Hi,
My boyfriend has asked me to post this thread on behalf of him as he is at work today and has no access to a computer.

He has been looking to buy a defender 90 for a while now but has not managed to view any so far. However, he is going to see one tomorrow - a defender 90 TDI, L reg, 1 owner from new, 82,000miles, full landrover service history, MOT feb 07, £3375 v.g.c. He was wondering if anyone could tell him if if this sounds like a good buy? Can anyone also give him a list of questions to ask the seller (private sale). He has basic mechanical knowledge and would like tips on what he should be loking out for in the engine, bodywork and underneath. Do you think it would be sensible to get an AA check done or is that a girl thing and being too fussy?! My boyfriend is a fisherman and he really only needs to use the landrover to get himself back and fore to work everyday (approx 15 a day) along a single track road and was a little worried about miles per gallon. He has heard from some people that you can only get 17 miles to the gallon!

Sounds good to me, if it is in good condition and genuine mileage. At that price, is it a commercial vehicle - ie does he need to add VAT to the price?

I think an L reg could be either the last of the 200Tdi's or an early 300 Tdi. As with most things it is better to get the last of the old type once the design gremlins have been worked out! Having said that, a 300 Tdi that is 13 years old should be past any teething problems!

It is the same age as mine, so I would suggest he checks out the chassis (esp the rear cross member). He should listen to the gear box at tick-over - is there a chatter that disappears when the clutch is engaged? (this shouldn't be the case since it is low mileage). Depending on the use it has been put to in the past, it may be worth making sure that the fuel tank isn't rotting. Look at the exhaust for smoke indicating oil consumption or turbo problems and have the usual general look for oil/fluid leaks. Radiator could be nearing the end of its life too, so have a look at it from the engine side.

Check that it had its timing belt done at 70,000miles and if there is any doubt get a new one fitted (preferrably before delivery if it is a garage sale).

I would reckon he should manage 25mpg on a single track road to work.

Thank you for your reply and for such good info. I will print off and give to Alan. I think Alan said he had asked about the timing belt and it has been changed. Not sure about VAT... I think it is a private sale - the man that is selling it said he was selling because he was about to retire.

Thanks again.

It's tommorow now so I'm too late, but the the most important thing to look for is rust, and the second most important thing to look for is, rust. If it's in the bulkhead, don't bother. And if it's in the chassis, don't bother, unless you can weld and like welding or have an abundance of money.