First 90? buyers advise

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Tangmerian

New Member
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9
Location
Chichester
Hi All,

So i am looking at my first 90 this weekend... my dream land rover is 90 with a howling V8 however this one has a 200tdi which has just been rebuilt so what the heck.

Does anyone have any advise i can take with me when i see it? i have done a fair bit of reading but just in case i missed something... its a 1987 200tdi so assuming started life with a different engine.

cheers!
 
Tangmerian said:
Hi All,

So i am looking at my first 90 this weekend... my dream land rover is 90 with a howling V8 however this one has a 200tdi which has just been rebuilt so what the heck.

Does anyone have any advise i can take with me when i see it? i have done a fair bit of reading but just in case i missed something... its a 1987 200tdi so assuming started life with a different engine.

cheers!
Click to expand...
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/help-on-buying-a-defender.189168/#post-1984718
 
Best advice would be to take some one with you who knows about them and has owned them! This is still no guarantee but if have someone who knows what they are looking for from years of experience that is worth far far more than all of the guides and tips you will read put together.
 
dag019 said:
Best advice would be to take some one with you who knows about them and has owned them! This is still no guarantee but if have someone who knows what they are looking for from years of experience that is worth far far more than all of the guides and tips you will read put together.
Click to expand...
Got that covered, i have looked at one before but could put a screwdriver through the rear crossmember in multiple areas so gave it a wide birth. Did come with a free birds nest though.
 
Tangmerian said:
Got that covered, i have looked at one before but could put a screwdriver through the rear crossmember in multiple areas so gave it a wide birth. Did come with a free birds nest though.
Click to expand...

Hit the chassis all over with a hammer, especially the known trouble spots, of which the crossmembers are one. And watch the seller's face while you do it, as well as listening for the telltale thud of rusty metal. :D
 
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I wouldn't worry too much. Just check it looks ok, drives ok and check for rust.... all of the oily bits are fairly easy and often cheap to repair, replace or upgrade.

The 90 is a very simple vehicle really.
 
I have a 1987 90 with a 200tdi engine fitted. As others have said, check the chassis and bulkhead etc.
The original engine would have been a 19J turbo. Check the V5 to see if it was updated with the new engine number.
If not, it will probably still have the 19J noted on it.

If you get it, post pictures :D
 
Theres not going to be many defenders that dont need a rear crossmember if its the orignal chassis as they are a proper rust trap, a rotten rear cross member alone is not a reason not to buy as you may get a good deal as it will scare most people off.

Apart from all the usual I would be making very sure its what it says it is, ie the stamped in chassis number and vin on top of the pedal box match the v5.

200tdi great lump, not the most powerful but will start in all weathers with no drama, electrics so simple the most hi tech thing on the whole car will be the radio.
 
Check for rust, rust rust, rust and rust. Rust in the chassis, particularly the rear half and out-riggers. Then check for rust all around the bulkhead, particularly the door pillars and around the air vents. Whilst you are doing this check for sh1t repairs to all of the the above areas.
The door bottoms are usually rotten and synchromesh is frequently knackered on 2nd and 3rd gears. The chrome balls can corrode on the swivel housings and check for fluid leaks around the bottom of the steering box.
Look closely at aggressive off road tyres for side-wall damage and they can often look like they have plenty of life when nearing the legal limit due to their side lugs.
Beware of monster tyres ans silly suspension lifts, they (lifts) can often cause steering problems as they can cock up the castor angle.
Never believe anything a motor trader tells you and check again for rust.
Good luck.
 
Places of interest for rust are dumb irons front of chassis, bulkhead take a magnet and check around the upper area near the sides for metal, seen holes stuffed with newspaper and filled over!
Footwells also.


Front outriggers and need to get inside them and check the chassis wall it's likely rusted with a hole.

Front suspension turrets!



Seatbelt mount area are rust hotspots as the reaction of the dissimilar metals. Seatbox in general check for holes and filler. Battery under tray.

Petrol tank if it's under the driver seat rusts badly on the inner chassis side, tricky to see thou without removing.

Rear cross member and door frames obviously.

There is also a cross member under gearbox which can rust the chassis where they meet but you would have to remove it to check so not easily done on a viewing.

There's is a great video on YouTube while hopefully extreme it does highlight the worst places for rust





 
Last edited:
Plenty of sound advice already given.
Here's what a friend gave me when I was looking. However, take a cool headed friend with a tazer. There's a risk you'll fall in love and buy the first one you see (like I did).
Anyway, here you go..

· Service history – I’ve not had a TD5 but have read and been told they are pretty solid, but check oil change history and also there was a common issue with the injector looms on them.

  1. · When you go to look at the vehicle I’d check the following things:

    o Chassis all over for any flaking, rust or repairs (welding) especially near the rear cross member and outriggers (if it is a little rusty you could always knock them down and then get the vehicle put onto a galvanised chassis)

    o Check the front bulkhead for any bubbling and/or rust these are prone to corrosion

    o Check under the front floor matts for corrosion in floor plates and on inside bottom of the bulkhead, especially behind pedals and likewise on passenger side

    o Remove the drive and passenger seat bottoms (they clip off for access to battery which is under the seat boxes) and check in there for corrosion

    o Check the gearbox for slack when in first gear pulling off and likewise in reverse, and then in second and third, splines on drive shafts can wear (not too bad if your handy with spanners and stuff)

    o Check for excessive smoking on start-up from cold

    o Bushes are easily replaced but I’d give all the linkage a yank underneath and get them to rectify before you drive away as can be a pain when driving, especially in all the steering linkages up front end.

    o Check power steering for any obvious loud noises or clunks

    o Give her some beans on test drive and make sure turbo winds up nicely and feels reasonably smooth (for a landrover)

    o Check cam belt/chain changes (can’t remember if is a belt or chain on these, think chain)


    Lots of the above aren’t show stoppers and if you’re handy with the tools are ok, but the top 4 or 5 I would defo make sure are sound.


    Just a warning that you will love it to bits but it will drain your bank account


    I’d also think about security as they are disappearing like hot cakes at the moment, and being stripped and shipped. Think about where she will be stored, if not in a secure lock up I’d fit a tracker and alarm or something?
 
Tangmerian said:
aha no, the other Phil that works there.
Click to expand...
Well Phil1, Phil2 and Karl seem to know their stuff. They are proper mechanics rather than fitters and did an A1 job on my 90.
There's an indy LR place 2 miles from me but I go to Phil who is 40 miles away, says something.....
Good luck with your purchase.
 
But, and this is important (at least imo) do persevere and get one. Owning one of these lumps is a daily pleasure for me and I wouldn't be without her.
Puts a smile on my face just getting in every morning.
Enjoy :)
 
Turktowner said:
But, and this is important (at least imo) do persevere and get one. Owning one of these lumps is a daily pleasure for me and I wouldn't be without her.
Puts a smile on my face just getting in every morning.
Enjoy :)
Click to expand...

And that is what it's all about!! Glad I'm not the only one who cracks into a grin just because I'm driving a defenderer!! :)
 
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