Greetings . Currently , I am a Discovery 2 owner . Now I have decided that I would like to own a new Defender . I have many questions . Like which model offers the snorkel as an option ? Whats the weakest link on these vehicles ? What would you do differently ?? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated .
TOM

 

The snorkel is an optional accessory that can be added to any Defender model. The Defenders have been pretty reliable overall. A few coolant leak issues here and there, the A pillar noise issues with the earlier models, and some trim fittings also in the earlier years. But overall, they are solid. I have owned the V8, the 6 cylinder and the 4-cylinder Defender. I personally prefer the 4 cylinder the best, but they are all great engines.

 

Depends on how deep you want to get. If you care, search for my posts, I put together a feature matrix for different trims twice, first time I think in Jan 23, second time in late 24. Keep in mind that the feature set per trim changed between those two, and guaranteed to have changed again - some components that weren't available in lower trims can now be ordered as options, and some components that were optional have become standard, having trickled down from higher trims. If you take those two feature charts as a guideline, you'll be able to easily put yours together.

Some choices are just outright bizarre. Case in point, one of the trims had the rear recovery hooks standard, so did the next trim up, but there was an item for that trim - "black painted recovery hooks". It was very easy to get confused and order it, not realizing that they were already there on that trim, just painted orange. Watch out for stupid things like that.

GLHF.

 

Im a Disco2 owner as well. You’ll dig the Defender. Lots of similar DNA between the two. I'm 4 years in on my 2020 110 X. It’s fun.

Tell us a bit more about your use case: offroad, onroad, dogs, etc. That will help dial you in.

Snorkel is just a bog standard add-on accessory option. You can put it on any of the Defenders. Anyway, it’s really just a raised air intake. Not a water snorkel.

There really is no big weak link 5 years in. They’re pretty reliable. As reliable a new car as I’ve ever had ... Coming from a D2 you’ll be pleased as punch at how much better the build quality is.

Mine has had a few trim pieces falling off the exterior (A-pillar, the square on the left rear door panel), a broken rear shock but I do offroad heavily, a dead SOS system battery, a coolant leak in the turbo coolant hoses (fixed under a service bulletin without me asking), some software updates for various things, a burned out heated steering wheel, a headlamp LED go out which is a common issue. The grey “X” taillights were replaced when it was brand new because there was some NHTSA safety recall on them and they were all replaced. And that’s about it. I can’t complain. (although I do). It’s been the best car I’ve ever owned.

I bought the “Defender X” . I dig it but maybe wish I’d gotten a lower trim level - Maybe an X-Dynamic or S is the sweet spot these days.

• P400 motor
• Cold climate
• Rear cooling assist (great for dogs - my favorite option on the car)
• Exterior: white roof (classic); I wish I had avoided black roof/hood as it’s too sinister/Range Rover-y. And I like the colored signature square on the rear side window over the black pack.
• Wheels is a whole can of worms. I’d get 20” from factory, swap to 18” if you then intend to off-road and can but read up about the downsides and brake caliper swaps or grinding -- I went w/ 33” tires; I’d avoid 22” wheels (too pavement oriented but look nice) ; 19” wheels seem like a good idea until you realize how limited off-road tire options are...
• Air suspension.
• Interior: light headliner & seats (I wish I had avoided black; not “Land Rovery” enough for me)
• 5 seats better than 7 seater because you get useful extra underfloor storage; unless kids...
• Center console fridge — very useful
• Full TFT digital cluster way better than the other one which they may not even still offer
• Towing package w/ built-in hitch: must-have (expensive to add later); skip advanced tow assist (software)
• Rear tow hooks — must
• Front skid plate — must (exposes recovery point)
• Windsor leather: far nicer, worth it IMO but it’s really a budget decision -- and especially if you’re buying used you can find one w/ this
• ClearSight rearview mirror: useful when truck is fully loaded to retain rear visibility
• If you’re gonna offroad get the locking rear diff. If you’re not gonna off road, don’t. You’re fine without it even if you offroad.

LR accessories I have added and highly recommend. I also added a bunch of other stuff like a winch and rock sliders but that is out of scope for buying a Defender...

• LR smaller mudflaps front and rear
• LR Expedition rack
• Side ladder on drivers side
• Built in air compressor in the cargo area (which I really love it’s super slick)

Things I have that I could do without, or you could skip optioning I’d say:

• HUD: cool, but skip if budget matters
• 2nd-row heated/cooled seats - never have used mine
• Front cooled “climate” seats: nice in summer or in a really hot area, not essential otherwise
• Panoramic roof: (rarely used, potential leaks/breakage with roof rack)
• ACC: must-have; can code later on at least 2020-2024 models but ensure that’s still possible on the newest ones, otherwise spec it
• In-car WiFi: can be coded via CCF later I believe.

 

The only option on my Defender that I wish I had was the air suspension. I've got coils - which is great I suppose for long term reliability, but I haven't seen many complaints about the air suspension in the Defenders. It seems that JLR finally figured it out.

Now - whether they're still holding up in 10 years or not thats another question but so far the system seems to be doing well.

Oh and I wish I had the rear tow hooks - because dear lord those look like a royal PITA to install myself.

 

I agree with what Nash has to say above. It really depends on your use case, but generally he hit the nail on the head.

If you want an in-depth look at my spec and how it's been after four years of ownership, check out my thread on the subject: https://landroverforums.com/forum/20...rranty-124782/

If you're buying new, at this time the Windsor leather is absolutely a must now that the Resist material is standard. It is a vegan leather alternative. It isn't bad - it's not trying to be leather, but it is very durable and hard-wearing, However, it's nowhere near as nice as the Windsor leather, and if you want ventilated seats, you have to upgrade to the Windsor. If you're looking on the used market, The old grained leather (which is what I have) is still nice and very durable. I have an early 2021MY with the grained leather/textile seats that have a cloth textile around the side bolsters and outer edges of the cushion. In theory, they're great, as it prevents the leather wearing out, but they're so prone to staining (even from drops of water) that JLR dropped it after 2021. Stains are easily removable, but still a pain to deal with.

Engines: All of the options are fantastic. I have the P300 and it is more than adequate. Never once have I felt like it needs more power. I've driven the P400 many times, as well as the P500/P525 V8. If I were to buy another one, I'd most likely go for the P400. Of course, an extra 100 horsepower is always fun, but it gets better fuel economy and has a higher towing capacity. All engines have been pretty reliable, and the V8 now has metal crossover pipes, unlike earlier iterations that had plastic ones that'd deteriorate every four years.

Air suspension is a must IMO - it has better ride quality and body control thanks to the adaptive dampers. Plus the ride height adjustability is a bonus. Plus, if you get grounded in off-road height, the car will automatically lift an extra couple inches. You also have the benefit of automatic load leveling, so you won't get any squat while towing or carrying heavy loads in the trunk. That being said, the coil springs are quite good. Ride quality isn't far off the air springs, but at least in stock form, the coils lack the articulation you get from the air springs. Air has 20" of articulation, whereas the coils have about 12." If you plan on going off-road a lot, I'd recommend the air from the factory, or get the coils and get some aftermarket springs that allow for more articulation.

I'd stick with 20" wheels if you get a P400. Plenty of tire choices for 20" wheels, and you still have plenty of sidewall. I ordered my car with 19" wheels not realizing at the time that tire options are basically limited to the OEM tires. I switched to 20" wheels. You can add 18" wheels to a P400 by grinding the rear calipers or switch to a Discovery 5 rear caliper.

If you get a P300, you can run 18" wheels no problem, and that will be your best bet for off-roading.

On the used market, you can find early base and S models that don't have the Meridian stereo. Avoid the base unbranded stereo if you enjoy music. In 2022, Meridian became standard on S and above, and became standard equipment on all Defenders by 2023. There are two systems - the 11 speaker, 400w Meridian sound system and the 15 speaker, 700w Meridian Surround system. Both are good for a factory stereo. Surround is a lot better, and I wish I had that in mine, which has the 400w Meridian. I had the Surround it in my old Discovery 5 and it was one of the best factory systems I've heard.

Tow pack is definitely something you should have, whether or not you tow anything. I regret not getting it, and I recently tried to order the kit, but it's on global backorder. No ETA thanks to JLR's current shutdown. It is expensive to add it after the fact, but it will help resale value. I didn't order it because at the time I didn't tow anything and I had my Discovery that had the hitch in case if I needed it. Now that I tow the Porsche Club autocross trailer, and need to have the hitch installed instead of borrowing a company car to tow it. Luckily they should be available before next year's autocross season.

If you're looking at a 110, the 5-seat models are the best. As Nash said, you get underfloor storage. Plus, the third row in the 110 is pretty useless. Only suitable for children. If you need a usable third row, get a Discovery 5 or a Defender 130.

Rear locking diff is nice to have, but totally unnecessary, even if you do a lot of off-roading. I have it, and it requires more maintenance than the open diff. JLR recommends the diff oil to be changed every 62k miles, but it really should be half that. The latest iteration of Terrain Response is so good. Thanks to the new electronic architecture and the brake by wire, ABS and traction control can react so quickly - a Defender with an open rear diff can go anywhere one with a diff lock can go, just with more wheel spin.

 

I second everything CincyRovers said. Very thorough and informed write-up.

 

I wish I had some of this knowledge before I bought my 75th, it wouldnt have changed my decision to buy but I'd been a bit more informed.

I literally havent even crossed 200 miles yet with my 90 so no real input on issues I would say my biggest let down though has to be the resist seats. While I understand the point the texture is just a bit odd and doesnt fit a vehicle of the price point this was at when new. Ive swapped a few interior parts to introduce a little vintage tan where appropriate.

I am intrigued by the rear cooling assist feature as I cant verify if on my 90, expecting since its the shorty version its not relevant. I did install the steps myself which were awesome help for me as I hate dragging my feet over the sill and also installed the classic flaps which improved the look IMHO..

One concern though not rooted in any knowledge is my fabric roof and around leaks. I love the fabric as its not the glass pano but hope it holds up over time.

 

I second most of what you said but I think you may be incorrect about the seats. I believe if you order X Dynamic and above even the base resist seats are indeed ventilated. They aren't quite as soft as the Windsor but they feel pretty good considering the cost savings. From what I understand the Resist seats were improved for 2025.

 

Just checked the configurator, and yes, looks like you can now get the ventilated seats with the Resist upholstery. I had a 2025 Defender loaner a few months ago with the Resist interior and thought it was the same as it's always been. Feels like soft plastic. The material on the door panels, dashboard, and armrest is different to the neoprene that came before.