Hi there,

Me and my partner are looking at purchasing a defender (a 90 pick up would be my dream!)

We're currently looking at a 1986 defender 90 pick up, but before we bought i just wanted to know if there is anything i should watch out for, or any particular problem areas?

Thankyou!

Hi There,

Check the chassis , bulkhead and footwells for rot, bottom of doors as well.

Check the number s to make sure it all is correct compared to the paperwork.

Have a look at the MOT history on line, it runs out in Jan.

Take someone who knows landies with you to look it over.

Plus, if you do a search on here there are lots of other point sthat people have mentioned in the past.

Cheeers

Hello and welcome
Here's the advice I was kindly given before I bought my 90
"· Check oil change history, timing belt too
o Chassis all over for any flaking, rust or repairs (welding) especially near the rear cross member and outriggers (if it is a little rusty you could always knock them down and then get the vehicle put onto a galvanised chassis)
o Check the front bulkhead for any bubbling and/or rust these are prone to corrosion
o Check under the front floor matts for corrosion in floor plates and on inside bottom of the bulkhead, especially behind pedals and likewise on passenger side
o Remove the drive and passenger seat bottoms (they clip off for access to battery which is under the seat boxes) and check in there for corrosion
o Check the gearbox for slack when in first gear pulling off and likewise in reverse, and then in second and third, splines on drive shafts can wear (not too bad if your handy with spanners and stuff)
o Check for excessive smoking on start-up from cold
o Bushes are easily replaced but I’d give all the linkage a yank underneath and get them to rectify before you drive away as can be a pain when driving, especially in all the steering linkages up front end.
o Check power steering for any obvious loud noises or clunks
o Give her some beans on test drive and make sure turbo winds up nicely and feels reasonably smooth (for a landrover)
o Check cam belt/chain changes (can’t remember if is a belt or chain on these, think chain)

Lots of the above aren’t show stoppers and if you’re handy with the tools are ok, but the top 4 or 5 I would defo make sure are sound. Best of luck, let us know how you get on.

Cheers