Daskoff

Yeah, that's what I thought. Now will have to wait for a bit until the newness wears off to get them cheaper. I've seen a few on the used market but still a bit steep. I have a '07 Touareg 2.5 TDI for my daily driver so I am looking for something I can take off road and not worry about scratching (plus all the goddies I can add on).... Not much choice in Moscow for Defenders. Only about 35 for sale. A few '07s and the rest Td5s. Adrian

Correct, and the new puma (in Russia) is also going for about 40K usd. Which is why I also think the 300tdi is a little steep. If one had to choose between the puma and the 300tdi FOR the same price - 40k usd. which one?? Adrian

Pardon my ignorance but what is ROW spec? And are 300tdi still made new? From lurking on this site(300tdi, vs. td5 vs puma debate), and if they truly are 300tdi, sounds like this is the "perfect" defender to get, i.e. few electronics, etc...

pls see link: http://cars.auto.ru/cars/used/sale/1282730.html These are being sold in Moscow for 40K USD and it states that it is a 2007 model year with a 3.0 liter TD (2.4 engine only one available?). The hood is not from an '07 but that could be because of the spare tire holder. So would the puma engine fit in without the buldge? Also the interior does not look like it is from the new model. Maybe these were to be sold in some other country but were purchased here as a lot. This often happens in Russia. Other than paying lots of duties and taxes on cars, it is fairly easy to bring cars in from pretty much anywere. Anyone with any ideas? Adrian

You bought it sight unseen or do the dealers had a model for a test drive? I was told that they won't have any in stock until end of June...which is like now. Which dealer did you use? I live at Frunzenskaya Nab. and walk 15 min to the metro. It's ok now but the past winter it really sucked. Plus i got a parking spot at the office so it kind of forces me to buy a car.

Sounds like the device I need here. Do dealers install these, sort of like an option? Or is it something I have to find a local shop which I don't look forward too because I don't speak Russian, but the dealer does.

I'll have to ask the dealer about the winterpak. I figure they have to do something extra for the Defenders coming to Russia. Otherwise you'd have alot of PO Defender owners in the winter. What's a Webasto? Is it some sort of an electric heater to be used until the engine is warmed up? I also saw the "you-tube" cold weather test and filmed from the inside (when driving) it sounded real loud, but then I thought that is was loud because they had the heater on high blast. 2 more weeks before they arrive. Could hardly wait...

Well maybe the engine being from a Ford transit van, I'm thinking that it must be sorted out nicely since Ford probably makes a ton of them and are used throughout the world.

I guess this is a reason I might have to opt for the fully loaded model with the arse warmers.... Do you have any issues with driving such a short distance?

Well considering that during this past winter each morning I walked 15 minutes to the metro and 10 minutes on the other end in the freaking dead of winter, I’ve got lots of heavy Russian coats which makes me look like a wooly mammoth. So I guess if it doesn’t get scorching hot in the truck, I won’t freeze to death. However, being a diesel, is it bad for the engine to drive it for so short of a distance? I know for gas engines, if the engine does not warm up sufficiently, the oil gets contaminated quickly from all the unburnt fuel. I am sure it is probably the same for the diesel. Any other worries. As it will have to be parked exclusively on the street (Moscow is very congested, no garages, etc.), I will not have access to an electrical outlet. So, no engine heater. But, in summer I think it will be great here because of the high temperatures and lots of idling if one drives in the city. The country side is another story, talk about the pristine areas for offroading. Actually, that is why I am interested in the Defender…lots and lots of offroading.

Thanks for the comments. I wonder if anything special are done to the ones coming to Russia i.e. "special cold weather package" or something. Does it really take 20 minutes for the engine to get warm? My commute is about 15 min in the morning.... Sorry for the dumb diesel questions but coming from the US, I never had a chance to own a diesel. Especially a Defender, BUT maybe Moscow is not a best place to buy (no wonder they are so cheap here) one..... Adrian

I currently live in Moscow and am seriously considering the '07 Defender. I've read that the heater had been upgraded, but how is the Defender in really cold weather. I mean it typically gets to -30 C here in winter. Is it well insulated from a climate perspective or is the heater that strong to overcome the harsh winters? Or should I just wear more clothes?? The trucks will come on the Moscow market by the end of this month and I will definately take a closer look. Any comments would be highly appreciated. Adrian

Since I'm in Moscow I do not get 5th Gear. Anyone care to summarize?? The Defenders will be available in Moscow at the end of June. Will have to go take a look. BTW, the prices are ridiculously low compared to you guys in the UK. What gives? Are the trucks different or are you guys subsidizing the Russian market?? Anyway the range is $32K USD for a entry level 90 to $39K USD for a fully loaded 110 and these are out the door prices (VAT, reg., etc.)! Thats like 20K Sterling for a fully loaded 110. Amazing, but I digress. So if anyone can comment on the show..... Regards, Adrian