Advice with buying a Land Rover

Right then,

Found a Landy to maybe buy, its a defender 90 200tdi.

First and most serious thing is when acceleration there is a clunking noise, it feels as though something quite heavy is loose and shunts the whole thing as it accelerates... what could this be? my guess is some play with the bearings somewhere on the axles?

Second serious thing is it wont do into reverse and jumps out of 5th... how hard is this to repair? - the bloke selling said he has had a quote of £200 to recondition the gear box, is this about right or is he plucking a figure out thin air?

other than that its in pretty good condition, its not had anything fancy added.

has been used as a farm run about so hasn't been treated that kindly

It was driven into a trailer and caused damage that called for a new intercooler and the near side wing is crumped a bit. he has done a bit of a bodge on it but it seems to work.

its got a few months mot but wont pass the next one with out doing a bit of work

wiring needs attention as lights are temperamental

What would you guys estimate its worth at?

the guy wants £1800 and I was thinking of offering £1500...

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jasper

For what your gonna spend on getting it running right, I would spend the extra on one that is running with tax and mot

£200 to recon a gearbox is optimistic - £450+ is more likely and that's with you removing and taking somewhere!

Think this one might be a money pit - they all are to some extent, but...

Oh, and if you haven't seen this

http://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/80625539

Cheers both of you, I think i'll give this one a miss. That buying guide really helped thanks.

No worries, the spends come with keeping it in tip top condition,
So start with the best you can afford!:amen:

I looked for a long time for my defender but I eventually found it, just keep looking it will be out there I'm certain of that!

your not the only one after a defender. I am too but cant do a thing until i sell my freelander which is becoming a right pain in the arse as its low mileage and im only the 2nd owner, thought someone would have been in contact by now lol
anyway the problems you described that this one had, i would avoid straight away personally. I would wait until one in perfect working order comes along : )