Long-term Puma Defender?

[Zeros]

I’m dreaming of doing a long-term international trip in the future and trying to decide whether to plan on taking the Puma or the old Tdi...it’s a tough choice.

The Puma is so much quieter and easier on long travel days, it has aircon and better seats.

While the significantly older Tdi would be much easier to maintain / repair around the world. Which probably makes it the better choice, but perhaps not?

Even tougher choice, which one would you invest in a Mulgo poptop for??

I know a lot about my Tdi, which has been a faithful companion in the toughest environments.
And I’ve done a few long outback trips in the Puma and it’s been brilliant, but it’s still young. So...

I’m really interested to know:
- Who has taken their Puma on a seriously extended overland journey?
- Whose Puma has the done highest km?
- How are Pumas holding up over time?

Looking forward to your thoughts

Cheers, Zeros

[weeds]

There is a member on here that has taken his puma hardtop with Mulgo conversion on a 12 month overland trip to Europe.

If you apply all the known fixes for the puma it should do it easily.

I’d put the Mulgo on the puma.

[Shoogs]

I just put a roof on my Puma with the same intent, I also have a Tdi that took us all over Africa and Australia without any issues, we decided on the Puma as it more comfortable, and about 18 years younger, and has never given any problems and has all the fixes, abut the only thing that ever concerns me is the ignition barrel and I carry a spare... Trip wont be for a couple of years yet but we will do a few remote trips, Kimberly, CSR and such whilst we get there... Vehicle has 125,000 kms on it now and probably a few more by the time we leave...

[Zeros]

Cheers, yes it makes a lot of sense to take the newer vehicle on extended road trips in Australia, not least because it’s so much quieter in the road. Also in terms of investing $11,000 in a pop top. But I’m still in two minds about whether it’s the better option for Africa / elsewhere in the world.

The Tdi would surely be much easier to repair in remote countries and cope much better with variable fuel quality. Also it’s not so shiny! So less of a trouble magnet. It’s got the long term travel patina already.

It remains a tough call for me. Any more thoughts appreciated.

[DiscoMick]

Ford Transit engines are found all over the world and are regarded as tough and relatively trouble-free. The six-speed means more economical and relaxed touring.
Defenders are relatively simple vehicles. Just fit a secondary fuel filter.
I'd take the Puma.

[bee utey]

Having recently worked on a Puma (and listened to the owners tales of woe) and worked on a larger number of 300TDi's, I'd pick a 300Tdi any day. The Ford engine and box may be a model of reliability in a Transit but I doubt that they age well in a Deefer.

[cripesamighty]

Having recently worked on a Puma (and listened to the owners tales of woe) and worked on a larger number of 300TDi's, I'd pick a 300Tdi any day. The Ford engine and box may be a model of reliability in a Transit but I doubt that they age well in a Deefer.

Also echoed by my Indy recently. He said he would pick a Tdi or Td5 over a Tdci for expeditions every time.

[Zeros]

It’s a tough call! Ease of maintenance and 20 years old? Or relatively new, more comfortable but more complex? Both are in excellent condition relative to age.

DiscoMick, my Tdi uses 10L/100km and Puma uses 12L/100km

I’ve done clutch, centre ATB & new / greased shaft, rear HD drive flanges on Puma. 80,000km. Quiet except for classic Defender body creaking on cross-up LOL.

Tdi is stock 320,000km, snorkel, dual batteries, rear HD flanges. Rattles and creaking galore. 😊

[DiscoMick]

Sounds like you've done the main things on a Puma for extended life.
Have you rustproofed it, particularly the bolts in the floor which can rust?
Fiddled with water leaks around the windscreen?
Oiled the swing arm on the heater valve on the passenger side of the engine bay near the bulkhead, attached to the cable to rotary heater dial on the dash, so it moves freely? (white plastic with a black arm which can get stiff and warp the heater valve).
I'd still take the Puma, on the theory it's less likely to break down.

[Zeros]

Thanks Mick, all good tips.

I’m not too concerned about sweating the small stuff. ...Tdi has rusty floor bolts, never impeded progress 😊 and the only water leaks I’ve ever had are when i open the door while it’s raining + the old drip on the toes from the pedals when constant water from undercarriage makes it’s way up. LOL. Defender quirks all good.
Lube heater valve - good tip.

It’s the more major - do not proceed stuff like limp mode and no spare parts - eg throttle sensor getting wet, or other electrical sensors / or catastrophic fuel sensitivities in harsh environments, that are of most concern with Puma. I have a nanocom, so fault finding possible, but finding the parts and knowhow to replace is another matter ...has anyone put together a bag of electrical replacement parts? Anything else specific to Puma in addition to basic mechanicals?