 | Home > Puma (Tdci) > Hi there . first post. Thoughts on new Defender as main car |
 
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| Retroanaconda Member Since: 04 Jan 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 2635  
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People will wave at you in an Evoque but it's more this kind of wave:
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21st Sep 2013 6:19pm |
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| schuee Member Since: 16 Jul 2012 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 378  
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Exactly how I thought
Got some stick from work mates  |
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22nd Sep 2013 11:18am |
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| lukev01 Member Since: 24 Mar 2012 Location: Bedfordshire Posts: 412  
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I suppose that we must all be considered a bit eccentric to prefer a Defender to the latest gadget-laden boxes that require no thought to drive.
My son had the chance to drive SWMBO's Freelander 2 but said he hated trying to park it because it was too light on the steering and is much harder to pack than the S2A. Click image to enlarge Each to his own..... 1970 Series 2A 88" |
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22nd Sep 2013 11:39am |
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| schuee Member Since: 16 Jul 2012 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 378
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Great looking Series
I found the Evoque hard to park and that was even with a reversing camera guiding me in, didn't quite trust it, always preferred using mirrors, the good old fashioned way |
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22nd Sep 2013 2:39pm |
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| penguinsprogress Member Since: 03 Jun 2014 Location: henley on thames Posts: 14 
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I drive my Puma 90HT as a daily driver and also into London and it's great. The high seat, gentle progress and imposing presence on the road are all plus points. Fuel consumption is 32mpg on average which isn't bad either.
Obviously it goes without saying that every other vehicle on the road is smoother, more comfortable, faster, cheaper etc... But to compare it to other cars is a mistake. Part tractor, part small truck it will force you to slow down to its' pace. You'll get everywhere slower, but oddly you'll arrive less stressed. Driving it like a normal car will be very unpleasant, so you will quickly realise that if you're going to get on, theres a right way to do things and that way is the Defender way. No one imposes their driving style on a Defender! In time, every clunk free gear change will be a minor triumph and every journey will be a mini expedition. Like anything worthwhile in life it will take your time, money and attention, so make sure you've got this to give before you dive into ownership. From my own experience I mistakenly bought a TD5 90CSW many years ago at a time in my life when my kids were small and I was too strung out working/being a father etc to have anything left to give to the Defender... I was frustrated by its leaks, it's noise, slowness and industrial feel, so I sold it six weeks later and bought an Audi A4 which needed very little of me and also gave very little back. I could successfully rush around in silent air conditioned comfort looking busy and getting angry when others got in my way! I now realise that the Defender is a statement of how you have decided to live life and not an aspirational accessory. This is why we wave at one another, because it's not just a car. Hope this helps  |
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14th Jul 2014 2:47pm |
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| Supacat Member Since: 16 Oct 2012 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 11018 
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Well said - very eloquent.
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14th Jul 2014 3:09pm |
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| schuee Member Since: 16 Jul 2012 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 378
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^^
Hear, hear  |
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14th Jul 2014 3:49pm |
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| AP90 Member Since: 04 May 2012 Location: London Posts: 13 
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Hi
I bought my perfect Defender 90 with 800 miles on it, it was absolutely perfect inside and was quite reasonably priced. I put a super towbar, noisekiller kit and had the whole chassis treated. I loved it and every drive was an event, loads of people stopped to chat to me and ladies loved it. Unfortunately I found it really uncomfortable and tiring to drive long distances, it was draughty and I found it hopeless to get any gear in, also I always had to take stuff out of the back when I left it overnight. The engine seemed harsh and unwilling but did loosen up after 5000 miles. The rear seats were unusable for an adult and really got in the way when folded up. I removed them and stored them in the loft. Every time I see one I regret selling it but a look inside brings back unhappy memories. Honestly I think you have to experience one, I actually enjoyed it as a town car, except speed bumps. I think I sold mine too cheaply as people were fighting over it when I advertised it I really enjoyed it but I think I would have needed to spend a load of cash on it to get it how I wanted it. I did lose a bit of cash when I sold mine but that was my fault rather than the vehicles Go for it, it's an itch you have to scratch, you may absolutely love it!! Ash |
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22nd Jul 2014 9:01am |
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| Riyo Member Since: 26 Jun 2014 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 89 
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i recently swapped from a M3 to a almost new defender, dropping the best part of 30k
i loved the looks but was a bit unsure whether it was a really good idea given kids/wife transport etc, daily drive to work, agricultural feel and at first i had my doubts but after taking it camping with the family for a week and just getting used to the car driving to work everyday i love it. Some dont understand why i spent so much on a car that sounds like a tractor but i cant think of a car that compares in terms of practicality / mod-ability, looks & feel. The only thing that im struggling with is the abysmal turning circle for staff car park/shopping etc. Loved penguins post  |
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22nd Jul 2014 5:22pm |
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| Colonelstrat Member Since: 20 Aug 2013 Location: Kent Posts: 12 
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Have to agree with everyone here - my puma was bought in October last year new (110sw) - deliberately specced base trim, as I want this to last so am avoiding any elect is stuff if possible.
Going from my disco 2 I spent a couple of weeks hitting my knee when I wound down the window, and finding vinyl seats a bit slippery, but to echo an earlier comment - EVERY journey now feels interesting and adventurous, my kids can clamber around without breaking anything, and I can clean it using warm water and elbow grease. In short it is fun, practical, inoffensive to other motorists, acceptably economical and has done me 10k of mileage so far with nothing but joy. My wife was sceptical, but within a week surprised me be saying we need to get a second one as a run around as it always puts a smile on her face when driving, In an age when driving is getting more stressful, I adore the felling of time travel and mental relaxation that my defender (Nigel - kids chose the name!) brings to us. A daily driver - yes, you owe it to yourself !!! |
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31st Jul 2014 9:03pm |
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| CarlinAbz Member Since: 15 Sep 2013 Location: Aberdeenshire Posts: 76 
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[quote="Riyo"]i recently swapped from a M3 to a almost new defender, dropping the best part of 30k
The only thing that im struggling with is the abysmal turning circle for staff car park/shopping etc. Just a suggestion, 30mm spacers and then have the stops adjusted. I go Mann Automotive in Laurancekirk to do this for me and now turning circle is as good as any car I have owned. Took mine to BAS and extra 50bhp makes a big difference, although I do have a 991 to satisfy my speed need! |
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31st Jul 2014 9:08pm |
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| Happyoldgit Member Since: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3471 
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While the turning circle can be improved a bit by winding in the lock-stops you just have to bear in mind that the vehicle is a 4WD truck and not a Micra - learn to deal with it and adjust your driving style accordingly
 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. |
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1st Aug 2014 7:12am |
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| BigWheels Member Since: 21 Mar 2010 Location: Somerset Posts: 1405 
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1 minute in
But mainly this... Land Rover Defenders. 67 years heritage, minimal appearance changes, still going strong all over the world. Not a fashion vehicle, but fashionable to own. Made for the needy, not the greedy. Ta ta Defender |
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1st Aug 2014 6:20pm |
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