Not Even A Newbie Yet.

As yet, I don't even own a Land Rover; unless you count the 52 plate Freelander that my wife blew the engine out of 2 years ago while I was convalescing in hospital (Freelander related stress).
However, I am on the hunt for my first Defender and I am looking for some advice on buying, pitfalls etc.
I am working on a budget of around £8000 and I am unsure as to whether to go for a ready to roll car or go down the refurb route.

My mechanical capabilities are very limited unless it involves joinery but I am willing to learn over time.

Any of you kind folks willing to give me your tuppence worth would be gladly appreciated.

If you go down the refurb route and you don't have a great deal of experience with spanners I think you will quickly fall out of love with your fender doing the work. You will get plenty of time to fix things and learn bit by bit if you buy a fender anyway.

Rust is your biggest enemy, however you may need to brush up on your spanner wielding skills. Whilst not unreliable landrovers need more attention tham your average car. Everything is replaceable and available (inc new chassis) but bills will soon mount up if you can't maintain it yourself. Buy on condition rather than age/spec.

Thanks.
Strangely enough I just finished building a Telecaster last year but that's a different kind of Fender altogether.
Are there any buyer's guides out there (blogs, videos, articles) to help me.
I'm thinking of a 90 hardtop 2 seater as I'll be using the back for carrying music equipment and occasionally a grand daughter.

Hello and welcome

Hello and welcome I'd say the best way to learn about problems with defenders would be to spend a couple of weeks on here all the common problems will keep popping up Google is also your friend good luck with finding a defender.

Do your research and you'll be able to make your own mind up. Personally I'd buy a ready to roll one and learn fon the job as it were

Oh and welcome to LZ

Well if you like working with your hands then it's not much different from wood. So I'm sure you'll get the hang of most Land Rover jobs pretty soon. Get some pictures up!

Hello and Welcome