Itch to scratch.....

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the forum and have had an urge to buy a defender for the past few months. I've owned a disco 3 and two range rovers, but, I really want to try a defender.

My budget is 10-12k and I like the defender 90.
I went to look at one at the weekend, 51 plate td5, with 140k on the clock, for 10 grand.
The chassis seemed okay, but there was rust around the bulkhead and at the bottom of the doors.
It started okay, but I pretty much had to lift my foot of the floor to get the biting point and the steering wheel felt like it hadn't been turned for 100 years. The carpets were als wet.
Was this one a bad example or is this the norm?

My plan is to look at quite a few over the next few weeks. Am I correct in saying that the look and feel of it is more important than age and mileage?
Any suggestions are more than welcome!

Thanks
Stuart

For 10k that sounds pretty ****ty. An old school friend of mine is selling her 1986 (i think) 90 for about 3k.

A little rusty but far better than what you've described other than age. I'd say keep looking around, ideally with a friend who knows what to look for.