Hi everyone,
I'm interested in buying my very first defender! This will also be my first car (I currently drive my parents' Forester and Outlander).
I don't know too much about cars but I do know the basics like oil change and tyre change etc.
I'm looking to buy a defender as it's my dream car and I do like them. I haven't actually driven one before (as no one I know owns one :/), but I am aware that they are uncomfortable, slow and noisy but I don't mind that
My budget is between 15-25k, can maybe stretch it more if it's a decent car.
The issue is, I'm from Sydney and there are no defenders for sale here less than $30k so I need to go interstate to buy (Victoria or Queensland). So I can probably get a 1998 to 2004 defender with around 250-350k kms.
My goal is first to do a pre-inspection check by a mechanic (probably through RACQ/RACV), and if it's all good, then fly there and drive it back to Sydney. I'll be going with my friend who is mechanic too. Has anyone done this before? If so, do you have any advice you can share on what to watch out for?
Furthermore, does anyone have a rough estimate on the servicing costs and mechanical repairs. I will take good care of the car, but I know they are not the most reliable vehicles. I plan on servicing it once every 6 months, or every 10k km. How much would it roughly cost for a regular servicing?
Lastly, roughly how much would mechanics charge to replace the gearbox, transfer case or drive train, with a new one? I will call local mechanics soon, but if I can get a rough estimate, it would be nice!
Any advice will only be appreciated.
Thanks for reading!!
If the seller is happy I’d get an inspection done by a Landie Independant Garage. Hey are across all the known problems.
RACQ and the likes are good for all the road worthy type issues.
Servicing, if you have basic tools it’s cost effectively do yourself.
Consider to buy a regular everyday car and then look for more a project based Defender (or Perentie, Disco, Series III?). I am bit worried it goes all pear shaped for you and whilst I am not doubting your friends mechanical skills it is worth to remember that LR's work best looked after in their own special ways. Speak to people who own different 90/110/Defenders for an unbiased opinion. Just my thoughts and best of luck. m
Don't be to worried about buying interstate.
I live in the Hunter Valley. An couldn't find a decent 130 TDI. Two year search led me to a farm in the Claire Valley South Australia. Got it checked out by a local independent Landy specialist in Adelaide.
Flew over and drove it 1800km back home. Didn't miss a beat.
Patience is the key to buying a Defender.
Get someone who really knows something about land rovers to inspect it and you will be fine, any car that vintage will cost money keeping it going.
Not necessarily, many Defender owners use them as their daily driver without issue.........but I am aware that they are uncomfortable, slow and noisy but I don't mind that ......
It’s a personal thing, you might be pleasantly surprised when you get to drive one, or, you might not like it at all. There’s only one way to be sure.
If you’re physically quite big, you might find the elbow room a bit restrictive, but if you’re of average build it shouldn’t be a problem.
If you’re tall, you can gain a little leg room by fitting seat rails.
Although many have fitted different seats, the standard seats are generally comfortable if in good condition. Again, it’s a personal thing.
If a Defender is your dream car, my advice is test drive one soon, then, if you’re still keen, take your time to locate a good one.
Land Rover ownership is like a big club, so if you need any help or advice, you just have to ask.
'88 County Isuzu 4Bd1 Turbo Intercooled, '96 Defender 130 CC VNT
'85 Isuzu 120 Trayback, '72 SIIA SWB Diesel Soft Top
'56 SI Ute Cab
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