What do you think of ex-MOD Defenders?

I've seen a few of these that have been released by the MOD, refurbished and for sale. I accept that they're with the NA engine and they're a bit short on creature comforts, but most have power steering, look very straight and I think the canvas top and the NATO green looks great.

The mileage is usually low and they would have been regularly serviced. I want one!

So what do you think? A solid, well maintained bargain, or not.....?.

Have you looked on the Whithams website?

strange_days said:

Have you looked on the Whithams website?

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No. I've seen plenty on the Internet, I was just wondering what the verdict seemed to be.

Get a good one and it will serve you well, get a dog and it will put you off LR's for ever.

I did my homework and bought a real peach of a 90 (my fourth ex-MOD vehicle) but I knew exactly what I was looking for. I went beyond the dented panels and found that the chassis was like new, the engine had been rebuilt just prior to demob and the list of new parts fitted throughout was very extensive. Also I bought when you could by direct and sadly those days are now gone but at least buying from Withams the vehicles are still unmolested by civy hands.

I picked up an ex mod 110 last year. Chassis is like new. Its now a 200tdi. Most dont have power steering. Only the wolfs do but these are a lot more expensive.

Rubbish I bought an ex mod 90 an its got power steering an it was built in 94 long before wolfs came along. Just do the home work on what you want to purchase and you should be happy

timberjock said:

Rubbish I bought an ex mod 90 an its got power steering an it was built in 94 long before wolfs came along. Just do the home work on what you want to purchase and you should be happy

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:argue::boink:

lucifus said:

Most dont have power steering.

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Anyway, this question is getting like the whats the biggest size tyres can i fit!

:brick:

timberjock said:

Rubbish I bought an ex mod 90 an its got power steering an it was built in 94 long before wolfs came along. Just do the home work on what you want to purchase and you should be happy

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Ok - In the 6 years I was in the Army driving them I never once came across a pre wolf land rover with power steering. I've never seen one for sale on ebay with power steering that hasn't been retro fitted. I didn't find any with power steering when looking at the lines of them at Withams last year. If the Army did have NA defenders with power steering then they must have been pretty rare. The only defenders ive seen in the army and since ive left that have been in military spec (except wolf) have not had power steering.

Also Timberjock - did you buy your ex MOD 90 direct from the MOD or from someone else that could have fitted power steering?

I have ex mod n/a 1986. C reg etc that I registered with dvla that I picked up from withams. It has no power steering still bog standard at mo after nine months. Serves me well

I bought a Defender 1994 110 soft top with 96000miles from Withams a month or two ago, for an ex Army land rover I cant believe how good it is, and yes it had loads of money spent on it before its disposal. I paid a visit and had a good look at whats there, I was advised by the sales guy as to which was worth looking at and what to avoid. Just have alook at their website.