So lets assume we've seen a decent motor and we want to start haggling down the price...

Im thinking as I work my way round the motor im looking for faults, wind screen wipers, indicators, heaters, electrics etc.... then body work, wheels, tyres etc... then the important stuff like whats under the bonnet and chassis...

What tips or advise has anyone got for driving down the price.

Many thanks everyone.

show them a wad

Hi PD90O, Check the steering drop where it comes out of the steering box for leaks. This will cost you around £300.00 minimum to replace. There is no real seal replacement kit. Check the chassis carefully, rear cross member and any hidden parts (e.g. behind the fuel tank). I didn't once and paid dearly for it. Check the swivels on the front wheels for leaks (the big shiny balls). Check the engine is sound. Take of the oil filler cap and see if it is huffing fumes. That will possibly mean rings. Any noise from the clutch thrust when engaged/disengaged. Check to see if you can see the actuating fork end where the slave cylinder rod pushes the fork. If it is badly worn, it will push its way through. This is not a cheap job as it is box out. Generally listen to the transmission for unusual noises, clunks on take up of power, etc. Bits for Landies aren't expensive, it's the work.

Always remember...... There is no cheap Landie, with the current bank interest rates they are probably a better investment! If it's cheap, it's probably a pile of ****e!!

I don't know where you are in the country, but RST Land Rovers at West Mersea are brilliant. A proper father and son business who specialize in Landies. I have had 2 from them (both 90s) and they have done all my servicing for the last 10 years. Not stupid main agent pricing. They will also build you something (my first 90 CSW was a van and they converted it to a CSW) and fabricate bits e.g. my back door on my current 90 soft top. Give them a try RST Landrovers Ltd Mersea - Landrover mail order parts, vehicle sales, servicing and repairs and ask for Richard (son).

Good hunting

Frosticles
Remember... Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience....

set a maximum price of 500 quid and you know where you stand with required repairs.

Firstly be clear in your mind what it is worth to you and be able to compare to the local market

Identify (and roughly cost) what key repairs are needed)

Then start the negotiation! There is always the option of paying the asking price but havign the seller carry out the repairs first!

Having the cash with you can help, but there are downsides to paying in cash - would need to double check but think causes problems with HPI Protection if the purchase is over £3k

Good luck!

You may ask for service history, proof that oil and filters have been changed etc.

If not then who knows what condition the internals are in.

Some people buy a vehicle then run it for a couple of years without lifting the bonnet and then sell it as never had a bit of trouble, not cost me a penny yeh right...next owner will pay the price.

Potential Defender 90 Owner said:

So lets assume we've seen a decent motor and we want to start haggling down the price...

Im thinking as I work my way round the motor im looking for faults, wind screen wipers, indicators, heaters, electrics etc.... then body work, wheels, tyres etc... then the important stuff like whats under the bonnet and chassis...

What tips or advise has anyone got for driving down the price.

Many thanks everyone.

Click to expand...

just make offer there is nothing worse than a ****er trying to go through list of faults to get price down its not a new car so will have faults whetther its a scratch or wear in component be a man a offer what you think is fair price then work together to meet in middle hopefully ,especially when buyer doesnt know enough of vehicle mechanics

That's a fair point James, but I think there is some validity in negotiating around any significant faults.

I have a chum you just can't get his head around the fact that scratches and dents on the Landy don't bother, and anyone who tried to beat the price down because the paintwork isn't perfect would p*ss me off

However spotting that the rear cross member needs replacing or the front outriggers welding I think is a different matter.

Just my thinking

Potential Defender 90 Owner said:

So lets assume we've seen a decent motor and we want to start haggling down the price...

Im thinking as I work my way round the motor im looking for faults, wind screen wipers, indicators, heaters, electrics etc.... then body work, wheels, tyres etc... then the important stuff like whats under the bonnet and chassis...

What tips or advise has anyone got for driving down the price.

Many thanks everyone.

Click to expand...

As someone asked before,
Where are you? someone on here may be local and would possibly be able to go with you and look/give advise.
I just bought a disco, and i had a friend on the phone advising me where to check things.

Also
What is it you're looking at? as there are a few things that are specific to to certain landies

What sort of price is the guy asking for in the first place? If you already have a vehicle in mind

landowner said:

You may ask for service history, proof that oil and filters have been changed etc.

If not then who knows what condition the internals are in.

Some people buy a vehicle then run it for a couple of years without lifting the bonnet and then sell it as never had a bit of trouble, not cost me a penny yeh right...next owner will pay the price.

Click to expand...

I drove a car once from a dealer and judging by the terminal clunking and backlash the prop shafts were about to fall out. I asked him about replacing the UJs and he said, "It's not in my interest to do that unless you agree to buy it - the next bloke to test drive it might not notice and then I'd have repaired it for nothing!"