Sri Lanka's Emerging Automobile Community for Land Rover Defender
Recent posts
Recent posts
#41
English Discussions / Re: Can a Defender be a daily ...
Last post by Defender_Boy - Jul 21, 2025, 09:14 PMYes, a Defender can be a daily driver, but with trade-offs. If you're using a TDCi Puma or well-maintained 300Tdi with A/C, it's manageable. Fuel-wise, expect around 6–8 kmpl. Comfort is basic—bumpy ride, loud cabin—but it's solid, reliable, and cool for Lankan roads. Try adding sound insulation and better seats if going daily.
#42
English Discussions / Can a Defender be a daily driv...
Last post by David-Silva90 - Jul 21, 2025, 09:12 PMI've always dreamt of owning a Defender, but I drive daily from Negombo to Colombo. Is it realistic to use one every day, or is it too heavy on fuel and comfort?
#43
DIY Maintenance & Repair Tutorials / Re: Strange rattling noise fro...
Last post by David_Christopher - Jul 19, 2025, 01:31 PMBro I had exact same issue with my 2010 Defender! Drove me absolutely mental for months. Turned out to be loose exhaust heat shield near front differential. Really difficult to spot because it only rattles on certain road surfaces.
Check all exhaust mounting points and heat shields carefully. Also examine brake disc shields - they can work loose and cause rattling. Another common cause is loose spare wheel or jack rattling in storage compartment.
For proper diagnosis, get it checked at workshop with proper lift. LR Motors in Malabe are good at finding these mysterious noises. Sometimes it's something simple like loose bolt that's impossible to find without proper inspection.
Check all exhaust mounting points and heat shields carefully. Also examine brake disc shields - they can work loose and cause rattling. Another common cause is loose spare wheel or jack rattling in storage compartment.
For proper diagnosis, get it checked at workshop with proper lift. LR Motors in Malabe are good at finding these mysterious noises. Sometimes it's something simple like loose bolt that's impossible to find without proper inspection.
#44
DIY Maintenance & Repair Tutorials / Strange rattling noise from fr...
Last post by NuwanJayasinghe - Jul 19, 2025, 01:28 PMMachang got this annoying rattling noise from front end of my 2009 Defender 90. Happens mainly when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. Sounds like something loose but can't locate exact source.
Mechanic checked suspension components and said everything looks okay. Ball joints, bushes, shock absorbers all seem fine. But noise is definitely getting worse and really irritating during daily driving.
Anyone faced similar issue? Could it be exhaust related or maybe heat shields? Really want to find and fix this before it becomes major problem. Driving through Colombo traffic with rattling noise is not pleasant experience!
Mechanic checked suspension components and said everything looks okay. Ball joints, bushes, shock absorbers all seem fine. But noise is definitely getting worse and really irritating during daily driving.
Anyone faced similar issue? Could it be exhaust related or maybe heat shields? Really want to find and fix this before it becomes major problem. Driving through Colombo traffic with rattling noise is not pleasant experience!
#45
Coffee Lounge / Re: Defender values going craz...
Last post by NuwanJayasinghe - Jul 19, 2025, 01:24 PMMachan it's global phenomenon! Classic Defender production stopped in 2016 and new Defender is completely different vehicle. People realizing these classic ones are becoming collectible items.
In UK and Europe, prices doubled in past 3 years. Sri Lankan market following same trend but with additional import restrictions making it worse. Good condition low mileage examples will probably hold value well.
I sold my 2007 Defender 90 last month for 8.2 million - bought it for 5.8 million just 2 years ago. Crazy appreciation! But also means harder to find replacement. If you're using it regularly and happy with it, I'd keep it. These are becoming rare and special vehicles.
In UK and Europe, prices doubled in past 3 years. Sri Lankan market following same trend but with additional import restrictions making it worse. Good condition low mileage examples will probably hold value well.
I sold my 2007 Defender 90 last month for 8.2 million - bought it for 5.8 million just 2 years ago. Crazy appreciation! But also means harder to find replacement. If you're using it regularly and happy with it, I'd keep it. These are becoming rare and special vehicles.
#46
Electrical, Lighting & Electronics / Re: LED light bar installation...
Last post by NuwanJayasinghe - Jul 19, 2025, 01:23 PMMachan technically auxiliary lights are okay as long as they meet certain requirements. Main thing is proper mounting, correct wiring with relay and fuse, and should be used only off-road or in emergency situations.
For vehicle inspection, usually no issues if installation looks professional. I have 42-inch LED bar on my Defender roof rack for past 2 years - never had problems with police or inspection.
For quality bars, check with Green Oval Automotives or Land Rover Parts Hub Lanka. They have good selection of genuine branded bars. Chinese ones work but don't last long in our climate. Better to invest in quality bar once rather than replacing cheap ones repeatedly.
For vehicle inspection, usually no issues if installation looks professional. I have 42-inch LED bar on my Defender roof rack for past 2 years - never had problems with police or inspection.
For quality bars, check with Green Oval Automotives or Land Rover Parts Hub Lanka. They have good selection of genuine branded bars. Chinese ones work but don't last long in our climate. Better to invest in quality bar once rather than replacing cheap ones repeatedly.
#47
Electrical, Lighting & Electronics / LED light bar installation - l...
Last post by David_Christopher - Jul 19, 2025, 01:22 PMMachang want to install LED light bar on my Defender for night driving in plantation areas. But heard there might be legal issues with additional lights. Anyone here know current regulations about auxiliary lighting?
Seen many Defenders with light bars but worried about getting stopped by police or failing vehicle inspection. Planning to install on roof rack with proper switch inside cabin. Want to make sure everything is legal and proper.
Also looking for good quality LED bars available locally. Seen some Chinese ones on ikman for cheap but quality looks questionable. Any recommendations for reliable suppliers in Colombo area?
Seen many Defenders with light bars but worried about getting stopped by police or failing vehicle inspection. Planning to install on roof rack with proper switch inside cabin. Want to make sure everything is legal and proper.
Also looking for good quality LED bars available locally. Seen some Chinese ones on ikman for cheap but quality looks questionable. Any recommendations for reliable suppliers in Colombo area?
#48
Coffee Lounge / Defender values going crazy - ...
Last post by David_Christopher - Jul 19, 2025, 01:21 PMMachang been tracking Defender prices for past year and they're going absolutely mad! Same 2008 Defender 110 that was selling for 6.5 million last year now asking 8+ million. Even older models with high mileage commanding premium prices.
Is this just Sri Lankan market thing or happening globally? Heard production stopped for classic Defenders so maybe that's driving up demand? But seems unsustainable for regular people wanting to buy these vehicles.
Anyone here sold recently? Getting good offers for your vehicle? Thinking about whether to sell mine while market is high or keep it for long term. But these prices make me wonder if bubble will burst soon.
Is this just Sri Lankan market thing or happening globally? Heard production stopped for classic Defenders so maybe that's driving up demand? But seems unsustainable for regular people wanting to buy these vehicles.
Anyone here sold recently? Getting good offers for your vehicle? Thinking about whether to sell mine while market is high or keep it for long term. But these prices make me wonder if bubble will burst soon.
#49
Defenders for Sale (Sri Lanka) / Re: looking to buy first Defen...
Last post by David_Christopher - Jul 19, 2025, 01:19 PMBro I've owned both! Currently have 2011 Defender 110 but previously had 2009 Defender 90 for 3 years. For family of 4, definitely go for 110 - you'll appreciate extra space especially on long trips.
Parking in Colombo is manageable once you get used to it. Yes it's longer but not too bad. Fuel consumption difference is minimal - maybe 0.5-1 kmpl higher for 110. But comfort and practicality much better for family use.
110 also has better ride quality on highways and more stable in crosswinds. For your use case, extra 600k for 110 is worth it. Just make sure to check rear door seals properly - they tend to leak in 110 models if not maintained well.
Parking in Colombo is manageable once you get used to it. Yes it's longer but not too bad. Fuel consumption difference is minimal - maybe 0.5-1 kmpl higher for 110. But comfort and practicality much better for family use.
110 also has better ride quality on highways and more stable in crosswinds. For your use case, extra 600k for 110 is worth it. Just make sure to check rear door seals properly - they tend to leak in 110 models if not maintained well.
#50
Defenders for Sale (Sri Lanka) / looking to buy first Defender ...
Last post by NuwanJayasinghe - Jul 19, 2025, 01:16 PMMachang looking to buy first Defender and confused between 90 and 110 models. Found two similar condition vehicles - 2010 Defender 90 TD4 for 7.2 million and 2010 Defender 110 TD4 for 7.8 million. Both have similar mileage around 150k.
Main use will be family trips and occasional off-road adventures. Family of 4 with two kids. Wife prefers 90 for easier parking and city driving. I prefer 110 for extra space and better stability on highways.
Anyone here owned both models? What's your experience with practical daily use? Is 110 significantly harder to park in Colombo area? How much difference in fuel consumption?
Main use will be family trips and occasional off-road adventures. Family of 4 with two kids. Wife prefers 90 for easier parking and city driving. I prefer 110 for extra space and better stability on highways.
Anyone here owned both models? What's your experience with practical daily use? Is 110 significantly harder to park in Colombo area? How much difference in fuel consumption?