Land Rover Defender SUV (1983-2016): owner reviews

"The Land Rover Defender is the ultimate off-roader. What it lacks in new-car comfort and convenience, it makes up for with excellent off-road ability and more character than any modern SUV."

Carbuyer Rating

2.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

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Reviews

Owner Reviews

  • 5 out of 5
  • 4 out of 5
  • 3 out of 5
  • 2 out of 5
  • 1 out of 5
thumbs up90%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

  • Suspension (1 case)
  • Electrics (8 cases)
  • Engine (7 cases)
  • Brakes, Electrics, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension, Other (1 case)
  • Other (11 cases)
  • Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension (1 case)
  • Electrics, Engine (2 cases)
  • Brakes (1 case)
  • Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension, Other (1 case)
  • Gearbox / clutch (2 cases)
  • Gearbox / clutch, Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 100

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

CSW V8 110

Year

1987

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

15
Tell us what you think about your car?
It's a vehicle that will do virtually anything you throw at it, green laning, going to the dump, occasional snowy day commuting, transporting 9 people to a party, sunday morning drives, and most importantly it was my wedding car! It has cost me £500 quid as I couldn't do the work myself, not bad for virtually every expendable part changed including bearings, that's the first time in 7 years! Yes they have their moments, but if you look after it (I get under mine twice a year and clean and waxy oil), don't let things get worse if they need fixing, and don't be afraid to do it yourself, suspension brakes oil and fluid changes are simple, it will last forever. Mine's 27-years old and still going strong, 85,000 miles on a V8 which has never had the rocker covers off. Buy one, you will want to sell it if you do, unless it's to buy anther one.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1995

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

18
Tell us what you think about your car?
It's reliable
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1990

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
For a car of its age its doing well, dont see many other cars around from that year
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1993

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Usual issues with a 20 year old car, have had a few bits break or wear out
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2002

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2004

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

26
Tell us what you think about your car?
No Problems
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1992

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

26
Tell us what you think about your car?
Starts every time in all weathers and has never let me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1988

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

23.7
Tell us what you think about your car?
Starts everytime, never had a problem and it will literally go anywhere.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

2 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2002

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
Reliably unreliable
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

2 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1986

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
1462455472
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

34
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems, except one electrical fault sorted under warranty
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2000

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Very good
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
Two faults since new. Engine management problem and leaking roof
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Never missed a beat. Only needed servicing so far in 2 years of ownership
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1994

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
It's an old land rover!!! What could go wrong.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
perfect
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

1996

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
quite happy considering the age of the land rover
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

26
Tell us what you think about your car?
The only issues I have had so far is a wiper motor failure and a coolant hose which rubbed through on a clip.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

39
Tell us what you think about your car?
never had a problem
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2003

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Clutch slave cylinder failed.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
Its a land rover!!!! Reliability is its middle name!!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

29
Tell us what you think about your car?
never had a problem.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30.5
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems in 4.5 years
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1989

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

29
Tell us what you think about your car?
only minor stuff goes wrong, but it s regular!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

29
Tell us what you think about your car?
A few minor niggles but it has never let me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Never had any issues, never let me down.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Standard Crew Cab, Above 3.0-litre, Petrol, Manual

Year

1997

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
It even develops faults while sitting in garage >power steering bottom Seal leakes , 4th power steering bo , now replaced with bmw box. Brakes poor , soft pedal , now replaced original with rear disc and 90 servo and master cylinder.2 alternators , 3 starter motors ,speedometer lights poor , door locks and doors jam , cab Leaks in rain . Replaced glass fuses with blade type 3rd gear box And two differentials in transfer box . But its landrover and we love It it main use is for expeditions . Going to texas rover club Rally april 2011, has been to sahara , sweden , berlin landrover Club rallies. with www,vsar.org.uk cadets. So although might Have tough life , it only does about 5000 miles a year. .
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2001

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
My defender is the best all round car ever, all the mechanical breakdowns have been caused by serious off road use, i think that if this car was used as a chelsea tractor it would never have broken down, it still has the origional battery.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

SE, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
A defender does what it says on the tin.....The Best 4x4 by far. For that it cannot be faulted and that's why we buy them, that's why i buy them. Solihull's finest.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

County, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2002

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

none, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Best car for my needs ever. & yes i do use it for off road only. My other car is also a 4x4 but i use that when my landrover is broke,
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

old, Above 3.0-litre, Petrol, Manual

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Gr8
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

County, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2003

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Tdi, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
She's my baby.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

County, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2003

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Love it
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

basic, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great big lump that does every thing i want and more and i love it!!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

se, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2005

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Perfect for its use
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

county, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
My car is a lifestyle choice that fulfills my motoring needs as well as supporting my hobby of off road racing and trialling
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

G4 CHALLENGE, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2005

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
It goes where i want it to go
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

Basic, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
It does whatever i need it to do. Whether that is a trip to the supermarket, a trip to the dump or 200 miles in snow. It doesn't need a lot of pampering. Parts are relatively cheap and easily available and it doesn't need some guy with a computer charging £75 per hour to tell me what is wrong.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

XS, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
The perfect car for all my needs. Snow and ice have been no problems to me
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

t/d, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

XS, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
It does what i wanted from it- i have other cars which perform different functions
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

90 County SW

Year

2002

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

29
Tell us what you think about your car?
Superb machine - may not be the most comfortable on a long journey from the Lake District to the Alps but that's not what it is designed for. Local Land Rover dealerships are superb. Excellent in winter (including deep snow), and residuals are very good.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2001

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Never let's me down
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2000

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

27
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
There is always something going wrong but only minor and that can be repaired easily. Has never let us down.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

25
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
It is pretty reliable, but as a 15year old land rover I expect a fair amount of wear and tear.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1989

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Just keeps going Easy to repair
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2003

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

25
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
It's a Land Rover.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have only had the car 4 months it has not broken down at all
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2003

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
For all the abuse it gets, its tremendously reliable. Only one issue that actually stopped it in past 3yrs. As its getting on for 10yrs old now thats pretty good in my book
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

1994

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

30
Tell us what you think about your car?
only ever let me down with battery and alternator
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2005

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

34
Tell us what you think about your car?
Very reliable and robust considering the varied road and track conditions that I regulary drive
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel

Year

2005

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

26
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems so far.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2009

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Only had flat battery
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2007

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

28
Tell us what you think about your car?
Just small niggles. Nothing major goes wrong but manufacture quality is rough and the vehicle is very basic and prone to the off leak and badly fitted door.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2006

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
Good reliable Vehicle no major problems
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

25
Tell us what you think about your car?
no problems
Would you recommend the car to a friend?