Looking to get a 'fender, what shall I look out for?

Im looking at getting me a 'fender to replace my disco as a laner/off road toy. I'm planning to swap my disco suspension across (less the springs, I shall get new ones of these) as its a pucka set up along with a few other bits such as winch e.t.c.

But.. what I want to know is what do I have to look out for? I know the usual rear cross member and the bulkhead but what else? I would prefer a 200TDi but what are the 2.5TD's like? Is there any problem areas for electrics, hard to replace parts, common faults beyond the usual labdrover wheel bearings e.t.c.?

Budget is £2500 to find one, im not fussed on paint as I can always rattle can it, not fussed on dents e.t.c. as I can doo all that and dont mind a bit of welding as long as its not major as I have enough old crap to weld up already!

Try this

Defender Buyers Guide

Cool beans, thats a good guide...

Whats the thoughts on the 19J engine? I have got a 300TDi in my disco and I will be breaking this, is it worth swapping it over? Is the 19J any good? I can get a better 90 with a 19J than I can with a TDi fitted...

Many many years since i drove a 19J

Think you'll find it a little sluggish compared to the 300 Tdi

Is the 19j the one that self destructs shortly after 150k?

Believe the 200 Tdi is a more straightforward swap, but instinct is YES

Found this thread

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/your-thoughts-2-5td-19j-engine-57217.html

There are others if you just search '19J'

I'd give the 19j a miss. Went looking at a HiCap with one in.Bloke couldn't even get it moving...

Watch bulkhead, outriggers/dumbirons, rear x member, rust drivers side on bulhead around brake servo tht instant mot fail, foot well get under all mats look for holes. Colour of smoke on startup etc. Generally look at everthing haha! Make sure ya get a solid chassis and bulkhead tho no patch up or filler jobs. I've got 12j and nout wrong so far on 77 thou. 200tdi fairly indestructible.

19j are absolute rubbish - had two die on us in clouds of black smoke a few years back - stick with 200 or 300.

Don't wana be a thread hijacker, but I've got a question about buying a defender, which has no yes or no answer, so I'm after your opinions.
I'm in exactly the same position as Jongould, and I'm not sure if it's best to go for a 90 or 110.

Basically, my budget once the disco is sold would be around the 3 grand mark I spose.With that in mind I'd be able to get an okay 90, an okay 110 hardtop, or a ropey 110 SW. (and it wouldn't leave much in the pot for repairs n stuff).

My need is, I want it to be my daily drive, I'm not married and have no kids, so would just use it for me and the girlfriend to smash around greenlanes, getting to work, and frequent camping trips, (north Wales, Scotland etc.)
I've always fancied a 110 SW and they have that explorer look that pleases the child inside me, but surely they're not quite as cheap to run as a 110, and they demand a higher price. I'd want a reasonably smart 90, but I'd settle for a run down looking 110.

If not a 110 SW then 110 hard top and put some windows in the back panels to improve visibility or a 90.

What puts me off 90s, is that I've had two S3 88s, and I found it annoying that my tools and kit just slid around in the back behind me, and I didn't have a second row of doors, to put easy access bags and coats in.

It's that annoying old debate, and each person has their own preferences don't they, but I'd be interested to hear from guys in a similar position to my own, to see which they opted for, or what they recommend??

90 200/300tdi

storm99 said:

90 200/300tdi

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Got my 200tdi 90 for sale at the moment as I do have a family and want a double cab or 110.
Take a look if you want a great Landy for laning.

1993 LAND ROVER 90 DEFENDER 200Tdi | eBay

Andy Land said:

Got my 200tdi 90 for sale at the moment as I do have a family and want a double cab or 110.
Take a look if you want a great Landy for laning.

1993 LAND ROVER 90 DEFENDER 200Tdi | eBay

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i bet that rear door cp has some nastyness hiding underneath it

Yeh, I reckon you might be right wiltshire landyman, still looks like a smart landy tbh. Reminds me of 'the beast' from the Fast Show.

Been looking at 90s, and I think they'd be better for me. driving round in a 110 is a bit pointless, when most of the time, I'll be tootering around with just me and my tools in the landy, I'd only have her indoors and few rucksacks etc. once a week maybe.

Just been reading about setting up a hammock in the back of a SWB landy. hmm.

just keep looking around , i found a g plate 90 on a galv chassis with 200 tdi defender lump and allisport intercooler for £1900. had to sort out bits and bobs for mot brakes etc but no welding . gave it full strip down and painted it all , made a really nice thing in the end. just make sure it has a good bulkhead , and chassis , the rest you can build on.

wiltshire landyman said:

i bet that rear door cp has some nastyness hiding underneath it

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I actually put the CP on to cover up the holes from the wheel carrier but you would be correct in that there is the usual rot at the bottom of the door