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Land Rover Defender
Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 12:29 pm
by Rossco
Looks like Land Rover have decided that supporting the Defender is no longer as profitable as selling Chelsea Tractors.
My Defender has been sat at the local LR dealer for 3 weeks without a clutch. Apparently there isn't a clutch in the country. JLR can't say when they will have one and none of the dealers have one in stock either.
I can only assume that despite there being thousands of these on the road JLR has more profitable use for the storage space than keeping Defender clutches.
.....and before anyone questions why I wouldn't do the job myself the vehicle is on contract hire.
Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 2:45 pm
by DaveEFI
I'd be surprised if LR make the clutch themselves. And if there was only one supplier of them.
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:51 am
by Rossco
Hi Dave
Even more annoying is that it's a Ford engine and gearbox out of the Transit but will JLR authorise the use of a Ford kit......nope!
Hey ho, off now to make my daily call to the dealer so I can listen to the latest excuses.
Seriously between the issues with my F Type and the Defender clutch JLR are pushing my brand loyalty to breaking point.
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 11:52 am
by DaveEFI
Have you tried phoning a dealer well outside your area to see if they have one in stock?
Basically, experience tells me a dealer will make up any story that suits them.
Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 8:31 pm
by Rossco
I'll try that Dave, current experience with both sides of JLR tells me they would tell me anything.
Fortunately the lease company (Arval) have now waded in as they are facing a compensation claim from me for what looks like a minimum of 4 weeks without the vehicle.
Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 1:08 am
by garrycol
Why not put an aftermarket clutch in - most are better than OEM anyway.
Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:53 am
by DaveEFI
garrycol wrote:Why not put an aftermarket clutch in - most are better than OEM anyway.
I doubt LR make their own clutches anyway. And may have more than one supplier. So you might get an identical item in a different box.
But Rossco said it's a lease vehicle, so doesn't own it. The lease company will be the one who decides if a non genuine part can be used, and LR, if it is still under warranty.
Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 12:04 pm
by Rossco
Exactly, if it was my vehicle I'd have it in the workshop today and bung an uprated aftermarket clutch into it.