Hi all and new to the site, I'm thinking of getting a defender and I'm looking on the normal websites for one. My question is why is there sort a huge difference in prices, Is there a certain model that you should get and a certain one you shouldn't. Then theres the ones that need doing up and they are asking a lot of money for them and then there the ones that are done up and are very good prices, now obviously some are dodgy and that's why there cheap and you leave alone. Bit of a nightmare. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Mark
Turboman
Mab An Gov
Basically, with all vehicles, there are a lot of chancers trying to sell them, and with Defenders, there are also plenty of sellers that overpaid when they bought, due to the Landrover myths, and the hype when Defender production ended.
So my suggestion would be, Don't overpay. 5k will get you something, most likely an old Ninety or One Ten, or a Tdi Defender 90 or 110.
At that money, expect to do some work immediately, but give any that will need major chassis or bulkhead work, or with blown engines or transmissions a swerve.
Do not buy any Landrover without viewing, and a test drive. If the seller does not want to let you test drive, walk away.
And any that appear to be too good to be true are most likely nicked.
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Turboman
Mab An Gov
Not really, they are all bad in their own ways!
Some people don't like 2.5 TDs, but I haven't found them that bad, and they tend to be cheap. Many of them have been converted to Tdi now anyway.
Some don't like 2.5 NA, because they are slow, but that doesn't bother me either.
Personally, I would try and find a 2.5 petrol or V8 Ninety, diesels are going to be heavily taxed in future, and diesel is a bit more expensive than petrol.
If you are going to do a lot of miles, you will probably have to go diesel, though.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
No worries.
Another thing is to bear in mind your location. If you are in, or need to go into London, these vehicles will incur a £12.50 per day standing charge, as from next year.
And other cities in the UK won't be far behind.
Im not sure you'd get a factory tdi for under 5k now? Is it a second/project car? If you could push closer to 7 you'd pick up a nice 300tdi which would be my bet. But as above, if your city - forget that. If your city, forget defender lol I couldn't think of much worse car to drive in city traffic
Turboman
Mab An Gov
I think you would get a factory Tdi for 5k, but you might have to drive to Cornwall, West Wales, the far North, or another of the more far flung regions.Im not sure you'd get a factory tdi for under 5k now? Is it a second/project car? If you could push closer to 7 you'd pick up a nice 300tdi which would be my bet. But as above, if your city - forget that. If your city, forget defender lol I couldn't think of much worse car to drive in city traffic
Not so much money there as in the South East and Midlands.
My mate sold a decent 200Tdi, on a galv chassis, for 6k in Cornwall about 3 years ago, and I doubt prices have risen much since then.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
Might be some deals up there. But watch out for very rusty ones that have been kept by the sea, and ones that have been nicked, and driven from Liverpool and Manchester.
It helps us to help you if you post a location other than UK. Not your postcode, or a street, but an approximate idea, like the county, or just North Wales.
You might find in the regional section that a seasoned owner local to you would be happy to have a look around a potential buy for a box of beers..... or a pig. No two ways about it - you’ll be spending cash on it after purchase but if you can find one with a decent chassis and bulkhead and not too many gremlins a lot of the bits can be done at home and things like tired brakes or suspension are things you don’t mind spending on as they improve the vehicle. Keep a few hundred for a good alarm with the anti lift feature on and also look at additional measures. They really do go missing a lot and your not so far from BIrkenhead
Turboman
Mab An Gov
From what I see, 110s don't sell as well as 90s, although they are more useful.
I would guess that is because they are a big bus to handle and park in towns.
But in his location, that might not be an issue.
They are mate but everytime someone askS “did you have a decent alarm or security measures?” you don’t get an answer. They are so easy to pinch in standard guise and I’m not going to detail how/why obviously! Your best bet is keep extra for a decent alarm system and speak to will at Land Rover security to get a few other measures. Don’t let it put you off owning one - I was mega paranoid and nearly didn’t get on due to theft but it’s not like it’s a living thing and as much as you love motors it’s only a landy at the end of the day not an exotic!
