Looking to buy, tips please !

L

Lhainsworth

Member

Posts

40

• Jan 9, 2014

• #1

Hi, I'm looking to get an oldish Defender 110 double cab/station wagon, needs to have at least 7 seats.
Any tips on things I need to be checking when I look at them etc ? I know doors can be rusty etc but anything else more specific and needing a little more investigation ?
Any recommendations on particular models etc ?
Any ideas on price ranges as I obv want to pay a reasonable price, but don't want to pay dirt cheap and get rubbish !

Thanks very much.

 

SnowmanV8

Well-Known Member

Posts

3,938

Location

Portishead, Near Bristol

• Jan 9, 2014

• #2

300tdi if a v8 is too thirsty. 2.5k+ and rust check for rust. if you do look at V8 make sure the engine hasn't over heated.

 

jaygti

Well-Known Member

Posts

1,113

Location

essex

• Jan 9, 2014

• #3

Spend lots of time on your back, underneath the defender with a screwdriver. They can be a right mess rust wise and it's not always immediate noticeable, or it's been covered up.

Welcome by the way.

 

barmatt

Well-Known Member

LZIR Despatch Agent

Posts

4,201

Location

North Norfolk

• Jan 9, 2014

• #4

200 or 300tdi are the best engines to go for, bullet proof diesels that will go on forever if regularly maintained.

As has been said check for rust everywhere. Especially body mounts,bulkhead and rear crossmember as these are costly repairs unless you can weld.

Good luck in your search and :welcome2:

 

L

Lhainsworth

Member

Posts

40

• Jan 9, 2014

• #5

Ok, I'm off to look at a 1997 P reg defender 110 300tdi tomorrow morning. It'll have 12 mths mot on it so fingers crossed should be 'sound' ? Apparently it "HAS HAD INTENSIVE WORKS CARRIED OUT INCLUDING ENGINE REBUILD WITH BRAND NEW CYLINDER HEAD, IT HAS ALSO HAD A NEW CLUTCH, AXEL, DRIVE SHAFTS, POWER STEARING BOX AND MUCH MUCH MORE". Mileage stated as 220 (presumably due to the engine rebuild ?) It's up for just under £6k ...... sounds reasonable I think ??

 

trax

.

Events Planner

Posts

10,639

Location

Oxfordshire

• Jan 9, 2014

• #6

you've picked the poorest time of year to be buying a 4x4.

mot means nothing, check for rust. bottom of doors, footwells and all of the chassis, especially the rear xmember.

prod the crap out of it with a screwdriver/hammer.

for 6k i'd want a galv'd chassis.. depending on the condition you can pick them up for 2-4.5k

 

jaygti

Well-Known Member

Posts

1,113

Location

essex

• Jan 9, 2014

• #7

A tad pricey even for this time of year.

Well worth going to look at though, as you well get a feel for the car and know what to look for in future.