ADVICE SOUGHT REGARDING PURCHASE OF A DEFENDER 110

[Dobby]

I know this has probably been discussed in previous posts, but I'm after some advice regarding the purchase of a 2012 or a 2013 110 Defender.

Ideally I would like to have a number of accessories including a bull bar, heavy duty towbar, cargo barrier and side steps (for the wife). Most importantly, I would need to have a long range fuel tank or auxiliary tank installed.

I have heard that some long range fuel tanks aren't compatible with the heavy duty tow packs. Is there a particular make/model that is preferable and doesn't interfere with any tow packs? Also do the Land Rover dealership's do the installation of long range tanks etc and does this affect any warranty on the vehicle?

I plan to purchase the vehicle through a novated lease, so ideally I would want all the extra's installed at the time of purchase.

I am also looking at buying a camper trailer as the wife and I are planning to do some travelling. I've noticed that most of these trailers are fitted with six stud wheels. Are there any that have the Land Rover stud pattern and if not, is this a difficult modification to make? I just thought it would be easier if the truck and trailer had the same wheels and tyres.

Many thanks
Vince

[BilboBoggles]

You may need to find out about the novated lease - as far as I know K.Rudd just removed the tax breaks associated with a novated lease. It was borderline beneficial since the changes in 2010, and now it looks like it's no longer possible. Worth checking.

[n plus one]

I understand that the Long Ranger (AR tank isn't compatible with the standard tow package. The Long Range Automotive tank is, as well as the various sill tanks that are available.

Seems to be a mixed bag between dealers - some are willing to fit mods, se aren't. I'd advise shopping between dealers.

The cost of swapping hubs will depend on the type of trailer and the willingness of someone to go it - mostly it appears to be 'difficult' and therefore expensive. A bit of a search on here will give you a sense of what I mean.

[pistolpete]

Dobby, let me know how you go with everything you want to do, as I am looking at the same thing...

the department of health WA has a free servicing contract with landrover in WA too

[PAT303]

I've never regretted buying my TDCi,great vehicle.I fitted a sill tank and pump the fuel into the original filler,the total cost was $600 and it was a straight forward fit.I bought a winch bumper,roof mounted light bar and lights,wiring kit,water proof seat covers,mats front and rear from the UK for half local price,I fitted sound proofing underneath and I'm getting the Ashcroft transfer case sump soon as I tow a 1.5T cub camper,my vehicle is one of the first X-Techs,they have chequer plate wing tops and sills,side rails as standard and I'd buy another over a standard model,mine tows my camper without fuss and uses 14ltres per hundred loaded on average,mines standard,no suspension mods at all after 60k of outback driveing. Pat

[RVR110]

You may need to find out about the novated lease - as far as I know K.Rudd just removed the tax breaks associated with a novated lease. It was borderline beneficial since the changes in 2010, and now it looks like it's no longer possible. Worth checking.

The tax breaks were changed, not removed. They are now flat instead of teired, so for tax purposes it no longer matters how many kms you travel each FBT year. Novated leases continue to be available and have not been stopped.

[BilboBoggles]

Well it went to a flat rate back in 2011. But apparently the flat rate was removed yesterday. So now the only option is to use the log book method and record your business usage. The statutory method appears to be no more. So no more novated leases. just to pay for the rename of the Carbon Tax....

[ajge]

The tax breaks were changed, not removed. They are now flat instead of teired, so for tax purposes it no longer matters how many kms you travel each FBT year. Novated leases continue to be available and have not been stopped.

I understand that a Novated lease will still be available. You will be required to pay FBT on all Km's travelled that are NOT work related (including travel to an from work)
I'm not sure when this starts but I would be getting some advice before your purchase. Last time they made it retrospective from the date of the announcement.
Regards
Andrew

[Dobby]

Thanks to all for your great advice. I'm certainly going to make some more inquiries about the novated leasing. I currently have a vehicle under lease (a Hyundai Santa Fe) and was hoping to upgrade to a defender when that lease expires in a few months. For me leasing is the most practical way to buy a new car so it will be interesting to find out exactly what the new legislation entails.

I might have to just upgrade the series three I have, although the wife's not a fan of it.

Many thanks,
Vince.

[RVR110]

Well it went to a flat rate back in 2011. But apparently the flat rate was removed yesterday. So now the only option is to use the log book method and record your business usage. The statutory method appears to be no more. So no more novated leases. just to pay for the rename of the Carbon Tax....

I understand that a Novated lease will still be available. You will be required to pay FBT on all Km's travelled that are NOT work related (including travel to an from work)
I'm not sure when this starts but I would be getting some advice before your purchase. Last time they made it retrospective from the date of the announcement.
Regards
Andrew

I stand corrected... Taxing times for car industry