is comfortable and has carpets and all the fruit. The defender is a car that you can (and I do) clean the interior with a hose! However the wife wouldn't whinge about driving a D3 around town (I think). :)

[PAT303]

I think people should get over the unreliable thing.I have to say that Tojo's would be without doubt the most over-rated POS there is.I get bagged out over my LR's at work too,funny thing is the bloke that does the most has had nothing but trouble with his new Hilux,on friday he was on the phone for 30mins to the dealer because the engines Knocking,his wife is not happy as it left her stranded with a broken diff a month back.I would buy another new LR anyday,even if it did have a problem at least you can buy parts for them,Tojo owners rave about the dealer support I can tell you there isn't any.I could not live with paying the prices they charge for parts that are made in Thailand when you do finally get them. Pat

[dmdigital]

The Playdough would be the pick of the Tojo's. Hilux is certainly no longer unbreakable and the finish durability is rubbish compared to the previous models. 70 series and 200 series are both way to expensive and if anyone ever thought a Defender was poorly finished, look at the $65,000 70 series Workmate!

D3 over a 200 series is a no brainer either, just based on cost alone.

My new Defender is wonderful to drive, the engine is a lot more responsive than the Td5 and the gearing is brilliant once you get used to the 1st - my wife has started referring to it as 0.5 The TC is very good, A/C and heater works very well. Backseat is redesigned and full seats as are the very rear, though the head room in the very back is limited. All seats are very comfortable with inertia real belts and head rests all round

The thing tows a 1.5t camper trailer like it's hardly there. No oil leaks in 6500km, you will read that they do use some oil whilst breaking in, but this isn't unusual for many of the new diesels from what I've been told. At this stage mine did use about a litre after towing a camper for the first 4200km, but after a 5000km oil change hasn't used anymore.

The 500mm wading depth isn't unusual, it would have applied to your Disco too and to many other vehicles. Fitting a snorkel, moving breathers and its all fine. The door seasl are still standard Defender fair though, so expect some dust ingress at the least.

Take one for a test drive is the best way.

[JohnR]

Well it's interesting reading, all the replies to your question and everybody who had anything negitive to say (apart from Xavie), didn't own one???

We own one, and have had it for a bit over 12months now and in a nutshell AWSOME :D

I have owned many 4wd's in the past and this is by far the best one ever. All this talk about Ford stuffing things up with the Transit engine? I can not imaging a better test bed for an engine than probibly one of the most commonly used courier vans in the world! If you've ever watched courier drivers they know how to test an engine :twisted: "Too much electronics" I can not say this hasn't worried me, but as I have said to myself "get with the 21st centuary" show me a new car that does not have electronics (apart from something from an eastern block country:D)

My wife can't get enough of it and I feel privelidged when she lets me drive her car :wasntme:
Go buy one and join the best club there is Defer Owners! :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/01/686.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/12/768.jpg

Cheers,

[spudboy]

The other good thing you get when you go from a Disco to a Defender is waves from other Defender drivers. I think my success rate has to be over 90% compared to about 10% when I drive the Disco (when I bother).

[tolinja]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/01/686.jpg

mate nice looking truck, just like mine but black
have to catch up one day side by side

cheers chaser

[Scallops]

I've had mine for 1 year now - 30 000km, no oil leaks, no water ingress into the cabin, no roof liner sag! - So, is it any good? Well, it's our one and only ever LR so it's harder for me to compare ours with other models, but...

I've driven the TD5 Defender - IMO, there is no contest - the Puma is a big improvement in so many ways.

There is no turbo lag when you accelerate; it is much quieter; there is much more usable room around and under dash (no skin off the knees from "AC" unit); it has proper AC that works; and it has much better gearing for cruising - who wants to drive with a diesel's rpm well over 2000rpm in top gear? The TD5 needs another gear too!

The anti stall feature when in low range 1st is beyond compare - you just can't stall it. Think how good that is for serious offroad driving. And the spread of torque is great - usable over the rev range. All the seats have changed - not just the rear ones - and although I'm told the old ones were fine we found the new ones very comfortable.

I took mine around Oz recently - across the Gibson and Simpson deserts, through the Kimberly, across the Gulf. We had no dramas that stopped us and found it a really practical vehicle. That said, it did have the following things occur...

1) LH mirror fell off
2) RH rear window winder fell off
3) both rear disc guards fatigue cracked and I had to pulled off before they caused further damage.
4) the gutters are not strong enough - a rack even with minimal load will cause the gutter paint to crack and the soft filler to be displaced.
5) both front ABS sensors failed.

Still - all of these items were repaired under warranty at Suttons in Alice.

It is a very efficient engine - we achieved 9.8l/100km overall fuel consumption and we had about 700kg luggage on board with a roof rack. The engine had more than enough grunt to do the job everywhere we went. I also feel that the Ford engine will be a long lasting unit as it is so down tuned - look at Transit vans and the way they move - they're rockets! So a down tuned version is producing nowhere near it's max power or torque so is less stressed.

Overall - we are very happy with the vehicle and even happier that we waited the 11 long months for the Puma to be available. But a Defender is a long way from a Disco - you'll need to not only drive one, but take some time to get used to it. These vehicles are not for everyone, but without a doubt, it's the truck for me and it is a keeper.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8602/dsc0371trzn1cd1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/dsc0371trzn1cd1.jpg/1/w1000.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img232/dsc0371trzn1cd1.jpg/1/)

[solmanic]

A Defender (of any sort) is just MORE FUN. It is so different to just about anything else on the road. And the Puma Defender is by far the most civilized of all the Defenders. Sure, they may have some defects, but I would rather have a slightly defective Defender than a fully sorted anything else.

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

[one_iota]

Yes

It is more refined and comfortable to drive than my 95 Disco, has more space and more oomph. Out of the box I'd say it was more capable off road.

I made my decision based on value for money and practicality (and because it is a Land Rover).

You will read disparaging comments about the "crappy Ford engine" along the lines of "whatever were FoMoCo thinking?" and "why isn't there a Land Rover engine in it?". The fact is that the applauded diesel engines in the Discovery and Range Rovers were also made by Duratorq (Ford). After all they bought the Company and probably saved it.

[Bundalene]

If it means anything from a woman's point of view ....

We have both a Disco and now a late model Defender as well.
Each year we go up North to Arnhem Land, and this year, for some unknown reason, I felt more "secure" with the new Defender. The Disco has been great in the past, doing the same trip and hasn't let us down, but the Defender seems to be a tougher vehicle IMHO.
And it has more room inside.

Don't know why I feel more secure in the Deefer, just a personal feeling of mine.

For the time being, we'll keep both.


Mrs Bundalene

[Psimpson7]

Yes

The fact is that the applauded diesel engines in the Discovery and Range Rovers were also made by Duratorq (Ford). After all they bought the Company and probably saved it.

I dont think thats correct. The TDV6 was a collabaration with Peugeot and has very little to do with ford as far as I know.

[Black Dog]

For what it's worth a well know LR guy I spoke to before I got mine tried to talk me into a D3 and away from the defender... More technology, easier to drive, better on the open road, the family will find it more comfortable..all round a better buy etc.
When I asked him what he drove... he said a defender. lol.

[one_iota]

I dont think thats correct. The TDV6 was a collabaration with Peugeot and has very little to do with ford as far as I know.

:D

Ford Duratorq engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratorq_engine)




The 2.7 L (2720 cc) V6 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V6) is built by Ford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford) and Jaguar Cars (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_Cars) at their Dagenham facility, and was designed by Ford engineers at their Dunton and Whitley product development centres. It is called AJD-V6 by Jaguar and DT17 by PSA Peugeot Citroën (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSA_Peugeot_Citro%C3%ABn).
Ford and PSA extended their Diesel engine joint-venture in October, 1999, to include this V6 engine.

Applications:
2006–present Citroën C6 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_C6) 2.7 V6 HDi, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2008–present Citroën C5 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_C5) 2.7 V6 HDi, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2004–2008 Jaguar S-Type (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_S-Type) 2.7 DV6, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2005–present Jaguar XJ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XJ) TDVi 2.7, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2008–present Jaguar XF (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XF) 2.7D, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2005–present Land Rover Discovery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Discovery) Td6, 190 PS (187 hp/140 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2006–present Land Rover Range Rover Sport (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Range_Rover_Sport) Td6, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2005–present Peugeot 407 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_407) Coupé 2.7 V6 HDi, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)
2005–present Peugeot 607 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_607) 2.7 V6 HDi, 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) and 325 ft·lbf (440 N·m)

[Psimpson7]

Well there you go! thanks.:)

[John W]

Lots of interesting reading

Thanks

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Can I play the devils advocate here. Given that there has been no discounting on Defenders but D3's are heavily discounted at times... are D3's actually more expensive than a defender?

[WMFD]

I have one 6000k in my 130. Fuel usage is around 10.5/11L100K but last tank full drove at 100kmh and nursed it taking off etc and returned 9L/100K not bad for big vehicle. Dash is superb definately the best upgrade of the vehicle,dont miss the vents. Yesterday in Perth 34 Degrees and only had A/C fan on number 1. Have just chipped the ecu back to UK standards and torque is excellent no reason to want any more ( I tow an oversize 3.5 ton boat). Rear seats are very upright not really suitable for long Journeys. Overall it seems ptettygood but will see how long it lasts!

[PAT303]

Next year we are looking at a new vehicle,I want a puma but the boss whats an auto,so it's a D3 or more likely a FL2.Does the defender come in auto in any other country?. Pat

[Scallops]

Next year we are looking at a new vehicle,I want a puma but the boss whats an auto,so it's a D3 or more likely a FL2.Does the defender come in auto in any other country?. Pat

From what I have gathered, the only out of the box auto is the English SVX - but not the one here. Now....

MR Automotive in Qld do auto conversions for Defenders - now I know you're not in Qld but if they do it maybe others do the conversion too?

[Captain_Rightfoot]

From what I have gathered, the only out of the box auto is the English SVX - but not the one here. Now....

MR Automotive in Qld do auto conversions for Defenders - now I know you're not in Qld but if they do it maybe others do the conversion too?

I haven't spoken to them recently but I don't think it would be a cheap conversion.

[PJH1109]

Hi - just joined and picking up my SVX in January - still in the UK and looking around to see what's available in Australia and what's worth bringing over in our container when it leaves after Christmas. Worried to hear that you've had to re-programme the ECU on a brand new car to UK specs - I wasn't aware that they made the Australian cars different to UK models - can you elaborate? Also interested to hear where in Perth is best for towbars etc. I'll need to fit a long range tank at some point too. Thanks

[spudfan]

Have had the Puma Defender since July.Absolutely a fabulous vehicle to drive.I spent 12 years driving a 110 200tdi and thought that was the best thing on four wheels.The new vehicle is just so drivable.It is quiet,steering is wonderful even when parking.The seats are really good even after long journeys.Very good build quality.Mine came with all the light lenses fitted with the writing the same way up-someone took pride in their work!
When I go back to the 200Tdi it seems just so agricultural yet that is a fine machine.The Puma is the main family car now and my wife loves it.The 200Tdi has been demoted to the second car.It was too good to scrap and was a faithful part of the family for twelve years.You get to feel about LandRovers that way.
Sure there have been one or two minor niggles but nothing is perfect.People compare it with the Td5 but I have never driven a Td5 so I cannot compare them.
Before the PUMA-now christened ZULU- came along our second car was a series 111.If you want a real comparison drive four hours in a series 111 then drive four hours in the new Puma Land Rover.The difference is quite startling!Now the 200Tdi- christened ZIKALI- is the second car.
Do yourself a favour and test drive one.

[Nera Donna]

Hi - just joined and picking up my SVX in January - still in the UK and looking around to see what's available in Australia and what's worth bringing over in our container when it leaves after Christmas. Worried to hear that you've had to re-programme the ECU on a brand new car to UK specs - I wasn't aware that they made the Australian cars different to UK models - can you elaborate? Also interested to hear where in Perth is best for towbars etc. I'll need to fit a long range tank at some point too. Thanks
PJH1109.. I have no idea about the ECU (but I will being looking in to it for mine). Tow bars.....Hayman Reese $520 fitted at Tom's towbars in Wangara. (I'll let you know on Tuesday what in turns out like) and the long range tank? Search this forum for info on that, theres heaps of info about tanks for fenders....
Congrats on the new SVX. You'll love it. I picked mine up on Friday and I'm absolutely stoked.....Could not be happier.......

[scarry]

Do yourself a favour and test drive one.

Now talking about test drives..........My youngest son & his mate,both are 21,rocked up at a LR dealer in his mates tryback pootrol thats lifted,got muddies,etc.

The first thing the salesman said is do you want a tradeup?

Anyway,long storie short,he photocopied their licences,& gave them the keys to a demo defender & told them to make sure they are back in 20 minutes.

They got back in half an hour & loved it....who wouldnt.

Neither of them could believe how nice it was to drive....i'll have to go with them next time.

Dont think they will be getting one in the near future,there both 2nd yr apprentices.

[John W]

I am a little slow at getting around to things living in the country!. Phoned the dealer to ask him about the Puma with 7 seats and a possible test drive and he did not think LR made one! Will be giving him the flick. Was not interested in being flexible about cost either.

[cewilson]

Hi - just joined and picking up my SVX in January - still in the UK and looking around to see what's available in Australia and what's worth bringing over in our container when it leaves after Christmas. Worried to hear that you've had to re-programme the ECU on a brand new car to UK specs - I wasn't aware that they made the Australian cars different to UK models - can you elaborate? Also interested to hear where in Perth is best for towbars etc. I'll need to fit a long range tank at some point too. Thanks

Opposite Lock - I believe that they already have the tanks ready to go.

Cheers
Chris

[spudboy]

Was not interested in being flexible about cost either.

I've never heard of anyone getting much of a discount on the new Defenders. Best my dealer would do was Private Plates + front mud flaps thrown in.

There must still be a waiting list for them.

On the other hand, if you want a nice deal on a Freelander .......

[PJH1109]

Thanks very much for the info on towbars - I've not asked the dealer, although I suspect he thinks he may be in with a chance (he's got another thing coming) - tanks, yes, there's alot of stuff about that - I'll look into that and see what I can sort out. SVX's have been delivered here in the UK too - not seen one on the road yet, but given they're all 90's and most are softops (and it snowed last week) you'd have to be mad, keen, or both to go out and sit in traffic all day and not actually go anywhere.... Looking forward to seeing mine in a couple of weeks when I'm in Perth before picking it up. Any tips for things that are expensive in Australia, but relatively cheap in the UK?

[Scallops]

One thing I'd add to this thread is that as good as the new Defender is, it really hadn't been fully tested in extreme conditions prior to release. This may or may not be important to you.

For example, the placement of ancillary equipment under the bonnet has not been fully thought out and this has only become apparent after 15,000km of extreme use in the Australian outback.

My Defender has been sitting at Southside Land Rover for a week and a half now whilst "headquarters" try to make a decision on how to fix the following issues...

1) the Brake Master cylinder rubs on the underside of the bonnet and will hole the plastic reservoir.
2) the lower intercooler hose requires replacement and re-routing to prevent rub on the knuckles on the steering column.

Both of these items, I would have thought, should have been foreseen.

The weird thing is - even though the list of warranty issues I have had for my 1 year old vehicle is starting to look like the New York phone book, I love my Puma!

[catch-22]

What about just getting a later model Disco? 03 or 04 with low k's...they still look more comfortable then the new fender. Plus the Auto will probably do a better job of towing..if you get an auto.

It will be something you are familiar with and the numbers will surely work out better..

[discokid]

MMM Southern Landrover . I have a 3 page letter in with them at the moment about my experiences, not related to warranty at all but rather customer service. Looks like Ill have to go to the "alternative" in Osb Park.

Id be interested to see the outcome of this as Im losing patience with them at Ill be posting the letter up here in a couple of weeks if I cant get any joy.

Should have bought one in QLD would have been a good excuse to explore the Cape while picking it up!


The 130 is bloody fantastic though!!!

[Scallops]

MMM Southern Landrover .

Don't know for sure if you're referring to my post but mine's at Southside LR in Brisbane - and I'm not sure about buying one here in Qld either - all the dealers seem to leave a little to be desired. The best one I've come across is Suttons in Alice Springs - so then you could do the Gunbarrel going home! :D

[discokid]

Woops sorry about that I just didnt think two landrover dealers could have such bad customer sevice in my view. Over a week about a pipe and a brake resi. Id be pressing them to fix it!

Maybe I was just looking for an excuse to vent my frustration about customer service.

No issues with the 130 thus far (wouldnt want to be with only 3100kms on the clock) Im testing this weekened in the sand dunes north of Perth so Ill report back

My wife has a toyota and they bend over backwards when we have had issues with that. Mind you the issues have been mechanical and the bloody thing cost about twice the price!!!!!

[spudfan]

Regarding the rubbing of the plastic brakefluid reservoir.
I had a look at mine,all is well.I did turn the sensor unit so the wires are on the engine side of the reservoir.I did this incase the sensor unit is rubbing off the underside of the bonnet.However it will probably be solved by cutting away some of the interior bonnet structure around the brake reservoir to give more clearance.


One thing I'd add to this thread is that as good as the new Defender is, it really hadn't been fully tested in extreme conditions prior to release. This may or may not be important to you.

For example, the placement of ancillary equipment under the bonnet has not been fully thought out and this has only become apparent after 15,000km of extreme use in the Australian outback.

My Defender has been sitting at Southside Land Rover for a week and a half now whilst "headquarters" try to make a decision on how to fix the following issues...

1) the Brake Master cylinder rubs on the underside of the bonnet and will hole the plastic reservoir.
2) the lower intercooler hose requires replacement and re-routing to prevent rub on the knuckles on the steering column.

Both of these items, I would have thought, should have been foreseen.

The weird thing is - even though the list of warranty issues I have had for my 1 year old vehicle is starting to look like the New York phone book, I love my Puma!

[PJH1109]

You fill me with confidence about Southern - that's where mine is coming from and I'll be watching them closely - seems car dealers are the same the world over - very helpful until you've taken delivery, then the opposite afterwards. No competition in Perth - aren't they all owned by the same company?

[cripesamighty]

Yep, all are owned by Alf Barbagallo. We have had a few problems with the Osborne Park dealership and I aint goin back... The Cannington store - Southern LR, is from memory run by his son.

So far for us they have been better than Osb Pk. Unfortunately the Kalgoorlie dealership was sold to Barbagallo and closed a while later because the profit margin was not large enough (grapevine). Now the country LR owners are screwed!

Oh well, one day Land Rover will get its act together.......

[101RRS]

I might sound pedantic :cool: but I note a lot of people are calling the 2007/08 Defender a Puma Defender or Puma etc - it is just a Defender 110, 130 or 110 SVX in Aust. However I do understand the name Puma may officially apply to some models (but not all) in other countries.

The term Puma is just the code name for the engine - just as the TD5 engine is a Storm, the TDv6/v8 is a Lion, the old 200 and 300Tdis are Geminis and some of the V8 petrols were called Tempest.

So we do not call the old Defender TD5s - Storms or the earlier versions Geminis so why call the new Defender a Puma. We do not call D3s Lions.

Yes I have too much time on my hands at the moment.:o

[hiline]

you best watch yourself mate

or one of them puma drivers might be around to bite you on the bum :D:D;)

[scarry]

You fill me with confidence about Southern - that's where mine is coming from and I'll be watching them closely - seems car dealers are the same the world over - very helpful until you've taken delivery, then the opposite afterwards. No competition in Perth - aren't they all owned by the same company?


Same in Brisbane.....two dealers owned by the same company.......:(

[discokid]

Yes both dealers in Perth owned by the same mob

Southerns have sort of redeemed themsleves today

However the new freelander is being purchased off the dealer with the cheapest price!

Dealer support locally isnt worth supporting for the price differential here in the west

[PAT303]

Scallops I wouldn't worry about the brake reservior,mines been rubbing for 10 years!!. Pat

[Nera Donna]

Week old 110 SVX, oil leak from the front drive shaft seal on the transfer case. 317 Kms on the clock. Not happy Jan!!! Rang Southern LR in Perth(where I bought the vehicle from) this morning. Couldn't do enough to help sort the problem out. By 1pm this afternoon. The jobs a good'n. Now I very happy Jan. Many, many (too many) Years ago I worked for Datsun (yeah that long ago), Holden and Bits-are-miss as a mechanic. Back then our service wasn't that good. So yeah not too bad a bunch at Southerns in Perth.:)

[Scallops]

Scallops I wouldn't worry about the brake reservior,mines been rubbing for 10 years!!. Pat

Yeah - but mine was about to empty its contents, the rub was about to turn into a hole - then you have no brakes. The underside of the bonnet is being modified as we speak to prevent this. :)

[whispersseries3]

if anyone is dissatisfied with there new defer i,m happy to swap it for a series3 no fuss choice of two to pick from:):)

[Nera Donna]

Just got back from a long weekend away in Southwest of WA in the new beast. Misses, three kids, tents, Engel fridge, fishing rods and all the camping gear I could stuff into the back of it. Fantastic! What a ripper engine, gearbox and all round truck. On road, off-road, hills, gravel, mud, highways and back roads. Have driven these roads many times before in all types of 4wd’s and this little thing puts everything to shame. Well the V8 petrol 100 series Cruiser on those hills I must admit did a better job. But Petrol and Diesel Patrols, Diesel 80 series and petrol and Diesel Low Luxes. The little 2.4 shames them all. Ergonomics take a little bit of a toll after 400 odd K’s in one hit. But for Me, I happy and so’s the Misses and Kids.
PS. Not to bad on the old fuel consumption either.
:):):):):)

[dullbird]

never had any problems with the ergonmics in ours and some of our journeys in one hit were over a thousand k's......:D

[TheOtherLeft]

Thanks for the great info. I'm actually doing a bit of research for a touring vehicle as well.

Bit of a grave dig, but how is the dust sealing issue? Does it seal out dust/water as all?

Can it be improved easily, such as sticking on another rubber strip???

[Scallops]

Thanks for the great info. I'm actually doing a bit of research for a touring vehicle as well.

Bit of a grave dig, but how is the dust sealing issue? Does it seal out dust/water as all?

Can it be improved easily, such as sticking on another rubber strip???

I toured all over the country in mine - over the Gibson (Gunbarrel Highway), the Simpson, Kimberley etc - the trick with dust is run your fan flat out, close all the windows and have the air on outside not recirculate - this creates a positive cabin pressure and virtually eliminated interior dust in our Defender. We (well, the dealer) also added bits of foam at the edges of the door seals where the gaps are.

[jddisco200tdi]

I've done a few trips now in the new defender and we now have plenty of dust inside.
But saying that, I also got dust inside my 200 Tdi disco I had before it.
As far as holes, you can see daylight in various underneath locations in a defender. I don't worry about them.

The one time I have taken the car thru the car wash the floor front and back was wet, as the door seals have gaps at the bottom to let water both in and out.

Regards

John D - Defender 110 2.4

[TheOtherLeft]

I've done a few trips now in the new defender and we now have plenty of dust inside.
But saying that, I also got dust inside my 200 Tdi disco I had before it.
As far as holes, you can see daylight in various underneath locations in a defender. I don't worry about them.

The one time I have taken the car thru the car wash the floor front and back was wet, as the door seals have gaps at the bottom to let water both in and out.

Regards

John D - Defender 110 2.4

Can the holes be plugged up with rubber bungs? If so then the holes aren't a problem.

Also, as per another post the door seals can have extra sealing strips added so isn't a real problem.

The fact that this still happens in a 2007+ designed vehicle is a little worry though. How come the country and same company no-less that produces Aston Martins produces self-cleaning Deefers?

[Scallops]

Can the holes be plugged up with rubber bungs? If so then the holes aren't a problem.

Also, as per another post the door seals can have extra sealing strips added so isn't a real problem.

The fact that this still happens in a 2007+ designed vehicle is a little worry though. How come the country and same company no-less that produces Aston Martins produces self-cleaning Deefers?

See my post on previous page - the holes can be blocked with foam - and if you run the fan on outside air, with the windows closed - you will not get dust inside the vehicle. The fact that this still happens on a 2007 vehicle is no worry, mate - nothing has changed design wise in terms of these issues. It is still the same old hand made Defender with gaps around the place - put there, according to some, on purpose.

We were very happy touring in ours - and it was dust free.

[TheOtherLeft]

See my post on previous page - the holes can be blocked with foam - and if you run the fan on outside air, with the windows closed - you will not get dust inside the vehicle. The fact that this still happens on a 2007 vehicle is no worry, mate - nothing has changed design wise in terms of these issues. It is still the same old hand made Defender with gaps around the place - put there, according to some, on purpose.

We were very happy touring in ours - and it was dust free.

Hi Scallops, Yes, your post was what I was referring to so thanks for the insight.

The fact that it's a very simple fault to fix is reassuring too.

[cripesamighty]

Before collecting our Puma from the dealers, I got them to take the bottom strip off the door and replace it with a rubber seal (from the TD5) on the bodywork. We now have great door seals with hardly any dust intrusion and it cost us nothing. Mind you the bottom rubber strips are cheap anyway.