Service Cost Guide

Land Rover Defender Service Cost South Africa

Independent workshop price
R 2 215 – R 2 851
3 variants 2005 - 2011 petrol
Average Service Cost
R 2 557
R 2 215 R 2 851
By Fuel Type
petrol 3 variants
R 2 215 – R 2 851
By Transmission
manual 3 variants
R 2 215 – R 2 851
Your Savings
~33% saved
Independent R 2 557
Dealer (est.) R 3 831
You save ~R 1 274 per service

Major Service Cost Estimate

A major service for a Land Rover Defender costs approximately R 2 215 – R 2 851 at an independent workshop.

Minimum service cost R 2 215
Maximum service cost R 2 851
SA average (all makes) R 3 200

The Land Rover Defender service cost is approximately 20% below the South African average. This makes it one of the more affordable vehicles to maintain.

Looking for a Land Rover Defender engine?

Compare Land Rover Defender service costs across South Africa, ranging from R2 215 to R2 851. Understanding what a major service costs helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses at the workshop.

Whether you choose an independent mechanic or a Land Rover dealership, keeping your Defender serviced on schedule protects its value and reliability. For engine components and spares, browse replacement Land Rover engines or find Land Rover parts from stripping across South Africa.

Land Rover Defender Service Cost by Variant

Select a variant to see detailed service pricing.

3 of 3 variants

Defender 110 2.5 Td5 County

2005ManualPetrol
FromR 2 215
Up toR 2 662
+20% spread
PartsR 1 165 – R 1 612
Labour1 – 2 hours
Major service

Defender 2.2D S/W

2011ManualPetrol
FromR 2 453
Up toR 2 851
+16% spread
PartsR 1 403 – R 1 801
Labour1 – 2 hours
Major service

Defender 110 60th SW

2008ManualPetrol
FromR 2 480
Up toR 2 680
+8% spread
PartsR 1 430 – R 1 630
Labour1 – 2 hours
Major service

Land Rover Defender Service Intervals

Recommended service schedule based on manufacturer guidelines. Intervals may vary by model year and variant.

15,000 km Minor
  • Oil & filter change
  • Visual inspection
  • Fluid top-up
30,000 km Major
  • Full oil service
  • Air filter
  • Spark plugs (petrol)
  • Brake inspection
45,000 km Minor
  • Oil & filter change
  • Tire rotation
  • Fluid levels
60,000 km Major
  • Full oil service
  • Fuel filter
  • Cabin filter
  • Brake fluid flush
90,000 km Major
  • Full major service
  • Timing belt/chain check
  • Coolant flush
  • Transmission fluid

Parts Cost Breakdown

Estimated parts costs based on independent workshop pricing across all variants.

Part Category Min Cost Max Cost
Oil & Oil Filter R 291 R 360
Air Filter R 116 R 144
Cabin/Pollen Filter R 93 R 108
Fuel Filter R 140 R 180
Spark Plugs (Petrol) R 175 R 270
Brake Pads (Front) R 210 R 396
Brake Discs (Front) R 140 R 342
Total Parts Cost R 1 165 R 1 801

Common Parts Brands

Bosch Castrol Elf FRAM GUD Filters Land Rover NGK S Shell

Land Rover Defender Service Guide

What's included in a major vs minor service for your Land Rover Defender.

Major Service

Every 30,000 km / 24 months
  • Engine oil & oil filter change
  • Air filter replacement
  • Fuel filter replacement
  • Spark plugs (petrol models)
  • Cabin/pollen filter replacement
  • Brake inspection & adjustment
  • Fluid top-up (coolant, brake, steering)
  • Multi-point inspection

Minor Service

Every 15,000 km / 12 months
  • Engine oil & oil filter change
  • Visual belt & hose inspection
  • Fluid level checks
  • Tire rotation recommendation
  • Basic safety inspection

Service Book Stamping: Under South African consumer law, independent workshops can stamp your service book. This does not void your Land Rover warranty provided the correct parts and fluids are used.

Common Land Rover Defender Problems

Known issues to watch for when servicing your Land Rover Defender.

Regular Wear Items

Low Severity

Brake pads and discs wear over time and need periodic replacement. South African driving conditions, including hilly terrain and stop-start city traffic, can accelerate brake wear. Budget for brake replacement every 40,000-60,000 km.

Est. repair: R2,000 - R6,000

Battery Degradation

Low Severity

Car batteries in South Africa typically last 2-4 years due to extreme heat, which accelerates chemical degradation. Have your battery tested at each service and replace preventatively to avoid being stranded.

Est. repair: R1,200 - R3,000

Suspension Component Wear

Medium Severity

South African road conditions, including potholes, speed bumps, and gravel roads, cause faster wear on suspension bushings, shock absorbers, and ball joints. Listen for clunking noises and have the suspension inspected at each service.

Est. repair: R2,000 - R8,000

Air Conditioning Regas

Low Severity

The air conditioning system loses refrigerant over time and should be regassed every 2-3 years for optimal cooling. In SA's hot climate, a fully functional AC system is essential for comfortable driving.

Est. repair: R500 - R1,500
Read more about Land Rover Defender on our blog

Land Rover Engine Specifications

Common engines found in the Land Rover Defender range.

Engine specification data is being updated for Land Rover models.

Looking for a Replacement Engine?

Get free quotes from verified Land Rover engine suppliers across South Africa.

Browse Land Rover Engines

Dealership vs Independent Workshop

Compare service options for your Land Rover Defender.

Dealership Independent Best Value Mobile Service
Price Range R 3 101 - R 4 561 R 2 215 - R 2 851 R 2 436 - R 3 421
Parts Quality OEM (Original) OEM or Quality Aftermarket Varies
Warranty Official manufacturer warranty Workshop warranty on work Limited warranty
Service Book Official stamp Can stamp (legally valid) Rarely stamps
Convenience Drive-in, may need booking Flexible scheduling Comes to you
Diagnostics Brand-specific equipment Universal + brand tools Basic diagnostics

Our recommendation: Independent workshops offer the best value for Land Rover Defender servicing. You get quality parts at lower prices, and South African law protects your right to service at any qualified workshop.

Other Land Rover Service Costs

Compare service costs across the Land Rover range.

Land Rover Discovery 3

Land Rover Discovery 3

R 3 110 - R 4 7423 variants
Land Rover Discovery 4

Land Rover Discovery 4

R 2 810 - R 3 3783 variants
Land Rover Discovery Ii

Land Rover Discovery Ii

R 2 462 - R 4 1253 variants
Land Rover Freelander

Land Rover Freelander

R 2 326 - R 3 6853 variants
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

R 2 468 - R 3 9313 variants
Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

R 2 192 - R 2 6863 variants
View all Land Rover service costs

Related Articles

Articles related to Land Rover Defender maintenance and ownership.

Land Rover 2.7 TDV6 Engine Problems: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Land Rover 2.7 TDV6 engine problems include oil pump housing failures, crankshaft bearing issues, timing belt failures, and block warping. Learn symptoms, repairs, and costs in South Africa.

Read more

Land Rover 300Tdi Engine Problems: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Land Rover 300Tdi engine problems include overheating issues, timing belt failure, big end bearing problems, and turbo failures. Learn symptoms, repairs, and costs in South Africa.

Read more

Land Rover 5.0 V8 Engine Problems: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Land Rover 5.0 V8 engine problems include timing chain guide failures, plastic coolant fitting issues, thermostat housing problems, and supercharger failures. Learn symptoms, repairs, and costs in South Africa.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Land Rover Defender service costs in South Africa.

How much does a Land Rover Defender service cost in South Africa?
A Land Rover Defender major service in South Africa costs between R2 215 and R2 851, with an average cost of approximately R2 557. Prices vary based on the specific variant, year model (2005-2011), and whether you choose an independent workshop or dealership. These prices are based on data from 3 Land Rover Defender variants available in South Africa.
What is included in a Land Rover Defender major service?
A Land Rover Defender major service typically includes engine oil and filter change, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement (diesel models), spark plug replacement (petrol models), brake fluid check and top-up, coolant level check, cabin/pollen filter replacement, transmission fluid inspection, a comprehensive multi-point vehicle inspection, and diagnostic scan. Some variants may include additional items like timing belt inspection or DSG/automatic transmission fluid change.
What is included in a Land Rover Defender minor service?
A minor service for a Land Rover Defender typically includes engine oil and oil filter change, visual inspection of belts and hoses, fluid level checks and top-ups, tyre pressure check and rotation recommendation, and a basic safety inspection. Minor services are usually done at alternating intervals between major services.
How often should I service my Land Rover Defender?
Land Rover recommends servicing the Defender every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in harsh South African conditions such as dusty roads, stop-start traffic, or extreme heat, you may benefit from shorter service intervals of around 10,000 km. Following the recommended service schedule helps maintain your warranty and protects resale value.
Is it cheaper to service a Land Rover Defender at an independent workshop?
Yes, independent workshops typically charge 30% to 50% less than Land Rover dealerships for a Defender service. On a service averaging R2 557, that translates to potential savings of R767 to R1 278. In South Africa, you are legally entitled to service your vehicle at any reputable workshop without voiding your warranty, provided they use approved parts and fluids as per the Consumer Protection Act.
What are the most expensive service items on a Land Rover Defender?
The most expensive service items on a Land Rover Defender typically include timing belt or chain replacement (R5,000 to R15,000), brake pad and disc replacement (R3,000 to R8,000), clutch replacement on manual models (R6,000 to R15,000), and automatic transmission or DSG fluid service (R2,000 to R5,000). These are not required at every service but should be budgeted for as the vehicle accumulates kilometres.
Does servicing my Land Rover Defender at an independent workshop void the warranty?
No. Under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA), you can service your Land Rover Defender at any qualified workshop without voiding the manufacturer warranty, as long as the correct parts and fluids are used and the work is properly documented. The dealer cannot refuse a warranty claim simply because you serviced at an independent workshop. Keep all service records and invoices as proof.
How often should I change the oil on my Land Rover Defender?
Oil changes for a Land Rover Defender should be done at every service interval, typically every 15,000 km or 12 months. Use the manufacturer-specified oil grade and quality synthetic oil to protect the engine. South African driving conditions, particularly frequent short trips, dusty roads, or heavy traffic, can degrade oil faster, so consider checking oil levels regularly between services.
Where can I find a replacement engine for my Land Rover Defender?
If your Land Rover Defender needs an engine replacement rather than a service, Engine Finder connects you with verified suppliers across South Africa. Visit our Land Rover engines page to get free quotes from multiple suppliers and compare prices for both new and used Land Rover Defender engines.

Share This Service Cost Guide

Know someone who owns a Land Rover Defender? Share this pricing guide so they can budget for their next service.

Share on WhatsApp

Need engine work? Get quotes from verified suppliers

WhatsApp Us
Whatsapp Us!

Menu

087 135 2226