Defender, buying advice needed.
Discussion
Im looking at buying a post 2000 double cab pick up type defender, although any 4 door 110 would do, and apart from that they hold thier value well i dont really know a lot about them.
i was wondering what common issues they have and any "defender specific" things i should be looking for ona test drive.
Any advice you guys have would be great!
APB
i was wondering what common issues they have and any "defender specific" things i should be looking for ona test drive.
Any advice you guys have would be great!
APB
I would love one of these and may be looking towards the middle of next year (when the Disco we are 'borrowing' for a year goes back) if yours is still available 
. To answer the OP, the main thing seems to be chassis rot even on newer cars - but anything is reasonably easily fixable.
. To answer the OP, the main thing seems to be chassis rot even on newer cars - but anything is reasonably easily fixable.After several Defender 90's I purchased 110 Crew Cab, had it for a year and found it to be the most inconvenient car I have owned. If you are looking at purchasing one try and have get one for a weekend test drive. They have a useless turning circle and are absolutely no use for any town driving/parking. The rear seats are only fit for kids under 12 and the load area is too small/insecure.
I've gone back to the Defender 90, love 'em to bits.
I've gone back to the Defender 90, love 'em to bits.
Defender 90's OK if you don't want to carry anything too long.
Defender 110's if you want to carry longer things. 30mm spacers and lock stop adjustments to get the steering lock.
crew cab if you are a farmer and carry hay bails or sheep and need seperation from your seating area, otherwise they are completely useless as a vehicle with any practical application.
If you have any sense whatsoever then buy a Land Cruiser.
Defenders these days have a heater that works and heated seats, they also come with a set of ninetails so you can flaggelate yourself whilst on the move !!
Defender 110's if you want to carry longer things. 30mm spacers and lock stop adjustments to get the steering lock.
crew cab if you are a farmer and carry hay bails or sheep and need seperation from your seating area, otherwise they are completely useless as a vehicle with any practical application.
If you have any sense whatsoever then buy a Land Cruiser.
Defenders these days have a heater that works and heated seats, they also come with a set of ninetails so you can flaggelate yourself whilst on the move !!
macar said:
After several Defender 90's I purchased 110 Crew Cab, had it for a year and found it to be the most inconvenient car I have owned. If you are looking at purchasing one try and have get one for a weekend test drive. They have a useless turning circle and are absolutely no use for any town driving/parking. The rear seats are only fit for kids under 12 and the load area is too small/insecure.
I've gone back to the Defender 90, love 'em to bits.
Doesn't that go for all crew cab pickups? My boss hired me a Mitsubishi Warrior? (or some other macho name). I hated it, basically I needed to find two spaces to park it in near my work, cos it was so long. Plus it weighed about 2 and a half tonnes so it was incredibly thirsty (fortunately I wasn't paying) and not much cop for the mild off road work required of it (driving across wet clay fields). I think I'd buy a 90 unless I really needed the space, its got to be cheaper to run and easier to use day to day. I've gone back to the Defender 90, love 'em to bits.
heightswitch said:
Defender 90's OK if you don't want to carry anything too long.
Defender 110's if you want to carry longer things. 30mm spacers and lock stop adjustments to get the steering lock.
crew cab if you are a farmer and carry hay bails or sheep and need seperation from your seating area, otherwise they are completely useless as a vehicle with any practical application.
If you have any sense whatsoever then buy a Land Cruiser.
Defenders these days have a heater that works and heated seats, they also come with a set of ninetails so you can flaggelate yourself whilst on the move !!
My 90's got a roof rack and tow bar/trailer for any long items.Defender 110's if you want to carry longer things. 30mm spacers and lock stop adjustments to get the steering lock.
crew cab if you are a farmer and carry hay bails or sheep and need seperation from your seating area, otherwise they are completely useless as a vehicle with any practical application.
If you have any sense whatsoever then buy a Land Cruiser.
Defenders these days have a heater that works and heated seats, they also come with a set of ninetails so you can flaggelate yourself whilst on the move !!
Certainly would'nt buy any vehicle unless it was British built:
heightswitch said:
Defender 110's if you want to carry longer things. 30mm spacers and lock stop adjustments to get the steering lock
Is the lock dependant on the length of vehicle then? It used to depend on the size of wheels/tyres fitted, 88" land rovers with optional 750/16 tyres would have the same lock as a 109" land rover which had this size as standard. My land rover retains its best possible lock (lockstops wound right in) on the bigger tyres because the 90/110 rims it's on apparently have more offset. warch said:
Is the lock dependant on the length of vehicle then? It used to depend on the size of wheels/tyres fitted, 88" land rovers with optional 750/16 tyres would have the same lock as a 109" land rover which had this size as standard. My land rover retains its best possible lock (lockstops wound right in) on the bigger tyres because the 90/110 rims it's on apparently have more offset.
The lock on a 90 feels OK. The length of the 110 alters the turning circle and it is pretty dire. the 30mm spacers are a good mod, make sure you buy proper hub centric spacers though.
warch said:
Is the lock dependant on the length of vehicle then? It used to depend on the size of wheels/tyres fitted, 88" land rovers with optional 750/16 tyres would have the same lock as a 109" land rover which had this size as standard. My land rover retains its best possible lock (lockstops wound right in) on the bigger tyres because the 90/110 rims it's on apparently have more offset.
Sorry about that post, it was quite possibly the most tedious thing I have ever written. Don't judge me...
Drove one of these earlier in the week to get a sense of how they've moved on in the decade or so since I last drove a LR.
In addition to what others have said, there was a fair bit of noise from the sliding rear window - suspect station wagon would be quieter, and would also be more comfortable for back seat passengers due to rear seat angles.
Depending on what you're used to, they're also not the widest when it comes to room for your right elbow.
In addition to what others have said, there was a fair bit of noise from the sliding rear window - suspect station wagon would be quieter, and would also be more comfortable for back seat passengers due to rear seat angles.
Depending on what you're used to, they're also not the widest when it comes to room for your right elbow.
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