what to look out for when buying a used Landrover

I'm on the lookout for a Landrover Defender 90 or 110 [prefur a 90] diesel and would like some hints from those in the know what to lookout for when going to view a used one. I've been around motorbikes most of my life, had a good few cars as well so not scared of getting mucky crawling about underneath or under the lid and just need to know what goes wrong and how to spot a duff one. Any hints would be most welcome.

sprag said:

I'm on the lookout for a Landrover Defender 90 or 110 [prefur a 90] diesel and would like some hints from those in the know what to lookout for when going to view a used one. I've been around motorbikes most of my life, had a good few cars as well so not scared of getting mucky crawling about underneath or under the lid and just need to know what goes wrong and how to spot a duff one. Any hints would be most welcome.

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welcome to LZ, you might be surprised to know that your not the first person to have asked that type of question so a visit to some of the numerous existing threads on here may yield some fruit

Sean said:

welcome to LZ, you might be surprised to know that your not the first person to have asked that type of question so a visit to some of the numerous existing threads on here may yield some fruit

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Hopefully not Lemons

:welcome:

word association is a funny thing, i'd quite like a pancake now

hmmm... with maple syrup...

On the principle that you might need a little help I found this thread where most of the main culprits have contributed an element of guidance...

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/first-purchase-fears-69973-3.html

Good luck.

always test drive obviously..try low box/high and difflock making sure diff light engages and disengages properly.make sure there no clunks or bangs from the drivetrain..generally it should be aparant if summit is wrong when you drive it..rusty bulkhead/outriggers/crossmember are problem ares for rust..have a good look all over a genuine seller will have no probs with you doin this if someone is trying to hide summit they might use the line,yeh its a landy mate they all do that,if in doubt walk away its a buyers market at the mo so hold out for the right one...good luck

EEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkk anuvva bird...welcome to LZ! Have a look at the "Sticky"s at the top of the section, there's a good fred on not buying a duff one!

This would be my take based on personal experiences;

- check underneath for rot in the chassis, particularly the bulkhead outriggers (underneath each footwell) these are a bugger to replace
- drive it and check for slack in taking up the drive - sometimes easy repair, sometimes expensive
- if its got power steering, after driving it have a look under the front at the bottom of the steering box to see if it is leaking - these are expensive to replace
- Open the doors and check all round the frames, defender doors are terrible for rotting
- Check for problems engaging second gear,common in LT77 gearboxes

The interior of a lot of landys can be very tatty, and this can often be expensive to put right if you want it looking nice. Seats, trims and even rubber mats seem to commend high second hand prices

good luck, Ad.