Defender v8 worth fixing?

Frosted

Active Member

Posts

156

Location

North of london

• May 30, 2015

• #1

I have a J reg Defender sitting in my garage, I started trying to repair rust on the bulkhead and ran out of time before I had to leave the country. I am back and on the drive back from Heathrow was surprised by the lack of defenders on the m25!

I believe they have put restrictions on diesels in London and wonder does this mean my v8 might be worth fixing up?

Does anyone know whether I should dust off my mig welder and get busy or just go on holiday?

Thanks!

 

goonarmy

Beer tester

LZIR Despatch Agent

Posts

44,865

Location

Hornchurch

• May 30, 2015

• #2

Low Emission Zone - Transport for London
It started for the Olympics, but yeah it means dezul isn't a good choice for London. Doesn't seem to have affected prices to buy though.

 

lightning

Well-Known Member

Posts

4,156

Location

High Peak

• May 30, 2015

• #3

I've never driven a Defender V8. I know the MPG is poor, but l bet it's great with that engine in it.

 

O

Oldfogey

Active Member

Posts

285

Location

Pembrokeshire

• May 31, 2015

• #4

LEZ is for commercial vehicles - though even many Station Wagons are registered as commercial!

Personally, I love the V8 - have had 4 vehicles with one in. Definitely heavy on the fuel, but you could always go LPG if that is an issue.

 

Brown

Well-Known Member

Full Member

Posts

7,877

Location

East Midlands

• May 31, 2015

• #5

It seems a bit idiosyncratic how Transport for London have designated some vehicles, but stick your registration number in the relevant box on the website and you might be pleasantly surprised. My TD5 is allowed in and I didn't think it would be. Still have to pay congestion charges though.

 

timc1967

Active Member

Posts

444

Location

Essex

• May 31, 2015

• #6

There isn't inherent value in the V8 over the diesel, and it will put some people off. Perhaps take a look at eBay for the prices they are making - auction bids show what people are prepared to pay, rather than buy-it-now or classifieds.

Have a think about how many hours work it will take to get it through the MOT, and decide how much you value your own time. What will be the condition of the car when the work is done - will it look immaculate (at a guess, £8k is possible from a private sale) or shabby but solid (guess maybe £3k).