2008 Land Rover Defender 110 review

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By Paul Maric | July 08th, 2008

2008 Land Rover Defender 110 Road Test

Model tested: Land Rover Defender 110

Recommended Retail Price: $48,990; $51,890 as tested.

Options fitted: Metallic paint ($900), 3rd row seating ($2,000).

Off-road ability, durability, rugged.

Reverse gear location, 3rd row seat access.

CarAdvice rating: (4.0)

– Review by Paul Maric, photographs by Aaron Kuzmanovic and Paul Maric

The world’s first driverless car is the Land Rover Defender. I’m sure you didn’t think you’d hear those words…ever. Well ladies and gentlemen, it’s true – sort of. More on this later though!

Despite very limited advertising, Land Rover has sold over 1.9-million Land Rover Defenders since its creation. Customers obviously aren’t buying the Defender for its stylish looks or its cutting edge feature set. They are buying the Defender its rugged off-roading ability and bulletproof drivetrain.

One guy commented on how impressive the Defender’s condition was for such an old vehicle. He received the shock of his life when I told him it was brand new – just several thousand k’s old in fact. The new Defender gets a revised bonnet and a modular panel structure to aid with repairs, just in case you couldn’t notice.

Driving the Defender can be a bit of a chore. A heavy clutch and rugged gearbox mean that a bit of effort is required to move things along. The turning circle is also woeful at some 14.36m, u-turns are done with heart in hand and five-point turns are of the norm.

The city is obviously not the Defender’s native territory. Head out to where the trees are vast and the mud is even vaster and the Defender soon lets loose. With 314mm of ground clearance, the Defender didn’t bottom out once during our trek through one of Victoria’s largest national parks.

The extremely wet and muddy conditions meant that the Defender had to work overtime to keep moving. The 110 model being test driven features traction control as standard equipment which worked flawlessly during testing. Traction control limits traction loss under acceleration which allows the Defender to move freely through loose surfaces such as mud and sand.

Excess wheel spin results in the tyres becoming bogged, so the traction control allows the optimal balance between grip and torque.

A permanent 4WD centre differential headlines the Defender’s 4WD equipment. A low-range gearbox and lockable centre differential make light work of hill climbs and rock hopping. The centre differential lock can be engaged/disengaged at any speed up to 60km/h, while the gearbox can be switched between low-range and high-range at up to 8km/h.

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If towing is your thing, the Defender has that base covered also. With a braked trailer, the Defender is capable of pulling up to 3500kg. I loaded a trailer with a motorbike onto the Defender and the extra weight was obvious, so I’m not sure how tractable the motor would be with 3500kg worth of load attached.

655mm of axle articulation permits the Defender to push through massive ruts, while 500mm of wading depth is very impressive to say the least.

I mentioned earlier that the Defender could be operated driverless. Let me explain. Engage low range and grab first gear. There is enough torque in the first gear to pull the Defender up any hill, it’s truly astounding. Where a regular car would stall without throttle input, the Defender keeps pulling. It’s quite a spectacular sight, click here to check out our Facebook page to see the Defender in action.

Under the bonnet, a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel motor hauls the Defender’s 2-tonne mass. It produces 90kW and 360Nm of torque and is Euro4 compliant. Power is sent through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Reverse is located right next to first gear and it’s easy to accidentally grab reverse instead of first when sitting in neutral at the traffic lights – an awkward situation to say the least!

Interior room is pretty impressive for such a rugged bush-trawler. Front and rear passenger leg room is pretty good, but I wouldn’t want to sit in the optional 3rd row of seats for too long. They are suitable for short-term adult transport though.

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Attached to the rear of the Defender is a full-sized spare tyre, it limits rearward vision when reversing and makes parking a little difficult – mind you, the massive wing mirrors provide decent visibility to aid in parking and lane changing.

The new Defender range is available in two guises – 110 and 130 (wagon and utility respectively). Prices start at $48,990 for the 110 and move onto $51,990 for the 130. The only options available are metallic paint and 3rd row seating (110 only).

Standard features include: Air conditioning; front electric windows; power steering; alloy wheels; multi-speaker stereo with CD player; central locking and full-sized spare tyre.

Safety features include: ABS brakes; traction control and engine immobiliser.

The Defender’s direct competition is the Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series. Although its engine is far superior to the Defender’s unit (4.5-litre turbocharged diesel V8), the Defender feels better on the road and isn’t as complicated when choosing the right mode for off-road use. The Defender also uses auto-locking hubs, opposed to the Landcruiser’s manual locking hubs.

So it’s no road-eating wonder in traffic and in the city, but take it off the beaten track and the Defender truly shines. The way it handled any terrain thrown at it was impressive to say the least. It’s not exactly the most luxurious way to travel, but for the target market it really makes no difference, this is what the Defender’s demographic is after.

If Chuck Norris were to be reincarnated as a car, he would be the Land Rover Defender. It really is the only way to travel off-road.

CarAdvice overall rating:

How does it drive:

How does it look:

How does it go:

How does it perform off-road:

2008 Land Rover Defender 110 Specifications

Engine: 2.4-litre
Power: 90kW
Torque: 350Nm
Top speed: N/A
Safety: ABS brakes, traction control.
0-100km/h: 10+seconds
EuroNCAP rating: N/A
Turning circle: 14.4m
Fuel tank: 75 litres
Fuel consumption : 11.1-litres/100km
Fuel type: Diesel

VW_Freak

Gheeezzz… and I thought Toyota had recycled the 70 series too many times!
STAV

BUSH BASHING!!
acfsambo

VW_Freak, why fix something thats not broken? The only thing this need is the old 2.5L 5 cylinder back. I know someone with a newish defender with he 5 cylinder, and it has ample power and torque. Certainly the best 4×4 on the market for off road ability.
http://deleted Alex

I love this car. Just to look at it gives me the same fuzzy feeling that I get when I look at an old Jaguar. Hey Paul, if you don’t think that people are buying them for fashion then come to London! They are impossible to drive in town but that doesn’t stop people.
Reckless1

The thought of towing 3500kg with this wheezy old converted transit engine fills me with dread. This vehicle stops with a mild headwind while unladen.

314mm ground clearance is not really much, and 500mm water fording with a snorkel is downright pathetic.

The Toureg has 500mm fording depth and 237mm ground clearance, which means the water can safely go 500-237 = 263mm up the bodywork.

The Defender has 500mm fording depth and 314mm ground clearance , which means the water can only go safely over the bodywork by 500-314 = 186mm. that’s weird.

The snorkel must be for dust, not water.

http://KIA tryfollownme

No, Ive got one of these, and the 2.4 transit motor is a complete success, in terms of reliability, and performance. Just ask any Ford Transit Courier about the power plant, and you soon find out. I often hook my 2.8t boat to it and the pulling capacity is great. Now you could have some v8 pull my boat at 130kph, but I’m getting 12.1 ltrs/100 kms, while sitting on 100kph doing the job easy. Ive had my 2010 deefa with water covering my pedals – no trouble. In fact, ive cross water with a continuous depth of 1.1 metres. I left a Navara, a Perjaro, and 2 hilux’s sitting on the other side. After I went through – they still wouldnt go. – Not that these mentioned vehilces are comparable with a real 4wd, with live axles front and back. The deefa in standard form has more ground clearence and suspension travel then the Patrol and the Land Crusier – so what planet are you living on Reckless 1 – Cant Believe you mentioned a Toureg!

Tomas79

acfsambo
“Certainly the best 4×4 on the market for off road ability.”

Not really, Doesn’t even come with factory fitted diff locks, such as the Jeep Rubicon and LC76.

akula

Rear diff locks factory fitted options. The SVX model front locker is also an option. I dont expect you have considered why Toyo rely on lockers either.

jbot

Yeah the 500mm water fording is pretty ordinary. Reckless1, the V10 TDI Toureg can actually go up to 580mm, but the others are 500mm as you said correctly. The 200 Series Landcruiser can go 700mm!!! Couldn’t find the 70 series depth unfortunately.
http://evo Frugal One

Looks like Anglesea or maybe Genbrook?

“POWERED BY FORD” lol Tansit motor under the bonnet!

Cheers

F-0

http://KIA Ethan

I spent 15 years employed as a mech engineer with Land Rover, and was around when LR were looking for Defender power plant options. We are all “sworn to secrecy”, but I can say that this engine is actually a standout leader amongst more than 20 contenders by memory(this includes japanese contenders). I work for Ford Aust now, who run a totally different business – but I can tell you, that my experience with LR, the way they make decisions, and how they design in the world of 4WD’s is quite impressive, and that this engine for so many reasons is very good.

http://evo Frugal One

Rather a V8 Diesel Landcruiser.

Looks like Anglsea or Gembrook state forest?

“POWERED BY FORD” lol, you forgot to mention is out of a Transit, good engine too, but injectors go off and it gets smokey, together with telephone-number sized parts prices.

Pass

Get the Toyota, or a Jeep Wrangler

Cheers

F-0
G MAN

Reckless1 Thats what snorkels are for….MAN I LOVE LAND ROVERS
Richo

was a great car, now well and truly past it’s used by date. Best off roader on the market? Not really, the new jeep wranger does a much better job when fitted with its factory diff locks and sway bar disconectors. Even if your after an “old school” 4WD the 78 series landcruiser still does a better job with its MUCH better drivetrain and again also comes with optional factory fitted diff locks.

http://KIA tryfollownme

Na – it dosent actually – havent you looked at any reviews??

http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony

The Defender leaves anything else in the MUD!
Richo

G MAN – learn to read G! 500mm fording depth it WITH a snorkel!
Richo

oh and by the way car advice, anyone in the market for a “serious” offroader like a defender of a 78 series cruiser would actually PREFER manual locking hubs..

http://KIA kev

Not true Richo – I’m a serious 4wder, and don’t prefer manual locking hubs at all.

http://www.caradvice.com.au Lightbulb

Even though the Defender & Landcruiser are based on dated designs, I still like the look of both & think they are excellent off-road vehicles.

Cheers !
Spitfire

This thing should be sent to where it belongs, a museum.
BIG JIM

THE DEFENDER IS THE DEFINITION OF SERIOUS OFFROADER. 500mm IS WITHOUT THE SNORKEL. PEOPLE WHO KNOCK DEFENDERS HAVE NEVER TAKEN 1 OFFROAD, NOTHING COMES CLOSE.

BENZ.INTO.ARMY

Errrrrrrrrrrr NO!…..

You need to put a ‘wading plug’ into the timing chain case BEFORE forwading deep water, stupid or just stupid???

Japanese EVERY time

http://KIA bana

Benz in living in the dark ages. They have not been installing wading plugs for years.
http://KIA keith

Funny abou t wading depths. My 2009 Landy has had water over my feet level more than twice (probably 750mm, and it hasnt worried the deefer.

Tomas79

Big Jim,
Tomas79

Big Jim,
Thats true “NOTHING COMES CLOSE”, That because The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, LC70 family, along with their Factory fitted diff locks get further!!
The Rubicon with it’s 4:1 transfer case, and automatic sway bar disconects gets much further!! Even H3 with it’s 4:1 transfere case and a single diff lock in the back beats it!!

Jim mate, don’t kid your self, just because it rides rough, is relatively underpowered and looks dated, doesn’t mean it good offroad!!

http://KIA Marty

Hey thomas – Jeep will not be successful in Australian conditions with the Rubicon, because it has not got the most basic requirment on board – a diesel engine! Can you believe they dont do diesel??? And what about the fuel economy (combined is 15.9trs/100kms!). Off road the old petrol motor would be battling to 25lts/100kms.

Based on these 2 most basic of basic requirements, I will look no further at the Jeep as a contender, in the Aussie Outback!

http://KIA Frank

Yeah, I agree with Marty. The Rubicon is so 80s, with a petrol motor. Thomas seems to like a car on looks alone. Anyway, the Rubicon and Hummer look gay to me.

Tomas79

Big Jim, My Prado LC120, 100/200 series landcruiser, Nissan Patrol,Discover3, have a snorkless Fording depth of 700mm!!
Even the Jeep Grand cherokee has a fording depth of 508mm!!
No Name

I notice most spitfires are in a museum too.

Landies are great a good basic vehicle. Mercedes stopped producing their G-wagon, a good competitor. I believe production was going to restart a few years ago, so theres is demand for a basic off road who-gives-a-toss-whether-you-dent it vehicle.
Water Boy

“The Defender also uses auto-locking hubs, opposed to the Landcruiser’s manual locking hubs.”

Since when did a CONSTANT 4WD have auto locking hubs?? Better check that press kit again.

The 500mm wading depth is a strange one, Freelander 2 has a 500 mm wading depth, RRS, FFRR and Discovery 3 all have a 700mm wading depth. I’m guessing 500mm is the floor height, you can’t expect those doors to keep out any water! hahaha I love this car but I think the advertising slogan should be, “Defender, still hand built by the same lazy poms after all these years.”

Also, don’t be put off by the lack of cross axle diff locks, the traction control is a very near equal in this case.
Water Boy

NoName, pretty sure they still make the G-Wagon. Just doesn’t come to Aus.
Frugal One

CAMPAGNOLA 4×4 by FIAT = Best std. off-road 4×4 on the planet!

No oil leaks like Pommy POS!!

Cheers

F-O

Magic! anti-spam word is FIAT!
Tomas79

Waterboy, traction control isn’t as good Diff locks, but better then nothing i guess!!

The Australian Army has just order the G-wagons!!!

http://KIA Desert Man

Hey Thomas, Land Rover have introduced traction control, because it is actualy slightly better. Just watch the asians copy Land Rover. They too will have traction control – now Land Rover has sanctioned its use. It just might take them 4 or 5 years to get there. Thomas if you ever had diff locks in difficult terrain for extended periods, you\’ll understand how tiresome it gets, just trying to turn your vehicle throught tight places.

Fenno

Traction control might be great in the rocks but put it in sand (where most people end up in their 4wds) and they stop very quickly. The traction control just keeps cutting engine power killing all momentum.
If you want a traditional style off-roader. This aint it.
Buy a Patrol or a 70 series.

http://KIA Desert Man

No – traction control is very very good in sand actually. Don’t worry about what might be traditional, just worry about what works the best.

You got it wrong Fenno, traction control has nothing to do with killing engine power. There is no link. Traction control simply slows the driving wheel down when it loses traction, and looks for new traction. Once the wheel has traction, it instantly re-releases the energy to the drive wheel using the braking system. All perfect for sand driving. Diff locks have a tendancy to keep digging you into a hole – so its just that Land Rover have found the traction control a better system, and some old timers cant get there head around it.

http://www.trivett.com.au Buddy

You can’t get much more traditional than a Defender. The new engine and gearbox combo is great. LR has made minor interior improvements to make the interior a little bit more livable but it is still a DEFENDER! awesome machines.
FRUGAL_ONE

UPDATE -

NEW Campagnola, is go!

Made by IVECO [well badged anyway] out of the Masiff, WILL KILL a defender off-road, a MUCH superior off-road vehicle and worthy of the Campagnola badge.

Only bad thing is its Euro$29k which is as silly as rovers prices.

Cheers

F-0

PS/ Google IVECO CAMPAGNOLA and you can find it
FRUGAL_ONE

500mm of water…lol

You know you have to fit a “wading plug” to the timing case every time you want to cross water, and then of course remove it…

Is it no wonder people by Japanese 4×4′s in record #’s??

Cheers

F-0

Gas

December 6, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Just got back from Flinders Ranges. Took my trusty 2006 Prado. My mate had a 2009 Defender. My next 4wd will be a Defender! I thought Id go better then him, but in sand, and mud that bloody defender could not be bogged. I was bogged in mud to the axles, then that Defender just floats past me! There was 2 Land Crusiers bogged, and it was obvious these crusiers were just too heavy at over 3t. We crossed a river about 40 metres wide, and at the deepest it was over the bonnet. I lost power coming out, and had a few electrical issues, and was winched the last 10 metres, and had to spend time drying out the electrics. The Defender crossed a whole lot easier – so the real wading depth of that defender, is more then the Prados stated wading depth. The whole thing with traction control and centre diff lock, and its combined power to weight is a more balanced design. My wheels were spinning and digging holes, when his drive chain wasted nothing. In my experience power to weight is crucial. Thats why a land crusier never got places the Prado could. And so the defender seems to actenctuate that again. My mate Nikko says “I reckon Toyoto will do what they have done for the past 40 yrs, and copy Land Rovers lead!” I’m a keen off roader, but I can see off road that his defender with its extra suspension range (which is standard) and its overall power to weight combined with the drive train design is better suited to the real difficult stuff than my Prado. The only thing I would say is that the Prado is a little better on the highway.

bergos

does anybbody actually have a 2008 defender and if so can you please tell us if you had any problem yet?

Eduardo

Cheers mate, I have a 2008 130 I purchased in the dealership in sept 2009. so far, 30000 km, no problems at all and I use it everyday as my wokhorse. I dont bother to respond to any of those ignorants dissing Defender, they have probably never had one, or cant afford one (after all, they are here in Costa Rica $22000 more expensive than a Land Cruiser). the reason they are pricey, is because in 25 years they will still work. to hell with rusty jap crap. if you are planing to get one, get it you wont regret it, dont believe any of that bullshit, if anything goes wrong you have a warranty for 3 years or 100000 km. amongst other things, fuel economy is superb

Dan Mack

Hello – I’m a Geoscientist and recently had the opportunity to drive one of these trucks across the Simpson desert and beyond. Having previously used Patrols and Cruisers for such work, I must say I was impressed by this new Defender. Some observations 1) No problems sand driving – crossed the French and QAA line and the tc was superb. 2) Vehicle does have centre diff lock – fabulous traction when engaged. 3) This vehicle has over 1 ton payload. No other 4X4 that I’ve come across comes close to that so you can carry plenty of gear and samples. 4) Wading depth is in practice much deeper – I drove it through a river which went over the bonnet – it was at least 1m deep – got wet feet but it didn’t stop it. 5) It was in fact very comfortable to drive. 6) I got about 10l/100km fully laden so very frugal on diesel. If Land Rover had some dealers in rural areas this vehicle would be one to buy.
http://www.fmgjbv.au rich boy

Ewwwwwwwww it’s 2008 and it looks like that!
Tomas79

Dan Mack, nearly every full time 4wd has a centre diff-lock, and part-time 4wds don’t need one as they have no center diffs! The defender does how ever lack the option of factory front and or back diff locks as some of the more serious offroad contenders..

akula

Incorrect see previous comment
http://KIA Midge

Thomas is suggesting Defender is not an off road contender. What a wanker!

The only contenders for real off road work in oz are landrover (many models including defender), nissan patrol, land cruiser. What other vehicles offer live axles, high clearance and are diesel powered??

Dan Mack

Tomas79 – thanks for your information. I’m looking into getting myself a vehicle so all this info helps.

From what I thought I’d worked out from crawling under the Defender – the CDL just connected the rear and front drive shafts inside the transfer case – i.e. there is no “centre diff” on this vehicle – what is a “centre diff”?. This then directs equal drive to the front and rear axles. TC then somewhat (albeit not as effective) compensates for lockers. Am I on the right train of thought here?

I also have tried researching the front/rear diff lock argument – I can only find 1 vehicle with this standard – a Jeep. The others with this option (Toyota and Nissan) cost much more than getting the Defender (taking into account vehicle pricing) with ARB units installed as an aftermarket accessory. Even then – non of these vehicles can carry over a ton – the Defender can. That is an important consideration for me.

I appreciate your advice, but feel you are perhaps biased against this vehicle, as to suggest it is not a serious offroader is in my opinion and experience, a complete nonsense.
TartanFlyer

Enjoyed the comments from all so far, but no-one has mentioned comfort. Is that because all those who like it are under 6 feet in height and skinny to boot? Don’t get me wrong, I love these machines to bits, but every time I step out after a drive I walk with what we know in Europe-land as ‘farmer’s list’ i.e. leaning to the left like an old wind struck shed. That’s because burly blokes have to perch their right bum cheek on the edge of the seat and lean to the left so that they can use their right arm to steer. Fortunately, the situation has eased somewhat over recent years with the fitting of drop-glass windows (as opposed to sliders) so that the driver can poke his right arm out on the sill. The other problem is a set of skint knuckles every time you try to wind the window down. Cramped yes, loveable, forever!
But I’ll tell you what I really miss, the under windscreen vents. They have been blanked off in the latest models and opening vents are not an option. We don’t get much sunshine where I live but I still prefer it to foul smelling air-con. Besides it blows out the cigar smoke so that the wife doens’t know I’ve started smoking again! Looks like I’ll need to give up after all now.
pugphile

If it was a Jap 4wd it would be canned to death for the antique handling and interior even if it cost only $25K but for the hardcore LR tragics…it’s a GEM!!
My bro still has one
bought new in 2006 for $55K, plus $1200 for sound insulation + $4000 for an electronic 6th gear so you can cruise on the highway without going deaf, and best of all the last time it rained, the whole interior leaked and had to sent off to be stripped down and completely re-welded and sealed.
Now that’s love !
jimmy adams

lads it all boils down to ,is what you like.i am going to buy one in 2010 when i have saved my pennys.to the jap lovers can you tell me has the japs been going since 1948.tried and trusted land rover is here to stay all the best
terry

Flattened saplings with mine and never punctured the plastic rediator tank, scratched hell out of it without crying, probebly buy a fourth one now
DAveO

Jimmy Adams says “can you tell me has the japs been going since 1948″.

Well not quite, but the first Toyota Land Cruiser was produced in 1951.

Not that it has anything to do with the price of beer.

DaveO

Eduardo

how many of those 1951 Cruisers are still on the go? I can tell you of many 1948 Rovers still on the road, many many, and still at work, not as collectors items.

Wanderer

I have a 2008 defender that i use for work done 115k kms in 12 months problems I have had are many ABS sensors have failed 6 times blown two seals on the gearbox 3 on the vacum pump rear springs sagged gearbox mounts cracked the shields for the discs cracked and fell off the cable for the turbo rubbed through and the turbo failed and some valve in the engine has failed twice and the dealership has had me waiting for up to 3 weeks for parts to arrive awesome car offroad but gee it breaks a lot but hey thats landrover for you
FrugalOne

Wanderer^^^^

100% typical, pommy s**t

Purchased by foolish wood-ducks, let them burn $$$$ and learn!

Cheers

F-0
Alex

Well to be fair FO, from reading your other comments about this car, you are somewhat biased against it. It is still the best off roader in the world but I do agree that unfortunately whether you get a solid one or not is still a bit too much of a chance. The Last LR that could use a change.
I’ve had a lot of experience with Defenders and my conclusion is that I’d rather a Mercedes G Wagen. Almost all of the ability with better build quality and a nicer engine.
Pommy s**t is taking it a bit far though.
Tomas79

Alex, it’s far from the best offroader in the world, it doesn’t even come with with diff-locks!

Mart

Alex you idgot! What you need to do is get into your 4wd with your “diff locks”, come off road with me, and you will see how the Defender will go places you only dream about! Land rover ony put in place the most effective 4wd componentry – not what you think would be a good idea. You are probably a florist! – Idgot!

Alex

So what if it doesn’t come with diff-locks. I don’t even know what diff-locks are! All I know is from experience and what I’ve seen. The Defender goes places that many other off roaders, including Land Cruisers, just get stuck. As an affordable car not much comes close. OK, it isn’t the best off roader in the world (that would probably be the Bowler) but really, what normal off roader betters it?

Eduardo

it is the best, and wtf is the problem with no difflocks? learn how to drive like a man, or fit in ARB and stop complaining you bunch of pussies

Tomas79

Alex, if you don’t know what diff locks are, you can hardly judge what a “best offroader in the world” is!!
Diff-locks are precisly what allows you to go further when things get tough!!

Jeep Rubicon, Landcruiser 70. 76. and Mercedes Benz G wagon all come with front and back diff-locks fitted. And are much capable offroad!!

Come on Bowler is just off-roader racer!! It’s not good at all when things get tough!!

akula

Rear lockers optional across whole range, front and rear in the SVX models.
http://KIA frank

thomas, Jeep could do ok, Landcrusier is hopeless in mud and sand, Benz – well thats just rediculous!

Tomas79

Frank your talking utter crap!
Landcruisers are brilliant in sand, no wonder they won lc120 and lc200 won the production class category in Dakar rally!

Lud62

Defenders – an estimated 70-80% of Defenders built are still in use to this day.
brian fisher

I had 2 Defender 2006′s, a silver and black.. When I saw the changes for 2008.. I sold both and bought a 2008 with every extra you can get.. EVERYTHING.. Mine also came with a sunroof.. Well I love the difference.. I am 6.2 and 208 pounds. I fit a lot better in this one because the AC is not hitting my knees and for my passengers too.. The back seat is WAY better.. The old seats in the back sucked the new one is great, for a Defender… I live in north west Costa Rica and drive 80% off road… Never a problem… I have had constant problems with my AC though.. They are now replaceing the whole thing… Lets see.. Also the Land Rover dealership has done great service for me… I love this truck!!!

Eduardo

Here in ticoland that is what we need! I got the 2008 130, I work in southern caribean side, mine is mainly offroad and constantly loaded, I cant tell you about the aircon I never use it so its always ok, and motores britanicos does a great job! wouldnt trade it in for any other car, never for a toyota, besides, toys get stolen alot down here. tell these people about jeeps here, they break down all the time and never get the work done. cheers

Eric

The Jeep Rubicon comes with diff locks and they are options on the others in Aust eg Toyota GXL models.

Try driving these vehicles without difflocks and they compare poorly with the Defender. You can always fit aftermarket difflocks (eg ARB) to a new Defender if you need them, so I’m not sure what the issue is??

However difflocks aren’t the answer to everything. Very difficult to steer anything but a straight line with everything locked up and their use isn’t recommended for high speed sand driving. Also,I for one was always surprised at how often I managed to bog the army Unimogs in sand with all diffs locked until someone explained that rolling resistance and drag increased with everything locked up. Momentum and not sinking or stopping is more important in soft sand.
They are also an expensive option and one which if used incorrectly can cause some very expensive damage to driveline components. Bog a vehicle while all the diffs are locked and you’ll need more than your partner to get you out!!

The Landrover is basic but you can throw 1 tonne in the back (check the H3 specs…payload = 400kg!!) and you can tow 4tonne (3.5 tonne with a towball)(H3 manual tows 1.3tonne!!)

The 500mm fording depth is ultra conservative but as the electrics are all at seat height you could flood the car to 500mm…maybe that’s what is meant. I have forded the 2009 Defender and the 2003 Defender in nearly a metre with a snorkel and a plastic sheet over the grill…no problems and there is no “wading plug” in the new Defenders like the old 110s. Just let the wheels and drive train cool down for half and hour during lunch select low range and drive through with a bow wave…no problem.
Luis

Dear all, if you read well original Car Advice report: this new Defe is equiped with traction control. This means that diff-locks are no longer necessary. When one wheel is loosing traction this feature detects this motion and individually brakes that singe wheel (it is something like ABS working in the inverted function).
These vehicles are great not only for their great off road capabilities but also for their reliability, and their being extremely durable. I could ride one with 350.000 kms and it could still go anywhere.
You can’t compare this to a Touareg: would you step in a touareg with your feet & clothes full of mud? If you do so in a Defender you won’t suffer and whatsmore, you would also feel like you are doing the right thing! You can later tahe a hose and clean it with water inside…
Regards!
tim

I think they may have dropped the ball on this one, when everything is running and working, it certainly is near unstoppable – when everything is running. I have owned a 110 in this series from new, and it has been in the workshop for 4 months out of 20. New engine, rear diff, steering gearbox……… it really goes on. Sorry, cannot recommend this series. tim

BENZ.INTO.ARMY

AMEN!!

So you got a good one then?

NOTHING new here…..
Mike

ive owned 3 Defenders, and they have been the most reliable and fuel effiecent 4WDs I have had. Had a Troop carrier once, which was useless off road – too heavey, and little suspension travel. Good for carrying a heap of gear from town to town though.

http://KIA billy boy

The only thing I’d like to add to Mike’s comments are that Troopies are also extremely thirty beasts.

GISH.LOCK

LAND ROVERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL ALWAYS BE POMMY HSIT

END OF STORY
Gas

Just got back from Flinders Ranges. Took my trusty 2006 Prado. My mate had a 2009 Defender. My next 4wd will be a Defender! I thought Id go better then him, but in sand, and mud that bloody defender could not be bogged. I was bogged in mud to the axles, then that Defender just floats past me! There was 2 Land Crusiers bogged, and it was obvious these crusiers were just too heavy at over 3t. We crossed a river about 40 metres wide, and at the deepest it was over the bonnet. I lost power coming out, and had a few electrical issues, and was winched the last 10 metres, and had to spend time drying out the electrics. The Defender crossed a whole lot easier – so the real wading depth of that defender, is more then the Prados stated wading depth. The whole thing with traction control and centre diff lock, and its combined power to weight is a more balanced design. My wheels were spinning and digging holes, when his drive chain wasted nothing. In my experience power to weight is crucial. Thats why a land crusier never got places the Prado could. And so the defender seems to actenctuate that again. My mate Nikko says “I reckon Toyoto will do what they have done for the past 40 yrs, and copy Land Rovers lead!” I’m a keen off roader, but I can see off road that his defender with its extra suspension range (which is standard) and its overall power to weight combined with the drive train design is better suited to the real difficult stuff than my Prado. The only thing I would say is that the Prado is a little better on the highway.

Drew

Gas – Ive owned 2 patrols, and a land crusier in the last 10 years, now I had a defender for the past year. I will buy a crusier again, or even a Patrol if I’m travelling around Australia and towing a van. This is what the Defender dose not do so well. But if we are talking off road the Defender is better – no doubt. Its better because the engine is right for off road use. Its light, torquey, and responsive. The last thing you need is a V8 in mud, and slop. Big motors are too heavy. The Defender is lighter, with a larger payload, has far more spring travel, and the way the drive train works with traction control is definatly inovative. The japs are building vehicles that sell. Land rover have built the Defender to travel off road – and they make no excuses for why some things are included and other items are not. The Japs may not follow Land Rovers lead, as there are too many yobbos that have not truly owned and driven models to comment without bias, and the japs will just produce what these guys want. Put simply Jap 4WDS lean towards 50% road to off road work. The Defender leans 80% off road 20% on road. This is my experience driving these 3 different models.

Brian

I drive a Troopy 75 series that I have owned since 1990 (it’s never seen the inside of a garage other than for regular services) and often my employers Defender. I reserve my opinion in comparing the two, BUT, I would recommend anyone contemplating buying either one to hire a Troopy or 75/78 series tray back (very easy in Australia) for a couple of weeks then borrow or take a defender for really long test drive. Whilst on your test drive try and tow a trailer weighing more than one tonne (3500kg_NO WAY)up a steep hill such as Clyde Mountain, or the Kangaroo Valley road with the Defender. Next compare the interiors after driving through a good bit of bull dust and finally stop at any town further than spitting distance from a capital city and ask for a spare part as simple as, say, an air filter for the Defender.
I actually like both vehicles especially the defender because I don’t own it. Irrespective of all the comments here try both marques thoroughly then make your purchase, after all it is you that has to live with it.

Chesney

Couldn’t agree more Brian, everyone uses a vehicle for different purposes and in different conditions. Crossing the Simpson Desert in a hired Toyota Landcruiser tray back. 78 series? when I was holidaying in Australia was fantastic. Not only did we have the obligatory spares, 200 litre drum of diesel, camping equipment and survival gear but also all the support equipment, including another 200 litre drum of petrol, for two microlight aircraft that were flying across Australia from the West to the East coast. No way my Suzuki 4×4 back home could have done it, the off road driving sure but not the range or equipment carrying ability necessary for the journey. Back home in NZ a while ago I saw an 80 series Landcruiser tow a Landrover LWB coupled to a four horse (loaded) horse float up a steep gravel hill after the landrover ran out of puff. The landrover was put in neutral and it and the horse float were towed together without a problem. I don’t know the model of the Landrover but it was in 2007 and it looked new. Another thing I noticed in Australia was that the mining companies use Landcruiser Troop Carriers exclusively.I agree with you Brian, as you suggested, try before you buy and as well speak to some mechanics that have experience with the different vehicles you are interested in.

http://KIA landy lad

Yes, I have a Landrover Defender, and have benn pulled out of situations, probably more than a hundred times. But Ive probably pulled out othe 4wds maybe 500 times.

GasIs Awanker

A Prado is a real 4WD! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Sorry had to go and vomit I laughed so much. I’m back now; Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! You really must be a girl guide.
‘………better suited to the real difficult stuff than my Prado’. A Melbourne tram would be better suited to real difficult stuff than a Prado. Stop reading 4WD magazines and get out in the real world.
Pommy Bastard

Gas, Sounds like a hair dresser that bought himself a pretty “off road” vehicle.
2.4 litre engine in the Defender is actually a blow drier motor. Barely powerful enough to move the unladen vehicle yet alone a 3.5 ton trailer. Add sand or mud to the equation and you may as well be in a pedal car.
Also if coil suspension is so good why did Blashford-Snell (Snelly) have to fly in a leaf sprung 88in. landrover to enable the Range Rovers to cross the Darien Gap during his 1972 expedition? Because in REAL tough conditions coil sprung vehicles drop their wheels into ruts, holes etc.and let the vehicle sit on the floor pan. I know, as I helped drive the 88in. landrover flown in. The new coil sprung landies perform just like the old Rangies. I was once a real fan of Landies but they have not moved with the times and they are still gutless, at least they don’t break axles whenever a wheel looses traction anymore.

http://KIA marty

Interesting comment Pommy Bastard. I actually own a defender with the 2.4 turbo diesel, and do some real heavey towing. I don’t experience anything that you are saying?

Oh yes, and your comments on the extra travel coil springs that defender uses are incorrect. The leaf spring should not be a part of any modern 4wd if they are seroius about real rough country.

Bronzed Aussie

You really are a Pommy Bastard, though you tell it as it is. I read about that expedition at school RU the guy that rolled the Landrover twice, I remember that it didn’t have a roof? I thought the expedition was in Canada.

http://KIA frank

Yes, I reckon he is that guy that rolled the Land Rover twice. And I reckon each time the car went over, the Pommy Bastard slapped he head against to road, so much so that anything he may he said that is sensible, is only a distant memory.

POMMY BASTARD

No. I am the ‘guy’ that rolled it a total of 7 times. No roof, no seat belts, no roll bars just brace your knees under the dash board, grip the steering wheel and lay across into the passenger seat. All the rollovers were at very slow spead, less than walking pace. Not Canada; Alaska to Cape Horn. The Darien Gap is in Central America
Eric

Mazda BT50 has a waiding depth of 750mm.

http://KIA landy lad

Yes Eric, but would only go through half the depth a Defender would – “in the real world”

http://KIA Wibley

ERIC reads stats all day, but never has been 4WDing. He cant realy think a BT50 would do better, could he? Probably does, because he just reads stats all day.