[Taking a chance?]

On 2/16/2021 at 11:24 AM, SummersinSteamboat said:

Hey there. We are 168 miles from our dealership. Same for our BMW. With services being every 15k, it’s not a problem. We were concerned but our dealer offers a “valet service” where they bring me a loaner and take my car for service and return when done. BMW does this with no charge, and Rover charges $200. With 320 miles round trip and usually unfavorable driving conditions up and over the Rockies, it is well worth it!

I think the nearest dealership to me would probably do that valet type service.  I'm a bit off the scent at the moment due to various reasons.  Would have been interesting to see how it would have done in the recent snowstorm we've been through.  

[Taking a chance?]

On 1/2/2021 at 9:38 AM, Lightning said:

To the O/P in America 

l might get some stick for this but, 

Have you looked at the LWB Jeep Wrangler? lt's the same sentiment as a Defender and seems reliable enough.

Plus it's a fair bit cheaper. And they look great apart from the huge front bumper, but that can be replaced with a better looking one.

 

Yes.  I've driven both the Wrangler and the Gladiator.  I also owned a Cherokee Trailhawk for several years (fairly capable offroader).  The Wrangler/Gladiator tend to wander down the highway.  You have to correct steering a lot.  I think it's due to the complex steering linkage that allows for big articulation.  It was a deal breaker for me, since most of my driving would be on road.  I do agree they would be reliable.

[Taking a chance?]

Thanks for the comments and advice.  Where I currently live (basically in the center of the US) all domestic and Japanese brands, BMW and Mercedes are within 10-15 miles because its a prosperous area.  I think I will call the nearest Land Rover dealer (the one 100 miles away) and see how they would handle repairs and service.  I've talked to Porsche owners whose dealership is the same distance away and for service the dealer sends a courier over with a loaner car, swaps vehicles and then reverses the swap when the service is complete.

[Taking a chance?]

I'm considering a new Defender.  I've been watching spewtube videos and reading articles on JLR general reliability.  Some ugly stories out there.  My nearest dealer for purchase, service and warranty issues is 100 miles away.  I have wrenched all my life but electronics diagnosis is not my forte.  Given that, if you were in my boots would you buy a new Defender?