19 Y/O wanting to buy first defender. help please

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
H

hannon233

New Member
Posts
5
Hi everyone. I need some advice on buying a land rover defender 90, didn't think there'd be a much better place than here to ask.

Basically I'm 19 looking to buy my first 4x4 I've checked the insurance and everything and it all seems good. The only thing is... I don't really know what I'm looking for, I just know that I want a defender 90 and I have 5 grand to play with.

What am I looking for with this kind of money, e.g. what year, engine etc.

I also want to know what I should be watching out for when viewing these types of land rovers and their common problems.
I don't mind putting a bit of work in after a while so I'm not worried about condition too much as long as its solid and won't cost me both arms and legs.

Thanks, Paul.
 
hannon233 said:
Hi everyone. I need some advice on buying a land rover defender 90, didn't think there'd be a much better place than here to ask.

Basically I'm 19 looking to buy my first 4x4 I've checked the insurance and everything and it all seems good. The only thing is... I don't really know what I'm looking for, I just know that I want a defender 90 and I have 5 grand to play with.

What am I looking for with this kind of money, e.g. what year, engine etc.

I also want to know what I should be watching out for when viewing these types of land rovers and their common problems.
I don't mind putting a bit of work in after a while so I'm not worried about condition too much as long as its solid and won't cost me both arms and legs.

Thanks, Paul.
Click to expand...

Hi Paul - good choice and I'm sure you'll get some good advice.

Just a heads up that some of the olduns on here will get really tetchy if you don't say hello on the intro section (ideally with 2 references, 3 household bills and a note from your Mum) ...... Dunno why, but it might make for a quieter start to all the good stuff you'll get on here..! A:D
 
Wow straight over to the introduction section:)
Keep taking advice like that and you will go far.
Now go to LZ11 thread and buy tickets for your family and friends;)
 
5k will get you a decent 300tdi, up to around 1998 I believe. Anything newer will most likely have issues for that amount of money! Are you wanted a station wagon (rear windows and seats) or hard top (like a van). Hard tops seem to be cheaper.

As with what to look for, rust rust and rust again. Throughly check the chassis for rust and bulkhead for rust, along with the rear cross member.

The engines are pretty strong, but check for no excessive smoking, no dodgey noises etc.

I wouldn't suggest rushing into this, I know it's tempting but go look at a few, then you'll be able to tell what's good and what's not!

Good luck :)
 
There are at least four Land Rover magazines on sale monthly. They all have 'for sale' sections, so you could get some idea of what's on offer. [ It's odd but I always find that anything that looks hopeful is at the other end of the country.] Good luck with whatever you finally choose!
 
Ill probably look more toward the hard top version, id like to use it for work and lightish off-roading. Thanks for the advice. Ill have a look at the mags and be careful with the rust and signs of engine ware.

Thanks again. :D
 
This applies to all vehicles, not just landies

Take everything written on ebay with a lot more than a pinch of salt.
As previously said, the big deal is rust - everywhere, followed by corrosion.
Fixing everything else is part pf a young mans continuing education.
Get knowledgeable people to look at cars with you. When you find that elusive thing - a really good one at a sensible price - buy it.

If the bloke on evilbuy cant even spell the title of his advert hes a load of rubbish and so is his car. Its not dyslexia, sufferes of that get someone else to do their typing
 
Also, if the landy has been amended, altered, improved, etc, consider whether that is actually an improvement. If you get one 'as original' you'll have far less bother with spares and replacement parts. I know some engine replacements do improve the performance etc, but for a first vehicle, I'd look for one that has been looked after, but not 'mucked about'. Avoid 'unfinished projects' like the plague. And of course the golden rule when you look at a second hand vehicle, 'why are you selling it?' :)
 
Yeah, for that price I would go with a 300tdi 90 Van. Just be aware that if you are buying from a business you may have to pay VAT. And you can't go into the LEZ in London. Or apparently do 70 on a dual carriageway...

As above, check the chassis and bulkhead for rust. And the floor under the pedals.

Service history is desirable on these as they like regular services. Though I guess a lot will be self serviced.

Check low box works and that the diff lock light goes on and off when it should. Though transfer boxes are cheap so it isn't the end of the world.

Most parts are easily and cheaply replaceable, inc the engine.
 
I'm 18 and went for a 300tdi 90 van as the insurance was the lowest so that might be worth taking into consideration.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Hello to everyone! Help me choose
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Mark Piercy
Mark Piercy
G
Registering a vehicle built from parts
Replies
12
Views
451
300bhp/ton
300bhp/ton
tetsu0san
Defender 90 full length roof - Oxfordshire
Replies
0
Views
424
tetsu0san
tetsu0san
D
Landy in the city (Manc)? Wise/unwise
Replies
14
Views
981
resto_d1
R
M
Fuel Leak off Pipe Fittings 2.5 Tdi 90 Help Needed Please
Replies
10
Views
402
Mepps
M
Back
Top