09 Defender 110 vs SVX

[Cooch]

Hi All,

Does the SVX model represents good value for the $14K it costs over the standard 110? Also I was wondering what LR accessories were available for the Defender? I asked an Alto dealer but they seem shy to inform me of the accessories and their price. Does anyone know where I can get such a list.

Cheers & safer travels

Cooch

[hoadie72]

I think it more comes down to whether YOU see value in the $14k difference. If you're looking to lease then it's not as significant an increase in price. If you're buying it and the only thing you want from the SVX are the seats (for arguments sake), then buy a 110 and some aftermarket seats.

As for dealers, try another - I found Alto quite condecending when I recently took a 110 for a test drive whereas Trivett were much more helpful and willing to help - to the point where despite them not having a car to take for a test drive, they found one for me at Alto.

[dmdigital]

Here's a few that I can remember:
60th Decal's
Garman Nuvi 760
Dual Headlights
Ugly grill (IMO)
Different style alloy rims
Side Steps
Very, very nice Recaro front seats
Lights on the cubby front (Why:confused:)
Sunroof

Or see here: http://www.landrover.com.au/au/en/vehicles/defender/limited-edition-defender-svx.htm

[dullbird]

I personally dont think its worth the $14k at all but it is worth it if you want to be the owner of a car where only 80 were brought in to the country

[Sleepy]

I think it is worthwhile considering resale value in the equation. I would expect the SVX will hold it's value a little better.

[Xavie]

I saw the SVX the other day going through Katoomba... My eyes vomited multiple times.

[SVX37]

I agree with hoadie72 in that if leasing it is not as a significant increase in cost. I have to agree that on the surface, the step up in price seems too steep. But when you really understand eveything you get, then it is really up to the individual what you think is good value. I would have been really happy with a standard 110 for reasons such as preferring 5 seats, and no carpet. But, having said that, the SVX looks a million bucks inside. The leather wheel, machined alloy gear knobs and ohhhh those seats!!! You cannot buy those specific seats aftermarket and as a big guy, they are worth every cent. Even though the seats in the new Puma are generally viewed as more comfortable than previous models, the Recaros were definately a deciding factor for me.
As for the accessories, not many. I am going a full window tint, and ambulance tint for the sunroof, rubber mats, checker plate sills and wingtops, and a rear spotlight. SVX is aleady a metallic paint but can option on the standard model.
All Defenders hold there value extremely well and are always in demand on the 2nd hand market. There was only 82 SVX's delivered to the Australian market, all individually numbered. These will definately be sought by the collectors or anyone wanting to own their own piece of history and should hold their value even more IMO.
I pick mine up in around 2 weeks and from my research, there is only 3 left in the country for sale - 1 demo in Vic, 1 in SA, and 1 in Toowoomba QLD.

Cheers,

[camel_landy]

Also, the SVX is the only Puma engined rag top 90 which has been produced...

M

[isuzubob]

there is only 3 left in the country for sale - 1 demo in Vic, 1 in SA, and 1 in Toowoomba QLD.

Cheers,

If this is the Vic one it's been in it at Rex Gorell Geelong since before Christmas:eek:

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3418/img2124a.jpg

I like the idea of rear LED lights and the front alloy skid plate looks like it can take a fair amount of abuse. Would like to know what LR would charge as an accessory/spare part.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/494/img2114.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9027/img2119p.jpg

Rob W

[solmanic]

My response to each of the "features" of the SVX are as follows:

60th Decal's
A matter of personal taste but based on Land Rover's "Xtreme" branding in the early 2000s, I get the feeling that most of us prefer our vehicles to be un-branded.

Garman Nuvi 760
I would prefer to make my own choice of navigation system and preferably one that was a pocket PC with Oziexplorer capability. Not to mention the fact that any vehicle with an obvious sat-nav mount (the SVXs is right in the centre of the top of the dash in full view, and full sun I might add) makes it a target for thieves.

Dual Headlights
These might be good - I can't say, but you could also buy a hell of a lot of spotties for $14K.

Ugly grill (IMO)
Again personal taste. I am undecided but I wouldn't pay extra for it.

Different style alloy rims
Not in favour of these. I am sure they cost more than the standard Boost alloys, and will certainly be harder to source. Also with the number of people here who have bought standard Defenders and then upgraded the wheels & tyres, you are more likely to have a good source of additional spares if you stick with the standard rims.

Side Steps
This is one thing my wife wants, but again a genuine set only costs under $1K.

Very, very nice Recaro front seats
I am sure these seats are nice, but I am perfectly happy with the standard ones. And at the ridiculous price I have seen people quoting overseas to upgrade to these, why bother?

Lights on the cubby front (Why:confused:)
I personally think these are a good idea - I would like a bit more light in mine. The Defender cabin is very dim at night and almost impossible to find anything (toll money, screw driver etc) if you drop it. Interestingly a Jeep Cherokee I had had lights in the footwells which were great I thought.

Sunroof
WHY the HELL would Land Rover seek to introduce ANOTHER leak point into a Defender. Aren't there enough already?!?

Sound system - with sub-woofer
It cost me way less than $1000 to upgrade my sound system to include bluetooth phone & ipod connections and a sub-woofer. ($400 for the head unit & $200 for the sub + $90 installation)

Underbody protection
I don't know how good this is - it looks OK, but I believe an OL front guard costs about $800 fitted.

LED tail-lights
Yet another part that will cost heaps more than the standard ones to replace (only $9 for a tail light lens assembly last time I got one). Why not just put LED lamps in the standard ones? I was following an SVX the other day and also thought they looked a bit odd. I like the small, Land Rover ones and you can put them on your trailer or camper to complete the look.

In summary - no, I would under no circumstances pay an extra $14K for an SVX. I would prefer to buy a standard Defender and option it up. Much, much cheaper and you get to choose exactly what bits you want.

[solmanic]

I think it is worthwhile considering resale value in the equation. I would expect the SVX will hold it's value a little better.

I always thought the rule of thumb for re-sale was that badged limited edition models ended up re-selling for about the same as the standard ones secondhand so only get them if you really, really want the extras or you get a good deal.

[Sleepy]

You're probably right Solmanic, I'm no expert with car sales (sprint???) . The reason I mentioned it is the Td5 90's (which were limited run) seem to be holding there value well - (I guess for other reasons!). Also looking at other limited runs (CSKs - both the Aussie 4 door CSK and the real ones) which maintain good value. Admittedly I saw a "Tomb Raider" 110 for sale recently at not much more than your average 2001 110.

[eksjay]

Any Puma has presence.

IF you go for an SVX, think of how much of a challenge it might be to source quirky parts in 5 or even 10 years time. For example, an SVX grille replacement [in the event of a prang] in 5 years time might pose some interesting questions.

Better off with a standard Puma and having access to more spares whether they be used or new.

Given the amount of problems people have been experiencing here with the standard Pumas, I would be inclined to say that the standard price should be stripped down by $14K and the SVX should be priced at the current base model circa $48K?

Sun Roof? Why not go one further and strip the entire roof off? Would it make any difference during rain?

[Scallops]

As to the value for money question - I feel this is unanswerable really. But I'll have a go anyway...

If you like and want the SVX then it's worth it. :)

If you're asking - "Does the price of the SVX accessories justify the price increase over the standard model" - then I'd say no, it does not.

In terms of value, the front seats are probably the most expensive item which go towards "justifying" the price - but the other stuff can be sourced elsewhere for less money and these outsourced items are arguably not only better looking products, but are, in some cases, perhaps more functional.

My OL bash plate for example - $350.00 installed - 10mm thick alloy with holes in it which allow airflow. The LR part is in my opinion is just not as good. It certainly is much more expensive.

I wanted a white Defender for a start - so never considered the SVX at any price.

Other things that the SVX has - I don't want on my vehicle, these include - side rails, sunroof, sat nav, stickers, the silver bubble grill, the wheels it comes with, carpet etc. So for me it was always going to be a stock 110 that I could modify as I saw fit. Don't get me wrong - I bought mine with many genuine accessories - but (Mr. Land Rover) - how about putting a snorkel on it - or checker plate wing guards? Rather than a daft looking grill.

As to resale value - I'm going to be cremated in mine, Viking style, so that question is irrelevant. :D

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7435/img0054vi.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0054vi.jpg)

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/1020/img0051vi.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0051vi.jpg)

[solmanic]

The reason I mentioned it is the Td5 90's (which were limited run) seem to be holding there value well - (I guess for other reasons!). Also looking at other limited runs (CSKs - both the Aussie 4 door CSK and the real ones) which maintain good value. Admittedly I saw a "Tomb Raider" 110 for sale recently at not much more than your average 2001 110.

From what I've seen, a "limited edition" needs to be significantly different (better) in some way to the original to command a premium price in the long run. Look at the 50th anniversary edition defenders which we didn't get here. V8 with an auto box - something you just couldn't get without a lot of frigging around and no warranty.


As to resale value - I'm going to be cremated in mine, Viking style, so that question is irrelevant. :D

You know they don't float that well...

[Scallops]

You know they don't float that well...

Won't be any mess for you lot to clean up then. :p

[SVX37]

Hi Scallops! I like your pics. Can you tell me what type and what size tyres are you running? Do they foul the guards? Do you have a lift or is it standard?
Cheers,

[Scallops]

Hi Scallops! I like your pics. Can you tell me what type and what size tyres are you running? Do they foul the guards? Do you have a lift or is it standard?
Cheers,

Hello SVX37 - mate, I did - in your other thread! :D But in any case - They're Mickey T MTZ's on 16 inch diameter steel rims, 7 inches wide, positive 20 mm offset - not to prevent fouling, but to keep the tyre within the stock guards so street legal - the tyres are 265/75 which are the same rolling diameter as stock, so no speedo issues. No lift either. You can fit these tyres to your new SVX alloys and they won't rub or foul your guards.

[kenleyfred]

How are we supposed to access the tie down points ( which Land Rover claim I should use as recovery points) on our SVX's with that bash plate covering half of it. I have not found a suitably rated shackle that can now fit.

The best thing about the SVX is that it was the compromise that allowed me to get a Defender. Wife just couldn't stand the standard one.
Now that it has been her daily drive (and mine on weekends) for close to six months she loves it.

[kenleyfred]

In all the wet cold weather we had over Easter I had the front fog up quite heavily. Did not want to use the ac to clear it so I used the heated windscreen. Never thought I would use that. Really worked well and very quickly.
Then decided to use aother gimmick and turned the heated seat on. Quite impressive and can see it's merit if QLD ever gets really cold.

Kenley

[SVX37]

Hi kenleyfred.
I can't answer your question as I have not picked up my SVX yet (next week) but it will be a potential issue for me also. ARB sell a bridal made from plasma rope which looks the goods. I was hoping that 2 shackles would fit through the tie down points which Landrover have also assured me can be used in a recovery. I guess that just depends on the difficulty of the recovery! You can then recover from the bridal which should halve the load of the recovery on the tie down points.
Hopefully, some other Puma or SVX owners may have some other ideas.

[SVX37]

Hello SVX37 - mate, I did - in your other thread! :D But in any case - They're Mickey T MTZ's on 16 inch diameter steel rims, 7 inches wide, positive 20 mm offset - not to prevent fouling, but to keep the tyre within the stock guards so street legal - the tyres are 265/75 which are the same rolling diameter as stock, so no speedo issues. No lift either. You can fit these tyres to your new SVX alloys and they won't rub or foul your guards.


OOOPPPPPSSSS. Sorry Scallops - I didn't put your photos in this thread and your previous answer in the other thread togehter.. I like what I see in your truck but I am have been quoted the same price for the MTZ's and the new BFG KM2's so I am going to see which one's he can get in the quickest as it seems like a coin toss for me! Thanks again!

[Sleepy]

tie down points which Landrover have also assured me can be used in a recovery.

I would be very careful with this SVX37 - they don't look anymore substantial than the normal tie down rings (perhaps just a bit longer) - The standard tie downs are definetly not recovery points.

Even moderate recoveries (especially with a snatch strap and an over anxious tow vehicle) will exert very large forces.

For the sake of a few more bucks I would have some rated recovery points attached - It's peace of mind for your lovely new Defer.

At the very least have someone (other than Land Rover) advise on this.

[Sleepy]

Limited edition models only become valuable in the long term,ie.,when the numbers are reduced by accidents,corrosion and severe modifications,

I new I should have kept that 83 Corona :p one day it'll be a classic.:angel:

[dmdigital]

Hi kenleyfred.
I can't answer your question as I have not picked up my SVX yet (next week) but it will be a potential issue for me also. ARB sell a bridal made from plasma rope which looks the goods. I was hoping that 2 shackles would fit through the tie down points which Landrover have also assured me can be used in a recovery. I guess that just depends on the difficulty of the recovery! You can then recover from the bridal which should halve the load of the recovery on the tie down points.
Hopefully, some other Puma or SVX owners may have some other ideas.
The towing points are stated for on-road recovery only. Here's the page from the owner's handbook. These are held in place by a single HT bolt. I would not do any serious recovery - especially off-road - with these points.

[SVX37]

I would be very careful with this SVX37 - they don't look anymore substantial than the normal tie down rings (perhaps just a bit longer) - The standard tie downs are definetly not recovery points.

Even moderate recoveries (especially with a snatch strap and an over anxious tow vehicle) will exert very large forces.

For the sake of a few more bucks I would have some rated recovery points attached - It's peace of mind for your lovely new Defer.

At the very least have someone (other than Land Rover) advise on this.


Thanks Paul - I will get ARB to advise what I can do when I get the wheel carrier fitted! Other ideas welcome.:)

[dmdigital]

Any descent bar will most likely have recovery eyes for the front. These are best used bridled. You can also get recover plates for the front or JATE rings.

The rear is a different matter. Again if you look you will find solutions, though the simplest one is to use a recovery receiver in the tow hitch (assuming you have a towbar fitted).

On the subject of tow bars, get the OEM from LR or the Hayman Reece one as its much better than the box section from ARB or TJM that also means loosing the rear step.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

The best way I can say it is the SVX is like the child conceived before the GFC. It was born (remember these things have long lead times) when there was money everywhere - ala this article by clarkson (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article5292547.ece). It made a lot of sense at that time. It's basically stuff that cost the manufacturer probably only 2k, but they thought they could charge 14k for.

Having said that, It's a celebration of landrover. It's really cool and I like it.

However, I wouldn't buy it. It's black, and if we had bought a black LR 4 years ago it would now be a scratched mess. However a white defender still looks just fine. In Clarson speak... a timeless classic :)

Also, for 14k you could buy a standard car off the floor, and fit LOTS of really useful extras. For 14k you could easily fit F&R difflocks, a nice big tank for touring, some spotties and matbe a bullbar (if you like that), a winch, uhf roof rack, awning, and probably a roof top tent. I reckon you'd still have change! You'd probably even get a separate set of wheels with muddies if you wanted to swap the roof top tent.

IMHO at resale you'd get lots more money for a fender loaded with 14k of options than the svx treatment.

[SVX37]

Appreciate your knowledge. I am waiting on ARB to do a bar to fit the SVX. They told me one is in development so I may see if I have to wait for the bar or whether there is another solution to adding the rated recovery points before hand.

[SVX37]

Hear where you are coming from Captain Rightfoot. Assuming it was a 14K premium as quoted also assumes that I paid a 14K premium! Far from it. Ordering a Defender will cost you much much more than a dealer trying to turn metal in the showroom into cash quickly due to the GFC. Add to that it is a 2008 model and we are 4 months into 2009 and the dealers are paying the interest on this metal. Who said the GFC is bad?
Really great deals are to be had everywhere at the moment, and not just cars. I am adding a heap of accessories also, many now, and others over time. It is much easier to do all this when you lease the car than putting your hard earned down in cash.
The best time to spend money is when most other peole stop spending money.

[Scallops]

Appreciate your knowledge. I am waiting on ARB to do a bar to fit the SVX. They told me one is in development so I may see if I have to wait for the bar or whether there is another solution to adding the rated recovery points before hand.

I had MR Automotive (Qld LR specialist) fit 2 recovery hooks through the outside front of the chassis rails (and the chassis rails are where you want to attach recovery points) on either side - from these I use a tree trunk protector as a bridal which runs under the bullbar. The recovery points are mounted independently to the bullbar - you would be able to fit the same. I'll post a pic when I get a chance.

[solmanic]

...I am waiting on ARB to do a bar to fit the SVX. They told me one is in development so I may see if I have to wait for the bar or whether there is another solution to adding the rated recovery points before hand.

Yes, I am sure they are working flat out to solve the conundrum that is FOUR mounting bolts!

...and I still haven't worked out exactly what they had to change on the pre-2007 Defender bars. Methinks someone at ARB R&D is just trying to ensure their job security by making these problems seem bigger than they really are.

[SVX37]

Thanks Scallops - I look forward to the Piccy. Your idea sounds the best actually. Many thanks!

[Wortho]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SVX37 https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/768.jpg (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/77258-09-defender-110-vs-svx-post957656.html#post957656)
...I am waiting on ARB to do a bar to fit the SVX. They told me one is in development so I may see if I have to wait for the bar or whether there is another solution to adding the rated recovery points before hand.

Yes, I am sure they are working flat out to solve the conundrum that is FOUR mounting bolts!

...and I still haven't worked out exactly what they had to change on the pre-2007 Defender bars. Methinks someone at ARB R&D is just trying to ensure their job security by making these problems seem bigger than they really are.


Issue with the bar on an SVX is high beam is obstructed by the bar as they now have a secondary hig beam light, the bar is technically not supposed to obstruct any lights. No change to pre 07 bars just have to make sure you order the bar for aircon cars as the grill sticks out further, sounds like you have someone at your ARB store who does not not know what they are talking about.
I have fitted an ARB bar to an SVX, the bash plate does need to be modified for them to go on though.

[SVX37]

Issue with the bar on an SVX is high beam is obstructed by the bar as they now have a secondary hig beam light, the bar is technically not supposed to obstruct any lights. No change to pre 07 bars just have to make sure you order the bar for aircon cars as the grill sticks out further, sounds like you have someone at your ARB store who does not not know what they are talking about.
I have fitted an ARB bar to an SVX, the bash plate does need to be modified for them to go on though.
Hi Wortho.
Have you got an ARB bar specific for the SVX or have you got the bar that interferes with the lights? Or did they make alterations to the bar? Really would appreciate what you did as the info I have is there is currently NO BAR for the SVX and they rang Head Office from the store I was at while I was at the counter...??

[Dmmos]

As to resale value - I'm going to be cremated in mine, Viking style, so that question is irrelevant. :D

LMFAO - Always nice to see a true believer :D

[dullbird]

LMFAO - Always nice to see a true believer :D


NO NO its just cheaper than a funeral.....we all know landy owners are tight:D
He would lose way to much money trading it in on a head stone :lol2:

[Cooch]

Thank you for all the replies. I had decided not to pursue the svx option. Mainly due to colour reasons and because I can add the options which I actually need.

Thanks again.

Cooch

[Wortho]

Hi Wortho.
Have you got an ARB bar specific for the SVX or have you got the bar that interferes with the lights? Or did they make alterations to the bar? Really would appreciate what you did as the info I have is there is currently NO BAR for the SVX and they rang Head Office from the store I was at while I was at the counter...??

Normal bar for the Defender fits on, will interfear with the small high beam light only, is that a problem for you???? only you can answer that, will be checking with customer to see what he thinks about it after using for a couple of weeks now.

[PAT303]

Is it worth it?compared to a thailand made hilux for 45k or a 79 LC ute that needs new suspension straight from the show room for 76k?.Any model deefer is good value. Pat