Before you buy a Land Rover Defender in Uganda

by Edwin

The Land Rover Defender (initially called the Land Rover Ninety and Land Rover One Ten) is a British four-wheel-drive off-road utility vehicle developed from the original Land Rover Series launched in June 1948. In October 2013 Land Rover announced that production would end in December 2015 after a continuous run of 67 years. Production finally ended on 29 January 2016 when the last Defender, H166 HUE, rolled off the production line at 9:22. Jaguar Land Rover announced their intention to launch a replacement "new Defender", which motoring journalists speculate will be "quite different" from the original version.

Before you buy a Land Rover Defender in Uganda

After a run of more than 60 years, the Land Rover Defender finally stopped production on 29 January 2016. It marked the end of a true British motoring legend, and only the original Mini can challenge the Defender’s place in the hearts of the British population. However, it’s fair to say that the Mini could never compete with the Defender’s versatility, off-road ability, and rugged appeal.

Its also important to note that Land Rover Defender is an expensive SUV especially in running costs.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Defender or car spare parts in Uganda

Buying a foreign used Land Rover Defender from a local Ugandan car bond

You can use a number buy a Land Rover Defender in Uganda today and one of the simple ways is through a local car bond. Here, everything has been done by your car bond dealer like shipping, clearing the taxes, the cost, insurance and freight. All you have to do is simply pay for the car from the car bond and drive home. However, you can also find that some Land Rover Defender have only been cleared the CIF fees only.

This would mean that if you want a Land Rover Defender then you will have to clear the rest of the taxes. Alternatively, you can buy a Land Rover Defender from a local car bond in Uganda with all the due tax charges and fees paid. All you have to do is to pay the whole price of the car and then the car is transferred to you as the new owner. You can find the Cost, Insurance and Freight of a Land Rover Defender (that is from abroad to Kampala) to be around $ 6,000 or even above as stated by the car bond dealers. The total sum of the CIF can change due to year of manufacture, condition of the car, mileage and the dealer you choose to buy your Land Rover Defender from.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Defender or car spare parts in Uganda

Importing a foreign Used Land Rover Defender from Japan or other parts of the world

In case if you prefer to import you own Land Rover Defender from say Japan or from Europe, things change a bit. First it would require you to find a trusted dealer or seller in that regard, determine your specific car features and requirements, expected budget you plan to spend on buying the car and well calculated taxes to be paid to the tax authorities in order to clear Land Rover Defender.

The taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees basing on the CIF of the Subaru Outback from Japan.

On arrival to Kampala, Uganda, you will have to clear the taxes at The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), apply and pay for a number plate and then the third party license. You will also notice the some of these charges or fees differ from other vehicles.

Some of the taxes charged by the Uganda Revenue Authority for motor vehicles include Import Duty, Value added (VAT), Withholding Tax, Environmental Levy, Infrastructure Levy, and Registration Fees.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Defender or car spare parts in Uganda

General Land Rover Defender reviews for Uganda

The Land Rover Defender is a car that has evolved over its lifetime, although it sticks closely to the formula of the 1940s original and is thoroughly utilitarian when compared to even the most basic versions of the current Land Rover line-up.

That old-school philosophy means it's pretty archaic inside and is noisy and uncomfortable to drive, but if you're thinking of buying a Defender, you'll probably be happy to overlook its shortcomings and revel in its sheer character.

With that said, let’s look at the interior, design and technology. Unlike many modern off-roaders, the Land Rover Defender is a no-nonsense looking thing with its boxy shape, sturdy silhouette and wide panel gaps adding to its character.

The two-door, short-wheelbase 90 model is less practical than the four-door, long-wheelbase 110, but the smaller Defender is certainly the better looking of the two.

Step inside the Land Rover Defender, and 'utilitarian' is a polite term to describe its interior. The driving position is cramped - only the seats are adjustable - and you keep bashing your elbow against the driver's door when steering. In terms of interior space and layout, even the Jeep Wrangler is better.

Thankfully, the dash is simple to use, but that's because there's not much on it. It's all scratchy, hard black plastic, so don't expect any luxuries, but it is durable.

Land Rover gives most Defenders electric windows, a CD player and remote central locking. Alloy wheels, extra speakers and sat-nav are also available as options, but if you came here for class and luxury, you're in the wrong place.

Click here to buy or hire a Land Rover Defender or car spare parts in Uganda

Land Rover Defender competitors in Uganda

We the Toyota Land Cruiser 90 series and Jeep Wrangler as the main competitors.

Our verdict

The Land Rover Defender is a hugely capable off-road, but its dated design means it is trailing far behind modern 4x4s on the road but who cares along as you can go wherever you want and still come back in one piece!

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