Advice please - Defender 90 - Henley area

Hi,

I'm new here and after a bit of advice if possible.

Over the next few weeks I will be looking to purchase a defender 90. I will be looking in the 2-3 K region so appreciate it will be an old one.

Just need a solid reliable vehicle, preferable hardtop but would consider something with an ifor back.

What sort of age and engine do you think I should be able to get for my money? Any helpful tips of what to look out for when buying?

Finally, what I really need to find a a local landy mechanic who will hopefully help me look for one and after that keep it on the road for me, I'm located between Henley-on-Thames and Reading on the Oxon/Berks boarder and would be grateful of any expert knowledge

Thank you

try looking on Auto Trader UK - Buy & Sell New & Used Cars, Car Loans, Car Insurance and ebay to see what they're fetching. I'd say £3k will get you a decent p/r reg 90 300tdi. If you look hard enough.

Autotrader - LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 "300" Tdi HARD TOP just up the A1 from you. about 70 miles isn't it.

Fantastic, thanks for that. Good to know I should be able to get a 300TDi rather than 200 TDi

When my wad of cash is available I might see if that one is still unsold!

Is there that much difference between the 200tdi and 300tdi? From what i've heard there's not much in them.
I will have a budget of 3.5k and after looking through eBay it seems i'll be lucky to get a 200tdi for that (saw a TD with not many extras a couple of weeks ago, the bloke was after 4k for it) - or is that just because eBayer's are charging too much?

if you hang out, you will get a 300tdi for 3.5k. you will also get a very sound 200 in the oxford/reading area for 3k if you needed one quicker. its all about holding out!

G

I am finding ebay getting pricey for a lot of stuff. Defenders seem to be expensive (though they do hold their value anyways). You can still find some Series bargains on there.

I'd try autotrader online, there's still reasonable motors to be had in there.

You should find A 200Tdi for 3.5K, a 300 at a pinch. 200Tdi's have less electrikery, but it's getting harder to find 200's with a good chassis & bulkhead (they are THE good bits you're looking for).

Be prepared to see a lot & walk away a good few times & dun't be afriad to get unnerneath with a BIG screwdriver and poke around hard!

Try a search on here, there have been some good guides on what to look for.

I agree with him above. i walked away from plenty when i bought my 2nd landy recently. its kind of a hard situation when your new to it. even though people say what to look out for your never sure what things cost etc. to put right. best advice is to find someone on here to go with you or take a peak for you before you go. i looked at 2 90's the other week for a mate. both priced at 3.5k. one 200 and one 300tdi. the 200 was shot to **** chassis wise but an ok engine. the 300 was perfect though, only shabby bodywork. mate agreed a price of 3375 then went home, did a check... o dear, cat C! seller didnt disclose anything and he was a bit wierd. so we left it there and walked away.

G