I want a defender!

[Nak]

Hi All,

I'm in the market for a 4WD, it will be used to take the family away on the weekends camping, as well as the occasional longer trip, it will also be driven on a short trip to work a few days a week. A 110 wagon would fit the bill well.

I've owned hilux's in the past and drive Landcruisers and Hiluxs on a daily basis for work but have always appreciated a well set up landy - and I think thats what I want this time around. I'm somehwat mechanically minded and usually do all the fluid changes, brake pad changes etc on my cars - I don't open engines up though!

A shiny new Deefer is an attrative proposition, but I can't really justify the purchase price for a second vehicle especially when all the extras are added on top if that - so I'm in the market for a well set up earlier model.

My budget is around 20 -25K - What can I expect for that sort of money and is there any particular year models to seek or to avoid??

Any other points or advice in searching for a defender anyone has I'm all ears - I will have many more questions to come I'm sure


Thanks

[alltrans]

Great decision with Defender 110, am sorry I cannot offer "best model" for your budget, but the normal..milage / condition, other consideration...air-con that actually works, don't overlook high milage if they are have been used for intended purposes, usually identified by heaps of extras (winch/bar work/diff lock / good tyres, rims / internal fit out / radio's / - as these vehicles "generally" have been prepared by owners at extra expense and such owners tend to look after the mechanicals more so than that the "average off road user".

The Defender 110 (land Rover brand) is an awesome vehicle (on/off road) from the factory, but with a few upgrades (rear diff lock, upgrade tyres, etc) they become "vehicle of choice" for serious adventure !!!

Good Luck with your selection there will be plenty out there for your decision, hopefully other can post "best model" series for further consideration

[tomalophicon]

I hope you like being cold in winter :D

[Nak]

I hope you like being cold in winter :D

by the sounds of it - spoken with someone who knows canberra winters.

My last hilux the heater didn't work either so I know what joy a minus 5 morning brings!

[Benz]

good choice :D

have a LOOK (http://www.carsales.com.au/car/brand%20new/dealer/demo/private/LAND%20ROVER/DEFENDER'sort=default&silo=Stock&base=1216&eapi=2&vertical=Car&Range=Price:Min,30000~0.5&Page=1)

should be able to get anything from a well set up and looked after 300tdi (years 94 to 98ish) to maybe a bit more standard td5 defender.

do your self a favor and buy something with a full service history.

and this one made me laugh... here (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/land-rover-defender-2002-12386426?base=1216&vertical=Car&eapi=2&Page=2&sort=default&cr=23&__N=1246%201247%201252%201282%204294965541%2042949 64692%201216&silo=Stock&Range=Price:Min,30000~0.5)
reason for selling: "Was keeping it for my son but he wants a ....jeep.(sigh)"

[Deefa]

Hi Nak,

My father in law just bought a Puma.... GR,Damn,Jealous! As a result he is selling his 2000 model TD5 Defender. I am going to sell it for him as he is away. Have not advertised it yet and it needs a bit of a clean up, has a winch, bullbar, snorkel and roof rack etc done a few Ks at 250 odd I think, wants 18k. Fancy a trip to Qld?

[PAT303]

I can't believe the money they are bringing. Pat

[Chops]

They do hold their value very well.
Was talking to a plumber the other day with a Hilux that has cost him almost 80 grand. He asked me if I thought it would do the Border Track, (we've just done it, which sparked the conversation), the reality,, of course, it would. But what got me was how much he paid for his car. It seems fully equipped with the usual mods, plus he had a tray and twin canopies made for it,, but 80 grand??
My 110,, 55 G + whatever the "you-beaut" canopy will set me back,, 25 G spare to do sooooo much more with.

A good second hand unit is hard to find, and what seems expensive, but all in all, you get what you pay for. They seem cheap to start with, compared to other brands, but then hold value. Good luck in your search.

[justinc]

2002 was one of the best years, still has sals rear diff and a 'decent' a/c.


jc