How much should a 2015 Land Mark Defender cost?

[findtomdotcom]

I am about to buy a 2015 Land Rover Landmark Defender 90 TDi. It’s covered 11000 miles so it’s very low mileage 1 owner and is in like new condition. However, it’s very expensive.

What is the PH view on how much a 2015 Defender should cost? I’m struggling to put a price on how much these “should” cost and if I’m making a mistake.

Edited by findtomdotcom on Tuesday 26th July 21:21

[findtomdotcom]

£51500... So I thought £30k seemed ok, but having looked at a few low milage examples of high spec 90s they do seem to be around the £45k/£50k mark?

[LooneyTunes]

You won’t get what you’ve described for £30k these days.

Prices on them still seem to be crazy and it’s going to be interesting to see how well they hold up. Almost inevitable that good condition low mileage ones are going to get harder to find.

Assume you’ve owned one before if you’re thinking of dropping £50k on one? Being polite, they’re not without a degree of character.

[camel_landy]

findtomdotcom said:

What is the PH view on how much a 2015 Defender should cost? I’m struggling to put a price on how much these “should” cost and if I’m making a mistake.

A car is only worth what someone is willing to pay.

Auctions are often a good source of information for the 'going rate'.

M

[55palfers]

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2015-land-rove...

2 years ago, this sold for £47500 plus fees.

[findtomdotcom]

All great points. I have looked at auctions and tried to get a feel. My conclusion is that a 2015 low milage Defender seems to keep it's value quite well. Not sure it's £50k but probably not far off. But again I welcome your thoughts.

[sma]

findtomdotcom said:

All great points. I have looked at auctions and tried to get a feel. My conclusion is that a 2015 low milage Defender seems to keep it's value quite well. Not sure it's £50k but probably not far off. But again I welcome your thoughts.

To put some perspective on this. I sold my 65 plate Defender 110 Landmark recently to a main dealer for £49500.00, cash, no trade in. The market has cooled off a little now, it may continue to do so, ULEZ etc, but the Landmark was one of the runout models, affectionately described by my Daughter as everything they had in the parts bin. Personally I'd look at a decent XS that has been looked after, probably a few years older, there is not the premium, there is very little difference.

Obviously the last models, along with decent special editions will always carry a premium. If your going to mothball it and hope it turns into an investment, then go 2015 Landmark/Adventure/Autobiography/Heritage or the older V8/G4 etc.... Then again I sold my Banksy for peanuts, thought £800 for 1 bitcoin was mental, so what do I know :-)

They all rust at the same speed.

Edited by sma on Tuesday 26th July 16:36

[findtomdotcom]

Thanks Sma, really useful info. I like to buy the very best version of a car I can find, this seems to fit the bill. But need to get the price down a little I think.

[LooneyTunes]

sma said:

Obviously the last models, along with decent special editions will always carry a premium. If your going to mothball it and hope it turns into an investment, then go 2015 Landmark/Adventure/Autobiography/Heritage or the older V8/G4 etc....

Or one of the general 2016MY VINs might turn out to be desirable if it can be picked up at present for relatively little premium. If elsewhere on the internet is to be believed it’s circa the last 6 months production and final ~12k vehicles.

Certainly the 16MY USW (for which I don’t think there were any specials?) I bought 18 months ago seems to have appreciated a bit if they’re selling anywhere near current advertised prices.

[sma]

LooneyTunes said:

Or one of the general 2016MY VINs might turn out to be desirable if it can be picked up at present for relatively little premium. If elsewhere on the internet is to be believed it’s circa the last 6 months production and final ~12k vehicles.

Certainly the 16MY USW (for which I don’t think there were any specials?) I bought 18 months ago seems to have appreciated a bit if they’re selling anywhere near current advertised prices.

Yes, it does mention the last run (6 months) of Defenders having the MY16 VIN in the internal LR doc above. I think you're right with regard to desirability and as long as LR are pumping out special editions at £225k they'll no doubt hold their value.

Regarding the ULEZ/LEZ I am no expert, but there seems to be discrepancies regarding commercial/non-commerical and body types. My old one despite being one of the last was not compliant.



My Dads is also non-complaint



but my friends old LR is exempt.

Edited by sma on Thursday 28th July 18:34

[findtomdotcom]

Quick update, I bought the Defender and have had a few small mods done. Lot’s of extra security, a double din Apple CarPlay head unit, new speakers, cruise control (this is a game changer) and new larger wheels later this week. The 235 std wheels are a bit odd looking, so new wider rubber is inbound.

It’s a really clean and like new Defender, so very happy with it. I looked a lot in the end, this was the best one by far. I am keen to keep it looking stock even if I tweak just a few things like adding larger (wider) wheels…

Thanks for the advice.

Tom

[Andy_mr2sc]

findtomdotcom said:

Quick update, I bought the Defender and have had a few small mods done. Lot’s of extra security, a double din Apple CarPlay head unit, new speakers, cruise control (this is a game changer) and new larger wheels later this week. The 235 std wheels are a bit odd looking, so new wider rubber is inbound.

It’s a really clean and like new Defender, so very happy with it. I looked a lot in the end, this was the best one by far. I am keen to keep it looking stock even if I tweak just a few things like adding larger (wider) wheels…

Thanks for the advice.

Tom

Out of interest what size wheels are you going for? Are you sticking with 16s or going to 18?

[findtomdotcom]

18” but the same Sawtooth alloys.

[Andy_mr2sc]

findtomdotcom said:

18” but the same Sawtooth alloys.

I'd be interested in some feedback on them when fitted as I'm looking at changing my Boost alloys for 18" Sawtooths myself.

[300bhp/ton]

Andy_mr2sc said:

findtomdotcom said:

Quick update, I bought the Defender and have had a few small mods done. Lot’s of extra security, a double din Apple CarPlay head unit, new speakers, cruise control (this is a game changer) and new larger wheels later this week. The 235 std wheels are a bit odd looking, so new wider rubber is inbound.

It’s a really clean and like new Defender, so very happy with it. I looked a lot in the end, this was the best one by far. I am keen to keep it looking stock even if I tweak just a few things like adding larger (wider) wheels…

Thanks for the advice.

Tom

Out of interest what size wheels are you going for? Are you sticking with 16s or going to 18?

18's on a Defender will ride comparatively ste. Only those looking for bling and the look at me brigade should apply.

[findtomdotcom]

300bhp/ton said:

18's on a Defender will ride comparatively ste. Only those looking for bling and the look at me brigade should apply.

What a rude and inaccurate thing to say. And from Camero driver too….

Defenders aren’t known for fantastic ride in the first place. However, I would argue the handling is markedly better. I kept exactly the same circumference and just added width with a lower profile. Not only do the aesthetics work better (to my eye) but it now corners better on the road.

[Andy_mr2sc]

300bhp/ton said:

18's on a Defender will ride comparatively ste. Only those looking for bling and the look at me brigade should apply.

They are not a big enough jump in diameter to appeal to the bling brigade. I don't think they look much different. I'm more interested in the steering response given they will be slightly lower profile and potentially slightly wider.
We aren't talking 20/21/22" rims!

[findtomdotcom]

Maybe that’s where I am going wrong? Should have gone for some 23’ American style mirror wheels with spinners? I can’t believe I missed that. I mean Escalades look so good….

So, see below for some before and after photos. I think the 18”s are a really subtle upgrade, add that to what I perceive as an improvement in handling and it’s a no brainier. Next on the list is a visit to Twisted for their sports suspension and stage 3/4 engine tune.

Before: 16” Sawtooth Alloy


After: 18 “ Sawtooth Alloy

Edited by findtomdotcom on Friday 26th August 10:05

[findtomdotcom]

And have a dog shot because, I love my dogs and they are inside the Defender…

[findtomdotcom]

Yes, it really is, good shout. I have the Optimil hinges but I agree and have ordered a proper door/wheel hanger thing.

For reference, I had to add 30mm wheel spacers to the hubs (see photo) and shims to the door hanger to get the wheels and tyres (285/60/R18) to fit correctly.

I am under no illusion that off-road the skinny tyres would probably work better. But where we live in Greece the road is gravel so this setup gives a bit of stance (but not too much) and better on-road manners.

Edited by findtomdotcom on Friday 26th August 10:22