Defender Shopping, Things to Be Aware of?
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Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 833
Likes: 352
From: San Diego
Defender Shopping, Things to Be Aware of?
Long time LR2 owner, getting to the point where I need to retire the old ride, and Defender is the obvious drop in replacement.
Will need a 110, with 6 or 8 cyl. for towing. That's about all I know.
Probably looking for gently used, couple years old, low mileage. Just because it bugs me to take the hit when I drive a new car off the lot. Could just get a new one if that makes sense.
What should I be aware of? Any gotchas?
TIA
Will need a 110, with 6 or 8 cyl. for towing. That's about all I know.
Probably looking for gently used, couple years old, low mileage. Just because it bugs me to take the hit when I drive a new car off the lot. Could just get a new one if that makes sense.
What should I be aware of? Any gotchas?
TIA
Popular Reply
Feb 17, 2025, 10:44 PM
TReK
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,774
Likes: 1,983
From: Whidbey Island, PNW
Hello.
Defender is a fantastic platform. You’ll be blown away coming from an LR2 to an L663.
Here’s my take of things I think would be useful to you:
Reliability or Hidden Issues: No real gotchas have surfaced or inherent hidden weaknesses in the cars. They’re a bit prone to coolant leaks and cracked windshields but nothing crazy. You smell coolant and you see a cracked windshield. So like... head gaskets aren’t blowing left and right or whatever.
Motor: I would recommend P400 over the V8. V8 is great, and do drive both - but the I’ve had many LR’s prior with that exact V8 motor and I prefer the P400 in this platform. it feels more modern in the L663. But others like the V8 (I’m just tired of it, I’ve had it in oh... 6 different Land Rovers, in both SC and non SC form). You will never *ever* feel lacking in power with the inline 6 P400 motor. I have never *once* felt lacking in power (and I’m a high horsepower speed demon guy...)
1st Oil Service? If I had some advice if you were looking for used. And this is probably overkill but I would try to find one where the owner didn’t wait until the boneheaded 20,000 mile interval for the first oil change. By the time I hit 20,000 miles I’d done 3 oil changes on mine. That would be one I would like to buy used. If that makes sense.
CPO / Warranty? Similarly, I would recommend buying one with factory warranty left or CPO on it. Just so when you find little things wrong with it you can have it handled. Mine just went out of its 4 year warranty (25,600 miles on it now... ) and nothing is wrong with it, but -- you never know with a used one. So a little warranty would be good during your “test period”.
Painted black lower trim: I bought an X trim. Which I really like. But one thing I really do NOT like about it is the gloss black trim all along the bottom. It looks quite good but I found it nicks up from road gravel way too easily on road (I wont even discuss offroad). By 10,000 miles the car was pristine still but that trim looked like it had been sandblasted. Not happy..., I replaced all of it (I’m insane) -- put PPF on it, added mudflaps to the truck, and it’s been fine since. If it were me, and I did it again -- I’d either put PPF on that gloss back undergarment trim or get one of the other Defenders that has the matte blackish/greyish trim that is not painted. It seems to hold up far better.
Accessory Air Compressor - I really *really* like the built in air compressor in the boot. It was an option added after I boutht it. I haven’t had to go to a crappy gas station coin op air hose since 2021.
5 seater over 7 seater: I wish I had gotten a 5 seater over a 7 seater -- the rear seats are quite slick and nice looking but it’s needless weight and I will never use the heavy 7 seats. That said, I *DO* put dogs back there so I would require rear climate cool assist, which the 7 seater came with. You can also get it on a 5 seater but I think it’s more rare (?). PLUS underneath the 5 seater floor you have a really nifty compartment where you can store stuff that is super useful. Not the case on the 7 seaters. Some companies make cargo holders you can put under the 5 seater floors -- rip out the LR foam tray and replace with an aftermarket thing and you have a ton of storage space. Anyway - that’s why I wish I had a 5 seater.
Aesthetics / Black Roof = No: Mine also came with a black roof. Because it’s an X. Over the years as I’ve looked at more and more Defenders, I actually prefer the Defenders with a body colored roof or the white roof over mine. Not a big deal but -- a minor aesthetic thing.
Mudflaps: I like the genuine LR accessory mudflaps alot. 2 styles. Long and medium. Both are great.
Digital Instrument Cluster: I would definitely try to get one with the “all digital” instrument cluster. I think they were making them and maybe still do -- with a non-digital half analog half digital gauge cluster. I don’t know. I wouldn’t want that. But people don’t seem to mind (sorry if that offends anyone).
Leather and Climate Front Seats:- I like the ones with actual leather on the dash rail and steering wheel airbag (stitching instead of plastic), and upgraded Windsor leather inside on the seats (front seat headrests are different too). It’s a bit nicer. I also like the climate front seats (heated / cooled). More expensive to spec -- but often if you’re buying it used, it’s not really additional on the price. I also swear the climate front seats are slightly more comfortable. I might be wrong but I sat in a P300 Defender with normal seats and mine felt... squishier and nicer. May have just been the top material.
Defender is a fantastic platform. You’ll be blown away coming from an LR2 to an L663.
Here’s my take of things I think would be useful to you:
Reliability or Hidden Issues: No real gotchas have surfaced or inherent hidden weaknesses in the cars. They’re a bit prone to coolant leaks and cracked windshields but nothing crazy. You smell coolant and you see a cracked windshield. So like... head gaskets aren’t blowing left and right or whatever.
Motor: I would recommend P400 over the V8. V8 is great, and do drive both - but the I’ve had many LR’s prior with that exact V8 motor and I prefer the P400 in this platform. it feels more modern in the L663. But others like the V8 (I’m just tired of it, I’ve had it in oh... 6 different Land Rovers, in both SC and non SC form). You will never *ever* feel lacking in power with the inline 6 P400 motor. I have never *once* felt lacking in power (and I’m a high horsepower speed demon guy...)
1st Oil Service? If I had some advice if you were looking for used. And this is probably overkill but I would try to find one where the owner didn’t wait until the boneheaded 20,000 mile interval for the first oil change. By the time I hit 20,000 miles I’d done 3 oil changes on mine. That would be one I would like to buy used. If that makes sense.
CPO / Warranty? Similarly, I would recommend buying one with factory warranty left or CPO on it. Just so when you find little things wrong with it you can have it handled. Mine just went out of its 4 year warranty (25,600 miles on it now... ) and nothing is wrong with it, but -- you never know with a used one. So a little warranty would be good during your “test period”.
Painted black lower trim: I bought an X trim. Which I really like. But one thing I really do NOT like about it is the gloss black trim all along the bottom. It looks quite good but I found it nicks up from road gravel way too easily on road (I wont even discuss offroad). By 10,000 miles the car was pristine still but that trim looked like it had been sandblasted. Not happy..., I replaced all of it (I’m insane) -- put PPF on it, added mudflaps to the truck, and it’s been fine since. If it were me, and I did it again -- I’d either put PPF on that gloss back undergarment trim or get one of the other Defenders that has the matte blackish/greyish trim that is not painted. It seems to hold up far better.
Accessory Air Compressor - I really *really* like the built in air compressor in the boot. It was an option added after I boutht it. I haven’t had to go to a crappy gas station coin op air hose since 2021.
5 seater over 7 seater: I wish I had gotten a 5 seater over a 7 seater -- the rear seats are quite slick and nice looking but it’s needless weight and I will never use the heavy 7 seats. That said, I *DO* put dogs back there so I would require rear climate cool assist, which the 7 seater came with. You can also get it on a 5 seater but I think it’s more rare (?). PLUS underneath the 5 seater floor you have a really nifty compartment where you can store stuff that is super useful. Not the case on the 7 seaters. Some companies make cargo holders you can put under the 5 seater floors -- rip out the LR foam tray and replace with an aftermarket thing and you have a ton of storage space. Anyway - that’s why I wish I had a 5 seater.
Aesthetics / Black Roof = No: Mine also came with a black roof. Because it’s an X. Over the years as I’ve looked at more and more Defenders, I actually prefer the Defenders with a body colored roof or the white roof over mine. Not a big deal but -- a minor aesthetic thing.
Mudflaps: I like the genuine LR accessory mudflaps alot. 2 styles. Long and medium. Both are great.
Digital Instrument Cluster: I would definitely try to get one with the “all digital” instrument cluster. I think they were making them and maybe still do -- with a non-digital half analog half digital gauge cluster. I don’t know. I wouldn’t want that. But people don’t seem to mind (sorry if that offends anyone).
Leather and Climate Front Seats:- I like the ones with actual leather on the dash rail and steering wheel airbag (stitching instead of plastic), and upgraded Windsor leather inside on the seats (front seat headrests are different too). It’s a bit nicer. I also like the climate front seats (heated / cooled). More expensive to spec -- but often if you’re buying it used, it’s not really additional on the price. I also swear the climate front seats are slightly more comfortable. I might be wrong but I sat in a P300 Defender with normal seats and mine felt... squishier and nicer. May have just been the top material.
Last edited by nashvegas; Feb 17, 2025 at 10:46 PM.
TReK
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,774
Likes: 1,983
From: Whidbey Island, PNW
Hello.
Defender is a fantastic platform. You’ll be blown away coming from an LR2 to an L663.
Here’s my take of things I think would be useful to you:
Reliability or Hidden Issues: No real gotchas have surfaced or inherent hidden weaknesses in the cars. They’re a bit prone to coolant leaks and cracked windshields but nothing crazy. You smell coolant and you see a cracked windshield. So like... head gaskets aren’t blowing left and right or whatever.
Motor: I would recommend P400 over the V8. V8 is great, and do drive both - but the I’ve had many LR’s prior with that exact V8 motor and I prefer the P400 in this platform. it feels more modern in the L663. But others like the V8 (I’m just tired of it, I’ve had it in oh... 6 different Land Rovers, in both SC and non SC form). You will never *ever* feel lacking in power with the inline 6 P400 motor. I have never *once* felt lacking in power (and I’m a high horsepower speed demon guy...)
1st Oil Service? If I had some advice if you were looking for used. And this is probably overkill but I would try to find one where the owner didn’t wait until the boneheaded 20,000 mile interval for the first oil change. By the time I hit 20,000 miles I’d done 3 oil changes on mine. That would be one I would like to buy used. If that makes sense.
CPO / Warranty? Similarly, I would recommend buying one with factory warranty left or CPO on it. Just so when you find little things wrong with it you can have it handled. Mine just went out of its 4 year warranty (25,600 miles on it now... ) and nothing is wrong with it, but -- you never know with a used one. So a little warranty would be good during your “test period”.
Painted black lower trim: I bought an X trim. Which I really like. But one thing I really do NOT like about it is the gloss black trim all along the bottom. It looks quite good but I found it nicks up from road gravel way too easily on road (I wont even discuss offroad). By 10,000 miles the car was pristine still but that trim looked like it had been sandblasted. Not happy..., I replaced all of it (I’m insane) -- put PPF on it, added mudflaps to the truck, and it’s been fine since. If it were me, and I did it again -- I’d either put PPF on that gloss back undergarment trim or get one of the other Defenders that has the matte blackish/greyish trim that is not painted. It seems to hold up far better.
Accessory Air Compressor - I really *really* like the built in air compressor in the boot. It was an option added after I boutht it. I haven’t had to go to a crappy gas station coin op air hose since 2021.
5 seater over 7 seater: I wish I had gotten a 5 seater over a 7 seater -- the rear seats are quite slick and nice looking but it’s needless weight and I will never use the heavy 7 seats. That said, I *DO* put dogs back there so I would require rear climate cool assist, which the 7 seater came with. You can also get it on a 5 seater but I think it’s more rare (?). PLUS underneath the 5 seater floor you have a really nifty compartment where you can store stuff that is super useful. Not the case on the 7 seaters. Some companies make cargo holders you can put under the 5 seater floors -- rip out the LR foam tray and replace with an aftermarket thing and you have a ton of storage space. Anyway - that’s why I wish I had a 5 seater.
Aesthetics / Black Roof = No: Mine also came with a black roof. Because it’s an X. Over the years as I’ve looked at more and more Defenders, I actually prefer the Defenders with a body colored roof or the white roof over mine. Not a big deal but -- a minor aesthetic thing.
Mudflaps: I like the genuine LR accessory mudflaps alot. 2 styles. Long and medium. Both are great.
Digital Instrument Cluster: I would definitely try to get one with the “all digital” instrument cluster. I think they were making them and maybe still do -- with a non-digital half analog half digital gauge cluster. I don’t know. I wouldn’t want that. But people don’t seem to mind (sorry if that offends anyone).
Leather and Climate Front Seats:- I like the ones with actual leather on the dash rail and steering wheel airbag (stitching instead of plastic), and upgraded Windsor leather inside on the seats (front seat headrests are different too). It’s a bit nicer. I also like the climate front seats (heated / cooled). More expensive to spec -- but often if you’re buying it used, it’s not really additional on the price. I also swear the climate front seats are slightly more comfortable. I might be wrong but I sat in a P300 Defender with normal seats and mine felt... squishier and nicer. May have just been the top material.
Defender is a fantastic platform. You’ll be blown away coming from an LR2 to an L663.
Here’s my take of things I think would be useful to you:
Reliability or Hidden Issues: No real gotchas have surfaced or inherent hidden weaknesses in the cars. They’re a bit prone to coolant leaks and cracked windshields but nothing crazy. You smell coolant and you see a cracked windshield. So like... head gaskets aren’t blowing left and right or whatever.
Motor: I would recommend P400 over the V8. V8 is great, and do drive both - but the I’ve had many LR’s prior with that exact V8 motor and I prefer the P400 in this platform. it feels more modern in the L663. But others like the V8 (I’m just tired of it, I’ve had it in oh... 6 different Land Rovers, in both SC and non SC form). You will never *ever* feel lacking in power with the inline 6 P400 motor. I have never *once* felt lacking in power (and I’m a high horsepower speed demon guy...)
1st Oil Service? If I had some advice if you were looking for used. And this is probably overkill but I would try to find one where the owner didn’t wait until the boneheaded 20,000 mile interval for the first oil change. By the time I hit 20,000 miles I’d done 3 oil changes on mine. That would be one I would like to buy used. If that makes sense.
CPO / Warranty? Similarly, I would recommend buying one with factory warranty left or CPO on it. Just so when you find little things wrong with it you can have it handled. Mine just went out of its 4 year warranty (25,600 miles on it now... ) and nothing is wrong with it, but -- you never know with a used one. So a little warranty would be good during your “test period”.
Painted black lower trim: I bought an X trim. Which I really like. But one thing I really do NOT like about it is the gloss black trim all along the bottom. It looks quite good but I found it nicks up from road gravel way too easily on road (I wont even discuss offroad). By 10,000 miles the car was pristine still but that trim looked like it had been sandblasted. Not happy..., I replaced all of it (I’m insane) -- put PPF on it, added mudflaps to the truck, and it’s been fine since. If it were me, and I did it again -- I’d either put PPF on that gloss back undergarment trim or get one of the other Defenders that has the matte blackish/greyish trim that is not painted. It seems to hold up far better.
Accessory Air Compressor - I really *really* like the built in air compressor in the boot. It was an option added after I boutht it. I haven’t had to go to a crappy gas station coin op air hose since 2021.
5 seater over 7 seater: I wish I had gotten a 5 seater over a 7 seater -- the rear seats are quite slick and nice looking but it’s needless weight and I will never use the heavy 7 seats. That said, I *DO* put dogs back there so I would require rear climate cool assist, which the 7 seater came with. You can also get it on a 5 seater but I think it’s more rare (?). PLUS underneath the 5 seater floor you have a really nifty compartment where you can store stuff that is super useful. Not the case on the 7 seaters. Some companies make cargo holders you can put under the 5 seater floors -- rip out the LR foam tray and replace with an aftermarket thing and you have a ton of storage space. Anyway - that’s why I wish I had a 5 seater.
Aesthetics / Black Roof = No: Mine also came with a black roof. Because it’s an X. Over the years as I’ve looked at more and more Defenders, I actually prefer the Defenders with a body colored roof or the white roof over mine. Not a big deal but -- a minor aesthetic thing.
Mudflaps: I like the genuine LR accessory mudflaps alot. 2 styles. Long and medium. Both are great.
Digital Instrument Cluster: I would definitely try to get one with the “all digital” instrument cluster. I think they were making them and maybe still do -- with a non-digital half analog half digital gauge cluster. I don’t know. I wouldn’t want that. But people don’t seem to mind (sorry if that offends anyone).
Leather and Climate Front Seats:- I like the ones with actual leather on the dash rail and steering wheel airbag (stitching instead of plastic), and upgraded Windsor leather inside on the seats (front seat headrests are different too). It’s a bit nicer. I also like the climate front seats (heated / cooled). More expensive to spec -- but often if you’re buying it used, it’s not really additional on the price. I also swear the climate front seats are slightly more comfortable. I might be wrong but I sat in a P300 Defender with normal seats and mine felt... squishier and nicer. May have just been the top material.
Last edited by nashvegas; Feb 17, 2025 at 10:46 PM.
Rock Crawling
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 290
Likes: 151
From: NE Wisconsin
Many of the options are user discretion, but be aware that OEM options added after the fact can be MUCH more expensive. There are aftermarket alternatives with varying degrees of quality. I would recommend, whether an off-roader or not, the front skid plate (exposing thr front recovery point) and the rear recovery points. The defender in NOT a recovery friend. If you want to extend this thread into multiple pages, inquire about wheel size and tires.
Three Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 82
Likes: 84
Nothing I can add that nashvegas said above. I owned various LR products in the past and the L633 is by far the best LR product by a country mile imho. I bought a gently used back in 2023 and this has also been the most reliable as well. Knock on wood! Looks like you live in southern Call so you should have no shortage of inventory to choose from.
The early models, before the chip shortage has small creature comforts such as usb ports in the back of the front seats, and in the dashboard shelf. Also the all digital instrument cluster as well.
In regard to trim, it’s me but I like to buy the top trim that has all of the features so I did go with an X model. Because I live in the PNW, I wanted the front windscreen defroster and cooled seats. I have the 5 seater and mine also has the rear cooled assist for my puppies as well. Also on the X model the seats have the upgraded “Kvadrat” fabric that is more durable in areas that would have more wear.
I just turned, well the truck did 58k miles over the weekend and the P400 is a fantastic engine. I have never thought it has any lack of power and it still gets reasonable mileage with fully loaded passengers, gear in the back and on the roof. I do have an extended warranty and bought mine from a LR dealership.
In regard to towing, I’ve only towed my sister’s 15ft 2000lb trailer. I plan on buying an Airstream later this year but others can chime in on higher weight trailers. One thing I can also say about the X model it comes standard with the factory tow assist. If you know anything about backing in a single axle trailer this feature made backing a piece of cake by using the **** to counter steer.
Good luck in your search!
The early models, before the chip shortage has small creature comforts such as usb ports in the back of the front seats, and in the dashboard shelf. Also the all digital instrument cluster as well.
In regard to trim, it’s me but I like to buy the top trim that has all of the features so I did go with an X model. Because I live in the PNW, I wanted the front windscreen defroster and cooled seats. I have the 5 seater and mine also has the rear cooled assist for my puppies as well. Also on the X model the seats have the upgraded “Kvadrat” fabric that is more durable in areas that would have more wear.
I just turned, well the truck did 58k miles over the weekend and the P400 is a fantastic engine. I have never thought it has any lack of power and it still gets reasonable mileage with fully loaded passengers, gear in the back and on the roof. I do have an extended warranty and bought mine from a LR dealership.
In regard to towing, I’ve only towed my sister’s 15ft 2000lb trailer. I plan on buying an Airstream later this year but others can chime in on higher weight trailers. One thing I can also say about the X model it comes standard with the factory tow assist. If you know anything about backing in a single axle trailer this feature made backing a piece of cake by using the **** to counter steer.
Good luck in your search!
TReK
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,774
Likes: 1,983
From: Whidbey Island, PNW
Many of the options are user discretion, but be aware that OEM options added after the fact can be MUCH more expensive. There are aftermarket alternatives with varying degrees of quality. I would recommend, whether an off-roader or not, the front skid plate (exposing thr front recovery point) and the rear recovery points. The defender in NOT a recovery friend. If you want to extend this thread into multiple pages, inquire about wheel size and tires.
I think @nashvegas hit the nail on the head. Overall, the L663 has been very reliable on all engines (P300 I4, P400 I6 and P500/P525 V8). The V8 in the long run will still have the timing chain issues, and the coolant crossover pipe issues *could* still be a problem. They redesigned the crossover pipes to be better, but still too new to fully know. I have the P300 and it is more than adequate, and never feels underpowered. If you do a lot of towing, the P400 and V8 will be the better bet for sure. Main things that are problematic are the auxiliary radiators can leak, the LED DRLs go out (especially on the earlier ones) and the A-pillar trim can become undone and fall off (another problem that LRs have had for years). @Jim 90 is also correct that certain features added after the fact can be very expensive, and you'll be better off finding one that already has it. Still, certain things like Dynamic mode, global close, auto start/stop memory etc. can be activated with the GAP Diagnostic tool or through several companies and individuals that offer the service.
L663 Defender is one of the best vehicles on sale today. It has the refinement, tech, and ride quality of a luxury car and the capability and durability of a proper hardcore 4x4, and the practicality and payload capacity of a van all wrapped up in one good-looking, modern, and exceptional vehicle. You can't go wrong.
L663 Defender is one of the best vehicles on sale today. It has the refinement, tech, and ride quality of a luxury car and the capability and durability of a proper hardcore 4x4, and the practicality and payload capacity of a van all wrapped up in one good-looking, modern, and exceptional vehicle. You can't go wrong.
Overlanding
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 23
Likes: 13
Long time LR2 owner, getting to the point where I need to retire the old ride, and Defender is the obvious drop in replacement.
Will need a 110, with 6 or 8 cyl. for towing. That's about all I know.
Probably looking for gently used, couple years old, low mileage. Just because it bugs me to take the hit when I drive a new car off the lot. Could just get a new one if that makes sense.
What should I be aware of? Any gotchas?
TIA
Will need a 110, with 6 or 8 cyl. for towing. That's about all I know.
Probably looking for gently used, couple years old, low mileage. Just because it bugs me to take the hit when I drive a new car off the lot. Could just get a new one if that makes sense.
What should I be aware of? Any gotchas?
TIA
Last edited by TotallyDef; Feb 18, 2025 at 04:03 PM.
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