Rust - buying advice

hungryurchin · Apr 21, 2010

Hello, I am a potential newbie to Landy's so please forgive me if I have posted in the wrong place. I am after a cheap defender as a run around / workhorse, load carrier etc and am going to see one that I am hopeful of tonight.
The owner has sent me the following pics of rust.
It doesnt look too severe to me, but i have never worked on a landy.
In other peoples experience, Does this look serious? Is it likely to be an MOT failiure for any reason that I am not aware of? (It needs an MOT and the seller is concerned that it may struggle because of this rust??) How much is this likely to cost to get sorted properly?

I am going to see her this evening and am not expecting anything pristine, and the guy has said that these are the only patches of rust. Its not actually starting at the moment either but I will have a bloomin good go!

All help and advice, gratefully received! What are the key bits to look for as a buyer etc?

Gilbo09 · Apr 21, 2010

How much do they want for it it looks like the bulkhead is far gone but I would be worried about the chassis if the bulhead is like that

MrJC · Apr 21, 2010

You have to remember that land rover bulkheads often rust from the inside out. You could end up having to replace the bulkhead a new one can cost up to £700, second hand maybe £200...and many hours of work.
I would not buy the first Land Rover you view.... take your time, the right one that does not need work, has an MOT and runs will come along.
If your budget allows, buy one with an MOT and one that runs!
If you do a search in the window above... ie buying tips defender you will find lots of tips.
If you don't know what you are doing, dont buy a non runner with no MOT and obvious serious rust. It will cost you far more in the long run than paying the extra for a reasonable one. Best tip is to take someone with you who knows about Land Rovers.

hungryurchin · Apr 21, 2010

they want £1000 for it which as a 1989 90, i thought was worth a look although my interest is now cooling fast. I will decide later.
Really appreciate the advice thanks guys.

MrJC · Apr 21, 2010

A non runner, no MOT, obvious rust and no doubt more issues 1989 90..... Take a look and get your eye in.... have you looked on ebay?.... eg. 1988 LAND ROVER 90 DEFENDER 200TDI GREEN/BLACK on eBay (end time 27-Apr-10 11:06:00 BST)

LeadFarmer · Apr 21, 2010

Looks like he might be charging you £1000 to tow his big lump of rust away for him.

Ive got some pieces of rusty metal in my garage if you want them!

As said, dont buy it. Spend a few weeks reading all the Landrover forums to get some knowledge first. Then start looking for a good Landy.

Mine is rusting in the same places as the one in your photo, but nowhere near as bad. Ive just bought a galvanised bulkhead to replace it. Only £775

And ive bought a new galv chassis at £1400.

The costs really start to add up once you start.

hungryurchin · Apr 21, 2010

Thanks guys, very useful and I have cancelled the viewing. I will keep looking.............. what are the best sites to look at?
Landyzone, Ebay, Gumtree, Autotrader, Trade it, Pistonheads, Anywhere else?

bluehaze · Apr 21, 2010

Try and take someone who knows the score.

tattooedal · Apr 21, 2010

I just bought my 1986,90 on from,great buy and you have a huge choice!!!

good luck!!

hungryurchin · Apr 21, 2010

sorry from which site? was the link removed?

tattooedal · Apr 21, 2010

Sorry mate,EBAY!

LeadFarmer · Apr 21, 2010

hungryurchin, check your 'in box' I have sent you a private message.

MrJC · Apr 21, 2010

hungryurchin said:
Thanks guys, very useful and I have cancelled the viewing. I will keep looking.............. what are the best sites to look at?
Landyzone, Ebay, Gumtree, Autotrader, Trade it, Pistonheads, Anywhere else?

Where abouts are you? As mentioned by other members it does help to give a town or area.....

kwhajh · Apr 21, 2010

To reiterate an earlier point. Go and see a few, bad as well, it allows a comparison and a gauge of what to expect. For a grand, go for a basic car without mods, you stand a chance of getting a better base. Ask if you can check oils in diff, gearbox, transfer box to get a view of condition and maintenance standards. Good luck

RodB · Apr 21, 2010

Where to look? I've been doing a lot of that lately and my best advice is just keep googling and bookmark anything interesting to check again later.

private ads: ebay, 4x4 Offroad, Land Rover, Range Rover, Discovery, 4x4 clubs, news and info, Classic Cars for Sale on Car And Classic, www.carandclassic.co.uk. FREE Private/Trade Classified Adverts for Buyers and Sellers of Old/Used Cars.

trade ads: exchangeandmart.co.uk or if you're north of the border, carfinderscotland.co.uk (I found mine there today)

Also check for car auction sites which sometimes have ex-corporate landies and Disposal Services Authority which sometimes has ex-mod landies

matchmetisse · Apr 22, 2010

TBH most 1989 90's will have a bulkhead like that if it has not been changed,depends how good it has been repaired,or filled!I paid 1000 for my 89 90 and the bulkhead looked good it was only when we started stripping it down the true extent was found.Better to buy a cheap rusty 90 than a expensive rusty 90!That is part of the fun?of ownership working on them and making them better,we have fitted a bulkhead that I got galved for £95

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