Defender pre-purchase inspection tips required

**Ranga** · 16th February 2008, 08:16 PM

With the birth of the new baby, I'm looking at getting rid of my Landcruiser troopy. After much consideration, I think a Defender might be the perfect option for me.

I'm planning to inspect a 1996 110 2.5 ltr turbo diesel model tomorrow, that apparently has a water leak (believed to be from a hose somewhere), and an oil leak. Without much more info to go on, I'm curious to see where the leaks are, and diagnose any problems. The vehicles done ~180000 kms, but appears to be fairly straight. Asking price $10000 neg.

Any tips for what to look for would be appreciated, as being a Toyota owner the Defenders are all new to me! Also, any suggestions on a good mechanic to look over the vehicle on the Brisbane southside would be handy.

Regards,
Ranga

**abaddonxi** · 16th February 2008, 09:16 PM

Defenders don't have baby seat anchor points as standard, for a 110 you will need something like a 'crab bar' fitted - white steel bar that runs behind passenger seats and mounts on bulkheads.

Assuming it's a 300tdi. If it has a water leak make sure the head gasket is OK. 300tdi, alloy head in many cases can't be machined, so new head, lots of $$$.

Head gasket, I was quoted $1200-4500.

Get someone who knows Land Rovers to look at it.

Oh, and tell us where you are.

Welcome to the forum.

Cheers
Simon

**Blknight.aus** · 16th February 2008, 09:19 PM

I've been known to eyeball the odd rover every now and then, depending on when you want to do it I might be able to lend a hand.

theres a few things that need to be sorted with the dealer as it takes about 90 odd minutes to do a decent job of the inspection and theres some other conditions that need to be met for the whole truth of the vehicle to come out.

**Ranga** · 16th February 2008, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

I've been known to eyeball the odd rover every now and then, depending on when you want to do it I might be able to lend a hand.

theres a few things that need to be sorted with the dealer as it takes about 90 odd minutes to do a decent job of the inspection and theres some other conditions that need to be met for the whole truth of the vehicle to come out.

Thanks for the offer. I'll have a look tomorrow, just to see the general condition of the vehicle and chat to the seller. If it looks all righ, I'll try to arrange a proper mechanical inspection. I assume I should include a compresion test? I've been advised that there's a good place at Springwood (can't recall the name right now).

**andrew e** · 16th February 2008, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by abaddonxi

Assuming it's a 300tdi. If it has a water leak make sure the head gasket is OK. 300tdi, alloy head in many cases can't be machined, so new head, lots of $$$.

Head gasket, I was quoted $1200-4500.

Cheers
Simon

head gaskets are just over a hundred bucks from kar craft if i remember rightly. Replacement motors aren't the prices they used to be either.

The only advice i can give you, is take it for a drive, and make sure it doesnt get hot, even with the leak. If it gets hot, walk away.

Andy

**blue juice** · 23rd February 2008, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by ryangus

Thanks for the offer. I'll have a look tomorrow, just to see the general condition of the vehicle and chat to the seller. If it looks all righ, I'll try to arrange a proper mechanical inspection. I assume I should include a compresion test? I've been advised that there's a good place at Springwood (can't recall the name right now).

If you need a good mechanic.
Ricks 4wd in nerang but you have to book 3 weeks in advance ! busy busy shop

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