Buying a defender help please.

Hi

Newbie here after some help. My neighbours told me a little while ago they were planning on getting rid of their daihatsu 4x4 and were unsure of what to get to replace it.

Hubby wanted a sporty set of wheels wife wanted another 4x4. I suggested that if they were going to get a 4x4 they should get a Landy (anything but a freelander) .

Wifey seems to have won. They have found a low mileage diesel 09 reg which they are keen on and i want to ask for any advice on things to look for in terms of common faults or issues.

Is there a choice diesel engine to have and if so which one? Any rust weak spots? Suspension weak spots? Any electrical gremlins?

They most likely wont do more than 8k miles a year and it will be kept outdoors. Yes i realise its not advised to get a diesel on such low mileage but they believe they have done their sums etc and it makes a sort of sense to get the diesel.

Any and all help much appreciated.

Tallbut Buxomly

:welcome2: to the forum.

Not too sure what these 09 platers are like, but,

Bulkhead, footwells again rust

Rear crossmember check, in and around for rust also check the chassis rail behind the xmember

the lowest point on the chassis rail behind xmember for rust.

outriggers these are the arms connected to the chassis rail that supports the body tub.

all Callipers for seized pistons.

all the usual things propshafts, bearings.

thats your main areas on a Defender, as I said not too sure about new defenders.

Carl

Tallbut Buxomly said:

Is there a choice diesel engine to have and if so which one? Any rust weak spots? Suspension weak spots? Any electrical gremlins

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At 09 plate there's only one engine 2.4tdci

As for the other points, you do know what a defender is, it's a rusty weak spot with gremlins,lots of them

Most important question, how tall and how buxom :nopics:

Stay away from the TDci which an 09 plate will be.
go abit older get a TD5.

I had a transit with the 2.4 engine in it that did 400,000 miles , I'd say the TD5 was the one to avoid

What!?!

BearDy89 said:

Stay away from the TDci which an 09 plate will be.
go abit older get a TD5.

Click to expand...

Yeah thats about it
I have no idea how the puma engine and gearbox works though.:whoosh:

Try this

Defender Buyers Guide

Stay away from all freelanders they have a clutch the size of a pea compared to a discovery or defender! The engines run from front to back in a defender or discovery do it leaves room for the sides for a bigger clutch so they have a small one fitted which will go when you use it in a field and towing!
Hope this message helps!

Thanks for all the advice chaps. My neighbours have it seems set their heart on a defender and plan on buying today.

I have given them a list of things to check and have the dealer check. I also advised that they are rust prone and that therefore they need waxoyling and it needs mentioning and attempted bargaining with the dealer to have it done.

wack61 said:

At 09 plate there's only one engine 2.4tdci

As for the other points, you do know what a defender is, it's a rusty weak spot with gremlins,lots of them

Most important question, how tall and how buxom :nopics:

Click to expand...

Luckily for you there shall be no pics. The name is slightly ironic and was assumed pre diet when i was at risk of developing moods.