But would you have engaged "diff lock" before getting stuck or after?
So you moved the switch (for the old a lever) to be able to engage diff lock, If needed.
Was the farmer impressed you made it there
.J
Defender L663 review !
- Thread starter lightning
- Start date
This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
But would you have engaged "diff lock" before getting stuck or after?
So you moved the switch (for the old a lever) to be able to engage diff lock, If needed.
Was the farmer impressed you made it there
.J
Moving the terrain response knob does more than engage the diff lock. lt alters how the traction control works.
For instance
ln the default mode it seems to kill wheelspin, so it will stop a spinning wheel to try and gain traction.
ln the mud/ruts mode it seems to allow wheelspin, to an extent anyway.
But realistically l had no real idea what was going on....just that it made it across the field. The old Defender is obviously more "hands on" which most on this forum (including me) would prefer.
lt does have switchable low range but it didn't seem to need it on this occasion.
The farmer has a double cab. l assume 4wd or he'd never get it off the property in Winter.
For instance
ln the default mode it seems to kill wheelspin, so it will stop a spinning wheel to try and gain traction.
ln the mud/ruts mode it seems to allow wheelspin, to an extent anyway.
But realistically l had no real idea what was going on....just that it made it across the field. The old Defender is obviously more "hands on" which most on this forum (including me) would prefer.
lt does have switchable low range but it didn't seem to need it on this occasion.
The farmer has a double cab. l assume 4wd or he'd never get it off the property in Winter.
I understand.
It doesn't engage diff lock, as its probably a variable lock anyway, it affects all the other systems.
The "mud n ruts" is alot more complicated than the diff lock lever, for good or bad
.J
J
But would you have engaged "diff lock" before getting stuck or after?
l would have engaged it before crossing the field. As l should have done with the new one (change the driving mode)
l have to admit l haven't really read the handbook about the off road driving modes. Not that l even got a handbook with it.
l would have engaged it before crossing the field. As l should have done with the new one (change the driving mode)
l have to admit l haven't really read the handbook about the off road driving modes. Not that l even got a handbook with it.
2025 UPDATE
SO, THE NEW DEFENDER
Yes
STILL LIKING IT?
I've driven a few old ones as they've come up for sale locally. The best was a pristine 2012 TDCi XS Utility with 30,000 miles.
l went for a drive in it, and apart from a clattering/play in the transmission (new clutch and output shaft needed l think) it was lovely.
However l've decided to keep the new one, and when it's had it l'll change back to the old version.
The new one is much better is "basic" specification if you were into old Defenders. Coil springs, steel wheels, cloth seats, small media screen, and in something like the Tasman Blue with white roof.
I've got friends with posher versions and in my opinion it detracts, if you want something that's anything like the old model.
My thoughts on the looks of my new one, great from the side and rear 3/4 not so good from the front. I think a larger grille like the old model would improve it, but it doesn't seem to bother anyone else.
The vehicle has become what l call a "pigeon" That is, they are everywhere.
lt does seem well made, but time will tell. You can laugh at me in five years when the big bills start!
Let's finish with
GOOD POINTS
Very good off road (with the right tyres)
Media system, nav, audio is superb
Engine is magnificent (3.0 D250 diesel)
Tows very well and is completely stable in windy conditions
Looks great, from certain angles
Economy is good for a large 4x4
Heater is very quick to start working in cold weather
lnterior is nice, even in the base specification
BAD POINTS
Complexity, hope it never goes wrong as it's full of modules and tech.
Doesn't look that good from some angles
No manual transmission available
You're isolated from the outside world while driving it (this is good in town, not so great in the desert when you'd want to feel a part of the adventure)
Price starts from £57,000 which has gone up over £10,000 from launch in 2020
SO, THE NEW DEFENDER
Yes
STILL LIKING IT?
I've driven a few old ones as they've come up for sale locally. The best was a pristine 2012 TDCi XS Utility with 30,000 miles.
l went for a drive in it, and apart from a clattering/play in the transmission (new clutch and output shaft needed l think) it was lovely.
However l've decided to keep the new one, and when it's had it l'll change back to the old version.
The new one is much better is "basic" specification if you were into old Defenders. Coil springs, steel wheels, cloth seats, small media screen, and in something like the Tasman Blue with white roof.
I've got friends with posher versions and in my opinion it detracts, if you want something that's anything like the old model.
My thoughts on the looks of my new one, great from the side and rear 3/4 not so good from the front. I think a larger grille like the old model would improve it, but it doesn't seem to bother anyone else.
The vehicle has become what l call a "pigeon" That is, they are everywhere.
lt does seem well made, but time will tell. You can laugh at me in five years when the big bills start!
Let's finish with
GOOD POINTS
Very good off road (with the right tyres)
Media system, nav, audio is superb
Engine is magnificent (3.0 D250 diesel)
Tows very well and is completely stable in windy conditions
Looks great, from certain angles
Economy is good for a large 4x4
Heater is very quick to start working in cold weather
lnterior is nice, even in the base specification
BAD POINTS
Complexity, hope it never goes wrong as it's full of modules and tech.
Doesn't look that good from some angles
No manual transmission available
You're isolated from the outside world while driving it (this is good in town, not so great in the desert when you'd want to feel a part of the adventure)
Price starts from £57,000 which has gone up over £10,000 from launch in 2020
