Latest version of the Defender

A good friend is planning to buy a new Defender but I remember reading a lot of bad things about them, especially with the gearbox. Were these just initial problems and were they fixed? Are the 2009 & 2010 Defenders more reliable like the later TD5's and TDi's? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

My 09 Puma's now done 9000 miles, some of it towing, no problems so far.
(Apart from the fool consumption - 23mpg!)

Thanks. That sounds positive, though the fuel consumption seems rather high. Is that just when towing fairly heavy or bulky loads or an average over the 9000 miles? I assume it is a 110?

That's the average over the whole year.
It's a 110 XS Utility Wagon.
Mostly shortish journeys.

a van engine in a land rover is gunna drink fuel like fook.obvious.its too long and heavy...

Have a look on Defender2 forums, dedicated to the new puma LR.

My understanding is that some of the 07 models have had to have their gearboxes replaced numerous times. Think the later models have overcome these problems.

Read the above forum for better advice

I have heard that they have probs with the clutch as it's a ford design thing. Common with all vans, cars etc, but don't know anyone who has had one go so could be one of those miths! That Mpg sounds aweful, I get 34mpg average (90 TD5) some of which is towing a 1.5tonne (empty) trailer and boat.

I personally don't like the bonnet either!

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated, I will pass it all on for him to consider. That mpg does sound very poor and seems to be lower than they advertise...