DEFENDER2.NET - View topic - Defender ramblings

↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home · FAQ · New Posts · My Posts · PMs · Search · Members · Map · Calendar · Profile · Donate · Register · Log In

Home > Puma (Tdci) > Defender ramblings

Page 1 of 1

Print this entire topic ·

llessur

Member Since: 15 Nov 2011
Location: Hereford
Posts: 151

Defender ramblings

Just thought I would summarise my Defender related issues. Many of you will sympathise, others may not understand.
I guess it all started on the 150 mile trip home from the dealer when the cabin temperature started to vary from Sahara to Artic, the heater was working perfectly, but after many years of Germanic vehicles, I had lost the ability to operate manual controls. All fixed now though, re-educated and with various combinations of the associated controls and windows, I remain nice and comfortable.
Over the first few weeks, the gearchange was not only notchy but crunched from first to second. Fortunately I soon bedded in and now the gears are smooth everytime with the box just the same as the day I bought it.
Like many owners I bought my Defender as a “long timer” as we all know that these vehicles are still running around after 20 or 30 years looking as good as new. It was quickly realised though that every piece of steel was competing to see who could corrode the quickest, so with a combination of waxes, oils and various stainless steel replacement parts, Land Rover should be able to again take the credit for some amazing longevity.
After deciding that I should arm myself with information posted on the internet about detecting possible problems through noises and visual indications, I have spent many wappy hours rushing outside with torches in the late hours and aiming for the potholes rather than avoiding them in the hope of repeat audible performances. Then after diagnosing imminent failure in a propshaft Universal Joint ( we all know they are never greased properly ) a trip to the local dealer confirmed the road speed related ticking noise was a nail in the tyre and the UJ was fine. Unfortunately I have always had the ability to detect worrying noises, that I am sure I have never heard before, but I have now adopted the “selected hearing” technique with both the wife and the Landrover and I have to say I am a lot happier.
Over the years I have been through far to many interim, and “biggy” services and I can say that Land Rover dealers are no different to BMW, Audi, Mazda, Toyota or I am sure any other. There are good and bad, both in quality of workmanship and customer service. I think the secret is, if you find one that fits, stick with it. The one I have at present copes admirably with me at every service, and I think they cope with the vehicle reasonably well too.
So what have I learnt, well I love my defender, and yes ownership has required changes in expectation and driving technique. Years ago we had to check oil, water, tyre pressures, visually inspect and get the spanners out on a weekly basis. Modern Defenders are not that bad, but it is still and old design and I think it is wrong to expect the same as you get in new BMW.
My Defender has changed me for the better, but the experience is not for everyone.
and finally
Thank you to all who contribute to this forum. It is a pleasurable experience, unlike many vehicle forums.

3rd Mar 2013 11:04am

K9F

Member Since: 12 Nov 2009
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 9610

2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey

Re: Defender ramblings

llessur wrote:
So what have I learnt, well I love my defender, and yes ownership has required changes in expectation and driving technique. Years ago we had to check oil, water, tyre pressures, visually inspect and get the spanners out on a weekly basis. Modern Defenders are not that bad, but it is still and old design and I think it is wrong to expect the same as you get in new BMW. My Defender has changed me for the better, but the experience is not for everyone.
and finally
Thank you to all who contribute to this forum. It is a pleasurable experience, unlike many vehicle forums.

Great write up Llessur and the penultimate paragraph says it all. It's a shame there aren't more new owners with the same adaptable attitude as yourself. Welcome to the forum 'again' and thanks for sharing......

If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!

Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!!

Last edited by K9F on 3rd Mar 2013 11:37am. Edited 1 time in total

3rd Mar 2013 11:11am

JWL

Member Since: 26 Oct 2011
Location: Hereford
Posts: 3443

See, this is the county where sensible and realists live. Tidy

3rd Mar 2013 11:33am

johnszs

Member Since: 16 Aug 2010
Location: Hereford
Posts: 459

2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Alveston Red

Couldnt agree more

2004 TD5 Defender 90 xs station wagon

3rd Mar 2013 1:09pm

Odin

Member Since: 29 Apr 2011
Location: Aberdeenshire
Posts: 237

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Santorini Black

Wise words!

3rd Mar 2013 1:24pm

Lou Sparts

Member Since: 15 Apr 2012
Location: Kent
Posts: 1501

2005 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

Owning a Defender is like any other long term relationship you have to be able to compromise and learn to live with each others little foibles to make it work.Sounds to me like you,re of to a great start 2005 Td5 90 XS

Steve

3rd Mar 2013 2:19pm

ZeDefender

Member Since: 15 Sep 2011
Location: Munich
Posts: 4731

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Baltic Blue

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! The ability to completely ignore major flaws makes for a happy marriage and happy Defender ownership.

Tell someone you love them today because life is short.
But shout it at them in German because life is also terrifying and confusing...

3rd Mar 2013 7:57pm

Happyoldgit

Member Since: 14 Sep 2007
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3471

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey

Oooh I've come over all fuzzy and warm, I want to take my Defender to bed so it can have my babies

Steve.
Owned numerous Land Rover vehicles of all shapes and sizes over the decades.
Current Defender: A non tarts hand-bagged Puma 110 XS USW.

[Insert something impressive here such as extensive list of previous Land Rovers or examples of your prestigeous and expensive items, trinkets, houses, bikes, vehicles etc]

http://forums.lr4x4.com

I used to be Miserable ...but now I'm ecstatic.

3rd Mar 2013 8:07pm

JSG

Member Since: 12 Jul 2007
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 2412

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey

Miserableolgit wrote:
Oooh I've come over all fuzzy and warm, I want to take my Defender to bed so it can have my babies

Weirdo

John

http://www.hampshire4x4response.co.uk

2011 Tdci 110 CSW XS

3rd Mar 2013 8:24pm

ZeDefender

Member Since: 15 Sep 2011
Location: Munich
Posts: 4731

Miserableolgit wrote:
Oooh I've come over all fuzzy and warm, I want to take my Defender to bed so it can have my babies

Can we do that?

Tell someone you love them today because life is short.
But shout it at them in German because life is also terrifying and confusing...

3rd Mar 2013 9:01pm

Page 1 of 1

All times are GMT

Jump to

< Previous Topic | Next Topic >

Posting Rules

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum