Defender 1st timer - advice sought
Discussion
I am looking at dipping my toe into defender ownership and can see there's a vast range of cars available at all price levels. I've read the guide on PH and it looks like it's a minimum £20k spend to get something half decent? As I know there are lots of people with way more experience of these cars than me on here, I thought I'd ask for some advice of what to look for & look out for!
I'm after a 90, ideally a pick up as it will be used to transport bulky things occasionally, but that's not the only thing I'd look at. It will be used at least weekly, but won't be my main car & I'm not looking for anything perfect.
My budget is likely to be up to £30k, so is it a case of the more you spend, the better the car? I'm not overly worried by high mileage as I think the engines are reliable, but again, would appreciate any steers towards certain engines & specs etc?
I live in Kent, so if there are any particular recommendations of garages, specialists etc, that would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Mark
I'm after a 90, ideally a pick up as it will be used to transport bulky things occasionally, but that's not the only thing I'd look at. It will be used at least weekly, but won't be my main car & I'm not looking for anything perfect.
My budget is likely to be up to £30k, so is it a case of the more you spend, the better the car? I'm not overly worried by high mileage as I think the engines are reliable, but again, would appreciate any steers towards certain engines & specs etc?
I live in Kent, so if there are any particular recommendations of garages, specialists etc, that would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Mark
If you’re looking to move bulky items a 90 really isn’t the vehicle. They’re not that large inside, even 110s aren’t brilliant, and have the wheel arch boxes protruding in to the entire length of the load area. You’re aware they don’t have a flat load bed as such?
Other thing to bear in mind is pick-ups are quite a rare thing, especially in the later years of production which, going by your budget, is where you’re looking.
The high mileages you mentioned aren’t a problem IF it’s been properly looked after. They’re light commercial vehicles at the end of the day and a lot of people forget this and expect to run one on Ford Focus money.
As mentioned, condition is everything.
Existing upgrades and modifications can be a good thing, again providing they’ve been done right. Suspension is ripe for tweaking as stock cars can be a bit boingy or saggy but that doesn’t mean you have to add neon pink 4” lift coils with stupid names like Galloping Giraffe. Anything like that, just walk away.
Other thing to bear in mind is pick-ups are quite a rare thing, especially in the later years of production which, going by your budget, is where you’re looking.
The high mileages you mentioned aren’t a problem IF it’s been properly looked after. They’re light commercial vehicles at the end of the day and a lot of people forget this and expect to run one on Ford Focus money.
As mentioned, condition is everything.
Existing upgrades and modifications can be a good thing, again providing they’ve been done right. Suspension is ripe for tweaking as stock cars can be a bit boingy or saggy but that doesn’t mean you have to add neon pink 4” lift coils with stupid names like Galloping Giraffe. Anything like that, just walk away.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 16th November 08:01
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 16th November 08:02
If you're in Kent, you could take a look at that garage just south of Staplehurst which usually has a lot of Defenders outside (well, it did last time I went past!). I know absolutely nothing about them, so it's not a recommendation, just somewhere where there would be several you could look at to get a comparison?
It's not difficult to convert one with a rear body to a pickup/truck cab, as long as you can find the parts.
It's not difficult to convert one with a rear body to a pickup/truck cab, as long as you can find the parts.
CAPP0 said:
If you're in Kent, you could take a look at that garage just south of Staplehurst which usually has a lot of Defenders outside (well, it did last time I went past!). I know absolutely nothing about them, so it's not a recommendation, just somewhere where there would be several you could look at to get a comparison?
That would be RCV Sales.I visited there when searching for mine (I'm also based in Kent). A good choice is certainly available though I didn't end up buying there. He seemed quite pricey and unwilling to negotiate. I test drove one defender there that had a 3rd gear synchro issue (impossible to engage third without a graunch). He seemed most put out that I found that an issue and I left to purchase elsewhere.
I can neither recommend nor advise to avoid - I just found him completely indifferent. I guess his turnover is such that he can afford to be like that.
Have you driven one yet?
Seriously, take one for a drive before deciding as they're a bit of a 'Marmite' car.
I'd echo Crossflow's comments regarding the usability of the loadspace, it's worse than you think! However, if it has to be a Defender, then nothing else will do. If you're after a very capable workhorse though, I'd throw the Discovery Commercial into the mix.
As for buying one, it can be an absolute minefield out there. There are a number of buyers guides but here are some of my pointers:
M
Seriously, take one for a drive before deciding as they're a bit of a 'Marmite' car.
I'd echo Crossflow's comments regarding the usability of the loadspace, it's worse than you think! However, if it has to be a Defender, then nothing else will do. If you're after a very capable workhorse though, I'd throw the Discovery Commercial into the mix.
As for buying one, it can be an absolute minefield out there. There are a number of buyers guides but here are some of my pointers:
- Rust! Check the bulkhead, chassis, etc... And just because the body is ally, doesn't mean it doesn't corrode.
- Anything with 'bling', approach with caution. Checker plate on the rear cross-member? Walk away. If it isn't already hiding rot, it soon will be.
- Drive train - There are a lot of shafts, gears & splines in the drivetrain and if not driven 'properly', they can wear and get sloppy! (People use the clutch like an on/off switch and this shock-loading wears it all out).
M
Not ever owned a Defender, but I have owned a series 2a 88 inch for 10 years. I have driven a few defenders over the years.
My view
Against
Don't buy a 90 to carry loads, the boot in my Lexus RX400h is bigger.
They are not comfortable, you will bang your elbows.
They are slow.
They are noisy.
They leak everything. Oil from underneath, Water from above.
They are stupidly expensive.
Most council tips make you jump through hoops to visit them in a land rover.
For
They get under you skin and are fun to drive once you get past the 1940's design.
Cheap to run, parts and repairs.
You can adapt them to do anything you want.
If you look after it you will probably get your money back when you sell it.
they make you smile.
You will never get stuck. They go anywhere.
I drive my series a lot more often than my other cars, but never for very long trips, this says it all really.
My view
Against
Don't buy a 90 to carry loads, the boot in my Lexus RX400h is bigger.
They are not comfortable, you will bang your elbows.
They are slow.
They are noisy.
They leak everything. Oil from underneath, Water from above.
They are stupidly expensive.
Most council tips make you jump through hoops to visit them in a land rover.
For
They get under you skin and are fun to drive once you get past the 1940's design.
Cheap to run, parts and repairs.
You can adapt them to do anything you want.
If you look after it you will probably get your money back when you sell it.
they make you smile.
You will never get stuck. They go anywhere.
I drive my series a lot more often than my other cars, but never for very long trips, this says it all really.
m911rks said:
I am looking at dipping my toe into defender ownership and can see there's a vast range of cars available at all price levels. I've read the guide on PH and it looks like it's a minimum £20k spend to get something half decent? As I know there are lots of people with way more experience of these cars than me on here, I thought I'd ask for some advice of what to look for & look out for!
I'm after a 90, ideally a pick up as it will be used to transport bulky things occasionally, but that's not the only thing I'd look at. It will be used at least weekly, but won't be my main car & I'm not looking for anything perfect.
My budget is likely to be up to £30k, so is it a case of the more you spend, the better the car? I'm not overly worried by high mileage as I think the engines are reliable, but again, would appreciate any steers towards certain engines & specs etc?
I live in Kent, so if there are any particular recommendations of garages, specialists etc, that would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Mark
Defenders are great, I love them. But I should think 90% of people buying them these days (as fashion icons, handbags or occasional use cars and not off roading). Are buying 100% the wrong car.I'm after a 90, ideally a pick up as it will be used to transport bulky things occasionally, but that's not the only thing I'd look at. It will be used at least weekly, but won't be my main car & I'm not looking for anything perfect.
My budget is likely to be up to £30k, so is it a case of the more you spend, the better the car? I'm not overly worried by high mileage as I think the engines are reliable, but again, would appreciate any steers towards certain engines & specs etc?
I live in Kent, so if there are any particular recommendations of garages, specialists etc, that would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Mark
A £2000 Disco 1 would likely serve you better. They are 90%+ the same as a Defender under the body and drive in almost the same way. But have a more comfy interior, better ergonomics, better NVH and bascially solve all the issues people moan about with Defenders.
On the plus side, Defender prices seem rock solid. So at least when you realise you've bought the wrong vehicle you'll be able to chop it in for minimal loss.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Monday 16th November 11:26
As above really, check for rust on the chassis and bulkhead. Newer ones can be as rotten as older ones, so check carefully. MoT history check is very useful. The 90 is very small. Mine takes up the same space as my New Beetle cab used to, with a similarly useless boot. If you have the spare wheel inside it's even worse. Agree about the tips. Ours needs a permit for which I had to supply log book, insurance, licence and council tax bill. All for a vehicle that can fit less in than my Volvo. They are slow, noisy, bumpy, vulnerable to theft and expensive to buy and run.
Saying all that though, I love mine. I wanted one since I was 15 and finally bought one last year, 40 years later ! On the way home from buying it, the indicators packed up and a wiper fell off, but I was still grinning when I got home !
Saying all that though, I love mine. I wanted one since I was 15 and finally bought one last year, 40 years later ! On the way home from buying it, the indicators packed up and a wiper fell off, but I was still grinning when I got home !
) 
I have owned 3 series land rovers and never really drove them...
I love defenders but every time I went looking I ended up buying a RR... more comfy, air con, heated seats, quieter, etc.
never had an issue at a tip
also going up in value but cheaper to buy...
any car you buy - rust is the biggest issue
I love defenders but every time I went looking I ended up buying a RR... more comfy, air con, heated seats, quieter, etc.
never had an issue at a tip
also going up in value but cheaper to buy...
any car you buy - rust is the biggest issue
akirk said:
I have owned 3 series land rovers and never really drove them...
I love defenders but every time I went looking I ended up buying a RR... more comfy, air con, heated seats, quieter, etc.
never had an issue at a tip
also going up in value but cheaper to buy...
any car you buy - rust is the biggest issue
I did notice when I was looking for a 90 to buy, you could get an awful lot of Range Rover for the same money I love defenders but every time I went looking I ended up buying a RR... more comfy, air con, heated seats, quieter, etc.
never had an issue at a tip
also going up in value but cheaper to buy...
any car you buy - rust is the biggest issue
Red9zero said:
Mine's an older one (1987) and someone else's unfinished project, so maybe my view is a bit skewed
lol, but they still shouldn't be.Parts are cheap and plentiful and everything is easy to work on. Plus the models are very simple. An '87 model (while not technically a Defender
) only has electric lights....My sons just bought a 2007 110 facelift to convert into an off grid camper. Its the commercial version. Needs a few minor things doing but had a clean bill of health underneath and a good MOT history. He paid about £7k for it and loves it. Ultimately flawed by modern standards but agree with the poster that said they get under your skin - I'm quite taken with it too.
Buy the best condition most standard looking one you can get. You probably won't lose a penny on it if it is looked after. Avoid anything tarted up or modified.
I don't really use my landie for carrying stuff, buy a trailer for that instead. Be careful about security, Defenders are a big theft risk in many areas, especially the countryside.
I don't really use my landie for carrying stuff, buy a trailer for that instead. Be careful about security, Defenders are a big theft risk in many areas, especially the countryside.
300bhp/ton said:
lol, but they still shouldn't be.
Parts are cheap and plentiful and everything is easy to work on. Plus the models are very simple. An '87 model (while not technically a Defender ) only has electric lights....
I've just got a pair of immaculate sun visors for a tenner, so you are right. Quite why mine was missing them, I don't know. Most of my spending has been on replacing odd missing bits, but as I'm in no rush I can search out the bargains.Parts are cheap and plentiful and everything is easy to work on. Plus the models are very simple. An '87 model (while not technically a Defender
) only has electric lights....I know it's a 90
in fact it was badged as a Defender when I bought it, so I put the proper 90 badge on the front and took the Defender sticker off the back. It has electric wipers too. I know as I had to replace the relay and park switch I believe it has an electric heater too, but I'm still not convinced about that Gassing Station | Land Rover | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff