What to look for on a 90 300Tdi Defender?

Hi folks,

I'm going on Monday to look at a few late 300Tdi 90s. Anything in particular to look for? They are all 98 models with less than 100k miles. I've never owned a landy before so looking for a few hints. Also are there any changes between a 96 and a 98 300 Tdi Defender.

Thanks,

Cookie

engine is a good start

money behind the seats and make sure all the lever work, cos if they int be used they can seize up

Can they be test driven?

I would like to think so. Most are in dealers.

I was thinking more along the lines of holes in the chassis/bulkhead etc. What about bubbles in the paint due to where the steel meets the alu? Mate of mine has one thats started to blister. Is this serious. Not familair with problems with aluminium panels.

Instant start up, with just a small puff of smoke, No baulking of the gearstick into any gear whilst stationary, first to second change with no graunching, gearbox/transfer box whine (there will be some as there is not much sound deadening, but not to the point of deafening you!), diff lock engages, low ratio works, not much backlash (there will be some but no clanging or jerkiness) in the drivetrain whilst accelerating/declerating or changing gear, steering is the same effort from lock to lock, no excessive wandering in the straight ahead postion (will be a little bit until you get used to the LR way), brakes pull up in a nice straight line with no excessive effort. Engine should pull strongly once moving ( not a "sprinter" but once above 2k revs you should feel the turbo effect with the increase of torque)Many more but those are some of the most common to check on a Landy. Good luck.

Good man Stig, thanks for that.

Anyone any info on the rust side of things or should a '98 one be rust free?

Chassis should be ok as long it has not been subjected to a lot of use in a heavily salted road area, one area that can be overlooked when the 90's are cleaned is the back of the fuel tank (drivers side under the seat) worth a look there as I had to replace my daughters one. Where the alloy panels join the steel panels there can be signs of bubbbling under the paint, this is caused by a chemical reaction between the 2 metals, but the age of the vehicles you are looking at it should not be to bad. Bottoms of all the doors can rust.

Cookie me old mate if you are near an independant land rover specialist pop it round to them, if they are worth they're salt they will give it the once over for a price of a beer. That way you get reassurance, they get a new customer. Labour at an independant is way less then main dealer and if it's like the one I go to a lot more enjoyable. Nice to know your going for a 300 rather than a TD5. Good luck hope all goes well for you.

I am glad I got the 300 tdi but at the
time of looking I was thinking 200 tdi

Just look out for all the leaks and keep
deducting money off the price telling
them you have to put it right floor the
engine when its warm to see if it smokes
if so walk away... you will get a some smoke
on start up from cold maybe.....

Check the head lining is not falling away from
the roof .......

See if they have invoices for work done on the Landy
Maybe needs a Cambelt change...............£150 at Garage

Good Luck

PS Don't buy the first one I drove some pigs before I bought
mine but I was lucky mine was private buy one family owner
from new...........