Advice on buying an EX Military Defender 90.

Hi all this is my first time posting on this forum so be nice please. Im thinking of buying an ex military defender 90 hard top and was wanting some advice on all aspects of this. I hope use experts can give me advice on the ex military defenders and what i should be looking for. Thanks very much and i hope use can help and guide me in the right direction. Cheers!!!!

Use? Yews? Ewes?

you, use, you know what i mean cheers.

Post some pictures...if you're using an ex-military dealer you will get robbed. Try military auctions.

Dont have pictures yet this will be my first Land Rover and was trying to find out if its a safe bet to buy an ex military one as i like the look of them etc. Cheers again .

All the usual stuff applies, check the chassis, bulkhead, oily bits etc.
Don't worry about buying an FFR, unlike the Series vehicles which were 24V throughout 90's & 110's retained there 12V vehicle electrics and the 24V system was an add on which can be completely removed in a very short space of time. Likewise the NATO lighing arrangement, this can be removed and a standard civly light-switch fitted in under an hour making it completely standard. Reverse lights are the same, just fit a switch into the gearbox and the harness is there ready to be connected up.
If you get the right one you will find it will have been fitted with all manner of new parts before being cast whereas if you get the wrong one it could be a complete dog.
It will be basic and be fitted with the 2.5NA D but if you get a good one (I did) you will find it a fine engine with adequate power and will go on forever, things like PAS are an easy DIY fit afterwards.

Theres no difference...unless you mean the paint... If you're after an ex military chances are you'll end up with a 2.5N/A 90 or 110. Well maintained but higher price generally than private sale.

storm99 said:

Post some pictures...if you're using an ex-military dealer you will get robbed. Try military auctions.

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The days of buying direct from MOD by auction are over, the auctions and/or tender sales run by Witham are a poor replacement but better than buying from a third-party dealer who will then be taking their own cut and bumping the price up.
My 101, Armstrong MT500, 90 & Sankey all came direct from auction (bought in the 80's & 90's) and I had the pleasure of registering them and being the first owner on the log-book with no middle man.

Thanks very much everyone for all the advice and your time. I just hope it goes to plan as i really want one and to be part of the Land Rover world thanks again everyone.

Strange things are afoot...a sensible, pleasant nooby...

Are the ex military Land Rovers a good buy or am i better going else where?

Bigblue02 said:

Are the ex military Land Rovers a good buy or am i better going else where?

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do you like a punt on the horses ?

I take it its a bit of a gamble then:scratching_chin: Cheers.

Another question to consider is who has owned it and what has been done to it since it was cast? In the main EX-mod vehicles are well serviced (over if anything) and well maintained. However, be prepared to sort the electrics and layers of paint out.

Bigblue02 said:

I take it its a bit of a gamble then:scratching_chin: Cheers.

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just make sure you give it a very good looking at before you part with any money - they tend to be well looked after, but many are in a right state, despite being fairly roadworthy

Cheers all i'm new to this and i've always wanted one so all the advice is great!!

Bigblue02 said:

Cheers all i'm new to this and i've always wanted one so all the advice is great!!

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why does it have to be ex mil ?

What specifically is making you want an ex-military?

**** you too Sean...first Od..now you!!!!!

I just like the look of the military ones. What would you recommend? Cheers.