I started with a third hand 1993 Range Rover Classic LWB, moved to a new 2004 LR3, then a new 2016 LR4, and now just purchased a 2025 130 X-Dynamic 400.

Thoughts...

Did not get the "perfect" D130 due to concerns about possible tariffs, but after a few days have fallen in love with my imperfect model. I can always change my 22" tires out in the future when the black metal is rubbed raw.

When I first got a Land Rover I was told it would be $2000 a year for repairs out of warranty... that is about what I have averaged, so I bought a four year extended warranty for $6k. Too bad it does not cover headlights.

My D130 made a strange alarm sound for a while as a drove around, not sure what it was but I fooled around with things in the menu and it seems to have gone away.

The forward collision system turns off intermittently, not sure why?

I just ordered a CTEK MKS 5.0... seems to be the right one? I may install a $150 magnetic connector so that when I back out of the garage with the thing hooked up (guaranteed to do unless I leave the hood up) it will just pop off if mounted at the front grill. I'm not sure CTEK is 100% necessary, but am planning on GAP IId so sounds like I should have one if using that to avoid bricking my truck.

I need a roof rack and ladder but don't want too much road noise... thinking of Voyager Roof Rack and rear access ladder.

Before I started looking seriously, the photos of the new Defender made it look smaller too me, maybe the way the top narrows gives this illusion. Now that I park it next to my LR4 I realize the LR4 looks small. Did not really like the extended look of the 130 compared to the 110 (I need real third row seats though), but now it reminds me of the 1993 RR LWB and have grown to love the extended look.

I would like side steps, don't really do rock crawling. I know the Proud Rhino Rock Sliders will make great side steps... but are the $300 side steps good enough?

Overall, I am thrilled with the new truck. Even more so, thrilled with all the tidbits I have found on here to help me make educated choices. Thanks to everyone!

 

I'd get the OEM Expedition Rack. It is very quiet and designed & engineered during the development of the L663. I don't have the need for a roof rack, but if I did, I'd only consider the OEM Expedition Rack.

 

Thanks for the advice! Wasn't sure about the OEM ladder, thought it may be noisy on the side.

 

congrats on your new 130 ... I too was apprehensive on the extended look but I needed the real third row and got it. I'm so happy with my purchase and in fact love the extended look as well. For some reason when I see the 110s out there, they just seem small lol. I haven't done any mods yet but plan to add side steps at some points. I do want to get the front windows tinted as well

 

I got a second hand Tropy Edition, so it came with the ladder and roof rack. If the X I ordered during COVID actually showed up with what I ordered, I'd go with Frontrunner or Expidition One or something else, that is more slim lined and has lighting cuts integrated. And a rear PR/Lucky8 rear ladder. The ladder just blocks the side view and not great build quality. Just my 2 cents.

 

The ladder and storage box aren't super noisy, but as stated above, they do take up a lot of space and obstruct your mirrors - especially the storage box. If the Defender had slightly wider mirrors, this wouldn't be as much of a problem.

 

With regards to the OEM ladder - Its fine if you're not using it every day to go up and down. The first step is quite a height - even for my 6'6" frame legs. It supported my heft when I was using it to secure bits to the roof but I understand that the hinge area is made from softer metals that can fail over time.

I think the OEM rack is rather noisy. Especially at highway speeds. If you open the sunroof and don't have a window open as well, it will create a thumping pressure buildup in the cabin that makes my ears physically hurt. Others have put a fairing on the front of the rack to make it better - I actually bought one but then my wife wouldn't let me put it on because "it makes it look like a Nissan Xterra". Yes I was rather proud of her at that moment for knowing what an Xterra was :P