New Defender Just Ordered.

[billywhizzzzzz]

Realised that time is running out for ordering a new Defender so have finally bitten the bullet and realised I needed to get one now. Turns out Double Cabs and Utility Wagons are being discontinued this year, so glad i've got my order in. Figured this will now be a car i'll keep for life, as my current 300tdi has 227,000 miles on it. I looked at a few 2nd hand ones but frankly wanted to be able to rustproof the chassis before it's even driven, and spec the one I want.

I deliberated for ages and changed the order several times, and went from a Double Cab to Utility Wagon.

Final order is pretty much as this pic - but without the side runners.

Can't bear the bling on Defenders. Don't really like Boost Alloys. And think Air con, electric windows or remote central locking are ridiculous on a Defender.

Much as I like a keswick green dual cab with an Ifor Williams Top, the final spec is:

Keswick Green Utility Wagon Base Model
Body Coloured Roof (on the double cab I deliberated with I wanted white)
Body Coloured Arches (a little worried by this but think it's probably right)
Cloth seats - needed these for:
Winter Pack (heated seats and screen)
Towing Pack
Front Mud Flaps (rear are std)
Heavy Duty Wolf Wheels

That's it!

Will keep a 200 tdi Hi Cap, a 300tdi 110 Hard Top and a series 2a truck cab company. I guess I should move on the 300tdi but not sure I could part with it. Not sure what I'll use the 300 for - except I guess when the Puma breaks down!

I've read all the reliability horror stories of Pumas and with a little trepidation, am taking the plunge.

[billywhizzzzzz]

LooneyTunes said:

CAPP0 said:

What are you planning for from-new rustproofing?

Dinitrol is usually seen as the way to go with these.

I was assuming Waxoyl, professionally applied. Not able to find categorically whether Dinitrol is better - apparently it is just wax and solvent rather than wax, oil and solvent (wayoyl) but am open to Dinitrol if someone can tell me why it is better!

[billywhizzzzzz]

Actually waxoyl has been pretty good on my other defenders... The outriggers are tricky though with anything, but arch liners that cover the front outriggers are essential - as are mud flaps to protect rear x member (on a 110 - they do nothing on a 90). I had both of mine professionally waxoyled and I check periodically - and is fine in all places where road and grit doesn't spray directly on to it (outriggers, which are easy to touch up) - despite being caked in clay/mud most of the time.If money was no object, I'd love to get the new one put on a galv chassis from day 1. It's a shame LR don't offer this as, say, a £1000 option - as I suspect lots of us would tick this box. It's a 3-4k process otherwise...

[billywhizzzzzz]

krusty said:

Can you please tell me if this qualifies as a commercial vehicle and therefore tax deductible? I’m keen to order a Defender before the run out, preferably a Double Cab but I’d rather put it through the business if possible.

yes, it does - i've put it through the business and will reclaim the vat

Edited by billywhizzzzzz on Wednesday 23 April 16:56

[billywhizzzzzz]

My only worry now is whether or not to get the heavy duty steelies sprayed black rather than keep them white, when it finally arrives