Defender 1st timer - advice sought

[m911rks]

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

[m911rks]

Thanks for the feedback all, it's been really helpful so is much appreciated!

I'll see if I can sort an extended test drive after lockdown in a 90 & a 110 to compare them. I've driven 90's before off road but not for any real length of time, so I'll see if I can hire one to get the proper experience and also check the space out too. It looks like there are a lot of choices on the market of both models, some nice & standard and lots of pimped ones too which it sounds like need avoiding!

Thanks again

[m911rks]

Crossflow Kid said:

And the answer is:

130 Double cab hi-cap pick-up

Haha, I don't need an HGV, it's only for moving things around from time to time!

[m911rks]

300bhp/ton said:

I don't think you ever mentioned what you wanted the vehicle for?

As in, what kind of use/driving.


As I said before. I personally love Defenders. Have grown up and around Land Rover's all my life. They are a big part of my social life too.

But I have to say, I really don't think the Defender is worth what some are asking for it.


If you want something comfy, refined, quiet and modern handling. They just aren't the right vehicle. They also only really make sense if you are going tow, haul or go off road in them. As pure road cars, they are compromised. And if you are prepared for the compromises or at least prepared to accept the compromises. Chances are you'll not really enjoy owning one.

If you have some money in your pocket I'm sure you'll spend a wedge trying to solve some of these issues. But ultimately you will be unable to do so. Which is why you see so many spammed up ones for sale.


If you want a boxy off roader but want more refinement. Then something like the Jeep Wrangler is probably a much better bet. Available with more power, automatic transmission, air con and a nicer more plush interior. But still fundamentally a very similar type of vehicle.

We're moving out into the countryside soon & my current car is a 911, which I'd use if I was ever doing any reasonable mileage. The Defender thinking is for occasional use as some of the roads around where we're moving to aren't the best & for moving a few bits around as we do work on the house we're buying. I've always had a soft spot for them, but haven't ever owned one, or driven one too much either. I like the idea of having one that I can also do a bit with myself in the future and clearly I've seen the prices are strong too, so I figured it wouldn't lose much if I bought something reasonable & looked after it. Hopefully without sounding like a tser, we've also got a RRS, so have a nice comfortable 4x4 for the family, but the Defender is planned for me to potter around in & to be a bit of a workhorse occasionally when needed.

It sounds like I need to have a proper go in one for a few days to make sure I can live with the downsides!

[m911rks]

Mitch16 said:

Mark,

I have just made my first move into Defender ownership, having always wanted to own one. Having spent some time ‘studying’ the market I bought a 13 plate 110, one previous owner and only 15,000 miles. It is immaculate having been kept in a barn, luckily it was for sale near me in Surrey. I did pay a premium but took comfort given the immaculate condition. It is totally standard as it left the factory.

I agree you should take one for a decent test drive, the excitement could wear off quickly if it is not your thing. The refinement compared to modern cars is way off and no safety, e.g. no airbags

However, my family and I love it, we go exploring every weekend in the lanes around us and just go for drives for the hell of it (and I sold a nearly new Merc C63 to buy it). She is a keeper no doubt. Can fit kids bikes in, doesn’t matter if it gets muddy and wet, etc.

It has also taught me about driving again, reading the road, manual gear box. Working out if the turning circle will make a junction! Lovely not to have to doge pot hole too.

From me so far (one month in) I would say get the best condition you can and then budget to keep it that way. buy from a Land Rover specialist who will know what to look for (e.g. where rust can start underneath)

Picture of my new toy to follow. Good luck.

Great feedback, thanks Mitch.

I love the car too - it looks fantastic! I'm now also wondering if a 110 is a better approach than a 90 from some of the other responses. From looking online, they're also seemingly cheaper than 90's for some reason?

[m911rks]

It's me again - I'm looking seriously now as we've moved out into the countryside & I've got the money ready. I've got my heart set on a 90 & have seen a few that I like. I really don't like the snorkel's fitted to them, but some of the cars with snorkels at the perfect spec for what I'm looking for. Has anyone got experience of removing one & are there any issues in doing so?

Thanks in advance, Mark

[m911rks]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've finally took the plunge & am getting a Santorini black 64 plate 90 XS station wagon with low miles and a LRFSH.

There's no checkerplate, no snorkel/raised air intake & it's pretty much the perfect spec that I was after. As several of you have suggested, the car is in outstanding condition & doesn't need anything modifying, so I've ended up extending the budget but I'm getting a mint car & what I was after.

I really can't wait to get it & I'll post pictures of it when it arrives next month.

Thanks again for your help, it's been really useful to help me get sorted.

Cheers, Mark

[m911rks]

Haha, now you come out the woodwork after I've ordered the car!! Where were you when I was making the decision?!!

Thanks for all the tips and I'll definitely look at the security side of things. The car has a tracker & alarm etc and will be parked securely, but I'll look into the ISR bit as that sounds like good advice

[m911rks]

I finally got my Defender today!

I've only done about 15 miles in it so far, but love it already. I can thoroughly recommend Nick at Auto Autonomy for sourcing the perfect car and an outstanding service