dbcar Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Does anyone know whether manufacturing quality (particularly in relation to anti-corrosion treatment) has changed on Defenders over the last few years? For example, would there be any difference between a 2006 TD5 and a 2007 TDCi? Or between a 2002 TD5 and a 2006 TD5? I'm wondering whether there are particular model years to aim for, if looking for a long-term buy. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollie nz Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 I think that after 2005,they decided to save money and not underseal them any more,mine is a 2003,lovely thick seal all over the underneath,and I have noticed that newer models and Pumas,are just painted,very silly indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frax Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 As far as I have been told the newer the worse they are sadly due to the shortage of good grade/ quality steel, most now being imported. The Chinese seem to be buying it all. Frax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyoldgit Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Not sure about the steel but there is less underside wax on later Puma's. LR or dealers agreed to wax a few early Puma's free of charge for owners who complained but AFAIK they no longer do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobson Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 I'll agree with the undersealing, a friend of mine has an 08 puma and the underneath is covered in surface rust already... Haven't noticed anything else different really, but if it's made by Landrover you can bet it'll bend, break or rust sooner rather than later! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyoldgit Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Theoretically I suppose the all steel construction of the later doors ought to corrode less, theoretically, perhaps, possibly, maybe... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Doors are better I think yes, certainly the rear door, but the later Td5s had those anyway. I've heard that the chassis are thinner steel than they were in the pre-Td5 days too, not just in the rear crossmember but throughout. And lower-quality too. I've also been told that the aluminium body panels on the late 80s models were thicker and stronger built than those used from the 90s (Tdi) onwards, but if you're looking at later models anyway then that's not an issue. Personally, if I was to buy a Defender without money being an issue I'd buy a late Td5 and have it waxoyled/undersealed etc. as I don't like a lot of the aspects of the Puma vehicles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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