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Home > Puma (Tdci) > Hi there . first post. Thoughts on new Defender as main car
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Supacat



Member Since: 16 Oct 2012
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 11018

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS DCPU Keswick Green
Quite a lot of sense written here. Thumbs Up

Funny how many have upgraded from more expensive vehicles in the LR fleet. I've no regrets for chopping in a TDV8 RRS for mine; my only real concern is security - both on my drive and leaving it in either busy car parks or isolated woods! It's a real shame to have this nag.

Security drawers or even an underfloor safe might be an idea to protect valuables from breakins.

Oh and my fuel economy is worse now but I think that may be in part due to the MTRs!
Post #266676 14th Sep 2013 4:51pm
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Happyoldgit



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

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
While the Puma clutch is lighter than pre TD5 models you still might need to strengthen your left leg muscles if you intend to do a lot of stop start city driving. 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.
Post #266692 14th Sep 2013 5:53pm
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SteveG



Member Since: 29 Nov 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 659

2005 Defender 90 Td5 CSW Belize Green
And the turning circle is woeful in the city, parking length can be an issue in some bays, and the height prevents you from using a number of multi storey/underground car parks. Air con is a bit rubbish in a 110 too in the few months of the year that you need it.

It's easy to run one as a daily driver, but you have to want to.

Cheers

Steve
Post #266700 14th Sep 2013 6:35pm
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22900013A



Member Since: 23 Dec 2010
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 3149

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Keswick Green
I have run my 110 as our daily car since it was new in May 2011, without any major issues. I don't find the 110 hard to park at all, the mirrors are good and you have to use them. If you drive it like a lorry its an absolute doddle as they are so narrow.
With regards to your security concerns I would recommend the Utility Station Wagon version, as the back becomes almost impossible to see into from outside that way, plus only the one window to pose an breakage risk.
I have drive mine all over including trips to France, Holland and Germany all in comfort with no issues. Things like the cold climate pack (heated cab seats and windscreen) and aircon are nice additions, as is central locking.
They make great tow vehicles but don't expect supercar performance with a decent weight on the back, anything over about 2 tonnes will see you cruising at not much over 50.
MPG does get better with gentle driving, stick in behind and HGV and see low 30s MPG, but when you boot it (and trust me from time to time you will) then MPG will drop quite noticeably. 2011 110 USW
1973 Series III 1-Ton
1972 Series III 1-Ton Cherrypicker
1969 IIA 1-Ton
1966 IIA 88"
Post #266707 14th Sep 2013 6:43pm
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mk1collector



Member Since: 17 Sep 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 6769

England 2004 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Bonatti Grey
Does anyone else think its funny that the majority answering this thread say that defenders are woefull at this, terrible at that, noisy, poor on fuel, uncomfortable etc etc but are saying defeinately have one as a daily Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter the thing is I have to agree Thumbs Up
Post #266717 14th Sep 2013 6:55pm
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a13x



Member Since: 25 Sep 2011
Location: Burton on Trent
Posts: 553

United Kingdom 
I find it equally funny how people say how they make great tow cars, comfy for long trips and great as everyday cars etc, probably all by people that have never run a RR or similar as they have no experience to base their opinion on.

The RR/D3/4 makes a better tow car or everyday car by a mile! They are much more refined on a long trip, seats much better, ours has both heated and cooled seats together with air con means its much more capable of keeping you cool pretty much anywhere, easier to park with sensors and cameras. They are even a better off road car for the everyday person.

Then there is the issue of corrosion, leaks, frozen door locks and many more with the Defender. That being said, the 1 car that would be kept is the Defender. It's not always about having the most comfortable and equipped car but one that you love to look at, drive etc and the defender wins hands down.

It all comes down to whether you have the passion for Land a rovers and whether you can put up with all of its many faults.
Post #266732 14th Sep 2013 7:51pm
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jeeves



Member Since: 10 Jul 2011
Location: lancashire
Posts: 91

United Kingdom 
We used to have a D3 and used it for towing and day to day family car....it was functional, comfortable etc, etc
BUT every time we drove past a defender we would all shout "Defender!!!"
Now we have upgraded to our defender...it's our main family car.
Yes it's a bit noisier, but not much, it actually gets more mpg (we have had 22 towing but get 28 day to day)
Now we see a Defender and all wave...
We have never shouted"discovery" or "Range Rover"...
Above all wherever you go, you turn up in a Defender....
Get one you will love it !!!!
Post #266736 14th Sep 2013 8:04pm
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timbar



Member Since: 30 Jul 2013
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 245

United Kingdom 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
I can't offer much advice, because we've only had one for about 4 weeks. However -- it's quite possibly the best purchase I've ever made! We now have a used 2009 (2.4) 110 XS.

You _will_ notice your left leg doing an awful lot more work.

The kids and the car are already inseparable. My wife sent me a text the other day saying she took it out and came back cackling with delight (after being a bit nervous about it).

We've done a few 3-4 hour drives off camping in it so far and it's been great both on country roads (nice and narrow) and motorways -- it's pretty happy cruising along in 6th. Even reverse parking and getting into the occasional supermarket spaces hasn't been the drama we'd been expecting -- trickier, but not desperate.

The first day we had it we drove down to the south coast in torrential rain, and found our first standard defender leak -- into the passenger footwell. And just wait until you drive straight into a sudden hailstorm Shocked

It's great. It feels like actually driving a car again. 2009 110 XS Station Wagon
Post #266744 14th Sep 2013 8:34pm
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Happyoldgit



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

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
a13x wrote:
I find it equally funny how people say how they make great tow cars, comfy for long trips and great as everyday cars etc, probably all by people that have never run a RR or similar as they have no experience to base their opinion on.


Unless you know the motoring history of those that have contributed to this thread that's a bit of a presumptuous statement Rolling Eyes 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.
Post #266747 14th Sep 2013 8:38pm
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Shep



Member Since: 02 Sep 2013
Location: Pwhelli
Posts: 88

2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Orkney Grey
timbar wrote:

It's great. It feels like actually driving a car again.



Spot on! A man with no boat is a prisoner
Post #266748 14th Sep 2013 8:39pm
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lukev01



Member Since: 24 Mar 2012
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 412

England 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
You won't regret it.

Land Rover once claimed that a Defender was the only "classic car that you buy new".

If you have teenagers, they (and their friends) will claim that it is the coolest car anyone has......but be aware that this compliment does NOT apply to the driver. You will still be sad, middle-aged and could not possibly understand what it is like to be a teenager....unless that is just me Laughing

Plus, all the arrogant numpties in their BMWs and Audis will gladly let you out at junctions.

I am sure that there are numerous threads on this and the above comments won't be original, I am sure.

Overall, though, you have a win-win situation, I reckon. 1970 Series 2A 88"
Post #266749 14th Sep 2013 8:46pm
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timbar



Member Since: 30 Jul 2013
Location: Milton Keynes
Posts: 245

United Kingdom 2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
Quote:
If you have teenagers, they (and their friends) will claim that it is the coolest car anyone has......but be aware that this compliment does NOT apply to the driver. You will still be sad, middle-aged and could not possibly understand what it is like to be a teenager....unless that is just me :laughing:


The kids in our village -- younger than teenage -- seem to be queuing up to get in it at the moment Smile

Gah, didn't spot the direct quote button ... 2009 110 XS Station Wagon
Post #266751 14th Sep 2013 8:51pm
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LandRoverAnorak



Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

United Kingdom 
jeeves wrote:
Above all wherever you go, you turn up in a Defender....

That's fantastic Cool Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
Post #266756 14th Sep 2013 9:05pm
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a13x



Member Since: 25 Sep 2011
Location: Burton on Trent
Posts: 553

United Kingdom 
Miserableolgit wrote:
a13x wrote:
I find it equally funny how people say how they make great tow cars, comfy for long trips and great as everyday cars etc, probably all by people that have never run a RR or similar as they have no experience to base their opinion on.


Unless you know the motoring history of those that have contributed to this thread that's a bit of a presumptuous statement Rolling Eyes


But there are cars out there that make better all round 4x4s, tow cars, everyday cars so why try and cloud the OPs view on changing from a RR? The RR is a much better everyday car for the reasons outlined in this thread. You have to decide whether the character of a Defender outweighs the better features and comforts of a RR/D3/4.

Or if you had read the end of my post, you would see that despite the option of a RR or going for a Discovery, I would still pick the Defender. However I probably wouldn't have one as an only car. Similar for when having sports cars. You really need an everyday car as you can quickly lose the appeal of them...
Post #266757 14th Sep 2013 9:12pm
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Caterham



Member Since: 06 Nov 2008
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 6295

England 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
for what its worth this is my take on it.....

a rebuilt triumph spitfire will probably turn more heads than a peugot 206 convertible but you need to be an enthusiast (or however you spell it Confused ) and be prepared to constantly tinker with it if you want to keep it tidy and working well.

actually getting on with it ... in my opinion you'll soon learn to hate it when you around town in traffic and in a rush. drive it like you've got all the time in the world - GREAT. (so long as nothing is breaking or falling off).

buy one as a hobby or cos you need one ..... beyond that the only other good reason I can think of is depreciation and tax benefits.

I hope its for you cos in my opinion its one of the very few new cars available which you can become involved with.

....and welcome Thumbs Up
Post #266760 14th Sep 2013 9:16pm
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