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lightning

Member Since: 23 Apr 2009
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Posts: 3529

Vehicle drives better after dealer visit.

A bit of positive news for a change, my 2022 Defender went in for inverter replacement and it's now back with me.

Since l got the vehicle back, it's definitely nicer to drive, in the fact that the transmission is smoother. lt was good before, but l had the occasional issue when you were slowing down, and the transmission went into neutral (l think) then there was a "thud" as it engaged when you gave it some gas.
And also it's better in slow moving traffic, l used to put it in "2" to make it smoother but now there is no need.

I am guessing some software updates were applied. l contacted the dealer but of course the person that l spoke to in service had no idea exactly what was done, except that "any applicable software updates will have been applied to the vehicle"

So it's definitely worth an occasional trip to the dealer. Mine was serviced last year by an independent Land Rover specialist, they have all the LR diagnostics etc but l don't know if they would automatically apply any updates.

24th Oct 2025 2:04pm

DSC-off

Member Since: 16 Oct 2014
Location: North East
Posts: 1500

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Aintree Green

Or it could be the fact you've been driving an old Defender while the new one was broken and it now seems super smooth in comparison ?

24th Oct 2025 6:18pm

lightning

Member Since: 23 Apr 2009
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Posts: 3529

Well, l have to say it's a possibility!!

It does make you realise how refined vehicles are now. The old Defender is a proper old school analogue driving experience, you have to be careful with the clutch and gas pedal to achieve smooth gear changes.

Not too fast, not too slow, foot off the clutch before giving it gas, very careful with the right foot at low speed to avoid "kangarooing" etc.
Turning circle of a bus, forget three point turns in narrow streets altogether. And watch that rear and when reversing because there's no beeper or camera.
Everything a bit obstructive for the first mile on a cold morning. Engine sounds like a bag of spanners until warm.

Heater all or nothing. Windscreen wipers sound like someone is drilling a hole in a wall.
No MPG readout, or any readout....tbh you don't want to know.
Temperature gauge has three positions "cold" "normal" and "too late"
Radio is okay until you turn on the aftermarket LED headlights then FM is obliterated.
Water

es on to your knee when it rains (fixed this, prior ownership a benefit)

Turns driving back into an art form.

The old Defender has a great presence on the road. Other drivers seem to let you in/out and rarely tailgate.
Every customer loves the vehicle and l have to say, l do as well.

Click image to enlarge

Last edited by lightning on 24th Oct 2025 11:21pm. Edited 1 time in total

24th Oct 2025 6:33pm

DSC-off

Member Since: 16 Oct 2014
Location: North East
Posts: 1500

Following with interest to see how you get on long-term with both vehicles.

I was in a similar situation 2 years ago with an old Defender and a modern sports car. Thought, run them both for a year then decide which to keep. Still have both and don't want to part with either.

24th Oct 2025 9:12pm

lightning

Member Since: 23 Apr 2009
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Posts: 3529

Having driven the old Defender for three weeks now, and occasionally back in the new one, l am still torn between the two.

lt's going to be a difficult decision. The new one is a superb vehicle and is a great work vehicle. The engine is fabulous with so much power and torque and it's great to drive.

However the old one has the heritage and it's much more of an event to drive, it turns every journey into an adventure.

l have also found that l still enjoy working on the old Defender.

24th Oct 2025 11:29pm

Gareth

Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Woodford
Posts: 1142

I completely agree with you. I have the engaging experience of driving a 1966 Series 2a long wheel base, and my 2021 D300 110! Absolutely chalk and cheese, but both give me enormous pleasure. 2021 Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE D300 MHEV
1966 S2a 109 aka Betsy

25th Oct 2025 7:51am

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