Areas of rust on the back of a Defender TDCi

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Distinct-Project

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Hi guys, I'm interested in buying a defender and have been shopping around. I've been reading a bunch of threads on here, but tbh I'm still a complete novice.

One of the ones I'm interested in buying looks like it has some signs of rust on the back.

Are the areas circled in red bad news, or would they be pretty simple/cheap fixes?

Any help's hugely appreciated. Thanks
 

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They are just superficial areas that will need some attention but aren't 'important'.

The areas to look at are the chassis where the axles mount and around the rear and front cross member sections.
Other areas are the bottoms of the doors and under the carpets in the front where the floor panels meet the bulkhead.
Also look around the door hinges inside the cab..

That does look like a newish Defender a Puma at a guess.
If you can tell us what the reg is (or at least what year it is) we would be able to give you more advice regarding the engine etc etc.
Check for oil leaks under the engine, gearbox and transfer box.
Look carefully at where the prop shafts exit the transfer box and where they enter the axles...
 
Hi guys, I'm interested in buying a defender and have been shopping around. I've been reading a bunch of threads on here, but tbh I'm still a complete novice.

One of the ones I'm interested in buying looks like it has some signs of rust on the back.

Are the areas circled in red bad news, or would they be pretty simple/cheap fixes?

Any help's hugely appreciated. Thanks
Those aren’t anything that would put me off if the price is right. You can use it as a bargaining chip though. They will need sanding back and touched up at some point and it will probably come back, but that’s the nature of the beast with Land Rovers
 
Appreciate the advice! Yes it's a 2008 plate Puma.

I have been watching a ton of videos to learn and will definitely check the warning spots you mentioned.

Out of interest, do you know what the part in the top left circle is called? I'd like to take a look to see how much a replacement for this part would cost
 
So I went ahead and purchased the car. I'm keen to get my hands dirty, but it would be great to get some advice. I'll add a few photos below:

WhatsApp Image 2025-09-04 at 14.14.31.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2025-09-04 at 14.14.31 (1).jpeg


The underneath of the chassis seems to be in fairly decent nick from what I can tell (let me know if I'm wrong). I'm interested in undersealing the car with potentially lanogaurd. What would you guys recommend to remove the surface rust from the car, I believe I've heard to use a wire brush and possibly and jet washer. Is this correct? Also, has anyone had any experience with lanoguard and would they recommend it?

WhatsApp Image 2025-09-04 at 14.14.31 (2).jpeg


The rear headlining seems to be sagging, what would people recommend to fix this problem?

I'm also looking at buying a tool kit to be able do any jobs needed on the car. I've found this one on amazon and it would be great to get an opinion on if you think this would be okay, or from experience is it better to spend a bit more money: Amazon Tool Set
 
So I went ahead and purchased the car. I'm keen to get my hands dirty, but it would be great to get some advice. I'll add a few photos below:

View attachment 349158View attachment 349159

The underneath of the chassis seems to be in fairly decent nick from what I can tell (let me know if I'm wrong). I'm interested in undersealing the car with potentially lanogaurd. What would you guys recommend to remove the surface rust from the car, I believe I've heard to use a wire brush and possibly and jet washer. Is this correct? Also, has anyone had any experience with lanoguard and would they recommend it?

View attachment 349160

The rear headlining seems to be sagging, what would people recommend to fix this problem?

I'm also looking at buying a tool kit to be able do any jobs needed on the car. I've found this one on amazon and it would be great to get an opinion on if you think this would be okay, or from experience is it better to spend a bit more money: Amazon Tool Set
Glad you bought it and from the limited images and info we have, it’s hard to advise really. Everything @miktdish said in his earlier post is still relevant to check. Your are on the right track with a wire brush and lanoguard. That product is not something I have experience of, but I have heard good things about it. The tool kit looks ok, but for what you will need owning a LR, it’s only scratching the surface I’m afraid. A decent set of axle stands and a trolly jack should be on your list for a start. A 27mm impact socket for your wheel nuts and a decent breaker bar. The list is almost endless mate, but you will always get advice on here, and don’t be afraid to ask.
 
I should add, make sure that if you buy a jack and axle stands, they are of a sufficient spec for the weight of your vehicle. Never ever work under a car supported by a jack only !!
 
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I'm also looking at buying a tool kit to be able do any jobs needed on the car. I've found this one on amazon and it would be great to get an opinion on if you think this would be okay, or from experience is it better to spend a bit more money: Amazon Tool Set

It's a good start.
Impact sockets won't break as often .
Theses are good .


Sealey tools are pretty good too

A good impact driver won't go amiss either .... and as @meego says a good set of axle stands and a trolly jack capable of a 2.5 Ton lift.
You don't need a 'low profile' jack, unless you want to work on sports/modern/somone elses cars.
 
Hi guys, I'm interested in buying a defender and have been shopping around. I've been reading a bunch of threads on here, but tbh I'm still a complete novice.

One of the ones I'm interested in buying looks like it has some signs of rust on the back.

Are the areas circled in red bad news, or would they be pretty simple/cheap fixes?

Any help's hugely appreciated. Thanks
The most important areas are the ones you cant see. Check every bracket.

I just finished replacing old fasteners around the front and mid section and a few in the rear. Have some rust corrosion inhibitor, copper grease and just peel away at parts you know you can replace and do the required work to prevent further rust growth

Screenshot 2025-09-04 at 18.04.38.png
 
The most important areas are the ones you cant see. Check every bracket.

I just finished replacing old fasteners around the front and mid section and a few in the rear. Have some rust corrosion inhibitor, copper grease and just peel away at parts you know you can replace and do the required work to prevent further rust growth

View attachment 349222
Didn’t you have some longer bolts you could have used 🤔
 
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