Hello, I'm new to this Forum and would appreciate some advice.

I am thinking of buying an ex RAF TD5 Defender 90 station wagan; it is essentially a civilian not a military specification, although does not have power windows or a tow bar (neither a problem for me). It is bright yellow - which I think I could get used to - it would certainly be easy to find in a car park! The garage selling it tell me it was used by the RAF to support gliders and was kept in a hanger. The vehicle is a 2004 model with just over 40,000 miles on the clock.

Do any Forum members have any advice? Have you come across a vehicle such as this. I am looking to replace a TD5 and want that illusive low mileage, well cared for vehicle!

Thanks.

Martin (Toffee 1878)

If its been used on an airfield my my experience is (im an aircraft engineer) that certainly civvy ramp vehicles although low mileage the engines can sit there for long hours ju7st ticking over

they tend to be coked up a bit more and im not sure how much 'extra' wear on the block etc the cars have from sitting ticking over for long periods causes ?

also the low mileage doesn't always mean better condition

just my experience mate

Thanks for that - really appreciated.

Hi Mate,
I bought an ex RAF low mileage TD5 last year, my first,
It went back to the garage after a friend pointed out a serious engine problem which the garage wernt able to put right. Everyone put it down to low mileage due to sitting round for ages and short sharp runs only causing issues.
My mate however has had two bright yellow TD5's (ex RAF) from the same garage and loved them both, no problems whatsoever.

Hi Chris 38 - sound like what i was on about

however i'm sure not all will be like that as your mates two others go to prove

It's not easy finding that happy mileage middle ground where something has enough mileage as to not have any issues but not enough mileage to keep it low.

Out of curiosity where can these ex RAF Defenders be found? After buying the wife her 90 i'm almost about to be on the lookout for my 110 so any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Both my mates TD 5's were bright yellow from a glider school, both different colours inside and both from Windmill Landrovers in Blackburn