Land Rover met with both controversy and praise when it unveiled its first comprehensive redesign in 2019. The all-new Defender was dominating the headlines in the automotive industry at the time, and off-road enthusiasts placed orders as soon as they were available. Now, drivers have spent a couple years of ownership getting to know their Defenders as everyday vehicles. Prominent YouTuber and automotive journalist Doug Demuro is one such owner. Demuro recently shared a video about his Defender: how he used it, what he likes and why the shortage of Land Rover parts convinced him to sell it.
A YouTuber’s everyday driver’s SUV
Doug explains in his video that he ordered his 2020 Defender in 2019 as soon as retail orders were available. After supply chain delays, he received the SUV in November 2020. Since then, he has been using his Pangea Green Defender 110 as a daily driver. Doug describes using the SUV for commuting to video shoots in Southern California and off-roading on the beaches of Nantucket. He also crossed the country between San Diego and Massachusetts six different times.
lists the SUV at 42,900 miles.
Excellent utility, capacity and comfort
Doug’s video outlines the positives of Land Rover Defender ownership. He points out one thing that in his eyes makes the SUV special: an integrated air compressor for off-road tires; a folding seat in the front row; an electronic active rear differential; etc. In Doug’s words, the Defender can drive in circles around his off-road vintage Defender. The only driving complaint Demuro notes is the lack of more advanced driver assistance technology in the Defender.
Demuro also points out that the Defender has treated him well on road trips, both in terms of comfort and reliability. Through nearly 43,000 miles of use, Doug reports zero powertrain problems outside of routine maintenance. However, the same cannot be said for the Defender’s body components.
Parts availability is the Achilles heel of Land Rover Defender Ownership
Even after many successful road trips and initial intentions to get the SUV 100,000 miles, Doug announces in his video that he intends to sell his 2020 Defender 110. The main culprit? Spare parts availability.
Demuro explains that his Defender sustained damage to one of its side doors in a parking accident. While the replacement should have been quick and easy, his bodyshop was unable to source the part. Doug had to wait two months before he could track down a wayward door to a Land Rover shop across the country. Land Rover Corporate doors were not available at all.
Demuro said the experience has given him second thoughts about keeping the defender long-term. He has decided to sell the Defender to Cars & Bids after just 2.5 years of ownership.
Is the Land Rover Defender good to own?
No two Land Rover Defender ownership experiences are the same. Packaging, usage, mileage, climate and other factors will all play a part. However, anecdotes like Doug’s do need to be kept in mind. They showcase real-world experiences beyond a spec sheet or showroom floor. According to Doug Demuro, there’s a lot to love about owning a Land Rover Defender, but parts availability could cloud the experience.
