Can anyone recommend a cheap and reliable mechanic around Guildford, Surrey?

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Pippa

New Member
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10
Location
Guildford, Surrey
Hi Guys

I am looking for a cheap (do they exist?) and reliable mechanic to put a new engine into my defender. I am based in Guildford but would travel a little way for the right person. Anyone know of anyone?

I am in no rush and I would be happy to even pay someone that's not a mechanic by trade but knows their landys inside out and has done it before.

How much does it cost in labour to fit a fully complete engine? How much should I expect to pay?

Many thanks for your help!

Pippa
 
Thank you Steve and The Mad Hat Man! Really helpful, really appreciate you replying. Thanks. Do you also happen to know where I can get a decent 300tdi engine for the defender? I have a couple in mind but I really would like one that is as complete as possible so it can just be dropped in. What is a fair price for a low mileage and good condition engine? I don't want a discovery engine. Many thanks!
 
Don't discount a disco engine - most upgrades are.
If yu want a low mileage 300tdi defender engine, you are looking at an arm and a leg - I reckon well over a grand. Bear in mind these engines are good for whelk over 200K miles.
 
What do you think about a td5 engine as a replacement? I don't mind paying up to £1000 for an engine. Is there any where you recommend to look in particular? I have posted a wanted ad on here and have searched ebay but a lot of engines have huge mileages, over 140k! I have emailed Malcom. Thanks very much for recommending him, he is only a few miles from me. Thanks The Mad Hat Man! :)
 
a TD5 - too much electrics.
have you discounted a 200TDi - a bombproof option?


how old is your motor(1988 300tdi 90 SW) and what is your max budget?
 
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You wont get a decent TD5 for much less than £2k plus you'll need to get the electrics as well along with different tank and fuel pump etc. etc. etc. Not a viable option in my opinion.
Cheapest and easiest is to replace like for like.
 
What engine is in the Landy at the moment?

And regarding the 300tdi - Disco and Defender engines are the same. There are differences between the 200tdi Disco and Defender engines, but there are a lot more scrap Discos out there than Defenders, so the engines tend to be a lot cheaper. I'd rather have a good Disco engine than a knackered Defender one!
 
Thanks boys! Really useful info there. The defender 90 I have is 1993 and it's done 165K miles but the engine is buggered so need to replace it, ideally like for like. So I am on the hunt for an engine and a mechanic who can put it in. Total budget for both is no more than £1200. will also try bloke in horsham. Is ebay best place for engines?
 
By buggered i mean;
The engine turns over but the bottom end sounds like it has gone due to oil damage. The owner at the time ran it dry on oil and then overfilled it and it then leaked/exploded everywhere in the engine but this is guess work and it needs looking at for a definatitive answer. However, a mechanic who has seen the engine previoulsy says that it will be easier to replace. The landy is a gorgeous 90 sw county and i am keen to get her up and running again.
 
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