Thread: Help a newbie buy a used defender

Depends who you ask as to whether or not something is "prone" to problems, theres a couple of good threads already running on this very topic and some related topics. I.E. Puma problems etc and the 'Good Oil' Section has extensive threads for td5 faults and fixes, simply by virtue of their longevity.

Defender Puma 2.2 - voice your issues
^Thats a thread on just generic puma dramas

Which Defender as long-term touring vehicle
^theres some good debate in there re td5 vs puma

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/3...-charging.html
^Most of the common dramas with td5 engines.

Td5 defender
^Some advice in here about what to look for in a used td5.

If you type more or less anything into the "Search this Site function" you will find what you want to know. Most of the threads I just linked started a few days ago, so the more you search the more better older threads you will find.

I'd say: don't necessarily be turned off by the age of the td5, they go alright and theyre pretty easy to work on, everyone starts out a novice and you will only get better with practice. But you may struggle finding a td5 90. Puma 90's may be more plentiful.

I'd say if you find one (whatever model) you are seriously considering… ask the owners permission and take it to a LR specialist mechanic for a full check-up at your own expense. They can do a general once over or be as detailed as you like.

When I sold my Poo-trol GQ I dropped the truck to a mechanic (Nissan Patrol specialist who worked on nothing else for years), at the request (and expense) of the prospective new buyer for a detailed inspection.

I have never bought a (second hand) vehicle without getting some type of mechanical check (e.g. RACQ Master inspection) prior to purchase. I really think it's worth it. I'd recommend a specialist who knows and works on the specific type of vehicle.

You may see this as an annoying extra cost, but if you find a truck you intend to have for several years I see it as good insurance before you lay down the big bucks.

Best of luck. No matter what kind of Defender you end up with, it will still make you grin like a Cheshire cat

Cheers,
Nige

There you go.
In the first 2 posts is the best advice you will get.

Thanks for the reply guys, im 95% sure i'll go with the td5. Still looking over things and most importantly trying to persuaded the misses in letting me get it
Just a random thought, if the cubby box was removed in the front row, and replaced with a proper middle seat,seat belt and installed correctly would this be a legal mod & pass rego in nsw?

Originally Posted by JawKnee

Thanks for the reply guys, im 95% sure i'll go with the td5. Still looking over things and most importantly trying to persuaded the misses in letting me get it
Just a random thought, if the cubby box was removed in the front row, and replaced with a proper middle seat,seat belt and installed correctly would this be a legal mod & pass rego in nsw?

My cousin's husband has just bought a V8 County and needs it as a 6 seater - he tells me that is exactly what he is going to do and yes it is legal - just needs an engineering certificate.

Coincidentally, he is in Katoomba too.