Importance of Service History on 200/200 TDI?

[paddyhasneeds]

As subject really.

I've had it suggested that I'm being a bit fussy in my hunt for a 90, and amongst other things it's taking a fair bit of getting used to that when looking at Landy's you're not always going to see a book of service stamps of any sort - "I've had it ten years and done it all myself".

How much importance would you place on a big wodge of bills vs. "Get in, starts right, sounds right, drives right"?

[Liszt]

Evidence is good. Reciepts are good.

lack of reciepts not so good, but just pay lower price and be prepared for something to go wrong if all else looks good.

At something like 16 years old for a car which is worth a couple of grand you are hoping a bit on the evidence side.

As with most LR buy on condition. A new engine, gearbox or diff is not that big a deal. A new chassis is.

[West4x4]

if they say it has new bits i'd want to see recites most landy people do there own servicing so there wont be much history. The feel is very important

[budrover]

Most 200 tdi defenders are now 17 to 21 years old... quite a few would of started life on farms or in the Utility sector... at this age i think you would be very lucky to find one with full documented service history. I had one about 4 years ago with full documents and mots --guy i sold it to had it pinched off the driveway never to be seen.
At this age there are no boxs to tick for new rear cross member or axle casing !

A defender needs to be viewed and driven in my books... a properly serviced engine with 200,000 miles can still pull strong--if the owner has changed bushes / shockers and springs and the steering is good--it can still feel like new.

Alternatively, do what I did--got these guys to build me one fully galvanised http://www.deeside4x4.co.uk/restorations.html

best of luck in your search

Edited by budrover on Friday 9th April 19:04

[budrover]

obviously my last post was a load of ball cocks

first advert I looked at--

http://awdc.co.uk/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&...

so they are still out there !!

[300bhp/ton]

paddyhasneeds said:

As subject really.

I've had it suggested that I'm being a bit fussy in my hunt for a 90, and amongst other things it's taking a fair bit of getting used to that when looking at Landy's you're not always going to see a book of service stamps of any sort - "I've had it ten years and done it all myself".

How much importance would you place on a big wodge of bills vs. "Get in, starts right, sounds right, drives right"?

I think condition is far more important than claimed history. Just because it has the stamps doesn't mean the work has been done or even if it has, doesn't mean it's actually been better looked after.

OK, newish vehicles I can understand the appeal more. But something rugged and basic like a Landy and one that at best will be 18 years old?

[cpas]

paddyhasneeds said:

As subject really.

I've had it suggested that I'm being a bit fussy in my hunt for a 90

No, who's said that? PMSL!!

[cpas]

I agree with what's been said above. It depends on how much you are paying and how old the vehicle is. I bought a Mondeo a few years ago with 45,000 miles and no history and a Ford garage advised that as long as it was running OK and the oil was clean than it must have been serviced anyway. If in doubt, do a full service soon after purchase - and change the timing belt anyway.