Defender 90 questions!

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si b

New Member
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Hi..

I'm new to Land Rovers but looking to purchase a 90 soon mainly to use for shuttling mountain bikers up forest roads to the top of the trails, but I'll be selling my van to buy one so it'll also be my main vehicle. I travel most weekends through the summer to races all over the country so I need something that will be reliable and fairly economical as I dont like throwing my hard earned money away when it can be used for trips away and other fun stuff!

I dont want to spend too much as I've said I prefer spending my money doing stuff rather than on stuff. Ive seen a nice looking '86 defender 90 which seems in good condition, 200 tdi conversion 12 months mot looks very clean for 2795 but before I take the plunge just wanted to ask a few q's if thats ok!

What sort of fuel economy will I get?

It'll be used on forest roads a couple of days a week, what sort of wear and tear can I expect?

Are longer journeys above a couple of hours going to be bearable?

Can I expect decent reliability or am I looking at the wrong vehicle for what I need?!

Cheers!
 
media
 
si b said:
media
Click to expand...

That looks like an absolute minter. Obviously the underneath could be a totally different story, but from the amount of care that it's had externally; I don't think anyone will have cut any corners with it.

Fuel economy wise it can range from anything between 25 to 34 MPG depending on how you drive it. Forest tracks, using the right gears should return around 25 MPG without any problems, but fueling costs need not be a problem. You can run a 200tdi on pretty much any oil you like. Even waste engine oil if it's filtered enough, and it won't do it any harm.

Just one thought. Are you going to be shipping the bikers with bikes? Because a 90 is perhaps the worst vehicle for bike storage! They just don't fit. You'd be surprised how small the load bay is at the back, especially if it has rear seats. A 100 may be your way forwards, unless you geta roof rack and tie the bikes to the roof etc.

-Pos
 
pos said:
Just one thought. Are you going to be shipping the bikers with bikes? Because a 90 is perhaps the worst vehicle for bike storage! They just don't fit. You'd be surprised how small the load bay is at the back, especially if it has rear seats. A 100 may be your way forwards, unless you geta roof rack and tie the bikes to the roof etc.

-Pos
Click to expand...

Yea I'll be using a trailer for the bikes so no worries there, cheers for the other info. I take it from The Mad Hat Mans response though reliability could be an issue?

I do really want one, theres a beautiful '86 90 that I keep seeing round town thats obviously had a lot spent on it, and every time I see it I want one but I do need something thats gonna be reliable as I wont be doing any work myself and I dont want lots of garage repair bills!
 
si b said:
Yea I'll be using a trailer for the bikes so no worries there, cheers for the other info. I take it from The Mad Hat Mans response though reliability could be an issue?

I do really want one, theres a beautiful '86 90 that I keep seeing round town thats obviously had a lot spent on it, and every time I see it I want one but I do need something thats gonna be reliable as I wont be doing any work myself and I dont want lots of garage repair bills!
Click to expand...

Ignore Him! A well looked after / maintained Land Rover can be the most reliable vehicle you've ever owned because when it comes down to it, they're so simple. You basically have a very thick steel chassis (certainly on the older models like the 1986 90 you've seen) which, as long as it's been under sealed will last for ever. Most of the other body components are solid as a rock too, so you wont need to worry about it dropping to bits. The only bit to potentially worry about is the engine, but the 200 tdi is regarded as a bomb proof engine. It will take anything that you throw at it, and just as long as you don't thrash the nuts off it and you keep it well maintained, it'll run for well over 300,000 miles before you need to consider new rings or a rebore etc.

The gearbox and axles will also need to be topped up with oil, but it's hardly a big ordeal considering you can almost sit up underneath a 90!

-Pos
 
wow thats looks very nice, what are those wheels, looking at buying a new set for my 90 and they are very very nice indeed
 
Looks nice....but very expensive at £2795. Do some searching around and you'll save yourself a bucket load of cash. Good luck
 
that is expensive for a retro-fitted 200. I would be more inclined to find a similar factory fitted 200 with low mileage for that money. keeps things simple, no questions from insurance companies etc. and you know its right from the off.

G
 
si b said:
Hi..

I'm new to Land Rovers but looking to purchase a 90 soon mainly to use for shuttling mountain bikers up forest roads to the top of the trails, but I'll be selling my van to buy one so it'll also be my main vehicle. I travel most weekends through the summer to races all over the country so I need something that will be reliable and fairly economical as I dont like throwing my hard earned money away when it can be used for trips away and other fun stuff!

I dont want to spend too much as I've said I prefer spending my money doing stuff rather than on stuff. Ive seen a nice looking '86 defender 90 which seems in good condition, 200 tdi conversion 12 months mot looks very clean for 2795 but before I take the plunge just wanted to ask a few q's if thats ok!

What sort of fuel economy will I get?

It'll be used on forest roads a couple of days a week, what sort of wear and tear can I expect?

Are longer journeys above a couple of hours going to be bearable?

Can I expect decent reliability or am I looking at the wrong vehicle for what I need?!

Cheers!
Click to expand...
I pretty well agree with previous posts & think price good start for haggling IF chassis good & not u/sealed rot! Reliable ...yes with the proviso that its a 23 year old!! so you'd be afool to expect the reliability of a23 month old focus .All old Landies are ongoing work BUT bit not expensive & straightfoward for any local mech. to work on Ps. get new cam belt fitted ASAP
 
Si B.........are you the same SiB that has a Black EVO????

I also use my Defender for the Bikes, they are the ideal vehicle to haul bikes up the hills using a trailer. I get 2 bikes (With front wheels removed) inside my commercial 90.

Im no expert on these Landys, but you are in the right place to find out ;)

Oh and Fuel Economy......I get 18MPG from mine.....sometimes lower :(
(though it is fitted with a snorkel and special track tyres)

Iain
 
pos said:
That looks like an absolute minter. Obviously the underneath could be a totally different story, but from the amount of care that it's had externally; I don't think anyone will have cut any corners with it.

Fuel economy wise it can range from anything between 25 to 34 MPG depending on how you drive it. Forest tracks, using the right gears should return around 25 MPG without any problems, but fueling costs need not be a problem. You can run a 200tdi on pretty much any oil you like. Even waste engine oil if it's filtered enough, and it won't do it any harm.

Just one thought. Are you going to be shipping the bikers with bikes? Because a 90 is perhaps the worst vehicle for bike storage! They just don't fit. You'd be surprised how small the load bay is at the back, especially if it has rear seats. A 100 may be your way forwards, unless you geta roof rack and tie the bikes to the roof etc.

-Pos
Click to expand...

Iv been to see this Landy, Been out in it. Drives really nice. Been well restored. Bit of overspray here and there. But the Chassis is a well looked after D plate chassis. Not the best chassis i have seen but i have seen worse i my search for mine.

I knocked the guy down to 2400 and i think he would go to 2300. Had i not bought my 92 200tdi i would have gone for this one.
 
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