Gav110 wrote:

The Puma is in a different league to the TD5 and all previous models.

Very well said and could not have put it better myself. Totally on your side. Funds permitting I'd by another one tomorrow!

Everything before was rough and agricultural outside and in. We all love agricultural outside - it's the perfect shape and build - otherwise why buy a Defender, but what has surprised me is just what a joy the Puma is to drive.

The ventilation makes a massive difference. That's apparent here in AUS, but I can imagine the heating and demisting must be unbelievable in the UK. I have never experienced getting into a TD5 on a soaking wet and humid day when I was soaking wet and steaming - and not having steamy windows. It's just unsafe. In a Puma, same incident - clear windows all round in seconds. I also ticked the box on the factory sunroof option - best $150 money can buy, plus the factory expedition roof rack. I have mostly other custom mods - being done by www.mulgo.com.au - fabulous engineering guy here in Sydney.

The noise inside and out is down by about 50% over my old TD5 - there's none of that off-beat TD5 clatter. Smoothness of engine is fantastic. The gearing - others have spoken about it is awesome - but the anti-stall is incredibly handy offroad and on - like when setting off with a heavy trailer on a steep hill - just ease out the clutch in 1st HI and let it walk away - only a test drive can help you understand this.

The highway gearing makes for brilliant touring, esp. when paired with a good after market cruise control. I have an office in Melbourne (1000km away) and now drive down every month rather than fly. With cruise control, long range tank, a bit more sound insulation and a good after market stereo - it's the best tourer on the market. The extra low down torque is much more useful than the TD5's extra top-end. I had my TD5 "fully worked" with 3" exhaust, larger intercooler and chip so it put out something like 550nm - and it was largely all wasted as who wants to rev a diesel at 3000 RPM+ ? It was fun for outrunning Jeep Wranglers though....

The new seats in both row 2 and 3 are again like driving in a completely different vehicle. They are shaped, supportive and have proper head restraints. The kids are much more comfortable. Despite what some have said, I managed to fit comfortably into the 3rd row seats (5'9" - and I've even seen a 6 footer) - though obviously the leg room is better geared towards kids - but it will take a big kid and still leave room for stowage.

The concerns for me are same as others - drivetrain. I have a new clutch and syncros being fitted, but as others have said, once they sort this out it will be fine. Nothing else feels 'weak' to me - just a lot more sophisticated and well engineered. I took the precaution of buying the extended warranty (6 years total) which gives me all the peace of mind I need. I figure that once the 6 years is up, if I have a major issue I will tot-up the cost of replacing axles/clutch/box etc vs buying new - given the extensive mods I am making.

I actually think outlaying $6-10K if that's what it might cost then - is not a bad option over buying a new vehicle at that time, especially if it gets me a bullet-proof drivetrain (e.g. MaxiDrive / Isuzu / Mog etc.). In summary - couldn't be happier and am feeling confident in the choice. Best of luck mate.

spudfan wrote:

Gav110 wrote:

The Puma is in a different league to the TD5 and all previous models.

Very well said and could not have put it better myself. Totally on your side. Funds permitting I'd by another one tomorrow!

Everything before was rough and agricultural outside and in. We all love agricultural outside - it's the perfect shape and build - otherwise why buy a Defender, but what has surprised me is just what a joy the Puma is to drive.

The ventilation makes a massive difference. That's apparent here in AUS, but I can imagine the heating and demisting must be unbelievable in the UK. I have never experienced getting into a TD5 on a soaking wet and humid day when I was soaking wet and steaming - and not having steamy windows. It's just unsafe. In a Puma, same incident - clear windows all round in seconds. I also ticked the box on the factory sunroof option - best $150 money can buy, plus the factory expedition roof rack. I have mostly other custom mods - being done by www.mulgo.com.au - fabulous engineering guy here in Sydney.

The noise inside and out is down by about 50% over my old TD5 - there's none of that off-beat TD5 clatter. Smoothness of engine is fantastic. The gearing - others have spoken about it is awesome - but the anti-stall is incredibly handy offroad and on - like when setting off with a heavy trailer on a steep hill - just ease out the clutch in 1st HI and let it walk away - only a test drive can help you understand this.

The highway gearing makes for brilliant touring, esp. when paired with a good after market cruise control. I have an office in Melbourne (1000km away) and now drive down every month rather than fly. With cruise control, long range tank, a bit more sound insulation and a good after market stereo - it's the best tourer on the market. The extra low down torque is much more useful than the TD5's extra top-end. I had my TD5 "fully worked" with 3" exhaust, larger intercooler and chip so it put out something like 550nm - and it was largely all wasted as who wants to rev a diesel at 3000 RPM+ ? It was fun for outrunning Jeep Wranglers though....

The new seats in both row 2 and 3 are again like driving in a completely different vehicle. They are shaped, supportive and have proper head restraints. The kids are much more comfortable. Despite what some have said, I managed to fit comfortably into the 3rd row seats (5'9" - and I've even seen a 6 footer) - though obviously the leg room is better geared towards kids - but it will take a big kid and still leave room for stowage.

The concerns for me are same as others - drivetrain. I have a new clutch and syncros being fitted, but as others have said, once they sort this out it will be fine. Nothing else feels 'weak' to me - just a lot more sophisticated and well engineered. I took the precaution of buying the extended warranty (6 years total) which gives me all the peace of mind I need. I figure that once the 6 years is up, if I have a major issue I will tot-up the cost of replacing axles/clutch/box etc vs buying new - given the extensive mods I am making.

I actually think outlaying $6-10K if that's what it might cost then - is not a bad option over buying a new vehicle at that time, especially if it gets me a bullet-proof drivetrain (e.g. MaxiDrive / Isuzu / Mog etc.). In summary - couldn't be happier and am feeling confident in the choice. Best of luck mate.

chopdogs wrote:

Basically, is it worth money - probably around £6-8k - to upgrade to a Puma? Thanks
chopdogs

As indicated by the posts "One man's rubbish is another man's treasure!" it is difficult to find a definitive answer by people's loyalty to their own marque of vehicle! Explain your dilemma to your local dealer or hire a Puma for a couple o' days and take it for a long and varied journey you'll soon be able to decide for yourself! Maybe just maybe the dealers will give you one on loan if they think they'll get a sale out of it!
 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!!

MK wrote:

I understand better in the broad sense, including reliability and it would be nice to look at some statistics on the Td5 model after 3 years of being in the market. I´m sure LR has those numbers.

I hate to say your in the minority when it comes to the TD5 being better.

For info on LR - they certainly run warranty tests on parts (eg handle opening test 1,000 of times) and the whole car - these are mileage driven (no pun) and for equiv. of years and hard use.

You are likely never to see that detail of stats  Mike