Looking for me first defender!help

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Eddybjnr

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69
Hi guys first time poster here looking for my first defender. Could you guys guide me in getting the right one I have about £5000 and want a 90 which is plain and I can add my own bits to. Would prefer a td5 I think. And also which would be the best insurer to go with thanks
 
Hello and welcome!

I think you'll struggle to find a TD5 for £5k. That would get you a pretty solid, late 300tdi, though.

There are plenty of threads providing advice on buying and what to look out for, so my advice would be to start by reading through them and learning as much as possible. There's a nice 200tdi conversion in the For Sale section, but it doesn't sound like the sort of thing you're looking for...

Your best bet would be to shop around on ebay etc and find a knowledgable and experienced person to take with you when you go to look at a vehicle. But, like I said, there are plenty of threads that already contain thus advice, so take a look at the search function and stickies before you do anything else.

Good luck with the search!
 
Don't bother looking at TD5's if your budget is 5K. As above, look at 300tdi's or even tidy 200's.

Either do a lot of research or take a friend along who knows Land Rovers, as there is a huge amount to look for when buying. Take your time, and don't fall in love with the first one you see!
 
Nothing wrong with sub 5k td5's
Most of the problems they had should have been ironed out by now.
I bought a T reg one last year, Yes the bodywork isn't the best and it wanted 2 patches on the chassis when I'd attacked it with a lump hammer.
But other than that it's been fine and only needed general service items.
 
Hi thanks guys for the help also what's the best insurer I've been getting quotes of £2000 off confused
 
Hi thanks guys for the help also what's the best insurer I've been getting quotes of £2000 off confused

All depends on your age I guess, but try people like Adrian flux

Good luck with your search, and my only bit of advice is to take someone with you that knows what they are looking at, or you could end up like a basket case.

Im not saying that has happened to me, :D
 
Keep checking eBay, watch the cars you would be interested in to get an idea of how much they go for. Then you can search around other places to find good deals. My budget was a lot less than yours and I came across some quite tidy vehicles (although, none were TD5s).

As for insurance, it depends on your age. If you are over 25 you can get yourself specialist insurance. I'm under 25, and the best quote for relatively low mileage came from Diamond for girls. Because they can't discriminate, they have to insure males too :D
 
I wouldnt bother as anything cheap is and will be cheap for a reason, 5k will buy a very nice normal car that wont need constant attention.
I have used a 200tdi 90 as an everyday car for the last 3.5 years and quite frankly they are slow high maintenance bits of ****, dreamers will tell you otherwise, I speak the truth.
 
What are the 200/300s like on the motorway as at would be my day car and my pleasure car of a weekend thanks
 
I wouldnt bother as anything cheap is and will be cheap for a reason, 5k will buy a very nice normal car that wont need constant attention.
I have used a 200tdi 90 as an everyday car for the last 3.5 years and quite frankly they are slow high maintenance bits of ****, dreamers will tell you otherwise, I speak the truth.

Why don't you do what you preach then sell your defender and get a normal car ?
 
I wouldnt bother as anything cheap is and will be cheap for a reason, 5k will buy a very nice normal car that wont need constant attention.
I have used a 200tdi 90 as an everyday car for the last 3.5 years and quite frankly they are slow high maintenance bits of ****, dreamers will tell you otherwise, I speak the truth.

truth been told there!!

They are **** but theres just something about them!!
 
What are the 200/300s like on the motorway as at would be my day car and my pleasure car of a weekend thanks

I had off road tyres on mine and don't do anymore than 55-60 on the motorway, they will sit at 70 but pretty loud.

Insurance wise i don't know your age but I insured mine at 23 and it was 400 for the year with no no claims as my 7 year no claims is on my disco which is about 250 a year.

Im 24 now and the defender is due next month so hopefully its gone down a little.
 
truth been told there!!

They are **** but theres just something about them!!

Yep that just about sums them up I want to flog it BUT its so good for what I use it for plus it always wins in the get out of my lane arguments and they never need washing or polishing!
 
Well happy with my 200tdi, engine wise it's great, will happily sit at 70 on the motorway, yes it's noisy but so are all Defenders, I have larger than standard off road tyres on too.
 
Handy little guide I pulled from the web prior to buying my TD5. Hope it helps.
 

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My 300 wasn't too bad on the motorway, just don't expect over 70. It would sit at 70 quite happily though.

If you get one and need motorway cruising consider a disco transfer box and some soundproofing.
 
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