How badly could I mess up?

[FraserLFA]

Evening all,

I'm looking at buying a (1990) Defender as a new toy. Problem is, I have no idea what to look for when it comes to buying one.

So, question, being relatively useless when it comes to mechanics, if I test drive it and everything feels ok, and I look underneath for rust (I know what that looks like, I used to have a Ford), and do all the usual car type checks, what are my odds of missing something and how badly wrong can it go??

I don't want to buy a cheap toy that ends up costing twice as much.

Also, how do I know if the diff locks work!?

Thanks

[FraserLFA]

Thanks for the info.

It's got a 200tdi in it so shouldn't be too bad on power (for a Defender!).

At least I know the expensive bits so I can hopefully minimise my chances of buying a heap.

Thanks again.

[FraserLFA]

hidetheelephants said:

There's an idiot light on the dash to tell you when the diff lock is engaged.

Made for me then!

[FraserLFA]

Turn7 said:

They can become money pits if you let them though.... (ask me how I know...)

I'm more than happy to keep on top of maintenance. I think I've just read too many horror stories that have now got me nervous!

[FraserLFA]

LandRoverManiac said:

Thanks for that. Far more useful than any of the buyers guides I've found online.

300BHP - Basically I need something to haul farm crap up muddy tracks. I've driven Defenders before so know the drawbacks, but I still feel there's a certain charm to them. Is there better out there? Probably. Anything else I want (in my price range)? No.

It's only going to be used for short journeys. I've got other cars for comfort, speed etc.

Thanks all!