Beyond noobie.

Hey guys,

I am currently looking for either a defender 90 or 110.... leaning towards a 90 td5 looking for any advice on buying so problem areas/common rust spots and general things to look out for.

looking for something in the 70-90k mileage range what sort of a price should I expect to pay for a decent un modified example?

any help appreciated will share anything I end up buying with you guys.

Thanks, Nick

Hi and welcome!

You might need to be flexible on the mileage. Buy on condition and not necessarily mileage or age. You could get a low mileage uncared for example instead of a well looked after one with higher miles.

The areas to look out for are the bulkhead and chassis. Both rust and are expensive to replace. A Defender with a galvanised chassis would be the best bet but this would be a replacement chassis. Be wary of modified examples which might not have been done well.

The market for Defenders has dropped in the last year or so. It’s a buyers market at present so get looking and try some. However, if you haven’t driven one yet, definitely drive one before deciding you want one. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

If you do find one, check all identification numbers as they’re easily stolen and get sold on with a change of identification. And if you do buy one, invest in plenty of security measures too.

Let us know how you get on.

Knappster said:

Hi and welcome!

You might need to be flexible on the mileage. Buy on condition and not necessarily mileage or age. You could get a low mileage uncared for example instead of a well looked after one with higher miles.

The areas to look out for are the bulkhead and chassis. Both rust and are expensive to replace. A Defender with a galvanised chassis would be the best bet but this would be a replacement chassis. Be wary of modified examples which might not have been done well.

The market for Defenders has dropped in the last year or so. It’s a buyers market at present so get looking and try some. However, if you haven’t driven one yet, definitely drive one before deciding you want one. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

If you do find one, check all identification numbers as they’re easily stolen and get sold on with a change of identification. And if you do buy one, invest in plenty of security measures too.

Let us know how you get on.

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Could you post some pictures of the areas you would look out for? I know where the vin number is located under the car but where is it located on the engine? I am new to all of this so please bare with me. I will likely get a lot of stuff wrong. I am not set on the milage I can always replace the lump if I have to but would be nice if it worked out of the box. The main thing for me is that it is roadworthy when I collect it.

R33D3R said:

Could you post some pictures of the areas you would look out for? I know where the vin number is located under the car but where is it located on the engine? I am new to all of this so please bear with me. I will likely get a lot of stuff wrong. I am not set on the milage I can always replace the lump if I have to but would be nice if it worked out of the box. The main thing for me is that it is roadworthy when I collect it.

Click to expand...

Go drive one first and understand the practicalities. Learn the common faults, are you a spanners and multimeter type. Then find someone who knows these vehicles, and has been bitten by one. Ask on here as someone might be close geographically who can cast an eye. The problem you might/will incur being the impulse to buy.

doriz said:

Go drive one first and understand the practicalities. Learn the common faults, are you a spanners and multimeter type. Then find someone who knows these vehicles, and has been bitten by one. Ask on here as someone might be close geographically who can cast an eye. The problem you might/will incur being the impulse to buy.

Click to expand...

I never said I needed help to impulse buy lol I will be fine re wiring and upgrading the car but that is not exactly what i want to learn. I want to buy something that is either really old black plates or a td5 van back I know that these are easier to get hold off than the XS model and tbh I'd prefer no rear seats. My last motor was a van I like the idea of being able to chuck my tools in the back.

R33D3R said:

I never said I needed help to impulse buy lol I will be fine re wiring and upgrading the car but that is not exactly what i want to learn. I want to buy something that is either really old black plates or a td5 van back I know that these are easier to get hold off than the XS model and tbh I'd prefer no rear seats. My last motor was a van I like the idea of being able to chuck my tools in the back.

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i know they are slow and rubbish to drive already mate i still want one

R33D3R said:

I never said I needed help to impulse buy lol I will be fine re wiring and upgrading the car but that is not exactly what i want to learn. I want to buy something that is either really old black plates or a td5 van back I know that these are easier to get hold off than the XS model and tbh I'd prefer no rear seats. My last motor was a van I like the idea of being able to chuck my tools in the back.

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Look for an old utility truck from the power/water company.

Hello and welcome Good luck with your search

brianp38dse said:

Hello and welcome Good luck with your search

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appreciate it mate hope you lot have not taken all the good ones already!