Advice on Buying TD5 Defender

Beck · Aug 15, 2019

Hello, thanks for accepting me onto this forum.

I'm looking at buying a 2001 TD5 Defender with 94,000 miles on the clock. It has no service history but the vehicle looks exceptionally tidy and original. The dealer says it was owned for the past 14 years by an engineer who did all his own servicing. Normally I'd discount that as so much nonsense, but this Defender has been very well looked after, there's not a hint of rust, it runs really smoothly, and everything works!

I need to make a decision soon, what would the forum recommend?

Second question, assuming I buy it what are the critical jobs that i should get done at a specialist Landy garage ASAP for peace of mind?

Thanks in advance!

brianp38dse · Aug 15, 2019

Welcome to the forum

best to ask advice in the defender section

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/forum/defender-90-110-130.7/

Turboman · Aug 15, 2019

Beck said:
Hello, thanks for accepting me onto this forum.

I'm looking at buying a 2001 TD5 Defender with 94,000 miles on the clock. It has no service history but the vehicle looks exceptionally tidy and original. The dealer says it was owned for the past 14 years by an engineer who did all his own servicing. Normally I'd discount that as so much nonsense, but this Defender has been very well looked after, there's not a hint of rust, it runs really smoothly, and everything works!

I need to make a decision soon, what would the forum recommend?

Second question, assuming I buy it what are the critical jobs that i should get done at a specialist Landy garage ASAP for peace of mind?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to LZ.

There is one word in your post that would set alarm bells ringing in my mind. "Dealer."

Interceptorxj · Aug 15, 2019

Many Defenders are self maintained without Service History, that is the nature of the beast. I wouldn't let no SH put you off rather go off the condition. Doing an MOT history check using this link might ease your mind ref. mileage etc.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

raywin · Aug 15, 2019

Dont know what your mechanical skills are like but the TD5 is fairly mendable with a bit of care, althoughits a bit of a brute.
My Main concern would be chassis which is often rusty, rear cross member and the area behind the middle cross member seem to cop it ( I know this well)
Turn on the ignition and listen for a howling whine from the back end which doesn't stop after about 30 seconds (fuel pump) it can be a pain to track down the problem, listen to the engine and give it a drive and if it's a dealer then ask specifically what warranty is being given.
Might even try asking for the details of the former owner and give him a quick call.

Beck · Aug 15, 2019

Great advice, thank you all.

RangeRoller dt · Aug 15, 2019

Welcome

I’ve had two Defender90 TD5s. Great engine, pulls well never needed much. Chassis disintegrated on both after 15/19yrs Would I have another - Yes, if I could afford it, but I love my RR too much. If you don’t buy overpriced you won’t lose money on them at the moment.

Receipts is better than SH to me, self serviced by engineer sounds positive, unless he’s a marketing engineer.

Hippo · Aug 20, 2019

Welcome to the forum

Advice on Buying TD5 Defender

Beck

Member

brianp38dse

Well-Known Member

Turboman

Mab An Gov

Interceptorxj

Well-Known Member

raywin

Well-Known Member

Beck

Member

RangeRoller dt

Well-Sprung Member

Hippo

Lord Hippo

Similar threads