Any suggestions as where to look to find Defenders for sale

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vaoleguy

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16
Hello, trying to find if there is a good source for finding Defenders for sale.
I''ve tried Autotrader, but have run into the old deal, "Oh, thanks for asking, but that one is sold'" Sorta strange to me that if it is sold, the advertisement doesn't come down.
Also pretty much having to deal with dealers since I'm on the other side of the pond.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks.
 
You really seem to have your heart set on owning one. Can I ask why? I know they go for stupid money over here and the process of shipping one ain't cheap.

Once it gets here, it's still a Land Rover with all its attributes. And you just don't run to NAPA for parts. Atlantic British and Rovers North are about it for parts here in the US. Forget main dealers as a source unless you're made of money.

They are cool rigs, but unless a Land Rover is a passion and a hobby, they can burn you out in the end.

There are my 2 cents for you from Colorado.
 
Thanks Western Slope. Good question. I mean I could pick up a Jeep anywhere, but it's just not a Rover. Actually if going that route would consider a WW2 version or close to that time frame version.
I've been a car guy all my life and have owned some nice ones. Have also built several cars and rebuilt a l lot more. Even raced SCCA for about 11 years. So, back to the question, the answer is actually pretty simple. I enjoy tinkering, and I can rebuild a lot of things on a vehicle, but I can not weld. Just never learned. Series and Defenders are all basically component vehicles. There's actually a 110 advertised from somewhere in the upper midwest that apparently was built from scratch from pieces parts starting with a new chassis. ( as you can guess, astronomical price) I did own a 84 Country 88 back a few years, and I had a Disco II back in the early 2000's. Really enjoyed both, but the III developed a rusty bulkhead and a guy in Texas really wanted it, so away it went. The Disco II was great, but built duriing the BMW ownership years and had a thirst for premium fuel.
So, just have had the urge to get another and due to my location, I think I need a Defender to be able to drive on the interstate to get to things in my area. Not very far on the interstate mind you, but enough to get to events and things in my metro area.
Thanks for asking.
 
Thanks Western Slope. Good question. I mean I could pick up a Jeep anywhere, but it's just not a Rover. Actually if going that route would consider a WW2 version or close to that time frame version.
I've been a car guy all my life and have owned some nice ones. Have also built several cars and rebuilt a l lot more. Even raced SCCA for about 11 years. So, back to the question, the answer is actually pretty simple. I enjoy tinkering, and I can rebuild a lot of things on a vehicle, but I can not weld. Just never learned. Series and Defenders are all basically component vehicles. There's actually a 110 advertised from somewhere in the upper midwest that apparently was built from scratch from pieces parts starting with a new chassis. ( as you can guess, astronomical price) I did own a 84 Country 88 back a few years, and I had a Disco II back in the early 2000's. Really enjoyed both, but the III developed a rusty bulkhead and a guy in Texas really wanted it, so away it went. The Disco II was great, but built duriing the BMW ownership years and had a thirst for premium fuel.
So, just have had the urge to get another and due to my location, I think I need a Defender to be able to drive on the interstate to get to things in my area. Not very far on the interstate mind you, but enough to get to events and things in my metro area.
Thanks for asking.
Well, I wish you luck.
 
Thanks, Saxavordian and Shaynecm. I'll check with Britancia, and I don't think it matters where it comes from for customs. Just as long as it's 25 years old, and you fill out the pile of paperwork.
 
Dunno if this helps but think Mahker in the UK help soruce cars/parts this side and send over and they can rebuild them here before hand if needed.
 
Marjon, thans for the advice. Will definately check before any money changes hands. However, I'm not to that point yet.
It's amazing that people are willing to pay more for a 25 year old defender than they could get a brand new one with all the wistles and bells. I mean, who has 150 GBP for an old Defender????
Also, for me, part of the attraction is tinkering and working on a Landy. Sorta like the old BMC cars back in the day. Drive them one day, work on them two days.The title "PRINCE OF DARKNESS" was earned by Lucas. (yeah, I had a few of those back in the dark ages)
I believe the deal with rebuilts is something like if it had a 200 tdi, you can replace it with another 200 tdi of the same vintage, but you can't put a modern engine in it. I have read about some controversy with Gavanized chassis because it doesn't come with the VIN number on it. But that was years ago when I read that.
 
I believe the deal with rebuilts is something like if it had a 200 tdi, you can replace it with another 200 tdi of the same vintage, but you can't put a modern engine in it. I have read about some controversy with Gavanized chassis because it doesn't come with the VIN number on it. But that was years ago when I read that.

Like for like engines/running gear is fine, but it has to number match the paperwork which is were it falls down if it’s had a galvanised chassis fitted. So all I can say is find out first what you need to look for as you should be able to find it easier than me. Otherwise I think you will waste many hours looking at 1s that look nice.

But good luck in your search.

J
 
These guys seem to find a lot of stock. I know they are mostly Spanish built santanas and the problems associated with parts etc but on the upside they usually come with low miles, from a dry, non corrosive environment and are LHD. Plus they are familiar with exporting and all the rules and at a decent price. I believe they are open to selling them non restored so don't be sticker shocked by the restored prices

 
Dont fall foul of import rules, I thought US wants Original not rebuilt?

J
Mahker will keep orginal chassis/numbers etc but they have a US Spec rebuild they do if this helps.

They Do
Re furb of orginal chassis and paint/protect
R380 and LT230 all new gear sets from Winchester gears
can remanufacture TDI engine. fix all body issues as needed.

car will be mint before shipping and could help as all done this side of the pond and think they give 12 months or 2 years warrenty on bits.

so will meet all US reg for import.
 
Marjon, thans for the advice. Will definately check before any money changes hands. However, I'm not to that point yet.
It's amazing that people are willing to pay more for a 25 year old defender than they could get a brand new one with all the wistles and bells. I mean, who has 150 GBP for an old Defender????
Also, for me, part of the attraction is tinkering and working on a Landy. Sorta like the old BMC cars back in the day. Drive them one day, work on them two days.The title "PRINCE OF DARKNESS" was earned by Lucas. (yeah, I had a few of those back in the dark ages)
I believe the deal with rebuilts is something like if it had a 200 tdi, you can replace it with another 200 tdi of the same vintage, but you can't put a modern engine in it. I have read about some controversy with Gavanized chassis because it doesn't come with the VIN number on it. But that was years ago when I read that.
I think i depends on galv chassis - marshland do OEM chassis's that they can re-stamp. where richards cant. not sure many people know this.
 
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