Hello Romke,

My Td5 Defender has been to Morocco in 42degC heat and last year Tunisia and Algeria on Chris Scott's tour.
This autumn, I will be driving London-Timbuktu-London with 2 other Td5 Defenders...

As you know, the Td5 is fine in mud, snow, rocks, mountains etc - but what about sand and heat..?

Well, the Td5 had no problems with deep/soft sand dune crossing. Even with ETC fitted, it never actually cut-in, so was not fooled by the wheel spin conditions.

As for heat, it works fine - the temp gauge never moving from the 'warmed-up' needle position that is normal in the UK.

Fuel quality was no problem - but no harm in carrying a spare fuel filter...
If the water in fuel alarm light stays on, it is a 5 minute job to drain the water from the system using the valve with no subsequent priming needed.

Beacuse your vehicle is newer, it is less likely to have problems (!).
General problems such as tyres, cooling, filters, oil seal leaks, suspension, gearbox etc are in the same category as for older LRs - you should be able to fix it some how either by your self or with some help and keep going.
The general concern is with the computer/electronics. Of course no one mentions that all the modern Toyotas etc have the same level of sophistication...
If it is a concern, it may be worth buying a spare set (dealers can do a Sale or Return deal, often charging 15% service), but of course you would have to learn how to change it safely without static problems etc...

Generally, I wouldn't worry about it - the Td5 is a fine machine with probably less problems than any other newish car - it's just that we get to hear about the small amount of bad news more quickly in Land Rover circles.

Good luck,
James

__________________
Best regards,
James Stephenson
Land Rover Defender 130 camper
www.JamesUK.net