Hi,

I thinking about buying a 30y Defender around Southampton.

As this would be my first purchase of such a vehicle, I am looking for someone who could do a pre purchase inspection. Ideally someone with a ramp.
Any recommendations ?
What about AA - they offer inspections but I heard it’s not really worth it and they don’t put the car on a ramp.

It needs to be very inexpensive or have had the chassis, bulkhead and doors replaced. The tub capping will probably also need redoing, unless that too has be replaced with new/galavanised.
Think rear brake drums and possibly other axle components, suspension etc along with drive shafts and CV joints.
Rear tub floor supports tend to fizz away as do other underfloor parts and panel supports.

The engine and gearbox will likely be OK but the slam panel, radiators and frames will probably also need refurbing/replacing as would some of the ancillaries.
At 30 years old the electrics will be a bit crusty, connectors and cables are likely needing to be replaced.

So, inexpensive, low cost, cheap to initially buy is key, as to replace/fit all the above will cost between £10 to £15,000 - much more if you ask a garage to do it for you.

Get lots of pictures and post them on here. Many of us have been on this journey before and we can spot the duff bits and give you advice on wether or not they need replacing or refurbing.

Buy one of these and go round tapping metal things ...


You will soon figure out what a 'good' chassis sounds like.