new member needs help on defender 130...please

[sdt463]

hi there,
i am new member and am hoping to get some tips on a '99 td5 defender 130.
i am travelling 800km to look at and possibly buy said vehicle and if anyone has any suggestions as to what i should look out for i would appreciate the help.
it has done 160,000km, one owner, dealer serviced until warranty finished and book serviced by local garage afterwards.
i am buying it for its comfort and charm [lol] but above all its towing ability.
i know very little about land rovers so please help!!!!:(

[one_iota]

Hi and welcome :)


Where abouts is the Defender located?

I ask because there might be a local LR specialist who can give it a look over for you.

[sdt463]

hi there, many thanks for your promt response and welcome. i have checked with the owner and there is no dealer anywhere close...i guess that is why it hasn't been serviced by land rover since he moved to the area. i am trying to get a few pointers as the distance involved means it's not viable to be running back and forth. i need to look and buy or leave alone. i appreciate your help.:)

[JDNSW]

Your best bet is to find someone from AULRO who is nearby and is prepared to look at it with you (for example I have done this a couple of times). Tell us where it is and it is likely that there is someone nearby who will volunteer.

Failing that read everything you can find here on the 90 110 130 Defender County (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/) forum, and also relevant bits in "The good oil".

Apart from the usual concerns with any second hand vehicle, some of the major concerns would be:-

Very carefully check for any signs that the engine has been overheated. While I do not think that the Td5 is particularly likely to overheat, repairs are likely to be very expensive, and may not have been done properly if needed. There is a concern with an oil pump bolt on this engine, which should be checked regardless if you buy it, unless you have proof it has been checked.

Check for excessive play in the hub drive flanges - this may indicate excessive wear unless it has been converted to oil lubrication hubs. Similarly, grease lubricated hubs have more bearing failures. Check for signs of chassis cracking near the tray mounts - unlikely unless it has been abused.

But if I were looking at one, my only real concern would be the engine - with any second hand vehicle there are sure to be problems, but it is only the engine that is likely to be very expensive. This is not to say it is not a good engine, it is. It is just that it is expensive to repair in the relatively rare cases that it is needed.

John

[sdt463]

Thanks JDNSW I will bear all those things in mind, and also read all I can in the forums you mention. The vehicle is curently owned by an elderly couple that bought it new when they retired and had it fitted out for outback touring, (second fuel tank, snorkel, dual batteries, ect). Caravan on the back, boat on the roof. So I am not expecting it has had any real abuse. Thanks again for your prompt response.

[slug_burner]

towing in 5th would be a concern however I am not aware of a way to check for damage without pulling the gbox down.

[sdt463]

Thanks slug Burner I'm learning all the time, will keep that in mind as I want the vehicle mainly for its towing specs.