$20,000 to spend on defender, advice please...

[ngarigo]

hey folks...

just new here and loving the forum... would love to hear your thoughts on this...

i've got a budget of $20,000 and want a defender... what's your opinion on best value for money..

thank you,

regards,

rusty

[Sith]

Just my opinion , and not to start a war ...:wasntme:

1997-1998 300tdi , get one with history . Then spend the balance of the 20k on accessories that suit your needs whether that be lockers and big tires or racks bars winch fridges ect ect

I have a couple of mates with 1994-1998 and that is what we have done

[vnx205]

Another option is to get a 1997 - 1998 300 Tdi and keep the balance for regular maintenance and normal running costs.

Some of us think the Defender is a pretty capable vehicle in standard trim. :p

It depends what you want to do with it.

I assume Sith's reason for specifying 97 - 98 is the same as mine. Some of the design faults in the engine and gearbox with the 300 Tdi were eliminated just in time for them to change over to the TD5 engine. :)

The end of a model run is often a better buy or at least more reliable than the first of a new model.

[Blknight.aus]

what specifically did you want to do with it....

if you want to build and offroad weapon then you're best bet is as already explained buy a budget tdi300 deefer and fixgrade it.

if you want a tourer and tow motor then a well maintained mid K my03 deefer is on the cards.

[ngarigo]

i know i'm limited by my funds here to some extent, and a problem is also where i live...

i live and work in the south eastern tanami desert, on warlpiri country so i'd largely be buying over the internet... then making the trip to purchase and drive back...

judging the history of the vehicle could be a mine field...!

the vehicle would be my only vehicle outside of the work troopie... my weekender if you like, and i have access through my work to an amazing part of oz... but its a long way from the nearest lr help, in alice springs...


thanks guys..

[85 county]

The money you would spend on a 300 tdi is about the same you would spend on a 4bd1, but you would end up with more power and a stronger faster and more capable vehicle

[Mick-Kelly]

Dont be shy about asking people to check out likely vehicles for you on here. Its been done before for people buying from far places. There is a lot of defender knowlege round these parts. And i agree whole heartedly a late example of a 300tdi fender is what you should be looking for. If i was you it would be a 130 inch specimen.

[Blknight.aus]

given your remote locality...

Get yourself into a 4bd1 county.... its the last of the all iron engines and will tolerate pretty much everything you can throw at it.

failing that definately go the 300tdi,

[MacFamily]

Heres a few to look at that are in your price range

1999 LAND ROVER DEFENDER X-TREME 110 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10539987&__Qpb=1&Cr=5&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=15&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=81&__sid=12BDBD5DA8B5

2000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 Private Cars For Sale in QLD - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10455847&__Qpb=1&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=30&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=81&__sid=12BDBD5DA8B5

I like this one

1994 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Private Cars For Sale in WA - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10625453&__Qpb=1&Cr=6&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=30&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=81&__sid=12BDBD5DA8B5

This one already has alot of goodies but dosent leave you any change

2000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 Private Cars For Sale in TAS - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10456500&__Qpb=1&Cr=11&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=30&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=81&__sid=12BDBD5DA8B5

2000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 Private Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10576383&__Qpb=1&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=45&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=81&__sid=12BDBD5DA8B5

1999 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10596746&__Qpb=1&Cr=8&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&SearchAction=N&silo=1011&__No=45&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=81&__sid=12BDBD5DA8B5

Theres a few to consider and give you an idea what you get for your money, there just the one's on carsales.

Iam sure if there is one your interested and there is a fellow AULRO member close by we could have a look or recommend someone who can.

Anyway goodluck, I would sell you mine but I love it to much and the wife would kill me :o:D Goodluck

[weeds]

The money you would spend on a 300 tdi is about the same you would spend on a 4bd1, but you would end up with more power and a stronger faster and more capable vehicle

oh and these pop up all the time............:angel:

[Sith]

There is a dark green Fender over here on Gumtree fully rebuilt box motor the lot maybe worth a good look at :cool:

Find Cheap Used & Second Hand Cars For Sale | Rivervale | Gumtree Classifieds (http://perth.gumtree.com.au/c-Cars-Vehicles-Motorbikes-Parts-cars-Land-Rover-Defender-1994-2-5-Turbo-Diesel-300-TDI-16-500-ONO-W0QQAdIdZ280849829)

[CraigE]

Have a look in the Markets.
Biggest thing with you living up the road, is you have to be mechanically minded or know someone who is or have access to a Land Rover mechanic. If you go down the TD5 path then you also need to consider getting a diagnostic tool such as Nanocom or Rovacom Lite and learn how to use it.
Also you will need a good parts supplier as most LR bits including filters are not available off the shelf. If you do get one pm me and I will give you the details of a good supplier.
Craig

[ngarigo]

i'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the people here... thank you so much for your advice...

and i love how no ones saying 'given your situ...don't bother..." :D

going to check the linked suggestions

thanks guys...

[2234jones]

I would get the best vehicle for your money, and don't buy a cheaper one without full history and something that won't need much or anything spent on it, I bought mine for $4000.00 however I have had it nearly three years and it has cost me the same again in parts,it has never let me down and did come with full service history.
It needs the firewall replaced, I have one but its the time to replace it. As also stated take some one who really knows land rovers with you, and get the vehicle checked out, some dealers do offer good after sales support, but be carefull of some as their support is not worth the paper it's written on (I found out the hard way with a previous Discovery) Newer the vehicle the better I believe. Don't skimp as it could cost you in the Long run, anyway I know my Landrover has cost me, however I like a project.

Good Luck

[jerryd]

oh and these pop up all the time............:angel:

I'm seriously thinking about parting with mine :( should I......shouldn't I :confused::confused:

[Michael2]

Given where you are, if you can live with a ute instead of a wagon, then you can get a whole lot more for your money. In desert travel, a ute seems to be the easiest vehicle to live out of.

A 300Tdi ute / wagon / dual cab, and for where you are you'd want

- long range fuel tank
- bull bar
- water tank
- upgrade headlights
- a good set of driving lights properly wired
- Bilstein or KONI shock absorbers
- A/C can blow very cold in a Tdi if it's properly gassed, so spend the $120 on getting that done.
- window tint
- bottle jack (the vehicle with the longest wheel travel comes with a wind up jack that lifts the body, not the axle, by the time you get a wheel off the ground the car is see-sawing on the jack)
- air jack
- UHF / HF Radio (as required)
- 2 Spare Tyres
- 235/85 16 size tyres (7.50R16)

[ngarigo]

hmmm... i can probably scrape together another $10,000 to give me $30,000.... should i be looking at a TD5...?

[Sith]

hmmm... i can probably scrape together another $10,000 to give me $30,000.... should i be looking at a TD5...?

Nope , electrical drama's, oil in the harness ....and a list of other money consuming items ;)
K.I.S.S keep it simple stupid , esp if your not that way inclined

[Nero]

Maybe look at an EX ADF one when they start coming through the auction houses which will be soon me thinks.

[justinc]

FWIW I know this owner he is an LR trained tech and very good mechanic. 2000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 Private Cars For Sale in TAS - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10456500&__Qpb=1&Cr=11&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_PriceSort_Decimal |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216)

There is also another Tas one in Markets,2002 for $24K, and there is also a 2005 model for around $27K, PM me if you need anymore info.

JC

[Blknight.aus]

if you decide to go the military perentie option (which is isuzu 4bd1 with lt95 (with taper roller bearing conversion) drop me a line and I'm happy to do an inspection on one from the brissy auctioneers site for you.

if you dont have a good support network stay away from the td5 as its not the most common parted engine in a rover. No denying its a great plant but if something goes wrong.....