Landrover purchase advice

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19_Hue_95

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I am sure this has been posted 1000 times, but I have read a lot of the posts on hear and still feel that I want to ask, so here goes.....

The original thought was for my partner and I to sell one of our cars and buy a defender. The logic behind this is that my 'day to day' car is a Hyundi i10 and it pretty much pays me to keep it on the road, so even if a defender costs more to run its still sort of balances itself out if that makes sense.

The plan was that she (my other half) has it as an every day car as she has the use of company cars / vans so the defender would not accumulate thousands of miles each year, then I would take the defender when i am doing longer trips as I don't get the use of any company cars (and however economical a i10 is, on the motorway at 70...its not).

Once we had decided this, the problems began to form. We agreed (I got told) that a 110 station wagon would be the best all round vehicle - even though were still young, shes beginning to plan for the future!! For me to drive it on company business I want it to be reliable, good condition and get me to where I should be (if I start breaking down every trip I am soon going to be looking for a new job!). The catch is landys in this category were in the realms of £25-35K which as were both 'young professionals' AKA - no money we realistically cant afford that. I know there is finance available, but I am not sure if a) I would get it b) I want it - its a huge amount of money for something that is a glorified toy!.

In a visionary moment, we decided that we would probably buy a 'weekend' landy, just to plod about in, go on some road trips etc. If it breaks down, who cares as long as there is a sunny lay-by. Obviously as its just a weekend toy the budget is even less, sort of non existent even less, in the realms of £3-4K (I would probably stretch to £3-6.5K maybe?!?!).

Of course with this sort of money, a newer defender is out of the question, which is fine, but i want something that will work and not spend 11 months of the year being worked on asI have no mechanical background, my knowledge goes as far as watching my grandfather as a child and being told what to do. I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty, in fact I think it would be good fun, but I am conscious of the fact I know the square route of nothing, so having something that's in reasonable condition to start with would be preferable!

So my question you clever people out there, where do I start? I have done a fair bit of research and have a good idea of what I want / am looking for, but any advice on the matter would be welcomed as I feel slightly out of my depth.

The vehicle I think we will go for would be a short wheel base 300tdi, I keep changing my mind on hardtop or station wagon!
 
I am sure this has been posted 1000 times, but I have read a lot of the posts on hear and still feel that I want to ask, so here goes.....

The original thought was for my partner and I to sell one of our cars and buy a defender. The logic behind this is that my 'day to day' car is a Hyundi i10 and it pretty much pays me to keep it on the road, so even if a defender costs more to run its still sort of balances itself out if that makes sense.

The plan was that she (my other half) has it as an every day car as she has the use of company cars / vans so the defender would not accumulate thousands of miles each year, then I would take the defender when i am doing longer trips as I don't get the use of any company cars (and however economical a i10 is, on the motorway at 70...its not).

Once we had decided this, the problems began to form. We agreed (I got told) that a 110 station wagon would be the best all round vehicle - even though were still young, shes beginning to plan for the future!! For me to drive it on company business I want it to be reliable, good condition and get me to where I should be (if I start breaking down every trip I am soon going to be looking for a new job!). The catch is landys in this category were in the realms of £25-35K which as were both 'young professionals' AKA - no money we realistically cant afford that. I know there is finance available, but I am not sure if a) I would get it b) I want it - its a huge amount of money for something that is a glorified toy!.

In a visionary moment, we decided that we would probably buy a 'weekend' landy, just to plod about in, go on some road trips etc. If it breaks down, who cares as long as there is a sunny lay-by. Obviously as its just a weekend toy the budget is even less, sort of non existent even less, in the realms of £3-4K (I would probably stretch to £3-6.5K maybe?!?!).

Of course with this sort of money, a newer defender is out of the question, which is fine, but i want something that will work and not spend 11 months of the year being worked on asI have no mechanical background, my knowledge goes as far as watching my grandfather as a child and being told what to do. I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty, in fact I think it would be good fun, but I am conscious of the fact I know the square route of nothing, so having something that's in reasonable condition to start with would be preferable!

So my question you clever people out there, where do I start? I have done a fair bit of research and have a good idea of what I want / am looking for, but any advice on the matter would be welcomed as I feel slightly out of my depth.

The vehicle I think we will go for would be a short wheel base 300tdi, I keep changing my mind on hardtop or station wagon!

I don't quite understand the question?

Plenty of able Tdi Defenders for sale in the 5-7k price bracket. Have a look in For Sale on the forum for starters, followed by the local paper.
Take someone who knows what they are looking at when you go to view.
 
I don't quite understand the question?

Plenty of able Tdi Defenders for sale in the 5-7k price bracket. Have a look in For Sale on the forum for starters, followed by the local paper.
Take someone who knows what they are looking at when you go to view.
I think there's a little self convincing needed.

OP, do you want answers more in the vein of what to expect for your price bracket?

Don't go down the route of finance. £3-6.5k (more likely £6.5k) will get you something nice. Nothing mint but nice, may just be a little rough aesthetically. Thought about a series vehicle? Less comfort but most (including early series 3s) will be tax exempt/MOT exempt and enjoy a nice insurance premium reduction. Also even easier to work on, series 3 having a synchromesh gearbox and better brakes makes them a bit easier to drive too.

Though if you're looking for a defender specifically, i don't see why that budget will stop you getting something half decent. I have a friend who i believe is still selling her 90. She's asking around 3-4k, it's in pretty damn good nick too. Whatever you do though, take somebody with you that knows land rovers, in particular defenders and their common faults to watch for, i.e rust on the bulkhead, chassis patches and all the other things that could be wrong.

Like you "my knowledge goes as far as watching my grandfather as a child and being told what to do" was applicable to me too. I wouldn't worry too much about not knowing much in terms of mechanics, i knew the total sum of **** all and i'm doing plenty of work on my series, all very simple and with lots of good advice from the guys on here so don't think that'll stop you. The older the better when it comes to simplicity.

Anything you go to look at, just drop it in this or another thread so we can give it a look over too.
 
I think there's a little self convincing needed.

OP, do you want answers more in the vein of what to expect for your price bracket?

Don't go down the route of finance. £3-6.5k (more likely £6.5k) will get you something nice. Nothing mint but nice, may just be a little rough aesthetically. Thought about a series vehicle? Less comfort but most (including early series 3s) will be tax exempt/MOT exempt and enjoy a nice insurance premium reduction. Also even easier to work on, series 3 having a synchromesh gearbox and better brakes makes them a bit easier to drive too.

Though if you're looking for a defender specifically, i don't see why that budget will stop you getting something half decent. I have a friend who i believe is still selling her 90. She's asking around 3-4k, it's in pretty damn good nick too. Whatever you do though, take somebody with you that knows land rovers, in particular defenders and their common faults to watch for, i.e rust on the bulkhead, chassis patches and all the other things that could be wrong.

Like you "my knowledge goes as far as watching my grandfather as a child and being told what to do" was applicable to me too. I wouldn't worry too much about not knowing much in terms of mechanics, i knew the total sum of **** all and i'm doing plenty of work on my series, all very simple and with lots of good advice from the guys on here so don't think that'll stop you. The older the better when it comes to simplicity.

Anything you go to look at, just drop it in this or another thread so we can give it a look over too.

I don't need any convincing, I am not getting another! :D

But I agree, plenty about, and not dear either, and they are simple enough to work on,
 
Haha nah not to you. I know you're not getting another. I meant i reckon OP is.

Get a series OP,

You know you want to. Love hate relationships are often the best ;)

If I did get one, it would be a Series.

For the OP, a Defender, or even a Disco, might be better, the 5 speed box would be better for his commutes.

Actually, OP, have you thought about a Disco? Either D1 or D2 are very good value, and a bit more comfortable than a Def, but with good off road and towing capability.
 
If you can find a decent series or 90/110 in your price range, the value of it will increase rather than depreciate. Cheap discos are cheap for a good reason but for your money you can get a good freelander. The value of a freelander won't be likely to appreciate though like a proper (old) landy

Col
 
I think your idea of having an older defender as a weekend toy is a good idea. I would look at spending around 8k if possible. Remember your not ever going to loose money on it! I would also go for a station wagon, and if it's a 110 it will be a car for life ( kids dogs etc). 300td i is a good choice easy to fix ( don't let high mileage out you off mines done 260k and going strong). Make sure you thoroughly check underneath any defender you look at.good luck.
 
I think there's a little self-convincing needed. Don't go down the route of finance. £3-6.5k (more likely £6.5k) will get you something nice. Nothing mint but nice, may just be a little rough aesthetically. Thought about a series vehicle? Less comfort but most (including early series 3s) will be tax exempt/MOT exempt and enjoy a nice insurance premium reduction. Also even easier to work on, series 3 having a synchromesh gearbox and better brakes makes them a bit easier to drive too. Though if you're looking for a defender specifically, i don't see why that budget will stop you getting something half decent. I have a friend who i believe is still selling her 90. She's asking around 3-4k, it's in pretty damn good nick too. Whatever you do though, take somebody with you that knows land rovers, in particular defenders and their common faults to watch for, i.e rust on the bulkhead, chassis patches and all the other things that could be wrong. Like you "my knowledge goes as far as watching my grandfather as a child and being told what to do" was applicable to me too. I wouldn't worry too much about not knowing much in terms of mechanics, i knew the total sum of **** all and i'm doing plenty of work on my series, all very simple and with lots of good advice from the guys on here so don't think that'll stop you. The older the better when it comes to simplicity. Anything you go to look at, just drop it in this or another thread so we can give it a look over too.


Yes there is a lot of self-convincing needed! As much as I want one, I realise its a huge undertaking! I haven’t really looked into finance, but I have a feeling they would screw me over so I haven’t spent much time looking. To be honest, I quite like the idea of a rough and ready defender - if I had a 'newer' one I would be weary of bolting things onto it, but with an older one I would be happy to.


I looked briefly at the Series 3, but what made me weary were people saying that 45'ish mph was the top speed, granted I don’t plan on blasting down the motorways for miles on end at 70, but being able to get somewhere and make progress while I do it i.e. on holiday, or up to North Wales to go climbing would be nice.

If your friend is set on selling, I would be happy to take a look? I would prefer to buy one from someone who knows / appreciates them!! I think I am up for the challenge of working on it myself (well I am going to have to!), but I am conscious that I don’t want to buy something that will require tons of work from the get go, something that breaks down gently and gives me time to learn would be best!


If I did get one, it would be a Series. For the OP, a Defender, or even a Disco, might be better, the 5 speed box would be better for his commutes. Actually, OP, have you thought about a Disco? Either D1 or D2 are very good value, and a bit more comfortable than a Def, but with good off road and towing capability.

We were thinking of a Disco 2 for a while, the only issue I have with them, and this is me being snobbish… if there is one in front of me, all I can think of is ‘it’s not a defender’, but I would agree with you, for what we intend to do I think a disco would be ideal!


If you can find a decent series or 90/110 in your price range, the value of it will increase rather than depreciate. Cheap discos are cheap for a good reason but for your money you can get a good freelander. The value of a freelander won't be likely to appreciate though like a proper (old) landy Col

The appreciation on a defender is a slight draw, which is another reason I am trying to get as much for my money as possible. I don’t think a freelander is what we’re looking for, I know my other half wants to use it as a bit of a camping / adventure vehicle and as it’s that more of squat shape I don’t know if it would be suitable for awnings and things.


I think your idea of having an older defender as a weekend toy is a good idea. I would look at spending around 8k if possible. Remember your not ever going to loose money on it! I would also go for a station wagon, and if it's a 110 it will be a car for life ( kids dogs etc). 300td i is a good choice easy to fix (don't let high mileage out you off mines done 260k and going strong). Make sure you thoroughly check underneath any defender you look at.good luck.

I’m glad you think it’s a good idea! I think it will be more fun / less stressful than having it as an everyday truck as for work I need something that is 100% reliable. 8K would be serious top end budget, it would take a fair while to save that sort of money. 110 station wagon was the original idea as like you say it’s a car for life, but only being a weekend truck I think I am kind inclined to go with a 90, jury is out on a hardtop or station wagon – I think I am edging towards a station wagon as I will be able to get long runners for the seat as I am tall. Its strange to think, that with any other car mileage would be the first consideration, but with all the land rovers I have looked at I don’t think once I have considered it!
 
Yes there is a lot of self-convincing needed! As much as I want one, I realise its a huge undertaking! I haven’t really looked into finance, but I have a feeling they would screw me over so I haven’t spent much time looking. To be honest, I quite like the idea of a rough and ready defender - if I had a 'newer' one I would be weary of bolting things onto it, but with an older one I would be happy to.


I looked briefly at the Series 3, but what made me weary were people saying that 45'ish mph was the top speed, granted I don’t plan on blasting down the motorways for miles on end at 70, but being able to get somewhere and make progress while I do it i.e. on holiday, or up to North Wales to go climbing would be nice.

If your friend is set on selling, I would be happy to take a look? I would prefer to buy one from someone who knows / appreciates them!! I think I am up for the challenge of working on it myself (well I am going to have to!), but I am conscious that I don’t want to buy something that will require tons of work from the get go, something that breaks down gently and gives me time to learn would be best!

I needed to convince myself too, you'll have great fun with it though. I generally believe that avoiding finance is just a standard thing to try and do when you can. Whoever said you'll be capped out at 45ish on a motorway, they're both right and wrong. Don't get me wrong, they're far from fast. However i got up to about 60 in my series 2a on a quick motorway blast, it may be since mine is petrol as opposed to diesel, with an overdrive it would have been easier. Terrifying for sure and not something i want to do often. Defenders aren't fast either, though they should happily sit around 70mph with the 300tdi you're looking at.

If you're interested, I'll drop her a text, take a look at it again myself and get back to you. Keep in mind it's all the way down here on Hayling Island so it would be a hell of a trek for you to just come take a look at it. Might be easier finding something closer to home.
 
I needed to convince myself too, you'll have great fun with it though. I generally believe that avoiding finance is just a standard thing to try and do when you can. Whoever said you'll be capped out at 45ish on a motorway, they're both right and wrong. Don't get me wrong, they're far from fast. However i got up to about 60 in my series 2a on a quick motorway blast, it may be since mine is petrol as opposed to diesel, with an overdrive it would have been easier. Terrifying for sure and not something i want to do often. Defenders aren't fast either, though they should happily sit around 70mph with the 300tdi you're looking at.

If you're interested, I'll drop her a text, take a look at it again myself and get back to you. Keep in mind it's all the way down here on Hayling Island so it would be a hell of a trek for you to just come take a look at it. Might be easier finding something closer to home.

I am inclined to agree with you on finance. Thats good to know about the speed, I don't really want to go fast, but if were planning on travelling a fair few miles having something that will get us there before the weekend is over would be good! I knew somebody who owned a series 2b (I think) export model and anything past 30 was pretty hairy....

Ah that is a fair way, we do head down that way sometimes (we both went to Uni in Portsmouth so visit friends that way sometimes).
I dont suppose you know anything about ex-military defenders? I know some of the defenders owned by utility companies were serviced and maintained like clockwork and had tons of money thrown at them until they were sold off, are the military ones similar?
 
I am inclined to agree with you on finance. Thats good to know about the speed, I don't really want to go fast, but if were planning on travelling a fair few miles having something that will get us there before the weekend is over would be good! I knew somebody who owned a series 2b (I think) export model and anything past 30 was pretty hairy....

Ah that is a fair way, we do head down that way sometimes (we both went to Uni in Portsmouth so visit friends that way sometimes).
I dont suppose you know anything about ex-military defenders? I know some of the defenders owned by utility companies were serviced and maintained like clockwork and had tons of money thrown at them until they were sold off, are the military ones similar?
There is no 2b. After the 2a came the 3. Though yeah, after about 30mph the steering is full of play.

Oh sweet, I graduated Portsmouth uni 2016. I’ll see if she’s still got the ad up on gumtree first of all.
A little, my 2a is ex-military having been in it 1968-1975. I’m not brushed up on military defenders. I believe a lot if not all are 24v, so hats something to take into consideration. They are rigorously maintained since they’re flung about by squaddies. Pretty sure the Snatch is sold still armoured, so that would come in handy on a night out down guildhall in Pompey ;)

If you have further interest in military landys maybe make a post in the military section on here
 
There is no 2b. After the 2a came the 3. Though yeah, after about 30mph the steering is full of play.

Oh sweet, I graduated Portsmouth uni 2016. I’ll see if she’s still got the ad up on gumtree first of all.
A little, my 2a is ex-military having been in it 1968-1975. I’m not brushed up on military defenders. I believe a lot if not all are 24v, so hats something to take into consideration. They are rigorously maintained since they’re flung about by squaddies. Pretty sure the Snatch is sold still armoured, so that would come in handy on a night out down guildhall in Pompey ;)

If you have further interest in military landys maybe make a post in the military section on here
heres a 2a and 2b forward control
 
Sorry my bad! I should of said it was a forward controller it was a strange bit of kit, it was designed for use in the Eastern Block and had some rather strange filters to stop all the twigs in the fuel getting in and it also had a strange custom cab with two rows of seats and a full hard top cab on the back.

I like the looks of the military defenders, but the thought of 24v electrics concerns me. I dont think even full armour would help on a Friday.....
 
Sorry my bad! I should of said it was a forward controller it was a strange bit of kit, it was designed for use in the Eastern Block and had some rather strange filters to stop all the twigs in the fuel getting in and it also had a strange custom cab with two rows of seats and a full hard top cab on the back.

I like the looks of the military defenders, but the thought of 24v electrics concerns me. I dont think even full armour would help on a Friday.....
The starting bid is 2k. It will definitely go quite a way up

https://whitelabel-2.globalauctionp...0000/lot-cf8f4f1c-e035-4fc0-a562-a8fd00f3d5d1
 
We were thinking of a Disco 2 for a while, the only issue I have with them, and this is me being snobbish… if there is one in front of me, all I can think of is ‘it’s not a defender’, but I would agree with you, for what we intend to do I think a disco would be ideal!

The appreciation on a defender is a slight draw, which is another reason I am trying to get as much for my money as possible.

Nothing at all wrong with Discos, they are essentially Defender mechanics in a different skin. I would strongly suggest driving both before committing. The drive of a defender is not for everyone.

Personally, I would be sceptical about the appreciation of Defenders. I suspect that if you add the running, maintenance, and parts replacement costs to the purchase price, few actually make any money. There is a lot of hype around prices, but a lot of it is from people hoping to sell them.
Also, bear in mind that the Government has said they will increase pressure on less fuel efficient vehicles over time.

If I wanted to buy a Ninety, I would have a look in For Sale section at the vehicle @kevstar is thinking of selling, it looks pretty tidy to me.
 
Nothing at all wrong with Discos, they are essentially Defender mechanics in a different skin. I would strongly suggest driving both before committing. The drive of a defender is not for everyone.

Personally, I would be sceptical about the appreciation of Defenders. I suspect that if you add the running, maintenance, and parts replacement costs to the purchase price, few actually make any money. There is a lot of hype around prices, but a lot of it is from people hoping to sell them.
Also, bear in mind that the Government has said they will increase pressure on less fuel efficient vehicles over time.

If I wanted to buy a Ninety, I would have a look in For Sale section at the vehicle @kevstar is thinking of selling, it looks pretty tidy to me.

Cheers matey btw the mot tester said its the cleanest defender he's ever seen & no point putting it on the ramp lol
just wait till he gets my D1 :D
 

When I click on the link it wont seem to work for some reason?

Nothing at all wrong with Discos, they are essentially Defender mechanics in a different skin. I would strongly suggest driving both before committing. The drive of a defender is not for everyone.

Personally, I would be sceptical about the appreciation of Defenders. I suspect that if you add the running, maintenance, and parts replacement costs to the purchase price, few actually make any money. There is a lot of hype around prices, but a lot of it is from people hoping to sell them.
Also, bear in mind that the Government has said they will increase pressure on less fuel efficient vehicles over time.

If I wanted to buy a Ninety, I would have a look in For Sale section at the vehicle @kevstar is thinking of selling, it looks pretty tidy to me.

I will certainly have a look, they generally more within our price range, but its not a defender ;) What are Discos like to work on? I am thinking mostly the D2? The reason were thinking 300tdi defender is that I can work on it (well pretend I know what I am doing), dont the Disco 2's have TD5 engines which are harder to work on?

The appreciation thing is not a huge issue. I understand we will probably spend a lot of money keeping it running, but as long as we get a chunk of that back (for example what we payed for the defender in the first place) then its a bonus.

The whole government screwing everybody over is a huge issue for us as this is hopefully going to be a long term investment. Which is making me think of going down the Series route (2A / old 3) where they are exempt from it all...
 
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