1st defender buying advice!

Hi there,

My wonderful wife is buying me a defender for my 40th. I have wanted a defender ever since I was a kid, spending hours pretending to drive my great uncles series 1.

I was hoping I could take advantage of the fantastic wealth of defender knowledge this forum has when buying my first defender.

We are looking to spend up to £10k, I prefer the 90 and the station wagon, but prefer the commercials tax band! We live in very rural Perthshire, 2 miles up a steep dirt track, which becomes pretty hairy in the winter.

When buying what should I look out for and what can expect for around £10k? Also, any recommendations for dealer in Scotland?

Many thanks for any advice

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/defender-90-buying-guide-87640.html

Be aware TD5 engines suffer oil in injector loom/cracked heads etc

Avoid transit tdci engines and ford gearboxes-because they are **** and fail repeatedly at low mileages

Welcome to loony zone

Get the best early 300tdi you can and keep the change from that £10k.

I wish I had :doh:

If you are considering keeping it long term get a 200 or 300tdi on galv chassis and bulkhead.

You could buy 2 like that for 10k

And spend some of your change on the interior or soundproofing - new seats etc if necessary

things to look out for include

bulk head tend to rot ,corners,floor pans etc
rear cross member
chassis and out riggers
bottom of doors

If you don't know a lot about Landy's find someone that does ! and take them with you when you go shopping or at least talk to them ,try and find someone on here who lives near you,most people are more than willing to help.

Thanks to everyone for the invaluable advice!

Do you want to swap your wife for mine? That's some pressie.

get an oil spy and check any you want to buy. they are like 7 quid for a big pack, well worth not getting the headache of buying a landy with hidden faults in the engine.