Protection is the Air compressor and rock sliders (opps forgot about that upgrade.) APT is the best in my opinion. The transmission and engine already have solid bash plates on my unit. I think LR must have listened and supplied them on later models. I have seen APT stuff in the flesh, and think mine is just as good. I got 5 rims and they set me back $2500. delivered to my door. Tyres were $300 each from Huntsman. Got discount with tyres for other car as well and no disposal cost as I kept the 19" graphite rims. I certainly do not get 9.2ltrs around town. On trips to Geelong I can get high 8's. These are real figures as the LR computer is rather optomistic! I looked at the Tuff Ant rims, and I just dont like them, They look cheapo and not in line with the car overall. I agree the cost is high for compomotive but the antratic colour matches my car and they look like OEM. I guess when you spend $90K+ on a car whats another $4K. Plus I want my car to look as close to OEM but with the gear and protection to take it places with confidence of not doing damage. I did the GOE day in the Yarra Glen area. You certainly wont do damage. They are VERY tame. When i did it, other than the lead car a defender, all were sport variants, and all with original rubber. It rained and the first mud incline they couldn't get up. I asked if I could and we went up with the defender, turned around and came down. What was the main benefit is that I learned a lot about the 4WD gadgetry and the gearbox selection. Ie using sports mode in 4wd changes a lot of the traction control telemtry. Really opened my eyes. Luckily I took a note pad and wrote it all down. The day is well organized and they certainly know their models and the differences on 4wd applications for each model.
