Thread: Defender 2007 : What did you want?

I have no real problem with 300tdi dash - lots of shelf space nice and simple but here as some things I want

1. Amp gauge, oil pressure gauge, turbo temp gauge, water temp sender mounted where you can trust the guage

2. newer smoother engine, TDV6 or something else as long as it delivers better performance

3. I'll tolerate underseat battery though I apreciate the reasons why other won't. I know people who have been fumed. But please tinker with the layout so that twin battery installation is easier

4. Stonger read door for standard rim and tyre mounting at least

5. iPod dock

6. Front and rear lockers to keep up with the Benz G wagen.

7. sub tank or LR tank

8. Vents

9 bonnet mount compatible bonnet.

10. My co -drivers on various trips feel quite strongly that it's about time the swing around sunvisors to keep late afternoon sun streaming in the side windows were installed.

I think Landrover have had to cater to the established aftermarket accessories industry mostly in the UK but worldwide and avoid many of the items on peoples' wish-lists. They also have had to maintain the gap between the Defender and Discovery specifications, hence no HDC or DSC.

The few things they could change/improve without stepping on the accessories industry's toes they seem to have done in this upgrade (engine, gearbox, soundproofing, dash, ventilation & instrumentation). My only other desires are things like:
Better engine
Stop them leaking.
Better dust sealing.
Heated windscreen (as per UK County spec.)
Make sure the plastic bits are more solid and don't fall off.

If you all love your Defenders so much why aren't you buying them new? LR sells about a total of 12 a month or something like that so not too many people are prepared to shell the $$$$ on a new one. LR has to do something soon or it will be killed off completely due to poor sales, particularly with the UK army not getting them any more. Sorry capable standard but utilitarian vehicles don't sell any more except if it has a Toyota badge. Landrover needs to make the defender more civilised if it is to live on - it is a dinosaur, albiet a capable one that is a misfit in the 2006 market. While they seem to trade well as second hand vehicles - new car sales are virtually non existant.

Put your hand up if you have bought a new one in the the last 12 months.

Gazzz

Originally Posted by garrycol

Put your hand up if you have bought a new one in the the last 12 months.

Would have, but alas no money

Originally Posted by p38arover

Why?

Ron

Easier more powerful, more current available...

Modern vehicles are getting to the stage that vehicle manufacturers are actually looking at going to 36 volt systems to power all the electrics (its coming sooner than later).

Motors eg. winch run better on 24v, more power for lighting (12v is stuff all really) and more reliable... remember the old 6v VW Beetle

Tombraider

Originally Posted by garrycol

Put your hand up if you have bought a new one in the the last 12 months.

Gazzz

Why, old one is going just fine

Maybe testimony is that older ones are going so well people arent buying new ones...

Cant always have your cake and eat it too

A better phrase would be...

The Defender is all function in a FORM driven world....

Tombraider

Originally Posted by tombraider

Easier more powerful, more current available...

Modern vehicles are getting to the stage that vehicle manufacturers are actually looking at going to 36 volt systems to power all the electrics (its coming sooner than later).

Motors eg. winch run better on 24v, more power for lighting (12v is stuff all really) and more reliable... remember the old 6v VW Beetle

Tombraider

Quite a few years ago it was bandied around in magazines that all cars would go to 48 volt electrics with integrated starter/generator/flywheel technology. The reason being that the higher the volts, the lower the amps for the same work. Therefore smaller cable size can be used.

Personally I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a change like that. The 12 volt systems still work OK and there would be considerable resistance (pun intended) to change.

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Would have, but alas no money

Theyare too bloody expensive! Not value for money.