There is no "magic mileage" for Defenders. Some are going great, little more than run in by 200,000km, others on their last legs. It all depends on how they have been treated, so the service history is much more important than the actual mileage.

Specific things to watch for :-

Rust - bulkhead or chassis, particularly rear cross member. An inland one is likely to have no rust, one that has done a lot of beach work or lived right by the sea could be beyond economic repair.

Engine has been overheated. Particularly with the TD5 engine, this can mean very expensive repairs.

Tdi engines - when was the timing belt changed? Neglect of this can be very expensive, if there is no proof of when it was done, do it as soon as you buy it.


Less important, but bargaining points:-

Suspension bushes worn, steering box leaking, check rear axle drive flanges. With Td5, oil in the engine wiring harness.


Any relatively high mileage car you buy will have some faults, so you should keep some money to cover them rather than buying right up to your limit.

And of course, there are all the things that apply to buying any second hand car.

John

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JDNSW
1986 110 County 3.9 diesel
1970 2a 109 2.25 petrol