Thread: Opinions on purchasing this as first TDI Defender.

Originally Posted by Floydo

Hi

Keen to look at this https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6068449/?Cr=1
As my first Defender. An it isn't to far from home.

From what I have picked up here, is to check, the Bulkhead window / vents, Bulkhead inside / foot well, Bulkhead bottom of door, front out riggers , rear cross member, shock mounts and chassis.
Any other places?
Mechanically I hear most things can be fixed relatively easy and cheaply. I have owned a S3 previously.
Looks like it has been serviced at Modern Motors, who have a good reputation. Check service history, and last timing belt change.
Any other advice would be appreciated.

Have been looking for awhile now.

Thanks

Looks pretty straight, it definitely isn't a 130 as described in ad, the single cab utes are not for everyone, cabin space is reduced further from the wagons and single cabs, it doesn't have a/c which will help a bit with legroom, but I'd probably prefer to have the a/c , as on the single cabs it works reasonably well, whatever you decide, wanting to own one is an itch that can't be scratched by anything else.

Have fun.

Can't comment on the specific one, but can confirm the single cab has less options for extended set bases and similar if you need more leg room. The back of my seat is right up against the rear of the cab. This works for me as I have short legs with a long torso, and like an upright seat so I find it comfortable. I had a 110 hard top previously (sorta like a troopie) and that had more adjustment.

I am finding the heater far more effective when only needing the heat the single cab though. Its also quieter (though not quiet). The rear window can be a little rattley though if the runners or felt have gone, and its right next to your left ear. One nice thing about it is the chassi rails etc are all easily accessible for wiring, breather lines and other work. 600mm wheel arch tool boxes fit neatly between the cab and the rear wheels.

I've only had this one for 6 months, so I'm still working through the various niggles and enhancements, but I'm loving having a defer as a daily driver again.

Not sure how much that helps, but there you go.

I put over 250kkm on a 95 defender
Mine was a 130 ex forestry ex farm and even when I bought it in 2002 or so it wasn’t as straight as that one!!!

That looks like a straight 110 single cab that’s for sure

Your list of things to look at is a good start and as you say everything is pretty fixable.
I don’t know the tdi market very well at the moment - $13k seems high for a single cab that if on original engine will be getting pretty close to needing money thrown at it?

For me the big thing wouldn’t be cosmetic panels etc
It would be what is the John Dory with the engine, gearbox and t-case....

Maybe they have all been refreshed recently

Maybe that will be on your watch?

An R380 at 360kkm will be pretty tired if original
An LT230 at 360kkm will definitely have a flogged our intermediate shaft and sad centre diff shims unless already fixed
A 300tdi at 360kkm would be a unicorn if it hadnt done a HG, flogged our a few waterpumps, **** an alternator and wobbled a fan bearing.... if it is largely untouched I’d be dropping the sump which is probably leaking anyway and checking the big end shells....

Nothing on that jigger is difficult
Work to do and nothing quite beats the rattle of a 300 !!!

S

That's not a dual cab.

If you can do repairs yourself it will help contain the cost but be aware that it will never be a cheap vehicle to maintain. Parts are reasonable prices but there is an awful lot of them on a landrover and they all fail with alarming regularity.

My much loved and well maintained tdi always has a long list of expensive jobs to do on it. Mine is in the shed at the moment getting a new head. And I know it probably needs an injection pump rebuild, the reconditioned steering box installed about two years ago is leaking everywhere, a rear shock is leaking, some suspension bushes need doing, the gearbox is getting tired and noisy so will probably need a rebuild soon. This comes on top of me rebuilding /replacing all the brake system components in the last 6 months and a transfer box rebuild, swivel hub rebuild and new cv's a year or so ago. Plus a million other minor things. Add up the cost of that!

Given the age and typical use of these vehicles expect to incur some big costs not matter which one you choose.

Having said that tdi's are great vehicles.

Looks ok . But read my posts on buying a Defender sight unseen. Get someone who knows rovers to cast an eye over it or better still go with you and go for a drive. If its been used for a tow vehicle it needs a good drive to check for gearbox issues.

Originally Posted by Bazzle218

Looks ok . But read my posts on buying a Defender sight unseen. Get someone who knows rovers to cast an eye over it or better still go with you and go for a drive. If its been used for a tow vehicle it needs a good drive to check for gearbox issues.

Thanks everyone for your advice. Unfortunately the car was sold before I could get there on Saturday. The dream continues. Cheers

Originally Posted by Floydo

Thanks everyone for your advice. Unfortunately the car was sold before I could get there on Saturday. The dream continues. Cheers

Floydo,

I know of a couple of Defender utes and a real 130 twin cab for sale, but they are in Townsville Nth Qld. being sold by a reputable Land rover specialist / mechanic. PM me if you want some more details. Just helping out I'm not endorsing any dealer.