Defender L663 review !
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I’ve got the electronic locking rear differential fitted on mine.
It seems to work a lot of the time even in on road situations, also sometimes it doesn’t fully lock as the computer sees fit, in rock crawl and mud and ruts it fully locks.
It seems to work a lot of the time even in on road situations, also sometimes it doesn’t fully lock as the computer sees fit, in rock crawl and mud and ruts it fully locks.
l guess if you're using the vehicle off road it will be useful to have the advanced features.
I do go off road but only around farms and in that respect the vehicle has been faultless.
One thing l have noticed is, if you leave it in the default "comfort" mode it seems to be primarily RWD.
ln default mode l was struggling to get across a muddy field which was a surprise. l changed it to "mud & ruts" and it drove out with no further issues.
l never got stuck in my old Defender and it didn't have the traction control or anything, just the centre diff lock. And l only had to use the diff lock about half a dozen times in nine years.
I do go off road but only around farms and in that respect the vehicle has been faultless.
One thing l have noticed is, if you leave it in the default "comfort" mode it seems to be primarily RWD.
ln default mode l was struggling to get across a muddy field which was a surprise. l changed it to "mud & ruts" and it drove out with no further issues.
l never got stuck in my old Defender and it didn't have the traction control or anything, just the centre diff lock. And l only had to use the diff lock about half a dozen times in nine years.
MAY UPDATE, NEW DEFENDER
Well, the new Defender is still performing without issues.
Mileage is now 12,000. l still find myself looking at late model Puma 110XS for sale while sat in the bath, but at the moment l am sticking with the new one.
Looks like the Grenadier has finally been certified as a Commercial Vehicle by HMRC in two seat form, which makes it a viable contender for business use along with the Defender Commercial.
l've changed the tyres for Goodyear Wrangler ATE's as the standard tyres were hopeless in muddy conditions off road. Five new steel wheels with tyres for £550
Owners still don't want the steel wheels, they're all over Ebay at give away prices. l
was worried the Wranglers might be noisier but l can't tell any difference, possibly a bit on some surfaces but it's worth it for the extra capabilities.
There's not a lot to report on the new Defender really, it's a lot better off road in muddy fields with the Wranglers fitted, l've changed the oil a couple of times (LR say it's not necessary until 21,000 miles, l hope they have a stock of turbo's to fit when they start to fail after a few years)
The engine is very quiet, with no diesel clatter at all even when cold. A customer commented on how quiet it was yesterday, although he called it a "Jeep"
l'll update again if anything actually happens, such as something going wrong with the vehicle, or if l change it for an old model !!
(Prices seem to be falling, at least on Puma's.
110 Puma XS Utility on Auto Trader yesterday, looked well cared for and very nice, 71,000 miles and £21,995 ono.....)
Well, the new Defender is still performing without issues.
Mileage is now 12,000. l still find myself looking at late model Puma 110XS for sale while sat in the bath, but at the moment l am sticking with the new one.
Looks like the Grenadier has finally been certified as a Commercial Vehicle by HMRC in two seat form, which makes it a viable contender for business use along with the Defender Commercial.
l've changed the tyres for Goodyear Wrangler ATE's as the standard tyres were hopeless in muddy conditions off road. Five new steel wheels with tyres for £550
Owners still don't want the steel wheels, they're all over Ebay at give away prices. l
was worried the Wranglers might be noisier but l can't tell any difference, possibly a bit on some surfaces but it's worth it for the extra capabilities.
There's not a lot to report on the new Defender really, it's a lot better off road in muddy fields with the Wranglers fitted, l've changed the oil a couple of times (LR say it's not necessary until 21,000 miles, l hope they have a stock of turbo's to fit when they start to fail after a few years)
The engine is very quiet, with no diesel clatter at all even when cold. A customer commented on how quiet it was yesterday, although he called it a "Jeep"
l'll update again if anything actually happens, such as something going wrong with the vehicle, or if l change it for an old model !!
(Prices seem to be falling, at least on Puma's.
110 Puma XS Utility on Auto Trader yesterday, looked well cared for and very nice, 71,000 miles and £21,995 ono.....)
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SUPPLEMENTAL
WHAT IF ANYTHING DO I MISS ABOUT MY OLD DEFENDER?
Now l was thinking about this tonight while listening to my missus playing in a swing band.
l was reading about a woman who was a Leprosy Doctor in Vietnam in early 1962, and she was kidnapped with her Land Rover. The vehicle was found but she was never seen again.
And there was a girl in the 1990's who walked the length of Africa, her support vehicle was a 110 and later an old Series 90.
And l was thinking, there's a connection, these two women would have recognised a 2005 Defender as a Land Rover, l can imagine them opening the bulkhead vent flaps on theirs to try and get some air flow in the heat of Vietnam or Africa.
And going on holiday in our Defender there was the connection, although a caravan site in the Lake District isn't quite Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
And that's what's missing from the new one. The legacy. There's no connection with the people who lived (and died) in Land Rovers back in the days when they were supplied to missionaries, aid workers and other people in far flung places.
When you drive an old Land Rover you are following in the footsteps of these people, in some small way. But l don't feel it driving the new one.
WHAT IF ANYTHING DO I MISS ABOUT MY OLD DEFENDER?
Now l was thinking about this tonight while listening to my missus playing in a swing band.
l was reading about a woman who was a Leprosy Doctor in Vietnam in early 1962, and she was kidnapped with her Land Rover. The vehicle was found but she was never seen again.
And there was a girl in the 1990's who walked the length of Africa, her support vehicle was a 110 and later an old Series 90.
And l was thinking, there's a connection, these two women would have recognised a 2005 Defender as a Land Rover, l can imagine them opening the bulkhead vent flaps on theirs to try and get some air flow in the heat of Vietnam or Africa.
And going on holiday in our Defender there was the connection, although a caravan site in the Lake District isn't quite Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
And that's what's missing from the new one. The legacy. There's no connection with the people who lived (and died) in Land Rovers back in the days when they were supplied to missionaries, aid workers and other people in far flung places.
When you drive an old Land Rover you are following in the footsteps of these people, in some small way. But l don't feel it driving the new one.
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AUGUST 2024 UPDATE
The New Defender is still fault free and running perfectly.
There's nothing really to report. l changed the tyres for some more off-road oriented ones.
l've sprayed clear wax based rust prevention on everything underneath. lt will probably benefit someone in 15 years time.
l plan to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years, l do enjoy driving it and l certainly can't afford another one. lt will be interesting to see how long the new one lasts before it starts to give problems, it does seem well put together though.
l am looking to get another old Defender as a second vehicle, l've been saving up for 18 months and nearly bought a grey 2005 110 XS SW at an auction last month.
lt was in very good condition, l could see maybe £2,000 to make it perfect. lt went for £11,000 plus premium so £12,000 in total Prices have definitely come down. That would have been nearer £20,000 a couple of years ago.
The New Defender is still fault free and running perfectly.
There's nothing really to report. l changed the tyres for some more off-road oriented ones.
l've sprayed clear wax based rust prevention on everything underneath. lt will probably benefit someone in 15 years time.
l plan to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years, l do enjoy driving it and l certainly can't afford another one. lt will be interesting to see how long the new one lasts before it starts to give problems, it does seem well put together though.
l am looking to get another old Defender as a second vehicle, l've been saving up for 18 months and nearly bought a grey 2005 110 XS SW at an auction last month.
lt was in very good condition, l could see maybe £2,000 to make it perfect. lt went for £11,000 plus premium so £12,000 in total Prices have definitely come down. That would have been nearer £20,000 a couple of years ago.
Hicap phill
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 16,348
- Location
- Wiltshire
I see more are been used on a commercial basis.
Friend took his new disco back to the dealer & swapped for the new landy. Impressed with the comfort & towing. He was also happy as dealer gave him some steel rims for free as everyone was having alloys fitted as extras
Friend took his new disco back to the dealer & swapped for the new landy. Impressed with the comfort & towing. He was also happy as dealer gave him some steel rims for free as everyone was having alloys fitted as extras
Agree with the above, other than the security updates LR send out which LR assist come to your house to do if you ask, no problems to report.
Even the insurance has come down after a years ownership, £866 last year with Admiral
£687 this year through Swinton with a winch fitted.
All good.
The new Defender makes more sense as a Commercial Vehicle.
Let's say you buy one at £60,000
Claim the VAT back and it's £48,000
Then you'll get tax back on the purchase price, probably around £12,000 in total.
So that makes the vehicle around £36,000
And over time it's likely to retain its value a lot better than a van (although if you sell it you'll have to pay tax on the sale price of course)
Currently l am being offered 80% of the new price by dealers, after 18 months and 13,000 miles.
The only other vehicle that comes close to this is the VW Transporter.
And new Defender is a great vehicle, it's not the old Defender but in isolation it's very nice, with a definite personality unlike a lot of new vehicles. The 3.0 diesel is the engine of choice in my opinion, it's a great engine.
Let's say you buy one at £60,000
Claim the VAT back and it's £48,000
Then you'll get tax back on the purchase price, probably around £12,000 in total.
So that makes the vehicle around £36,000
And over time it's likely to retain its value a lot better than a van (although if you sell it you'll have to pay tax on the sale price of course)
Currently l am being offered 80% of the new price by dealers, after 18 months and 13,000 miles.
The only other vehicle that comes close to this is the VW Transporter.
And new Defender is a great vehicle, it's not the old Defender but in isolation it's very nice, with a definite personality unlike a lot of new vehicles. The 3.0 diesel is the engine of choice in my opinion, it's a great engine.
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Hicap phill
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 16,348
- Location
- Wiltshire
That’s a landrover & your trusting the handbrake on a slope…
Is that an electric operated handbrake?
Electric handbrake yes, and also the transmission brake is engaged when you stop the engine, unless the transmission is in "N" when you get a "transmission brake not engaged" warning on the dash.
l've read that you "can't" work on these yourself but the basic servicing is a piece of cake.
The oil filter is at the top front of the engine and can be changed in under five minutes.
The oil change is the same as any other vehicle although if doing it via the sump plug (rather than sucking out the oil with a pump) you do have to remove both under trays to get to the sump plug.
Someone is already offering a front under tray with removable inspection cover for the sump plug.
l had my local lndy do the interim oil change as it's under warranty and needs to be entered in the online service history.
The air filter looks as easy as a TD5 but l am not sure where the fuel filter is, or if the system is self-purging.
The owners handbook advises strongly against running out of fuel as "engine/fuel system damage" could occur.
l assume they mean the CAT on petrol versions.
The brakes and discs look easy, being wishbone suspension the discs are outboard. Transmission oil is "lifetime" but l'll change it after maybe 50,000 miles. The procedure on the ZF auto transmission is a nightmare so it will be a dealer job l think.
l've read that you "can't" work on these yourself but the basic servicing is a piece of cake.
The oil filter is at the top front of the engine and can be changed in under five minutes.
The oil change is the same as any other vehicle although if doing it via the sump plug (rather than sucking out the oil with a pump) you do have to remove both under trays to get to the sump plug.
Someone is already offering a front under tray with removable inspection cover for the sump plug.
l had my local lndy do the interim oil change as it's under warranty and needs to be entered in the online service history.
The air filter looks as easy as a TD5 but l am not sure where the fuel filter is, or if the system is self-purging.
The owners handbook advises strongly against running out of fuel as "engine/fuel system damage" could occur.
l assume they mean the CAT on petrol versions.
The brakes and discs look easy, being wishbone suspension the discs are outboard. Transmission oil is "lifetime" but l'll change it after maybe 50,000 miles. The procedure on the ZF auto transmission is a nightmare so it will be a dealer job l think.
NOVEMBER UPDATE
First service done, which includes changing the brake fluid
Not a simple task, the system needs putting into "service mode" but it can be done with the GAP tool.
However due to the warranty the service was done by a Land Rover garage.
Other than that the Defender is running perfectly with no faults to report.
Now on 17,000 miles "Frida" is proving to be a great business vehicle.
How long will it last?
Who knows. l'll report back from time to time.
First service done, which includes changing the brake fluid
Not a simple task, the system needs putting into "service mode" but it can be done with the GAP tool.
However due to the warranty the service was done by a Land Rover garage.
Other than that the Defender is running perfectly with no faults to report.
Now on 17,000 miles "Frida" is proving to be a great business vehicle.
How long will it last?
Who knows. l'll report back from time to time.
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Hicap phill
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 16,348
- Location
- Wiltshire
Question…..
Have you got washer jets on the wiper arms?
Or are they fixed elsewhere
do they mist or jet spay the water on?
Asking for next project, I can get landrover parts cheaper( as they are newer models they cheaper are warranty parts)
Thanks
Have you got washer jets on the wiper arms?
Or are they fixed elsewhere
do they mist or jet spay the water on?
Asking for next project, I can get landrover parts cheaper( as they are newer models they cheaper are warranty parts)
Thanks
The washer jets are on the wiper arms. They work very well. lt looks like it just sprays the water in a fan pattern in front of the wiper and then gets spread across the glass.
There's no missed bits and it clears the screen in one cycle (forwards and back)
There's no missed bits and it clears the screen in one cycle (forwards and back)
DECEMBER UPDATE
Some proper off road at last! Had to access a property that was right on the edge of Kinder in the Peak District and "only accessible by tractor" according to the owner.
What a lovely place to live, well off the grid. But the road was appalling as he'd warned me.
Plus a field with a track through it which l briefly got stuck in.
Most of it l did in the standard driving mode but came to a stop in the field. This is where the old and new Defenders differ. The old Defender would have likely ploughed through once the diff lock was engaged but the new one came to a stop quite quickly.
lt seems from reading online that in "Comfort" (the default setting) mode it is largely RWD and the software resists wheelspin?
l changed to "mud and ruts" and the Defender immediately started moving again. Whatever happened it worked.
And after all that l couldn't repair the farmers washing machine and had to organize a new one.
Apart from that, nothing to report. No faults or issues, mileage 18,000
l am still being asked "is it a Defender"
l reply "lt's not a Defender, it's the new Defender"
Some proper off road at last! Had to access a property that was right on the edge of Kinder in the Peak District and "only accessible by tractor" according to the owner.
What a lovely place to live, well off the grid. But the road was appalling as he'd warned me.
Plus a field with a track through it which l briefly got stuck in.
Most of it l did in the standard driving mode but came to a stop in the field. This is where the old and new Defenders differ. The old Defender would have likely ploughed through once the diff lock was engaged but the new one came to a stop quite quickly.
lt seems from reading online that in "Comfort" (the default setting) mode it is largely RWD and the software resists wheelspin?
l changed to "mud and ruts" and the Defender immediately started moving again. Whatever happened it worked.
And after all that l couldn't repair the farmers washing machine and had to organize a new one.
Apart from that, nothing to report. No faults or issues, mileage 18,000
l am still being asked "is it a Defender"
l reply "lt's not a Defender, it's the new Defender"
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tottot
Well-Known Member
- Posts
- 8,106
- Location
- west wales coast
Had the same thing with an Isuzu crew cab pickup [ big brut] delivering a prefab field shelter on an Ivor Williams 3 axle trailer to folks down the road. It could not get but a couple of yards into the field and the driver had no idea how to disable whatever system that was preventing it going. My Ninety towed the lot to the site with little issue.
