Land Rover Defender

[xstreme911]

Hi Everyone!

Looking at getting a Land Rover Defender 110 (5 door) for general running about.

First of all I would prefer an automatic (I know most would prefer a manual for better control off road etc.) but I would prefer automatic as the majority of the driving will be done on road. Is it possible to get automatic in Sri Lanka or is it only manual that is available (I have seen some autos in the UK - however I haven't seen any in Sri Lanka). If available then is there a price difference?

Second - I was wondering which is best - the TD5 or the Puma version in terms of maintainance, engine noise, reliability etc. Any thoughts?

Third - where should I get it from - Frontier Motors, Colonial Motors or LR Motors? And what price should I expect to pay at each of these places.

Fourth - should I get it built for me (like they do at Colonial and LR) or should I buy one that has already been built and is already registered and on the road?

Fifth - is the Defender classified as a Dual Purpose vehicle (like a double/single cab or van)? The reason I ask is then it can be considered a "company vehicle" used for commercial purposes (whereas a car or Montero for example cannot).

Sixth - in terms of passenger comfort, cabin noisyness etc. - which is better - the Defender or a Toyota Double Cab?

Finally - what sort of running costs are there on a Defender - as in fuel economy, costs of service, repairs and maintainance - just wondering if this is an economical vehicle to get.

Look forward to your advice.

[harshansenadhir]

we'll wait for a LR expert/ fan to comment on technical and comfort factors. If it's the 110 5 door version then it will be classified as dual purpose. However there are few running about with 60 range plates means registered as mini coach. The single cab version will be registered as light commercial vehicle means in the motor lorry category with L plates.

apart from the trouble of carrying a very heavy ring of keys (one per each door) and the heavy clutch which makes your leg to shiver after 1 hr drive in the traffic, you should be fine with it. Dev, any comments ?

[DevakaC]

Hi Everyone!

Looking at getting a Land Rover Defender 110 (5 door) for general running about.

First of all I would prefer an automatic (I know most would prefer a manual for better control off road etc.) but I would prefer automatic as the majority of the driving will be done on road. Is it possible to get automatic in Sri Lanka or is it only manual that is available (I have seen some autos in the UK - however I haven't seen any in Sri Lanka). If available then is there a price difference?

Second - I was wondering which is best - the TD5 or the Puma version in terms of maintainance, engine noise, reliability etc. Any thoughts?

Third - where should I get it from - Frontier Motors, Colonial Motors or LR Motors? And what price should I expect to pay at each of these places.

Fourth - should I get it built for me (like they do at Colonial and LR) or should I buy one that has already been built and is already registered and on the road?

Fifth - is the Defender classified as a Dual Purpose vehicle (like a double/single cab or van)? The reason I ask is then it can be considered a "company vehicle" used for commercial purposes (whereas a car or Montero for example cannot).

Sixth - in terms of passenger comfort, cabin noisyness etc. - which is better - the Defender or a Toyota Double Cab?

Finally - what sort of running costs are there on a Defender - as in fuel economy, costs of service, repairs and maintainance - just wondering if this is an economical vehicle to get.

Look forward to your advice.

Mate I am yet to see an automatic 110, may be there are but I haven't seen any in SL. Id personally prefer a manual for a 110, and im sure Devinda_Z and some other Defender owning lads in the forum will justify as to why.

And if your planning on getting it down Brand new good luck on paying 12 mils and upwards for it. If you have the dough I dont see why not. Is it Frontier or Browns that bring the LRs? There is one showroom in Nawala Road and one in Kolpetty.

Colonial Motors used to be agents some time back but they only handle Kia through their subsidiary company Carplan now. But repairs are still carried out. And they dont have ones for sale. But however LR motors does, prices can range from 4 mils and upwards depending on registration number, body, engine etc etc.

And about registration, I have seen some registered as Dual Purpose and some in L numbers which are mostly lorries and smart cabs. Do not know how they differentiate, but it happens.

And if your wondering about how economical it can be, your walking on thin ice. And I wouldnt compare a 110 to a Toyota double cab, it can get as close to comparing apples to oranges.

[Sumiya]

And about registration, I have seen some registered as Dual Purpose and some in L numbers which are mostly lorries and smart cabs. Do not know how they differentiate, but it happens.

hi DevakaC

a one think i know is that

if it is duel purpose you can drive it with Car License,

if it Lorry Number (L or 60,61,62,30 etc) you need Heavy vehicle license to drive it

thanks

regards

sumith

[p.defender]

TD5 AUTOMATIC IS LOT BETTER THAN PUMA AUTOMATIC. I HAVE DRIVEN BOTH.

I HAVE DONE A TD5 CONVERSION FEW YEARS BACK. VERY FEW .. ONE IN A MILLION LIKE TO DRIVE AUTOMATIC DEFENDERS.I'M ONE OF THEM.

TD5 CONVERSION COST ABOUT £4500.00 (PROPER CONVERSION), Also you can do it cheaper too by just dropping a discovery 200tdi or 300tdi automatic gearbox. Then u will have a manual kick down. But if u drop a discovery 2 automatic gear box with a 'compu shift; box (Shifting controller) into ur defender then it will be like a factory built one.

So far land rovers have only done the 50th Anniversary defenders with automatic transmission with a V8 petrol engine. Thats a beauty to drive.

When converting a Puma into a automatic; they are using the Range rover p38 automatic gearbox coz thats nearest match.

In my veiw... td5 are good work horses...

[p.defender]

You can find info about automatic defenders in

http://www.jeengineering.co.uk/defender/transmission-options.html

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=7

Hope this would help .........

[The Don]

I assume the puma version is the one with the Ford TDCI engine in it? Personally speaking I think that was one of the better things to have happened to the Defender, because it made it what it was always meant to be. A reliable, rock hard vehicle which was cheap to maintain and tackle any terrain. We all know the quality issues Defenders have suffered from, particularly the engines and running gear, and having a Ford engine from their bread and butter range (its the same engine used in the Transit van and the market leader in that category and a proven product)helps that a great deal. It probably does not have as much low end torque as the 300TDI or TD5 though I could be wrong.

Since the discovery uses the same engines and as the defender and does come in auto form a swap should be possible, though I haven't seen many auto defenders and most defender owners might even consider it heresy

Compared to a Toyota double cab, well it depends on what metric you are using to consider if one is better than the other.

Reliability : The Hilux wins hands down

Maintainability: The Hilux wins here again

Economy: Probably the Hilux

Off road ability: The Defender for sure

Image: The Defender again

Handling: The Defender

Comfort: I think the Hilux has a slight edge due to better interior trim compared to the Defender's very basic trim

[kotte mafia]

guys after seeing thread my mind started asking some questions and i thought to speak out loud to get some answers may be it will be useful for anyone who is interested in the brand ...

1. can anyone ship parts of an defender to SL without a permit ?

2. how much roughly a Chassis with an registration plate gona Cost in SL i guess something between (5000-10,000 US$)

3. how much is the tax aprox ...? and will they give any special tax reduction for Lankans living abroad

4. if you can find parts which is the better way ...? buy an assembled one from SL or build your own one using parts by shipping it from abroad

[p.defender]

guys after seeing thread my mind started asking some questions and i thought to speak out loud to get some answers may be it will be useful for anyone who is interested in the brand ...

1. can anyone ship parts of an defender to SL without a permit ?

2. how much roughly a Chassis with an registration plate gona Cost in SL i guess something between (5000-10,000 US$)

3. how much is the tax aprox ...? and will they give any special tax reduction for Lankans living abroad

4. if you can find parts which is the better way ...? buy an assembled one from SL or build your own one using parts by shipping it from abroad

-----------------------------------------------------

1 ) PM me for the parts... U dont need any permits to import parts.

2 )chassis with a reg... it depends on what number you will be looking at. if its a 32-xxxx it'll be arround Rs 1.2 mil to 1.5 mil, and a 64-xxxx will be 1.6 mil - 2 mil. these are the ranges in sl market.

3) No tax reduction for sri lankan living abroad. Unless u import a complete vehicle under blue permit.. or so. (Someone Pls correct if i'm wrong)

4)both ways are good. If not prepared to take the hassle... buy a assembled one.......... if not build ur own one. this way u know in and out of ur vehicle better.I would always prefer to build my own.

[Devinda_Z]

 

The Defender didn't come with an automatic gearbox (except for the 50th Anniversary Defender 90 with a V8 Petrol)

Ashcroft & JE engineering do Automatic gearbox conversions in the UK but they are quite pricy

Haven't come across any Automatic gearbox conversions in Sri Lanka

Unfortunately don't have any first hand major experience with the newer engines - but as far as the Puma is concerned, many have been a little concerned  about the common rail diesel engines and the quality of the fuel in Sri Lanka (this concern is one common to the D4D engines clocking high kms)

The TD5's were a leap forward from the good ole 12J's , 200 & 300 TDI's with its electronics & throttle by wire.  Its not best for off roading without a few modifications to deal with the electronics being subject to water damage.

Both the TD5 & Puma offer a huge performance improvement versus the older motors & have the option of getting them 'chipped'

Frontier has brand new Defenders where as both Colonial & LR motors have 'reconditioned' /  'refurbuished' vehicles. You can have them built to order of sorts. Prices will vary depending on the options, engine & registration number.

aside from which, don't forget there actually are original 100% legitimate Defenders in town. Prices for 110's will range from 3.5 Mn up to 10 Mn depending on the spec, year of manufacture, mileage & engine.

There are plenty of Defenders with commercial registrations.

Running costs are not cheap, reliability of components is questionable & they aren't known for being particularly good on fuel. Ideally you need a specialist to maintain it, so its not really an economical vehicle to run.

But they are "special"

[Devinda_Z]

apart from the trouble of carrying a very heavy ring of keys (one per each door) and the heavy clutch which makes your leg to shiver after 1 hr drive in the traffic, you should be fine with it. Dev, any comments ? 

I reckon mine is special with the 5 keys

Having driven a nice 300Tdi with an acceptable one over the weekend i was just a litte bit more fed up of the clutch, but only then to hear from a friend on Monday evening that he drove one which was even heavier than mine!

[Devinda_Z]

Mate I am yet to see an automatic 110, may be there are but I haven't seen any in SL. Id personally prefer a manual for a 110, and im sure Devinda_Z and some other Defender owning lads in the forum will justify as to why.

And if your planning on getting it down Brand new good luck on paying 12 mils and upwards for it. If you have the dough I dont see why not. Is it Frontier or Browns that bring the LRs? There is one showroom in Nawala Road and one in Kolpetty.

Colonial Motors used to be agents some time back but they only handle Kia through their subsidiary company Carplan now. But repairs are still carried out. And they dont have ones for sale. But however LR motors does, prices can range from 4 mils and upwards depending on registration number, body, engine etc etc.

And about registration, I have seen some registered as Dual Purpose and some in L numbers which are mostly lorries and smart cabs. Do not know how they differentiate, but it happens.

And if your wondering about how economical it can be, your walking on thin ice. And I wouldnt compare a 110 to a Toyota double cab, it can get as close to comparing apples to oranges.

True Devaka - The double cabs are a whole other kettle of fish (certainly a more reliable and practical option for a non enthusiast looking for a usable ultra practical daily runner)

Only thing is, Colonial now actually do sell vehicles - refurbuished units or custom built ones to order!

[xax]

Hi Everyone!

Looking at getting a Land Rover Defender 110 (5 door) for general running about.

First of all I would prefer an automatic (I know most would prefer a manual for better control off road etc.) but I would prefer automatic as the majority of the driving will be done on road. Is it possible to get automatic in Sri Lanka or is it only manual that is available (I have seen some autos in the UK - however I haven't seen any in Sri Lanka). If available then is there a price difference?

Second - I was wondering which is best - the TD5 or the Puma version in terms of maintainance, engine noise, reliability etc. Any thoughts?

Third - where should I get it from - Frontier Motors, Colonial Motors or LR Motors? And what price should I expect to pay at each of these places.

Fourth - should I get it built for me (like they do at Colonial and LR) or should I buy one that has already been built and is already registered and on the road?

Fifth - is the Defender classified as a Dual Purpose vehicle (like a double/single cab or van)? The reason I ask is then it can be considered a "company vehicle" used for commercial purposes (whereas a car or Montero for example cannot).

Sixth - in terms of passenger comfort, cabin noisyness etc. - which is better - the Defender or a Toyota Double Cab?

Finally - what sort of running costs are there on a Defender - as in fuel economy, costs of service, repairs and maintainance - just wondering if this is an economical vehicle to get.

Look forward to your advice.

I know a place [a friend of mine] in Kelaniya who imports/ assembles LRs. I think their prices are quite competitive [not an expert on this though]. PM if you are interested in talking to them.

[p.defender]

In puma's clutch is soft for sure. But not in 300tdi or td5's. But on those to make the clutch soft its just a matter of replacing the top clutch pump with a L200 or a Pajero Pump. Bit of work involved in there. But not a big issue. Couple of labour hours.

I know this Kelaniya guy well too. I sold some parts to him too. But one thing he is not upto the standard with TD5's and puma's. But good in 300tdi's.

Better study this vehicle well before buying it. Remember this isn't a Japanese vehicle. Need attention and time to spend with it. (Thats why i like it)

I had defenders for the last 12 years. its fun to own it and drive it.

[lakshank]

just my 2 cents

I think dropping an auto box to a Landrover will negate the whole point of that high tourqued land rover engine.

I have seen a defender auto conversion completely done with the toyota motor and the gearbox in SL. havent driven though. If you are not after performance may be it will be a good option.

good luck with the hunt.

[lakshank]

my 2 cents..

Dropping an auto box will negate the whole point of having that high tourqued land rover engine.. i think!

good luck with the hunt

[xstreme911]

Thanks so much for everyone's input - you have all been most helpful - especially for the links on the Defender auto conversions in the UK.

Having done some more research I have found that Colonial will sell "locally built" Defenders - the TD5 110 is going for around Rs.7 M with english plates. I wonder how much a similar spec. english plate one will be at LR Motors and at the Kelaniya place - any ideas? It should probably be cheaper as Colonial is a big company and they provide a warranty as well.

Does anyone have a contact at LR Motors and the Kelaniya place so I can discuss further with them? Would appreciate that very much.

And it seems that the best engine types are the TD5 and the 300 TDi - which of these is the Ford Transit engine and which of these is the better, more trouble free, quieter and smoother engine (again my requirements are more on road than off)?

Also in the recent budget duties on parts that are brought down for local vehicle assembly were dropped from 30% to 15% and the VAT has also reduced - shouldn't this have an impact on the cost of these "local built" Defenders?

Re. the auto conversions if I am ordering a locally built Defender is it not possible to ask them to use a Discovery 2 auto gearbox (with Compushift) from the start - this way it will not be so much of a conversion, but built into the vehicle from the start so the price wouldn't be too much higher (compared to buying a manual Defender and then having the auto gearbox installed into it).

Also would it be wise to do a automatic conversion here in Sri Lanka - do they have the expertise and who would you recommend?

Thanks again everyone for all the advice.

[xstreme911]

Thanks so much for everyone's input - you have all been most helpful - especially for the links on the Defender auto conversions in the UK.

Having done some more research I have found that Colonial will sell "locally built" Defenders - the TD5 110 is going for around Rs.7 M with english plates. I wonder how much a similar spec. english plate one will be at LR Motors and at the Kelaniya place - any ideas? It should probably be cheaper as Colonial is a big company and they provide a warranty as well.

Does anyone have a contact at LR Motors and the Kelaniya place so I can discuss further with them? Would appreciate that very much.

And it seems that the best engine types are the TD5 and the 300 TDi - which of these is the Ford Transit engine and which of these is the better, more trouble free, quieter and smoother engine (again my requirements are more on road than off)?

Also in the recent budget duties on parts that are brought down for local vehicle assembly were dropped from 30% to 15% and the VAT has also reduced - shouldn't this have an impact on the cost of these "local built" Defenders?

Re. the auto conversions if I am ordering a locally built Defender is it not possible to ask them to use a Discovery 2 auto gearbox (with Compushift) from the start - this way it will not be so much of a conversion, but built into the vehicle from the start so the price wouldn't be too much higher (compared to buying a manual Defender and then having the auto gearbox installed into it).

Also would it be wise to do a automatic conversion here in Sri Lanka - do they have the expertise and who would you recommend?

Thanks again everyone for all the advice.

[xstreme911]

Thanks so much for everyone's input - you have all been most helpful - especially for the links on the Defender auto conversions in the UK.

Having done some more research I have found that Colonial will sell "locally built" Defenders - the TD5 110 is going for around Rs.7 M with english plates. I wonder how much a similar spec. english plate one will be at LR Motors and at the Kelaniya place - any ideas? It should probably be cheaper as Colonial is a big company and they provide a warranty as well.

Does anyone have a contact at LR Motors and the Kelaniya place so I can discuss further with them? Would appreciate that very much.

And it seems that the best engine types are the TD5 and the 300 TDi - which of these is the Ford Transit engine and which of these is the better, more trouble free, quieter and smoother engine (again my requirements are more on road than off)?

Also in the recent budget duties on parts that are brought down for local vehicle assembly were dropped from 30% to 15% and the VAT has also reduced - shouldn't this have an impact on the cost of these "local built" Defenders?

Re. the auto conversions if I am ordering a locally built Defender is it not possible to ask them to use a Discovery 2 auto gearbox (with Compushift) from the start - this way it will not be so much of a conversion, but built into the vehicle from the start so the price wouldn't be too much higher (compared to buying a manual Defender and then having the auto gearbox installed into it).

Also would it be wise to do a automatic conversion here in Sri Lanka - do they have the expertise and who would you recommend?

Thanks again everyone for all the advice.

[Devinda_Z]

I have seen a defender auto conversion completely done with the toyota motor and the gearbox in SL. havent driven though. If you are not after performance may be it will be a good option.

ah yes that black single cab on the 40 or 50 - plates ya?

[Devinda_Z]

I have seen a defender auto conversion completely done with the toyota motor and the gearbox in SL. havent driven though. If you are not after performance may be it will be a good option.

ah yes that black single cab on the 40 or 50 - plates ya?

[Devinda_Z]

 

Both Colonial & LR Motors (Ind*k* & co) are quite experienced

not too convinced of the Kelaniya place - they've been rather quiet as of late...

The Ford Transit engine is the "PUMA" 2.4L with the 6 speed manual box

The business of "refubishing / restoring" Defenders does NOT classify as "Local Assembly" !

I doubt its possible to just throw in a Disco II autobox like that ! Besides which i'm let to come across a locally done automatic conversion on a Defender (at least not using original Land Rover running gear)

[Devinda_Z]

Update :

Came across a Late 1980's "90" which had been upgraded to a Defender 90 with all the bits & additional bells n whistles - but the most interesting thing to note was its AUTOMATIC GEARBOX ! :0

apparently out of a Discovery, along with its 300 Tdi - vehicle seems in excellent shape!

....no idea how it drives , but very keen on finding out how it drives