Marmaduke
Well-Known Member
There are Series 1,2,2a and 3. Older vehicles are tax free and have steel bulkheads, chassis' and door tops and frames. Mine is a 1988 defender with 89k on the clock but only because it used to be used by a game warden and spend most off it's time in fields and rivers so don't be led by mileage alone but look at the vehicle as a whole
Well, it's on gumtree as fixed price! No idea of the state it's in though, little text and one photo.
Obviously age isn't the problem, it's the condition that it's in that matters, but are the old ones just as easy tiger bits for? Replacement panels etc? And just as much documentation for renovating?
mikescuba
Well-Known Member
+1
Thanks for the info RE them driving differently. Researching is exactly what i am doing by being part of this forum and by asking questions in this thread! If there are other sources that you think i can get more info then please do let me know. Perhaps some info on what is different about their drive? Buildability? Availability of materials?
I purchased the '4x4 is born' dvds. They are a bit different to what was on TV as they seem to have grouped all the workshop bits together and he just dives right in there (i seem to remember he went and spoke to people at events when it was on TV). It gives me a good over view so far...
Any good books? I have Haynes books for other cars, but i see for the defender there is the 'workshop manual', 'modifying manual' and 'servicing and repairs'. Any suggestions on what is best for a re-build? The workshop manual?
Marmaduke
Well-Known Member
go and see some for sale. test drive them and you'll see what i mean
+1, where about do you live? You can have a go in mine if you're from 'round here
mikescuba
Well-Known Member
Horses for courses. What to buy really depends on what you need from it and what sort of a driver you are. I personally would find a Series too slow. My 200tdi can keep up with the traffic and maintain a comfortable 70mph. I get between 26 to28 mpg.
Then you need to decide if you want or need a 90 or 110.
90's are better over rough ground as less chance of bottoming out and easier to park. 110 more comfortable on the road, larger load area. You can stretch out and sleep in the back of a 110. A 110 suits me fine as it can carry more which is better when going on overland trips. You can have fun in both but if I was going to play around and renovate one I would be thinking of long term and what I want out of it. Both will put a smile on your face whenever you drive them. Would be a good idea to take someone with you who knows a bit about them as they should know exactly what to look for and how they should drive.
Then you need to decide if you want or need a 90 or 110.
90's are better over rough ground as less chance of bottoming out and easier to park. 110 more comfortable on the road, larger load area. You can stretch out and sleep in the back of a 110. A 110 suits me fine as it can carry more which is better when going on overland trips. You can have fun in both but if I was going to play around and renovate one I would be thinking of long term and what I want out of it. Both will put a smile on your face whenever you drive them. Would be a good idea to take someone with you who knows a bit about them as they should know exactly what to look for and how they should drive.
Thanks for the replies.
I never really thought about top speed, so i guess a 90 or 110 is the better option for me!
I am looking into that just now trying to work out what would suit me best.
I'm from near Aberdeen - about 25 miles out.
Am i right in saying a defender 90 fits 2 people in the front (or 3 with a centre seat? or is that just the 110?) and then 4 in the back benches? Is it legal to have people in the back on the public roads?
The 110 has two (or 3) in the front, 3 in the 'middle' (i assume most 110's have a double cab?) and then 4(?) in the benches in the back?
I never really thought about top speed, so i guess a 90 or 110 is the better option for me!
I am looking into that just now trying to work out what would suit me best.
I'm from near Aberdeen - about 25 miles out.
Am i right in saying a defender 90 fits 2 people in the front (or 3 with a centre seat? or is that just the 110?) and then 4 in the back benches? Is it legal to have people in the back on the public roads?
The 110 has two (or 3) in the front, 3 in the 'middle' (i assume most 110's have a double cab?) and then 4(?) in the benches in the back?
Marmaduke
Well-Known Member
I guess you won't be passing by for a test drive then..........
How many seats do you need?
mikescuba
Well-Known Member
The 90 and 110 are the same in the front. Three across but most people have taken the middle seat out as it is cramped and fitted a cubby box to store things in. There are various configurations in the back for both the 90 and 110 ranging from a van to seating for 12 in a 110, pick up or even a cherry picker or crane or a fire tender and Ambulance.
MOD Sales, Military Vehicles & Used Ex MOD Land Rovers for Sale you should try and get down to the above people when they have the next auction. There you will see a variety of different set ups.
MOD Sales, Military Vehicles & Used Ex MOD Land Rovers for Sale you should try and get down to the above people when they have the next auction. There you will see a variety of different set ups.
Yeh i think i would be having a cubby box in the middle. I am 6 ft 4, so i was also looking at ways of putting the drivers seat on rails etc - there was a thread on here about that.
How can you fit 12 people in the 110?! 3 in front, 3 in middle and 4 in the back .and then where do the other two people go? haha.
We have an auction place here where there are a lot of defenders sold (or so i am told) so i'll go down to that sale next time its on.
