Hi all, new poster here but I've been following this forum for a while.
Last fall, I had a chance to test drive the P400, P500, P525 and the Octa, all in one day which was really good.

I've read the few threads out there on the Octa, which most seem to focus on the earlier release and early reviews.

To the owners of the Octa, how has your experience been after a couple of years? Not so much regarding the hard core off road which I'm sure is exceptional, but also every day utility and dependability.
Also, is the DC/DC converter and soft exhaust manifold bolts an issue with this like the P400?

Thank you.

 

The OCTA is still too new to know how reliability is long-term. I wouldn't expect it to be much different than a standard Defender. Exhaust manifold bolts won't be an issue, as the OCTA uses the BMW S63B44T4 V8 from the M5. So any issues regarding the engine will be different to the other engines, which are all from JLR. This version of the S63 has proven to be fairly reliable. Definitely more reliable than the earlier versions. DC-DC converter is an issue, but it seems to be software-related. The 6D Dynamic suspension will be interesting to see long-term. If it's anything like the ACE/Dynamic Response Pro, it will be an arm and a leg to fix if the lines need to be replaced. It was $8k to replace the corroded ACE lines on my friend's SVR. However, the current lineup JLR has really improved reliability. They are way beyond the days of ****ty Lucas electronics, AJ133 supercharged V8s throwing timing chains, and Td6 engines snapping crankshafts.

 

Great info, thank you.
As I've been looking, there just isn't much else out there with the room and utility that the 110 has.

 

You're welcome! The Defender is an excellent platform. Loads of room inside, decent cargo space, and a comfortable ride all in a car that is one of the most capable off-road. If reliability is of utmost importance to you, I would recommend the P300 I4 (which is what I have and is an excellent powertrain) or the P500/P525 AJ133 supercharged V8. As I mentioned, they're known for timing chain issues in the earlier derivations, but they're very solid. Just do oil changes every 5000-7500 miles and you will get a long life out of it. The P300 and P500/P525 don't have the MHEV system. That being said, The P400 has proven to be very reliable despite the software-driven DC-DC converter failures and the manifold bolts. You really can't go wrong with any engine - they're all pretty darn good.

 

I took delivery of my Edition One end of June 2025.

Did my first oil change at 900 and some miles (my choice) and had an infrequent small squeak in the drivers door interior pull handle addressed. Currently at 8,400 miles and I'm hoping to get another oil change within the next few weeks (I'm 2 plus hours from nearest dealer). No issues otherwise.

I did receive a recall notice on my OCTA last month for a missing label under the hood related battery jumpstarting, I think I'll survive. In 8,400 miles (still early) this has been a flawless vehicle other than the resolved pull handle noise. During the 15 month wait for my OCTA, I has some apprehension in the back of my mind going from a 2024 full size Range Rover to a Defender but within the first 5 minutes on the road after delivery I've never looked back. I love this thing.

 

Thank you for the replies so far.
I live in Northern Virginia, close to DC, the traffic and roads are pretty rough.
I just sold my 2018 Carrera T and 2020 Cayman GT4 for the very reason that early weekend driving was the only option, and I was tired of sitting so low.
I presently have a 2017 4Runner as my DD with only 30,000 so the Octa would fill that void that's missing from sale of the Porsches.
Space is also a big consideration as well. I'm 6'4", so I don't want to make a lateral move or a step back to a different brand of SUV when it comes to space inside and height of vehicle.
Obviously the 4runner seems bullet proof so far, but offers zero excitement or engagment, or the wow facter of turning the key and hearing the engine fire up.