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Land rover defender...

Discussion in 'General Automotive' started by hossler1788, Feb 2, 2025.

  1. Feb 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
    #1
    hossler1788

    hossler1788 [OP] Turtle

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    What are some opinions on the defenders?

    Long story short, we were up visiting the wife's family over the weekend. They annoyed me so I was driving around sight seeing and found this 22 defender at a local dealer. Took it for a test drive and I really liked it.
    https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...d151&zip=17038#listing=406178164/NONE/DEFAULT

    Was rather impressed by the power and just how it drove. I normally keep a car till 100k miles and sell it. My 4runner is a 85k soo times coming to swap vehicles.
     
    NeverTooLate71 likes this.
  2. Feb 3, 2025 at 10:12 PM
    #2
    Hungryhawk

    Hungryhawk New Member

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    I would look up reviews in Australia. They use lots of them.
    I think landrover and jaguar are built by same company and share components.
    If you have a landrover dealer convenient to your residence visit their service department. Discuss the vehicles left for service and the turn around time back to the owners.
    Like Toyota Landcruisers the Landrovers have Rangerovers. Check them all out.
     
  3. Feb 3, 2025 at 10:39 PM
    #3
    4RunTM

    4RunTM New Member

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    Lease it if anything…depreciation and reliability are huge cons. I was looking at a used one a few weeks ago but I talked myself out of it. I wasn’t ready to take that gamble.
     
  4. Feb 3, 2025 at 10:55 PM
    #4
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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    I’d only get one if I was pretty well off and only the supercharged V8. It will spend most of its life in the shop though.
     
  5. Feb 3, 2025 at 11:22 PM
    #5
    djwantke

    djwantke New Member

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    Bought brand new 2016 After May 2021: -Approx 3" lift/level: Bilstein 5100's, OME 2884 590lb 3" front lift springs, SPC UCA's, ICON 158506 2" lift rear coils, diff drop -Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ LT285/70R17 Load E -Mickey Thompson Sidebiter ll 17x9, 0 offset, 5 backspace -Pro Comp black spline lugs ^installed by 4WheelParts^ -New brakes and rotors by brake shop -4-piece ARB skid kit -Smittybilt 2" nerf steps -MBRP black exhaust tip, chopped OEM -Drivers side OEM FJ oh shit handle -All blacked out emblems -Blacked out roof rails -4x WeatherTech window rain guards -OEM custom rear mud flap deletes -KICK BACK MUD FLAPS 12" WIDE - BLACK TOP AND BLACK WEIGHT -FRAM EXTRA GUARD CA10835 engine air filter -1797 LED tricolor fog bulbs Yellow 3000K White 6000K Blue 15000K 28W 4000LM -Armour paint lower rear bumper -Front bumper high stage high clearance cut -Fenders cut straight across, pink reservoir sprayed black -4Runner Lifestyle sequential fog fangs -4Runner Lifestyle smoked taillight decals -Pedal Commander -Rear passenger cargo mounted 120v truck tire pump -4x Spidertrax 1.25" black aluminum wheel spacers -Yota Twins Paracord Hatch Strap sand camo -Teton Workshop hard anodized matte black aluminum shift knob -Ditch flood lights 4 LED 20w 1400lm w/ OEM hood mounts on OEM style dash switch -Backup flood lights under bumper 6 LED 18w 1500lm on OEM style dash switch -Body Mount Chop; cut, weld, paint -Fender mount chop, re-weld, paint -Fender Liner cut behind wheel (I cut liner in front of wheel clean off at top of viper cut) -Wheel well firewall hammering, painting ^done by Arc One Industries^ -valance cap trim -Agency6 Black Shackle Block 2" US Certified 6061 T6 CNC machined aluminum -DRT fab universal hitch skid -ACDelco inner tie rods, outer tie rods, bellows -Full Dr. KDSS switch kit -March 31 Behind grille 13-1/4" 32 LED light bar + wide-angle, eagle-eye lens 6000lm on OEM style dash switch -RAA Powder coated steel roof rack cargo basket, 1" side rails, 64" x 39" x 6", 250lb limit -roof gas can, water can, shovel -PEAKTOW PTT0063 Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier 51-1/2 x 17-1/2 x 4 inches 500 lbs. Capacity (trips only) -July/2023: purchased first needed SPC balljoint replacement kit - newly released, upgraded non-zerk sealed joints 25002 -July 15/2023: The Original Universal EZ Flares, 1". All four corners -Dec. 2023: removed bumper cover and crash bar, drilled frame, installed Apex Overland KDSS Recovery Points -Jan. 2024: SPC balljoint replacement kit - upgraded non-zerk sealed joint design 25002 -Feb. 3/ 2024: 4x KC Wire Hiders, for roof rack lighting Feb. 13/2024: New ditch lights, on new Rago Fabrication Extension brackets. 3inch Quad Row Amber Pods from LED-Club. 32W 3200Lm 16-LED Spot Beam. Replacing 3inch EVERGEAR clear lens ditch light pods w/ yellow lamix-x In progress: 4th, 5th, and 6th set of off road lights Electrical components and wiring purchased, not started -roof rack scene lighting - EVERGEAR ea. 1,350 lumens, 30w, 3-¾" round floods. Custom, side mounted w/ galvanized flat bar And -roof rack upper ditch lights - 3inch Quad Row Amber Pods from LED-Club. 32W 3200Lm 16-LED Spot Beam. Bar clamp mounted to front corners And -roof rack reverse amber pods / secondary hazard lights. 20W 2000Lm 2-LED Spot Beam. Bar clamp mounted to rear side And -roof rack F1 smoked chase light w/ lighting effects. Custom bolted to rear side -POR15 rust proofing line-up, 3-step process PAUSED until 70⁰ weather Bought, in the garage queue: -BlueFire 6-Circuit Fuse Block with LED Indicator & Protection Cover -Blue Sea Systems 100A Circuit Breaker w/ reset lever -Rust prevention •New can POR15, 2x Black Fluid Film, long spray nozzle attachments, 2x PB Surface Shield, 1x Chainwax •partially used POR15 Degreaser, Metal Prep Wanted - PerryParts or Wheelers bump stops, self fabricated limb risers (seasonal, removable), 1" body lift, powder coated center winch bumper w/ large bar (got no tss), rear steel bumper w/ tire carrier for an LT285 Kumho on steely, sliders, bolt on cat shields
    @hossler1788 the galactic toyota empire doesn’t take kindly to defectors! :p

    IMG_0881.png
     
  6. Feb 4, 2025 at 9:07 AM
    #6
    hossler1788

    hossler1788 [OP] Turtle

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    See I knew the 2000-2018 land rovers had a lot of issues. From what I see the 2021+ defenders seem to be fairly reliable. There's 3 rover dealers near me so I might go and talk to the mechanics and see what they have to say.

    I still got plenty of time to do research.
     
    Thatbassguy and djwantke like this.
  7. Feb 4, 2025 at 9:22 AM
    #7
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

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    I tried to stay out of this but couldn't help.

    In short I'm not interested in New LR Defender. But my buddy is a LR enthusiast having classing Land Rovers. He is on FB "Tampabayrovers" on Facebook. Can hook you up to get a classic Defender if that's something you like.

    He's also selling his Evo 5 :D
     
  8. Feb 4, 2025 at 9:33 AM
    #8
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ------------

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    I think of Land Rovers like I think of Audi, VW, Jeep, several other brands: fun and carefree while under warranty, wouldn't own if not under warranty. Would never buy a used one.
     
  9. Feb 4, 2025 at 10:38 AM
    #9
    1SilverRunner

    1SilverRunner My boy, blue

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    Front Bumper: C4 Fabrication Low-Profile Bumper Warn Evo10-S Winch w/ Warn wireless adapter Extreme LED dual color light bar w/ Cali raised LED OEM style switch Bumper Cover Trimmed For Clearance Rear Bumper: 80% Off Road Rear Bash Bar (Limited rear bumper version) Armor: RCI Skid plate package C4 Gas tank skid RCI Rear diff skid RCI Shock Skids RSG Angled/ Plated Sliders Total Chaos Cam Tab Gussets Total Chaos Spindle Gussets 41.22 Hitch Slider Suspension: Dobinsons IMS long travel shocks: (Front: IMS59-50574 w/ C59-352 Springs) (Rear: IMS59-50575 w/ C59-677v Springs) Apex Chassis Tie Rod Assemblies (KIT410) Apache Off Road UCAs Apache Off Road HD Rear Links (Upper and Lower) Apache Off Road Rear Sway Bar Links Dobinsons Track Bar Front Sway Bar Deleted DuroBumps Rear Bump stops PerryParts Front Bump stops DRKDSS Track Bar Correction kit Dobinsons Diff Drop Wheels/ Tires: RRW 17x8.5 -12 RR6-H Wheels 285/75/17 Falken A/T4W 1.25" SpiderTrax Spacers BMC, Pinch Weld Folded. C4 High Clearance Fender Liners Performance: OTT Tuned Scan Gauge II for Temp Monitoring Yota Shop Diff Breather Storage Solutions: Sherpa Crestone Sport roof rack Aiden James Customs Gear Plate w/ Slide Out Tables *Backordered. Rado Designs Molle storage panels and top shelf Glove Box organizer Center Console organizer Interior: Diode Dynamics LED Interior lighting (Warm white ftw) Meso Customs Hatch lights Meso Customs Door Handle Covers Ram ball mount for Garmin In-Touch Mini II FitCamX Dash Camera Scosche phone mount Weathertech floor matts Misc: Nano Ceramic Tint (Including windshield and sunroof) Midland MXT575 and Ghost Antenna Cali Raised LED 27W Ditch Lights w/ oem style switch OVS Nomadic 6.5' Awning AVS Low Profile Vent Visors AVS Bugflector II Diode Dynamics puddle lights Diode Dynamics 921 XPR Reverse lights LED license plate lights Ark Splash Guards Ark Mud Flap Deletes (cut for rear bumper/ bash bar) AJT Push-To-Start Button +Midland handheld GMRS radios, Baofeng UV-5R Ham radio, recovery gear, water purification system, lifeboat food rations, trauma kit, fire extinguisher and fire starting kit stay on board.
     
  10. Feb 4, 2025 at 11:28 AM
    #10
    San Angelo

    San Angelo New Member

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    The seats are really comfortable. It makes waiting for the tow truck easier.
     
  11. Feb 4, 2025 at 12:23 PM
    #11
    bobby4runner

    bobby4runner New Member

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    My JLR reliability experience has not been what everyone says. Preface, I have a 2013 L405 RR with the SC V8, coming up on 80k Canadian east coast suburb miles and a 2016 L494 RR Sport SVR (tuned up SC V8) coming up on 40k miles. Both have been owned since brand new. Both have been reliable: zero issues (not a single CEL, rattle, suspension leak, sensor issue, etc.). The power and drivetrain on these LRs (even the older one compared to the new Defender) are amazing. Extremely smooth delivery, zero gear hunting, and super comfortable ride, you can tell they were built for highspeed cruising on places like the Autobahn.

    The original 5.0L V8 is an amazing motor used across old JLR products. They've switcehd to BMW 4.4L V8s now (same ones as the X7 m50i). LRs are extremely sensitive to proper maintenance, especially when it comes to the electronics and suspension. Making sure to do frequent undercarraige rinses (especially around the airbags), oil changes, and preventivie maintence is key to making an LR last (This can be said for any car, but especially LRs).

    As much as people bash LR reliability, I think it's definitley improved in recent years.
     
    hossler1788[OP] likes this.
  12. Feb 4, 2025 at 12:27 PM
    #12
    FourBelugas

    FourBelugas New Member

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    Doesn't Landrovers come with a 4 year warranty so any issues that come up for that MY range is dealt with in house? Their service departments are generally pretty good to avoid bad press.
     
  13. Feb 4, 2025 at 9:21 PM
    #13
    NeverTooLate71

    NeverTooLate71 New Member

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    The styling is amazing, what about reliability, servicing costs?
     
  14. Feb 5, 2025 at 12:03 AM
    #14
    bobby4runner

    bobby4runner New Member

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    Service costs are higher... than a Toyota. What makes LR products (and any other European high-end) have a high maintenance cost is not necessarily parts cost, but specialty labour requirements. Not all shops are equipped to even lift a Range Rover. My 2013 came with powered side steps, and there's some special procedure to lift the car on a 2 post to make sure the steps don't interfere, not every shop has the time to invest in training their staff on this type of highly specialized stuff. Want to change the wiper blades? There's a special service mode, headlight bulbs? 3 hour job for some reason. If shops put in the hour to train their staff with this knowledge, that cost translates to the customer in labor. Second, LR products are harder to work on than Toyotas, obviously. The engine bays are jam packed with cooling packs, fans, electronics, etc. that it takes time to do basic maintenance/repairs, hence cost translates to the consumer.

    If you're handy, keep up with maintenance, and willing to put in the time DIYing, LRs do not have a super high running cost compared to any other European luxury. Plus they're pretty cool machines...
     
    4R4L_2023 and hossler1788[OP] like this.
  15. Feb 5, 2025 at 1:09 AM
    #15
    Rick G.

    Rick G. Member since July, 2020

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    Built in Slovakia = Fail.
     
  16. Feb 5, 2025 at 3:58 AM
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    Jennyjo14

    Jennyjo14 New Member

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    Sure! Go ahead and buy it it you like flushing money down the toilet and are a gimp suit-wearing masochist, because your mechanic is going to have you bent over and spread across the desk while he does gross things to you with chocolate pudding and Wonder Bread while emptying your wallet.

    My daughter rented one of these when she took a trip to Hawaii. She said she was surprised at how cheap it felt.
     
  17. Feb 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM
    #17
    Jennyjo14

    Jennyjo14 New Member

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    It would be cheaper and more fun to just buy a Yugo.
     
  18. Feb 5, 2025 at 8:22 PM
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    NeverTooLate71

    NeverTooLate71 New Member

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    I personally don't have the time and inclination to spend a lot of time maintaining a vehicle. My RV already takes up way too much time!
     
  19. Feb 8, 2025 at 11:53 AM
    #19
    djwantke

    djwantke New Member

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    476296265_925079169780502_5377181310371789232_n.jpg
    if turn a defender into a prerunner like this range, thats ok:laugh:
     

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