Advice on buying an old defender

I was wondering whether you could all help me? We are looking to buy a Land Rover defender and with our budget we are looking at one which is between 10 and 20 years old and has upwards of 80,000 miles on the clock. I’ve narrowed it down to about two or three vehicles all of which have valid MOTs.


All three of them have got some advisories on the MOT. All three of them not had any work done to the chassis and all three have the original engines. Are there any advisories or anything specific you would advise me checking? One of the vehicles has an advisory for an oil leak which is rocker cover gasket and coil spring is corroded. Would you steer clear?

We’re not looking for this to be a major work because we only have a few acres but we need it to help with the Sheep, move a few pigs around that type of thing.

Thanks in advance

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/defender-buying-guide.323711/

lots of horror pictures and a print out guide on post #21

Cheers

Hi and welcome!

The link is very helpful.

Buy on condition and not age or mileage. Check the bulkhead and chassis for rust as these are the expensive parts to replace. Also check chassis numbers are present and match the V5. An HPI check is worth doing too, as these vehicles are very prone to getting nicked. Be aware of vehicles tarted up to sell. Original looking vehicles are much more sought after and hold their values better.

Let us know how you get on.

Age and mileage is not relevant, it is all about condition.

Hello and welcome

Welcome to the forum

Probably only get one full size pig in the boot.