I was talking to a lad who's cousin has a new puma defender with only 8k mls and had to get a new gearbox fitted, he says that there's some mis-alinement issue with the gear box. Its a typical rumour from the "my cousin" department but has anyone heard other stories like this? By the way do you refer to Puma or TD4 when talking about the 2007 model?
Same problem, the gearbox in my 57 plate defender was replaced at 9500 miles in October, it had become difficult to change up from 1st to second.
They drained the oil out, and out with the oil came brass shavings. LR told the dealer they would be sending a part for the 2nd syncro then changed their mind and sent out a complete new gearbox.
The problem is, the same thing is starting to happen again with the new box (this one so far has done 3500 miles)
One thing to remember: Get the service book stamped up. In the back of it is a section where replacemnt parts have been changed. This will be important at resale to see that the box has been changed under warranty.
Other things that so far have failed in my ownership (my Landy is 11 months old) I bought it early August with 5500 miles on the clock through LR. (16 weeks waiting list for a new 110 with the utility pack)
1 Diff seals replaced
2 Swivel seals repalced
3 Bonnet catch replaced
4 New ball joint
5 Sump replaced (recall)
6 Fuel tank removed, emptied and cleaned out (recall, breather pipe routed incorrectly)
7 Rear door will not stay open (The stay has failed 3 times now since August)
The saddest thing (because its a great laugh for all my mates who drive and told me to buy safe jap 4x4s)
In January it goes back in for possibly major bodywork remedial work. Basically it was so badly constructed at the factory that it will most proberly need a replacement roof, B pillar and offside rear door.
The roof so I'm told alone is £1200.00 and a 12 hour labour job to fit, excluding painting.
The guys at the LR dealership/bodyshop informed me that the 2007 defender is far worse than previous defenders for build quality, but were informed by LR when it came out that it would be the best yet.
On top of all the above (they will need it for over a week in Jan so i'm driving a fiesta they are lending me) It clonks something bad when engaging the clutch like it has a worn uj or something similair, which i've been told all the new ones do :wtf:
Still love it (especially the new dash and heater) and all has been sorted no probs under warranty, however my patience is wearing thin to say the least.