First Landy Defender

Hi,

Just joined the forum today. I've been intrested in buying a Landy Defender for some time now and I think now is the time to buy. Don't really know much about Landys and what you class as a good or bad one. So came on here for some advice and help.

Firstly, I have looked at a few ex military Defenders seen as these as from what I have been told they are kept in good condition and usually have the engine and gearbox replaced before being sold. One thing I was told which I am unsure of is that they are exempt from tax?? (Any info would be welcome on this question.

Secondly, what are the main problem areas with these such as places likely to be rusted, damaged etc.

My ideal Landy would be the 90 SWB, Hard Top with it being able to seat 6/7 people. I would be looking to spend a maximum of £5000 or there abouts. Any information on the best year if there are any and engines to look for would be very helpful.

Cheers for your help in advance

groan 200tdi,300tdi

foot wells,rear cross member,out riggers, doors-rust

chasis that needs weldin now its failed it mot ((((((

Anthony_Orrell said:

My ideal Landy would be the 90 SWB, Hard Top with it being able to seat 6/7 people.

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cosy

Sean said:

cosy

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Need to be super slim midgets anorl.

Bulkhead, smoke from exhaust at start up, would be my additional checks.
6/7 seats in 90 hard top? bit tight there, 3 in front is ok for 1 hr or so,in rear beyond that time is a challenge and with kids under 14 not legal...apparently

kwhajh said:

Bulkhead, smoke from exhaust at start up, would be my additional checks.
6/7 seats in 90 hard top? bit tight there, 3 in front is ok for 1 hr or so,in rear beyond that time is a challenge and with kids under 14 not legal...apparently

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BULL**** tis perfectly legal to carry children over the age of 5 in the back of a landy with bench seats. However tis illegal to use lapbelts to restrain them.

redhand said:

BULL**** tis perfectly legal to carry children over the age of 5 in the back of a landy with bench seats. However tis illegal to use lapbelts to restrain them.

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I thort it were OK coz Lap belts aren't a recognised and approved restraint (it's only illegal to use a "restraint" and DVLA dunt regognise lap belts as such) so effectively in the eyes of the law they are unrestrained with a lap belt, thus complying with the law!

If they dont recognise em then how can the MOT man test em???

Someone needs to show em a picture of some

Oddie said:

I thort it were OK coz Lap belts aren't a recognised and approved restraint (it's only illegal to use a "restraint" and DVLA dunt regognise lap belts as such) so effectively in the eyes of the law they are unrestrained with a lap belt, thus complying with the law!

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There is also the added confusion that Plod can prosecute peeps for carrying passengers in a manner likely to lead to injury or death. aimed at overcrowded cars etc but. As we all know Plod love to twist the law to catch everybody.

Sirus said:

If they dont recognise em then how can the MOT man test em???

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I dunt think the lap belt is subject to the MOT is it???

With kids about and wanting to seat more than 3 people I think a 110 is a more sensible option. I refused the offer of bench seats for my 90 as I dont think side facing seats are safe in a shunt. But thats me trying to be sensible or a selfish git who dont want brats floating round my toy

Not planning on using the rear seats that often, just there for those short journeys if required. If I was to purchase one with bench seats I think I would replace these with 4 individual seats anyway just for my own ease when driving.

As has been said - do all the normal things you would do when buying a 'normal' car - (checking steering, brakes, tyres, etc etc) PLUS the following - get underneath it with a screwdriver and/or hammer and have a good bash at the chassis, especially at the rear of the vehicle. Have a good feel around under the rear crossmember to feel if it's solid, and not falling apart. Check the front bulkhead (part above the bonnet and below the windscreen) for any signs of deep corrosion or any evidence of it having been filled. Check all of the doors - especially the door shuts and the door bottoms - for rust. It's quite common for the doors to completely rot away at the bottoms, many having been welded now. This includes the rear tailgate. Chassis outriggers can also rust away, which can be checked by looking under the vehicle from the sides. Bring a torch!

Engine-wise, diesels will almost always start up with a puff of black smoke, and, from cold, there may be a small amount of blue smoke. On the test drive look for blue smoke on the overrun, and excessive black smoke under acceleration. (A small amount is no problem.) The engine should pull well from cold but don't expect a speed machine. The gearbox should select all gears easily without crunches or any notchiness, and you shouldn't be able to hear the gearbox whining once you're on the move.

Bodywork is likely to be dented and dinged a lot, so don't worry about that - it doesn't really affect value.