K9F wrote:

I'm with Russell wrote:

No disrespect intended - but maybe if some of you fellas ever get the chance to drive a Puma across a few arid bulldust filled deserts, across savannahs and tracks with foot high corrugations -
Dan (aka Scallops from AULRO)

I sympathise with those that have serious ongoing problems and I feel sometimes that I must be in a minority. I love my Puma I really do and trust it implicitly. All my niggles have been just that niggles...here is an extract of a post I made just yesterday on another thread...

"Just had my second service, wiper splines replaced due to excessive play, sidesteps replaced due to paint flaking/rust and something Loctited to prevent click each time reversed, brake vacuum pump also replaced. Running sweet as a nut at the moment no knocks, clicks, grinding, gear clunking, gear selector rattling, oil seepages or leaks or any other of the traits exibited by so many other forum member's vehicles. Maybe I'm just lucky to have such a splendid chariot!

Just because something may be rumoured to be 'built of girders' does not necessarily mean one has to test it to destruction. I value my investment and take care of it. Even in the most arduous conditions if you treat her with a little respect she won't let you down in my experience. I do not have money to throw away or the time to take my pride and joy to the dealers because I've been too heavy footed or pushed her beyond expected limits. 'No disrespect intended again' We don't indeed have bulldust deserts or savannahs, thankfully we don't have kangaroos or didgeridoos either but we did give Rolf Harris a knighthood! We are not in Holland and do have rough terrain of our own, we've even got mountain rescue teams believe it or not!
You would probably be better astride a camel to traverse your desert and savannahs, don't forget to pack clean undercrackers and take plenty of water!

Couldnt have put it better

Many cars (even toyota's) have problems.

I would trust mine - many use them in remote areas.

The first year is always a problem in production - if you know land rovers you know that.

The point on niggles is true - most of the things we complain about are niggles not failures - the clutch rattle, very few to none have had the clutch rattle = catasrophic failure, even when my vac. pump leaked i still drove the from Warwickshire to the north highlands of scotland - to a remote farm, then from there and back for 3 days to inverness! Mike

mse wrote:

K9F wrote:

I'm with Russell wrote:

No disrespect intended - but maybe if some of you fellas ever get the chance to drive a Puma across a few arid bulldust filled deserts, across savannahs and tracks with foot high corrugations -
Dan (aka Scallops from AULRO)

I sympathise with those that have serious ongoing problems and I feel sometimes that I must be in a minority. I love my Puma I really do and trust it implicitly. All my niggles have been just that niggles...here is an extract of a post I made just yesterday on another thread...

"Just had my second service, wiper splines replaced due to excessive play, sidesteps replaced due to paint flaking/rust and something Loctited to prevent click each time reversed, brake vacuum pump also replaced. Running sweet as a nut at the moment no knocks, clicks, grinding, gear clunking, gear selector rattling, oil seepages or leaks or any other of the traits exibited by so many other forum member's vehicles. Maybe I'm just lucky to have such a splendid chariot!

Just because something may be rumoured to be 'built of girders' does not necessarily mean one has to test it to destruction. I value my investment and take care of it. Even in the most arduous conditions if you treat her with a little respect she won't let you down in my experience. I do not have money to throw away or the time to take my pride and joy to the dealers because I've been too heavy footed or pushed her beyond expected limits. 'No disrespect intended again' We don't indeed have bulldust deserts or savannahs, thankfully we don't have kangaroos or didgeridoos either but we did give Rolf Harris a knighthood! We are not in Holland and do have rough terrain of our own, we've even got mountain rescue teams believe it or not!
You would probably be better astride a camel to traverse your desert and savannahs, don't forget to pack clean undercrackers and take plenty of water!

Couldnt have put it better

Many cars (even toyota's) have problems.

I would trust mine - many use them in remote areas.

The first year is always a problem in production - if you know land rovers you know that.

The point on niggles is true - most of the things we complain about are niggles not failures - the clutch rattle, very few to none have had the clutch rattle = catasrophic failure, even when my vac. pump leaked i still drove the from Warwickshire to the north highlands of scotland - to a remote farm, then from there and back for 3 days to inverness!

Allan wrote:

mse wrote:

K9F wrote:

I'm with Russell wrote:

No disrespect intended - but maybe if some of you fellas ever get the chance to drive a Puma across a few arid bulldust filled deserts, across savannahs and tracks with foot high corrugations -
Dan (aka Scallops from AULRO)

I sympathise with those that have serious ongoing problems and I feel sometimes that I must be in a minority. I love my Puma I really do and trust it implicitly. All my niggles have been just that niggles...here is an extract of a post I made just yesterday on another thread...

"Just had my second service, wiper splines replaced due to excessive play, sidesteps replaced due to paint flaking/rust and something Loctited to prevent click each time reversed, brake vacuum pump also replaced. Running sweet as a nut at the moment no knocks, clicks, grinding, gear clunking, gear selector rattling, oil seepages or leaks or any other of the traits exibited by so many other forum member's vehicles. Maybe I'm just lucky to have such a splendid chariot!

Just because something may be rumoured to be 'built of girders' does not necessarily mean one has to test it to destruction. I value my investment and take care of it. Even in the most arduous conditions if you treat her with a little respect she won't let you down in my experience. I do not have money to throw away or the time to take my pride and joy to the dealers because I've been too heavy footed or pushed her beyond expected limits. 'No disrespect intended again' We don't indeed have bulldust deserts or savannahs, thankfully we don't have kangaroos or didgeridoos either but we did give Rolf Harris a knighthood! We are not in Holland and do have rough terrain of our own, we've even got mountain rescue teams believe it or not!
You would probably be better astride a camel to traverse your desert and savannahs, don't forget to pack clean undercrackers and take plenty of water!

Couldnt have put it better

Many cars (even toyota's) have problems.

I would trust mine - many use them in remote areas.

The first year is always a problem in production - if you know land rovers you know that.

The point on niggles is true - most of the things we complain about are niggles not failures - the clutch rattle, very few to none have had the clutch rattle = catasrophic failure, even when my vac. pump leaked i still drove the from Warwickshire to the north highlands of scotland - to a remote farm, then from there and back for 3 days to inverness!

Now now boys this is not a test match! The point made regarding a vehicle's reliability is paramount regardless of whether you are north of Inverness in very cold and icey conditions, or in the middle of the Simpson Desert in 48 deg c heat. You can die in both situations. Land Rover have always advertised their vehicles as tough go anywhere 4x4's, but I think the Puma needs to toughen up a little before I take it somewhere that the neareat dealer or expert is 1500km away and there aint nobody to help.

Allan

NoDo$h wrote:

IWR, given the work your vehicle is put to, do you have yours on the Arduous Service Schedule? (Poor acronymn, but genuine). Vehicles being used in harsh environments are recommended to undergo a much more thorough service regime with shorter intervals. LRAustralia or your dealer should be able to advise.

NoDo$h wrote:

IWR, given the work your vehicle is put to, do you have yours on the Arduous Service Schedule? (Poor acronymn, but genuine). Vehicles being used in harsh environments are recommended to undergo a much more thorough service regime with shorter intervals. LRAustralia or your dealer should be able to advise.

Let me say, I appreciate the comments of alwoodley 72 et al, who appear, at least, to still be objective about these vehicles. I think it's a useful function of such forums to be able to have an opportunity to not only sing LR's praises, but to discuss the less happy aspects of ownership, without getting too carried away - although perhaps I will consider suggestions such as using camels etc in future when I venture into the unknown!

That said, after re-reading my initial response to this thread - perhaps I might have come across in a somewhat unintended fashion - what I meant to convey was my feeling that the conditions these vehicles are generally used under, tested under, and built under, are rather different to those in which I find myself in. And knowing many folks here (in Australia) with very reliable TDI / TD5 Defenders - I wonder what has happened in the development of this one?

But to your comment NoDo$h; AFAIK - all Australian service schedules are on the Arduous Service Schedule - our service intervals are 10 000km whereas I believe yours are up to 20 000km.

We are also advised to service diff oils etc (daily if necessary) such as when deep water crossings are made.

I really don't believe the issues my vehicle has endured are due to any lack of mechanical attention. Here is a brief listing of what has happened to my Defender....

1) Brake master cylinder replaced after hole rubbed through bonnet caused by track corrugations.
2) Intercooler hose ruptured due to corrugations causing rub on steering knuckles.
3) Both front axle ABS sensors failed.
4) Steel plates protecting rear disc brakes fatigue cracked - lucky I heard them rattle and removed them before they severed my brake lines. I have heard of another Puma in the Kimberley where this happened - his brake lines were severed.
5) Front prop shaft bashed into sump pan.
6) Rear prop shaft replaced due to harmonic vibration issue.
7) Transfer case replaced after bearing noise became apparent.
Passenger side mirror fell off on corrugated tracks.
9) Rear window winder fell off on corrugated roads.
10) Stereo ceased to operate after driving in dust and corrugated roads.
11) Brake Vacuum pump leaked oil.
12) Rear axle replaced after excessive spline wear.
13) Gearbox replaced after inability to repair synchromesh issues.
14) Clutch replaced when gearbox removed - excessive wear.
15) Steering box replaced after leaking hydraulic fluid.
16) Both front swivel seals replaced after weeping.
17) Front Uni joint replaced due to excessive wear and rust formation.
1 Steering ball joint replaced after free play noted - causes "clunk" when turning - moving off forward or in reverse.
19) EGR valve failed - replaced.
20) Centre differential on off light replaced.
21) Squeaking clutch pedal replaced.
22) Sliding rear window replaced when window felt jammed window open. I "fixed" this but window replaced.
23) Front passenger side gutter separated from body work.
24) Prop shaft bolts fallen out numerous times.

Whilst some of these items are trivial - many are not. I must also add that LRA have fixed all these issues under warranty.

But for the record, I've also used a number of brand new Nissan Patrols in my work. I cannot remember ever having a single issues whatsoever with these trucks. That said, they couldn't carry as much, nor were they as comfortable (I know that might sound odd but I really like the Defender driving position)

I drive a LR for personal reasons. My grandfather was a British engineer in India after the war - and his Series 1 was a vehicle he brought to Australia and with which I have fond childhood memories. I now have one too.

My grandfather used to talk endlessly about the wonderful engineering that the LR employed. He was quite right - I appreciate that element too and simply love all things Land Rover. But I feel he would be rather disappointed with the 2007 offering, as I am. I have felt compelled to purchase an additional 3 years of warranty and hope that I might enter a trouble free period during this time. If so - I'll be very happy with my Puma.

I am, at least, encouraged to read that so many here seem very happy with your vehicles. I hope this feeling stays with you as your vehicles come out of warranty and you clock up some additional miles.

I'm with Russell wrote:

NoDo$h wrote:

IWR, given the work your vehicle is put to, do you have yours on the Arduous Service Schedule? (Poor acronymn, but genuine). Vehicles being used in harsh environments are recommended to undergo a much more thorough service regime with shorter intervals. LRAustralia or your dealer should be able to advise.

Let me say, I appreciate the comments of alwoodley 72 et al, who appear, at least, to still be objective about these vehicles. I think it's a useful function of such forums to be able to have an opportunity to not only sing LR's praises, but to discuss the less happy aspects of ownership, without getting too carried away - although perhaps I will consider suggestions such as using camels etc in future when I venture into the unknown!

That said, after re-reading my initial response to this thread - perhaps I might have come across in a somewhat unintended fashion - what I meant to convey was my feeling that the conditions these vehicles are generally used under, tested under, and built under, are rather different to those in which I find myself in. And knowing many folks here (in Australia) with very reliable TDI / TD5 Defenders - I wonder what has happened in the development of this one?

But to your comment NoDo$h; AFAIK - all Australian service schedules are on the Arduous Service Schedule - our service intervals are 10 000km whereas I believe yours are up to 20 000km.

We are also advised to service diff oils etc (daily if necessary) such as when deep water crossings are made.

I really don't believe the issues my vehicle has endured are due to any lack of mechanical attention. Here is a brief listing of what has happened to my Defender....

1) Brake master cylinder replaced after hole rubbed through bonnet caused by track corrugations.
2) Intercooler hose ruptured due to corrugations causing rub on steering knuckles.
3) Both front axle ABS sensors failed.
4) Steel plates protecting rear disc brakes fatigue cracked - lucky I heard them rattle and removed them before they severed my brake lines. I have heard of another Puma in the Kimberley where this happened - his brake lines were severed.
5) Front prop shaft bashed into sump pan.
6) Rear prop shaft replaced due to harmonic vibration issue.
7) Transfer case replaced after bearing noise became apparent.
Passenger side mirror fell off on corrugated tracks.
9) Rear window winder fell off on corrugated roads.
10) Stereo ceased to operate after driving in dust and corrugated roads.
11) Brake Vacuum pump leaked oil.
12) Rear axle replaced after excessive spline wear.
13) Gearbox replaced after inability to repair synchromesh issues.
14) Clutch replaced when gearbox removed - excessive wear.
15) Steering box replaced after leaking hydraulic fluid.
16) Both front swivel seals replaced after weeping.
17) Front Uni joint replaced due to excessive wear and rust formation.
1 Steering ball joint replaced after free play noted - causes "clunk" when turning - moving off forward or in reverse.
19) EGR valve failed - replaced.
20) Centre differential on off light replaced.
21) Squeaking clutch pedal replaced.
22) Sliding rear window replaced when window felt jammed window open. I "fixed" this but window replaced.
23) Front passenger side gutter separated from body work.
24) Prop shaft bolts fallen out numerous times.

Whilst some of these items are trivial - many are not. I must also add that LRA have fixed all these issues under warranty.

But for the record, I've also used a number of brand new Nissan Patrols in my work. I cannot remember ever having a single issues whatsoever with these trucks. That said, they couldn't carry as much, nor were they as comfortable (I know that might sound odd but I really like the Defender driving position)

I drive a LR for personal reasons. My grandfather was a British engineer in India after the war - and his Series 1 was a vehicle he brought to Australia and with which I have fond childhood memories. I now have one too.

My grandfather used to talk endlessly about the wonderful engineering that the LR employed. He was quite right - I appreciate that element too and simply love all things Land Rover. But I feel he would be rather disappointed with the 2007 offering, as I am. I have felt compelled to purchase an additional 3 years of warranty and hope that I might enter a trouble free period during this time. If so - I'll be very happy with my Puma.

I am, at least, encouraged to read that so many here seem very happy with your vehicles. I hope this feeling stays with you as your vehicles come out of warranty and you clock up some additional miles.

I agree, a great vehicle that is in need of help from it manufacturer. I also will be going with the additional warrenty as a trip down the Gibb River Road and fishing for Kimberleys Barra is coming soon and I simply find it not reliable enougth for the 2-3 thousand km round trip. I don't think the TD5 would fit all the crap the wife likes to take or I would take it. This is a sorry situation as this vehicle, with all its extras, ows me about $80 grand Australian so any normal man can see why I am off. A great vehicle the Puma but I am begining to think British Layland have re purchesed Land Rover.

Allan

LROV90 wrote:

.............and they are in the process of putting in his THIRD engine.

..................

what's the engine problem? Discovery 5 td6 HSE Stornoway Gray Outback Engineering Limited Edition

IID Pro MV License

Quote:

Summary: This Technical Bulletin is to advise that the transmission selector shaft detents are now available as a serviceable part. Therefore it is no longer necessary to replace the complete transmission assembly
for concerns related to the transmission selector shaft detents (transmission stuck in gear).

Should it become necessary to replace the transmission selector shaft detents, refer to the new procedure detailed in Global Technical Reference GTR Workshop Manual, section 308-03.