Thread: Second Hand, what to watch for?

What model (ie engine, year)?

Originally Posted by JamesH

What model (ie engine, year)?

The only 90's officially sold in Au were TD5s (and pumas very recently).

Assuming a TD5:

Read up on:
Oil pump bolt
Oil in the loom
Head dowels/head gasket
EGR issues
Also check intercooler and piping.

Apart from that, the usual LandRover stuff:
Rust - particularly where there is an aluminium skin on a steel frame
Clunks in suspension, diffs, gearbox.
oil, coolant, PAS leaks,,,

It probably has rover diffs and they aren't known to be that strong. I had the front diff on my 300 Tdi defender (also rover diff) replaced as there was too much wear. I think it was of the diff centre as I was told that some holes had gone oval. I suspect that this might be the planatery gear pin/holes that had the wear in them. ARB centre fixed that.

I'd say that things like plastic dowles you can't do anything about other than look for later models that don't use them. Oil in the loom, is a pain but it happens and the fix is simple enough.

Rust
Slop in the drive train (chocolate half shafts)

Originally Posted by slug_burner

I'd say that things like plastic dowles you can't do anything about other than look for later models that don't use them. Oil in the loom, is a pain but it happens and the fix is simple enough.

However if you can detect early signs or either (weeping head gasket, fluids or pressure where they shouldn't be, rough running) it could mean a discount or the seller fixes before sale.

90 diffs have a much easier life than 110 or 130 diffs. Diff issues should be unlikely (but still worth checking)

Nic,

Approximate age would be a starting point as JamesH pointed out. If you can physically get hold of a 90 (they are reasonable scares in Aus) there are a some things to look out for unique to each particular model.

I've never owned any Defender other than 90's, so I know their moods fairly well. As Isuzurover pointed out, the drivetrain appears to have an easier life in 90 as I've never snapped a halfshaft or had any diff issues of any nature. While I've had the odd bearing or UJ failure (normal wear in harsh construction environments), they've always gotten me home.

If you've got your eye on one specifically, let us know and there would be loads of advice and pointers.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

However if you can detect early signs or either (weeping head gasket, fluids or pressure where they shouldn't be, rough running) it could mean a discount or the seller fixes before sale.

90 diffs have a much easier life than 110 or 130 diffs. Diff issues should be unlikely (but still worth checking)

agreed

Thanks guys, really appreciate the insights, its a 05 Def. 90.

Its seen little off road use, but I value your thoughts about what to triple check.

Cheers, Nic