Anyone have a current-generation Land Rover Defender?

You have to buy two Land Rovers. Why? One to drive and one in the shop. Land rover/Jag has the lowest reliability of any car sold in the US.
That's good to know. The wife told me yesterday that she wants to buy one.
 
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Don't know if I agree with this. On paper, and in real life the Defender is infact very capable offroad with it's terrain management system.

However, what makes it terrible as a practical offroader is the fact it's a rolling computer so doing bush repairs is borderline impossible. Also, if you go offroading enough you are bound to break stuff. Do you really want to scratch the paint on a $100k SUV, or be banging up the underside on rocks? If you smash a light or sensors that's easily a few thousand $$ each time.
I think this applies to modern Bronco and Jeeps.

However there are companies who offer this:

https://www.expeditionmotorcompany.com/
 
I think this applies to modern Bronco and Jeeps.

However there are companies who offer this:

https://www.expeditionmotorcompany.com/
That's cool, probably for people with too much money though. I would say a Defender is more of a balance in terms of being a good modern DD with offroad capability. But if a person was getting serious about offroading or going on expeditions, realistically they should not be buying any modern platform. Pretty much any modern vehicle, even the new Land Cruiser... has the same modern problems which is that everything is too computerized and anti DIY.
 
Put some 17s on it

In case ya hit a curb at Starbucks

😉

IMG_0475.webp
 
I have learned something new about myself and this thread captures some of it. Last year I spent more money on a vehicle than I ever have. And for the money I spent, my expectations for reliability and fit and finish and all that also went higher than they ever have. The vehicle is fine in pretty much any normal persons eyes, but it’s failed the value test for me, it hasn’t met the expectations that came with that price tag. Things like this headlight …. Are probably the same for me as well. I faired better, emotionally, with cheaper vehicles.
 
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I have learned something new about myself and this thread captures some of it. Last year I spent more money on a vehicle than I ever have. And for the money I spent, my expectations for reliability and fit and finish and all that also went higher than they ever have. The vehicle is fine in pretty much any normal persons eyes, but it’s failed the value test for me, it hasn’t met the expectations that came with that price tag. Things like this headlight …. Are probably the same for me as well. I faired better, emotionally, with cheaper vehicles.
I hear ya although to be fair with this particular thread, very few think of Land Rover as a "value" brand ;)

I mean people should spend their money as they choose but I'd never say Rover is a "lot for the money" brand. It's theoretically a pay-a-lot-and-get-a-lot brand. Now, what you actually get could be hotly contested I suppose.....
 
I hear ya although to be fair with this particular thread, very few think of Land Rover as a "value" brand ;)

I mean people should spend their money as they choose but I'd never say Rover is a "lot for the money" brand. It's theoretically a pay-a-lot-and-get-a-lot brand. Now, what you actually get could be hotly contested I suppose.....
Hey, it's not my first rodeo with an "anti-bitog" car.

I made sure that I bought one halfway thought the warranty in time/miles, and I called and got the full history from the servicing dealer and made sure it wasn't a problem child. I also puchased an 8yr / 100k mile service contract from the dealer that I will be working with.

That said, complex cars don't scare me and I don't mind having to solve problems myself.

Heck, I already bought the GAP IID tool so I could code my own keys and do my own diag.
 
Hey, it's not my first rodeo with an "anti-bitog" car.

I made sure that I bought one halfway thought the warranty in time/miles, and I called and got the full history from the servicing dealer and made sure it wasn't a problem child. I also puchased an 8yr / 100k mile service contract from the dealer that I will be working with.

That said, complex cars don't scare me and I don't mind having to solve problems myself.

Heck, I already bought the GAP IID tool so I could code my own keys and do my own diag.
I followed the same procedure when I bought the C43 and the Sahara 4xe. So far both have met my relatively high expectations.
 
They are solid vehicles. My parents Disco has been solid, and the LR3 is still going at 242k miles. Did the factory tour in England (although the new Defender isn't build there) last year, got to drive a 110 off road. Did amazing. I don't think anyone else masters the on/off road balance like Land Rover can.
 
Did amazing. I don't think anyone else masters the on/off road balance like Land Rover can.

I'm curious, I noticed the new Defenders don't seem to have transfer case or differential lockers anymore. Their traction control system I would assume relies on clutch packs and braking. Is this really just as effective? Doesn't every other manufacturer now have similar (although maybe less potent) systems?

My biggest gripe about these modern vehicles is the lack of serviceability. No dip stick, timing chain in the rear, plastic everything, etc...
 
I'm curious, I noticed the new Defenders don't seem to have transfer case or differential lockers anymore. Their traction control system I would assume relies on clutch packs and braking. Is this really just as effective? Doesn't every other manufacturer now have similar (although maybe less potent) systems?

My biggest gripe about these modern vehicles is the lack of serviceability. No dip stick, timing chain in the rear, plastic everything, etc...
My Defender has a dipstick...

And a locking 2-speed transfer case. I do not have the advanced off-road pack with locking rear diff.
 
My Defender has a dipstick...

And a locking 2-speed transfer case. I do not have the advanced off-road pack with locking rear diff.
Even back in the LR3 era, it was super debatable if the rear locker actually added any capability given how excellent the traction control is. Might get you going a little better on certain rocky obstacles but it's not like it'll take it anywhere a normal one couldn't go.

Maybe I missed them, but where are the pics?!? Planning on one being my next rig....110 V8 please!
I'm curious, I noticed the new Defenders don't seem to have transfer case or differential lockers anymore. Their traction control system I would assume relies on clutch packs and braking. Is this really just as effective? Doesn't every other manufacturer now have similar (although maybe less potent) systems?

My biggest gripe about these modern vehicles is the lack of serviceability. No dip stick, timing chain in the rear, plastic everything, etc...

They have a dual range tcase. I'd say it's as effective as lockers. It's crazy how quick it moves power around. And you can customize how it shifts power around too. It has torque vectoring too to enable tighter turns in 4LO off road, basically locks and unlocks the center diff in miliseconds to complete tighter turns.
 
Maybe I missed them, but where are the pics?!?
Post #17 and #19. Once I have a chance to detail it properly I'll make a new post. It's pretty swirled out up close.

The selling (Ford) dealer was kind enough to install a new battery, but when they did the oil change they used the wrong oil and a filter with no o-rings. 😉
 
Post #17 and #19. Once I have a chance to detail it properly I'll make a new post. It's pretty swirled out up close.

The selling (Ford) dealer was kind enough to install a new battery, but when they did the oil change they used the wrong oil and a filter with no o-rings. 😉
Beautiful LR! Can't wait to see more pics.
 
So like 99% of Jeeps and full-size pickups?

One thing I have notice since joining a few forums is that Land Rover enthusiasts are very much like Porsche enthusiasts.

A high percentage DIY almost everything and I dig that.

For sure. The GAP IID tool really opens that up. And there's good parts availability outside of the dealers. There's a lot of passion in the community. The ones that lease them and dump them after 2 years aren't even really online, it's all the true enthusiasts.
 
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