"Be gentle its my first time..." First time buyers advice required.

Hi..

I am looking to buy my first landy. I am looking to buy a 110 defender station wagon which i will use as a general run around and for camping and kitesurfing trips and maybe a bit of light weekend worrier off-road action. I can unfortunately only afford about £3500 on my first one. This being said I know im going to have to be looking at models around the late 80’s and early to (if im realy lucky) mid 90’s and am wondering if there is anyone out there who can help me out with advice on what sort of extra things I should be inspecting and thinking about when viewing a prospective land rover. I have a reasonable knowledge of mechanical engineering and of cars in general but am hoping that someone out there can give tips on the finer points of the land rover specific inspection. Any particular things I should look out for or ask the prospective seller. How sensitive should i be on things like a spot or 2 of rust, small dents and other mainly cosmetic issues? what are the main mechanical and structural things i should be looking out for? Should i be worried if there is a large caliber machine gun mounted on the back being aimed directly at me during the inspection by a small angry man with a nervous twitch?

any help would be much appreciated...

have you used the search function on here yet ?

think you'll find that topic has been covered at least xxx times

If there's a machine gun mounted on the back then should definately be worried as the chances are your looking at a toyota hilux. and not a landy at all.

for that price you want to be looking at a 200tdi, which is more powerful, efficient and reliable engine than the earlier turbo diesels.

have a good look at the chassis, take a screwdriver with you and anybit that looks rusty give it a prod, if it holes it then walk away! you may find it has already had a new rear crossmember, if not then have a good look at that cos they tend to rot first, and if its rotten then i would want to knock a good £500 off the asking price.

also check the bulkhead for corrosion, spec round the door hinges.