2014 model Defender spec & rust questions

[JBE68]

Hi, I looked at a new 2014 red Defender 90 XS and a midly used 2014 keswick green 110 SW at my local Thames Ditton dealer this afternoon. Both appeal but the 90, which is new, had rust on bolts and front suspension which the saleman described as "Surface rust" and the 110 didn't have air con. I've had a few LRs from them over the years and their service has always been outstanding; but:

Question? surface rust? is it simply a case of getting the car waxoyl'ed or dinitrol'ed?
Question? would you buy a car without air con?

Thanks for any advice.

Jeremy

[Wheat]

Rust on the bolts is a common problem that looks awful and spoils newish Land Rovers. Can be sorted by buying stainless bolts but imo you shouldn't have to do that, they should be factory fit. I'd check when the car was build as rust on a brand new one is a little dodgy. They normally start rusting after a whole 6 months of being on the road!

[tb1880]

I used to have a Td5 Defender without air con and lived with in no problem, I definitely couldn't see the need for it then.

I then had a 2012 model without it and found you just couldn't get any decent air flow on hot days. The big difference, of course is the lack of bulkhead vents on anything post 2007.

Since then, I have always specified Defenders with it (I change them quite regularly through work).

The rust thing is a fact of life with them unfortunately. On few month old models it won't be anything other than light surface rust unless the thing has lived in the ocean. Using a sealer like the ones you suggested on a long term keeper should take care of it.