First Time Buying Advice

I'm looking to buy a cheap defender (hard top or station wagon type, not too fussed which model) as my first landy. However I'm surprised at the price of them compared to say the Disco or other older 4x4s - the lowest prices seem to be 2-3k, and I'm guessing those are likely to require some serious work.
I've heard this time of year (winter) is not ideal to buy a landy (or any 4x4) as demand is higher, and the optimum time is about June. Can anyone confirm this? Any idea what the likely difference in price would be if I were to get one then?

I was wondering whether to get a dirt cheap Discovery just to mess with until I can afford a Defender (which is what I really want). However I'm guessing this would turn into a money pit and possibly not be the wisest way.

I don't want to have to do any chassis work or other major stuff in the short term (as I don't have access to a garage yet). On the budget of 2-3k am I likely to find any suitable Defenders, or is it best to save up?
Thanks!

Theres a really cheap disco going in the for sale section thats just been posted

vilguy said:

Theres a really cheap disco going in the for sale section thats just been posted

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You're a cruel man

vilguy said:

Theres a really cheap disco going in the for sale section thats just been posted

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Bad man!

It's not even cheap either! I've seen discos in far better condition go for a hell of a lot cheaper.

Anyway. Welcome Jeb

Should have mentioned it would be nice if whatever I end up buying could make it home under its own steam
I spotted a '95 disco 2.5TD on Autotrader for £690 - that's the cheapest I've seen anywhere for one that 'claims' not to have any major work needing to be done.

JebLZ said:

Should have mentioned it would be nice if whatever I end up buying could make it home under its own steam
I spotted a '95 disco 2.5TD on Autotrader for £690 - that's the cheapest I've seen anywhere for one that 'claims' not to have any major work needing to be done.

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ah but has it been involved in over 500 dogging incidents like the beauty aformentioned?

vilguy said:

ah but has it been involved in over 500 dogging incidents like the beauty aformentioned?

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Oiii behave :fencing:

vilguy said:

ah but has it been involved in over 500 dogging incidents like the beauty aformentioned?

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Nothing a bit of upholstery shampoo won't sort out!

Just looked at the £690 quid one. You'd think they'd have cleared the crap out before taking the pic's.

Hi Jeb. I`m in the same situation as you- wrong time of year I think, although Defender prices seem strong all year round. I`m gonna go for a disco too but 1`s seem plagued by rust everywhere and 2`s prices a bit high because of the `expected snow` as all the ads say!

Hello welcome

you can pick up cheap defenders, sub 1k.. but it tends to be local knowledge. so get the word out you are after buying old land rovers.

Gripped said:

Hi Jeb. I`m in the same situation as you- wrong time of year I think, although Defender prices seem strong all year round. I`m gonna go for a disco too but 1`s seem plagued by rust everywhere and 2`s prices a bit high because of the `expected snow` as all the ads say!

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Looks like we're having a fairly mild winter at the moment, at least round Manchester. If that continues I'm hoping it will drive down demand a bit, so the price might improve round spring/summer.

trax said:

you can pick up cheap defenders, sub 1k.. but it tends to be local knowledge. so get the word out you are after buying old land rovers.

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Ok thanks I'll see if I know anyone who knows anyone. Will post on the Wanted forum too when I'm ready to go ahead.


The main problem I'm having now is figuring out how to insure anything I get. As I have a Ford CMax as my main family car and won't be getting rid of it (the Landy will be a project/fun car), I can't use my no claims bonus on the landy. That makes the price shoot up and my overall insurance cost for both cars will be more than double what I'm paying now! (Thats with Admiral so-called 'multi-car'!!). Will see what Adrian Flux say, or create a thread on the Insurance part of this forum to see what others say.

2-3k for a Defender as you rightly say is going to end in tears and serious work, You are paying for cult status/scene tax all year round I am afraid, those that need a cheap 4x4 for winter wont be buying Defenders as they can get the likes of a Terrano/shogun for a couple of grand which will be in better shape than most defenders and a few years newer, Defenders are a way of life, hobby, love, big boys toys, whatever you want to call it, thats why they are in demand, especially everything under 5k.

Insurance wise, some companies offer a classic, limited use policy once a landy is 15 years old, thats how I insured a G reg disco many moons ago at 18 for £200

Good luck

your biggest issue with insurance as i am well sure you will be aware will be your postcode. Mention defender and manchester in the same sentence to an insurer and prepare to be bent over!

you can get defenders for 2-3 k but station wagons are most likely out and you will end up buying a welder too unless your very lucky but the same is true of any old 4x4

Hello and Welcome

Welcome
I have had 4x4s for the last 15 years or so.
I find people expect to get more for them in the winter but I feel they actually sell for about the same as less cash is about after Christmas.
I have had the following
Range Rover Classic Fitted with a Diahatsu engine.
Suzuki SJ Radically modified it was fantastic off road appalling on
Discovery 1 Couldn't fault it sold the caravan so sold the Disco
Series 3 too slow and tractor like for me
Suzuki Vitara I loved it but Disco did better MPG!, it was a good mover off road too as its light
Now another Disco 1 its an R reg and cost £800 MOT till Aug 15, so far I have changed the Antifreeze and thermostat, Bought a Jack and parcel shelf, sealed the alpine lights and sunroofs so it still owes me less than £900
I feel the Disco is the best Value 4x4 around as its good off road but a good family run around too. Remember the 300TDI is a simple engine with no electronics
I pay £200 insurance as a second car on limited miles with green laning cover

Cant realy fault my disco 1 for what it is but i still want a defender !

Id keep mine but i have a car and feel a pick up would be far handyer than the rear seats ,depends what you want it for if your not chucking logs and engines etc in the back like me a disco will suit you fine