Hi from Aberdeenshire

Hi all,

On here for a bit of advice really.

I live in Aberdeenshire. I previously had a nissan pathfinder aventura but got rid of that 2 months ago for a mazda rx-8 r3 and planned to get a cheap defender for winter and as a workhorse.

Since buying the mazda my fiance has fell pregnant! The mazda isn't an ideal family wagon but cannot justify getting rid just now given the loss I'll make.

So basically I'm after a bit of advice re. defenders (or something of a similar nature) as I would like to get this sorted sooner rather than later with the impending arrival in Nov.

I would be looking to spend 2-3k and would need something, safe and reliable if there is going to be little one on board.

What are defenders actually like to run? Will one in this price range be reliable enough or will it be a bit of a pig? I have had newer cars for a few years now but previously had older ones that needed tlc etc so fairly handy with a spanner but won't have the time for anything major.

Would love a defender with an offroad look for the old skool cool element but open to other suggestions if I'm being unrealistic.

Any thoughts appreciated as I'm a complete novice when it comes to landrovers.

Cheers,

David

when you go to view one take someone along who knows what to look for.

Hi mate,

Firstly congrats, Im in Aberdeenshire too, tho a bit of a landy novice - Just bought a TD5 90 tho

I looked at loads of them and trawled forums looking about for what to look for...This may not be correct but what I looked for was....

History - Tho none seemed to have any!!! (Bloody Farmers!)
Chassis Condition
Bulkhead Condition
Basic Diesel stuff like, does it smoke (blown Turbo Seals etc etc)
The TD5s all seem to leak oil...Pick one leaking less oil!
Having driven a few the Steering boxes very different - some were sloppy-er than others.

In the end I went for the best condition but most basic landy that I could afford. They are tight for space really (90) and the back of my commercial version is not that big TBH.

I think if it has been looked after is the most important thing, and how the engine/Bulkhead/chassis condition is? Also there should be no knocks on full lock etc etc

Thats my 5 Pences worth!

Iain

Meant to say, as a vehicle for carrying a little kiddy its probably not the best?? I love the Landy, but there are a few sharp edges in there, and on a cheaper Landy there will be no provision for child seats...?

But for short journeys it would be fine...Expect 18-20MPG from a diesel Landy..

They are very easy to fix yourself though Especially with the help from folk on here

:welcome: to LZ .....

ABZ_MK2_RS said:

Hi mate,

Firstly congrats, Im in Aberdeenshire too, tho a bit of a landy novice - Just bought a TD5 90 tho

I looked at loads of them and trawled forums looking about for what to look for...This may not be correct but what I looked for was....

History - Tho none seemed to have any!!! (Bloody Farmers!)
Chassis Condition
Bulkhead Condition
Basic Diesel stuff like, does it smoke (blown Turbo Seals etc etc)
The TD5s all seem to leak oil...Pick one leaking less oil!
Having driven a few the Steering boxes very different - some were sloppy-er than others.

In the end I went for the best condition but most basic landy that I could afford. They are tight for space really (90) and the back of my commercial version is not that big TBH.

I think if it has been looked after is the most important thing, and how the engine/Bulkhead/chassis condition is? Also there should be no knocks on full lock etc etc

Thats my 5 Pences worth!

Iain

Click to expand...

Cheers mate.

Think I've resigned myself to the fact that a defender maybe isn't the best option in my circumstances.

Considering a disco but just doesn't have the cool factor that the defender does!

Got a couple of months to find/buy something as that'll give me time to make sure it's fine for winter months so not in a hurry...yet lol