Please HELP - Novice buying/owning a Defender 200 tdi

[neeko99]

Hi, I'm 100% new to Landrovers and I have recently have seen a very nice Defender 200 tdi for sale. I've been to see it from a reputable specialist and everything seems to be good - its had work done on the bulk head and the chassis and £1000's of worth of receipts for things such as gear box, clutch and lots of landy extras such as side lockers, extra fuel tank and water tank etc. It seems to be a very well maintained and looked after vehicle with no expense spared.

I'm buying it as a second vehicle to go camping around the UK and Europe, I'll be taking it off road on occasion. I have recently heard contrasting views and opinions about defenders reliability. I dont expect it to be cheap to run and I am happy servicing it and keeping up its "no expense spared" track record! But I'm just no sure what to expect when I'm on trips - will it be breaking down regularly or will it simply run fine from one trip to the next providing its well serviced by a decent specialist?

Any owners to advise please?

[pikeyboy]

It'll be fine but you'll need ear "defenders" for long distance use.