Buying a used Defender 90 - Tips
Discussion
I'm in the market for a used Defender 90 - in the £10-15k range, what sort of things should I be looking out for?
Sounds like they have issues with chassis and cross members rotting away but obvious things to look out for/avoid would be hugely appreciated. Lots of this age have 100k+ miles on the clock - is that a worry? Is it worth spending a bit more to get a newer/lower mileage model?
Only thing I'd really like is Aircon, would be 3rd car so don't particularly care if its a wagon or has rear windows, I'd be taking the seats out anyway.
Sounds like they have issues with chassis and cross members rotting away but obvious things to look out for/avoid would be hugely appreciated. Lots of this age have 100k+ miles on the clock - is that a worry? Is it worth spending a bit more to get a newer/lower mileage model?
Only thing I'd really like is Aircon, would be 3rd car so don't particularly care if its a wagon or has rear windows, I'd be taking the seats out anyway.
I know it's a 110 but this is lovely and at a great price too
http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic42431.html?sid...
Strongly recommend you consider one, they are better value & also far more useful!
With the change, you can personalise it.
To answer your question, £10k will see you into a 2003-2005 Td5 and £15k shoud see you into an early 2007/8 TDCi. Both prices assume a CSW, you will pay less for a hardtop and even less for a pickup.
Personally, I would opt for the TDCi, far better aircon and a 6-speed gearbox although the Td5 is still a fine motor.
Plenty of help & advice over on the Defender2.net site!
http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic42431.html?sid...
Strongly recommend you consider one, they are better value & also far more useful!
With the change, you can personalise it.
To answer your question, £10k will see you into a 2003-2005 Td5 and £15k shoud see you into an early 2007/8 TDCi. Both prices assume a CSW, you will pay less for a hardtop and even less for a pickup.
Personally, I would opt for the TDCi, far better aircon and a 6-speed gearbox although the Td5 is still a fine motor.
Plenty of help & advice over on the Defender2.net site!
Why aircon? I have a 2014 TDCi and have had various TDis in the past and never wanted or needed aircon, and I do a lot of miles. They are easy to cool down when it's hot. As others have said, the TD5 and 300tdi are much admired but I'd go for a post 2005/6 TDCi with 6 speed gearbox etc. And as you know, chassis and bulkhead condition is everything...
Prices are on the up. 300TDI station wagons are now going for £8-£10k, so my guess is you would be looking at a good late TD5 or an early TDCI Puma variant.
When you are spending that sort of money, I would definitely get it wax oiled when you buy it.
You don't see many Defenders with AirCon as it takes up valuable space in the cabin especially if its not the TDCI version, which has a much better dash.
Are you buying it for any off roading at all?? If your asking about AC, my guess is probably not. Its people like you that are pushing the prices up
The doors in the latest ones don't seal very well anyway, so AC and decent heaters can be a bit pointless 
However, Heated seats are becoming quite popular.
As other people have said, rust is the main thing to look out for. Service history is nice, but you can tell a lot about a Defender with a three minute walk and crawl round the vehicle. Certainly more than 8 stamps in the service book. At £10k, I'd be amazed if it is even has the service book with the car.
They are uncomfortable and noisy, but that doesn't stop me wanting one. Best of luck with your search and post up some photos when you get one.
When you are spending that sort of money, I would definitely get it wax oiled when you buy it.
You don't see many Defenders with AirCon as it takes up valuable space in the cabin especially if its not the TDCI version, which has a much better dash.
Are you buying it for any off roading at all?? If your asking about AC, my guess is probably not. Its people like you that are pushing the prices up
The doors in the latest ones don't seal very well anyway, so AC and decent heaters can be a bit pointless However, Heated seats are becoming quite popular.
As other people have said, rust is the main thing to look out for. Service history is nice, but you can tell a lot about a Defender with a three minute walk and crawl round the vehicle. Certainly more than 8 stamps in the service book. At £10k, I'd be amazed if it is even has the service book with the car.
They are uncomfortable and noisy, but that doesn't stop me wanting one. Best of luck with your search and post up some photos when you get one.
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