Models · Land Rover
Land Rover Defender L663 buying guide
The new Defender, announced in September 2019 and built in Slovakia, on sale from 2020 as the five-door 110, then the three-door 90 and, from 2022, the eight-seat 130.
The versions
- Diesel: 2.0 four-cylinder D200 and D240 at launch, then from September 2020 the 3.0 six-cylinder Ingenium D200 (197bhp), D250 (245bhp) and D300 (295bhp), all with mild-hybrid assistance
- Petrol: P300 four-cylinder (296bhp), P400 six-cylinder mild hybrid (395bhp) and from 2021 the P525 supercharged V8 (518bhp)
- ZF eight-speed automatic and a two-speed transfer case on all
- 90, 110 and 130 bodies, plus Hard Top commercial versions from mid-2021; the P400e plug-in hybrid isn't covered here
What to check on a L663 Defender
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Air suspension
What to look for: Raise and lower the car through its heights, including access height, and check it sits level and responds promptly. Watch for a Suspension Fault message. On the drive, listen for a clunk from the front over poor roads.
Why it matters: Suspension fault warnings have been reported and are often cured by an over-the-air update, though some cars have needed a new air compressor. A clunk from the front can point to a failing front lower control arm, and front suspension failures were the subject of a 2023 recall.
Gearbox and pull-away
What to look for: On the drive, select drive and reverse several times and check the car doesn't drop back into park. Note any jerkiness when you reapply the throttle from a near stop, and any wind-up feeling when manoeuvring slowly.
Why it matters: Gearbox control module faults, jerkiness and a delay in power returning have been reported. Slow-speed transmission wind-up is usually fixed with a gearbox oil flush and a software update, so ask whether that has been done.
Electrics and the 48v system
What to look for: On a six-cylinder diesel, watch for a starter-generator or battery warning light. Check the touchscreen works without blacking out, test the steering wheel buttons, the speakers and both key fobs, and ask if the software is up to date.
Why it matters: Electrical and electronic faults are common, especially early on and with the infotainment. On mild-hybrid diesels, a starter-generator warning usually goes with the 48v battery not charging. Many issues are solved by software, so a car with its updates done is the better buy.
Also in the full guide
- Recall work
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the L663 Defender
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Land Rover.