Is a new Defender a good choice?

[wallythewunderdog]

Hi all,

I am seeking advice on the 110 Defender Wagon. I have been living in the US for the last 12 months and will be returning to Australia in Jan. Before I left Australia I sold my 80 series, with the intent to buy a 200 series on my return. However, I have recently been investigating other options, in particular the Defender and also a Triton.

My preference is to buy new but that leaves me in a bit of a dilemma. As I need access to a 4WD/tow vehicle shortly after I return I will need to order soon due to the lengthy delivery times. I am not too concerned about test driving vehicles before making a decision - I have had previous experience with both the Defender and Triton as well as the 200 series and while the driving experience and handling is a consideration for me, I am more interested in the experience of ownership.

I have been trolling through this site and have read many of the threads, however, the discussion often focus more on the problems and challenges than the benefits of the particular vehicle. I am particularly interested in the thoughts of the forum on the following points:

- overall reliability. Are the issues with the ford engine isolated or are they a concern. Do members feel that there is more of an issue with the Defender that other new 4WDs? I note that on all the forum sites (LCOOL, newtriton.com etc) they all have lengthy discussion about engine reliability.

- what is the OME suspension like? Is a suspension upgrade recommended for for offroad work towing a 1.25t camper trailer? Should I be considering a suspension lift?

- Cons - what negatives are there any apart from the few issues raised here in these pages? In general are most owners satisfied with their vehicle?

- What is the realistic lead time for delivery (vs dealer advised) can I expect?

Thanks,
Wal

[KarlB]

Upgrading suspension and the like are all options Wal, but the reality is, the Defender would undoubtedly perform more than admirably straight off the show room floor. Any upgrades could wait until your usage determines if you really need them.

A vehicle should be readily available from a dealer in one of the capitals. If you wanted the vehicle optioned up with raised air intake, A-bar, etc., then that may take a week or two for the dealer to acquire and fit. You would need to be sure they had a towbar though they are available aftermarket.

Cheers
KarlB

[danske]

Hi

I agree with your comment regarding there only tends to be problems listed here on the Puma.Thats why I use this forum , as it is full of great knowledge on the issues and how best to sort them.

Case in point , both my vacuum pump and EGR valve have been replaced on my 2008 SVX. I fully expected them to go due to the info on this site and had them replaced at first sign of issues, under warranty with MLR ( Melbourne LR). No questions asked. Not great that they failed , but no real hassles and now im back to enjoying my Defender.

Thats the pioint , the defender to me is a far more enjoybale car to drive than any other I have had in the 4wd dept. ( still have RRC 92 vougue and Disco 2 2003 SE ) It has the character and the capability ( off the showroom floor) that I was looking for and am very happy driving every day on the 120km round trip to work. Only mods Ive made are seat extenders ( mulgo ) as im 6'2" , spare wheel carrier , and will be investing in steel rims and Muddies for off road work.

Its a matter of personal preference . The Jap cars have similar issues and I believe , need more effort put into them after market to get theme to the same level of off road capbility. I dont like the plastics that they exhibit in their cabins either.

Go with your gut feel and what you like , if you analyse too much , you will be spinning due to the very strong opinions of all the forums and their respective rides.

Good luck with your decsion.

[pc3]

I went through the same thought process, and the new defender warts and all was what I wanted they are MUCH more enjoyable drive than any of the Jap Dual Cabs I was condsiering and have driven. There unique and practical if you require the strong points that Defenders offer. Im a first time defender owner and so far I'm happy I went with my heart.

Ive said before by the time you get here you have probably made up your mind........go buy your defender and enjoy it when you arrive back in Australia

[jddisco200tdi]

If you were prepared to stump up the money for a 200 series, why don't you put a D4 on your potential shopping list.

If you want a particular colour, defenders usually have to be ordered, and that means a 6 month wait.
A lot more disco's are held on the shop floor, and because of the air suspension never need a suspension upgrade.

Regards

John D - Defender 110 2.4

[PBob]

I have had both a top of the range HSE Disco 3 and now a Puma dual cab. I bought the Defender mainly for towing as I really believe that a manual is a far stronger towing unit than an auto. I worried about going from utter luxury (the Disco was brilliant - the best vehicle I have owned out of about 40).
The Defer is of course more "industrial" than the rest, but as a dual cab it is excellent - strong, no plastic as mentioned above, a great tow vehicle and interestingly, remarkably comfortable on a long trip, e.g. long hauls down the Oodnadatta track towing a kimberley kamper, charging up the Stuart highway on the tar doing 120kmh with said camper for a 700km day etc. It really is a very good strong comfy (with seat extensions) ride. And as mentioned on this forum before, has great torque. Do not compare it with Jap dual cabs as whilst they are generally good vehicles, the Defer is in a league of its own. Actually, I think that the only other dual cab available with a similar towing capacity, is an F250! My son has a Hilux and I think that it has a tow capacity of 3000kg (I could stand corrected and I know this is correct for a Navara) but he hooked up my camper and whilst it was fine, the car did droop at the rear. Not so the Defer which pulls it on its ear!
Oh, and I reckon the resale value would be hard to beat. You might also find a late model or demo, which would solve the waiting bit.

[PAT303]

The defender is a funny beast,you like it or you don't.I've found that too many people write it off before they even try it and as said above and many times before the seating position is unique to it and while it feels strange first up I will garantee you'll like it over all others on long trips.As PBob said the resale must be the highest of any vehicle sold in Australia. Pat

[Scallops]

As PBob said the resale must be the highest of any vehicle sold in Australia. Pat

Which, at the end of the day, makes it a pretty good punt anyway. And Ive never understood why people think they are uncomfortable.

[pc3]

The defender is a funny beast,you like it or you don't.I've found that too many people write it off before they even try it and as said above and many times before the seating position is unique to it and while it feels strange first up I will garantee you'll like it over all others on long trips.As PBob said the resale must be the highest of any vehicle sold in Australia. Pat

I second the comment on the seating......its weird at first but they are very comfortable and the the most comfortable veichle I have owned out of 7 to date. I do not get a tight awkward feeling in my back at all when travelling in my Defender PUMA 130

[miky]

...
Should I be considering a suspension lift?

Thanks,
Wal

Wal, don't even think of going there unless a LR dealer fits it and preferably fits a LR system. Lots of threads on here about lifts.

.