Which Defender should I buy?
Discussion
8 years ago I owned a 2006 Defender Black TD5 HT. I bought it when it was a year old with 5k miles on the clock for £15,000 - what a total bargain it was back then! I'm thinking of buying another Defender of broadly similar spec, probably a 90 HT and looking to spend between £10-£16K depending upon the model, mileage, spec and age etc. Ideally looking for one that has been privately owned (so no VAT to add).
So my question....should I go for the TD5 or the newer Puma?
I'll be using it to commute (motorway and city driving), and take the dog to the beach (hence going for the HT which I can easily wipe down in the rear).
So my question....should I go for the TD5 or the newer Puma?
I'll be using it to commute (motorway and city driving), and take the dog to the beach (hence going for the HT which I can easily wipe down in the rear).
I've just sold my 2006 Td5 after 12months for what I paid for it having added 4k miles in the period. It was brilliant at carrying the dog, four in the back, 160 round trips to the shoot, and used significantly off road. A great car.
Talking to the Twisted guys at Goodwood recently, they mentioned that they were always on the look for a good Td5.
Talking to the Twisted guys at Goodwood recently, they mentioned that they were always on the look for a good Td5.
camel_landy said:
The Puma is far more drivable, especially on long journeys.
However, in your situation, unless you need the Defender for work, get yourself a 'shed' for doing the commute.
M
I'm trying to avoid a third car. The Defender will be replacing my daily driver, a 2008 520d estate. The BMW is perfect for work but the Defender would be perfect for carting the dog around. Plus who doesn't love the Defender?!! Agreed it'll be slow, unrefined and relatively expensive to run on my 60 mile daily commute though! However, in your situation, unless you need the Defender for work, get yourself a 'shed' for doing the commute.
M
I'll give the 3rd car option some thought. Maybe keep the estate for work and drop my budget to £10k for the Defender.
Puma far more refined (relatively speaking) than a TD5...so if you're set on commuting in it then definitely a puma
A full Noisekiller kit, a remap and handling kit (all from JE Engineering) utterly transformed my puma...much much quieter, loads of torque so traffic a dawdle with lower engine speeds and great overtaking ability - and a much smoother, controlled ride. I racked up some very serious miles in it and couldn't recommend it highly enough (although £4k all in IIRC)
ADC
A full Noisekiller kit, a remap and handling kit (all from JE Engineering) utterly transformed my puma...much much quieter, loads of torque so traffic a dawdle with lower engine speeds and great overtaking ability - and a much smoother, controlled ride. I racked up some very serious miles in it and couldn't recommend it highly enough (although £4k all in IIRC)
ADC
Just sold my 2007 tdci Puma which I had for just over 2 years, and gutted it had to go, it was a peach but needs must.
It was a great truck, and having tried the TD5 before I bought it, I made the right choice.
I really liked the TD5 but as others have said for daily commuting any real distance, I think the Puma is more refined, 6 speed, proper heater and a/c and I liked the bulging bonnet. My only problem in just under two and a half years was a rattley knob, ooo eerrr, but easily fixed.
It was a great truck, and having tried the TD5 before I bought it, I made the right choice.
I really liked the TD5 but as others have said for daily commuting any real distance, I think the Puma is more refined, 6 speed, proper heater and a/c and I liked the bulging bonnet. My only problem in just under two and a half years was a rattley knob, ooo eerrr, but easily fixed.
I might have a 90 Hardtop available on Sept 1st, I've got a new Heritage final edition being delivered so my 3 and half year old 15000 mile XS with tow pack , exterior styling pack etc will have to make room.
It is a 2.4 so no DPF and has FLRSH , been used as a dog wagon and local runaround , no towing or off road use ,
PM me if you're interested!
It is a 2.4 so no DPF and has FLRSH , been used as a dog wagon and local runaround , no towing or off road use ,
PM me if you're interested!
MrADC said:
Puma far more refined (relatively speaking) than a TD5...so if you're set on commuting in it then definitely a puma
A full Noisekiller kit, a remap and handling kit (all from JE Engineering) utterly transformed my puma...much much quieter, loads of torque so traffic a dawdle with lower engine speeds and great overtaking ability - and a much smoother, controlled ride. I racked up some very serious miles in it and couldn't recommend it highly enough (although £4k all in IIRC)
ADC
I've had a 200Tdi, 300Tdi, Td5 x2, Puma x2 and just taking delivery of what will be my final Defender and therefore a 'keeper'.A full Noisekiller kit, a remap and handling kit (all from JE Engineering) utterly transformed my puma...much much quieter, loads of torque so traffic a dawdle with lower engine speeds and great overtaking ability - and a much smoother, controlled ride. I racked up some very serious miles in it and couldn't recommend it highly enough (although £4k all in IIRC)
ADC
No question, for most people the Puma is a great deal easier to live with over a Td5, and a few refinements, such as the JE Engineering kit, will provide a very usable package. These are not luxury SUVs, but they are immensely capable, fun, workhorses.
I can see values climbing as we move towards the autumn and the realisation dawns that they're not making any more!
My husband does 65 miles a day in our 2.4 Puma Defender 90, 50/50 A Road/Motorway. We were expecting the worst, but he absolutely loves it. We get 30 MPG from it daily and the only thing I would say is it might be worth upgrading the standard seats. Our has the premium seats and they make a huge difference to the comfort.
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