Hello all. New to this forum and I am looking to gather some research about the general reliability of the New Defender 110 V8 model specifically.

Interested to hear the good and the bad, general ownership costs, typical things to keep an eye on. I have been lusting over this car for a while now and am ready to make the leap but I want to know it is not going to turn into an ownership nightmare.

If there is an existing thread with this detail contained with, please point me to it. I did a quick scan but didn't find anything matching what I am looking for.

 

I have a P525 CE edition on order for a June delivery. From what i understand, the engine is a solid V8 that has been around for a while. LRJ used the same engine in the Fpace and F type. I am interested to learn what others have experience.

 

Only 5K miles on mine so far, just one small QC issue, couldn’t lift one of the rear seat cushions in order to fold the seat flat. Had to loosen the hinge, there is a metal loop bolted to the body that was 1/2” off of alignment. I bent it back with my Harley-Davidson fine tuning hammer.
Otherwise zero issues. Mileage runs from 17-22 mpg depending on how heavy your foot is. Did a couple of 700 mile trips, noticed that the adaptive cruise is smoother since the last software update.
I’ve owned a bunch of SUV’s, (Jeep, Ford, Volvo, Mercedes, Porsche) and this is my favorite.

 

What is the current status regarding the roof rails on a V8. Are dealers allowed by JLR to install them or do we still have to install them ourselves?

 

I have been told no by one dealer and not a problem by a second dealer. I am planning to go to an independent shop for roof rails and side steps. Also may install reverse lights, yellow fog lights, and front LED grill lights.

I would like to know what the roof rail issue is. The roof has the same static load capacity as the P300 & P400, so how does the dynamic load drop to 0 for the V8. Is it a speed or acceleration issue? I have a Panamera Turbo with 550 HP and 0 to 60 in 3.2 sec and Porsche sells a roof rack for it. So it would be good to know more.

 

Guessing they think too many idiots would roll over?

 

I have a 2022 CE and it’s fantastic. No roof rails however my dealer said they would install them if I wanted them but ended up passing on them. I just didn’t want to pay $1600 for a couple of pieces of metal that you can barely see if you don’t use a roof rack, which I don’t need.

As for QC issues, my rear driver side door gets stuck when opening it but the parts are on order. I have another defender that doesn’t have this issue so not sure it’s on all of them.

Maintenance, the first oil change was done at 9k miles and the second at 23k miles both at the dealership. Second one cost just under $900 total.

 

Use the search function. The roof rail issue has been discussed in detail.

 

'23 CE, 17,500 miles and no issues to date.

Jim

 

The engines/drivetrains are pretty stout across the board but like every other British vehicle the electronics and other qc issues are the weakness.