Inspection recomendations.

[SlowlyDoesIt]

Firstly... Hey there! Im new to the defender/90-110-130 world.. but have had some dealings with a 74 Rangie classic and Suzuki Sierras.. (dont hold THAT against me..)

Looking at a Defender.. round 95-96.. wondering if you knowledgeable lot on here can help with pointing me towards some of the more common things to be aware of? Seems most around my price range (around 15k) have around 300thou on the clock.. is there items or issues I should be aware of or looking further into?

Also if there is a recommendation to somewhere that isnt going to break the bank on doing a pre-purchase vehicle inspection on anything Im likely to find would be greatly appreciated! Iv got a print out of the LR repairers from the Tech guide.

Has anyone had any dealings with the Landy place on Dorset Road? close to work which would be handy!

Im located out in the North East suburbs of Melbourne.. travel anyware from Doncaster to Rowville over to Caroline Springs.. So I figure my options are pretty open.. would prefer to use someone that comes highly recommended while being affordable..

Thanks in advance, and looking forward to being part of the forum! Will happily contribute where I can!

[Gillie]

Hi There Slowlydoesit and welcome to the forum. You do not mention what sort of Defender you are after.
I know where there is a Defender 130 for sale for around $15K might of been $13K the owner hasn't advertised yet. It is a 97 model, red and has been maintained well mechanically. It only has around 167000km on the clock. It has a fancy tray on it. Has AC, and a few spare wheels. I looked at it and whilst I thought it was pretty good my wife thought it was a bit rough. It has some panel damage to to the front left fender where a cow had a go at it. It could do with a polish but otherwise I couldn't fault it.

[SlowlyDoesIt]

Iv had utes in the past and not REALLY a fan of them. With twin 9 year old girls.. and the missus.. it would have to be a wagon I think.

Would love a little 90.. but cant see it being viable both size wise in regards to fitting gear into for the four of us to head away on weekend trips etc. or financially! It will also be used as my daily, so it will have to have somewhat decent road manners. Considered a disco.. but ever since I was a kid Iv allways wanted a 'real landy' :cool:

Mum n dad had a series 3 many years ago.. sold that and got a Rangie.. which I inherited when I turned 18.. (now 32 and the Rangie is loong gone :().. the old boy is currently in a 2D I believe.. will be sure to get some pictures up in the near future.

[tuffrangie]

Rohan at Cando 4x4 in Lilydale looks after all my 4wd's and did a great job of maintaining my Puma whilst I owned it. When I sold it they did a thorough pre-purchase inspection for the buyers in Sydney at a very reasonable cost. I couldn't recomend them more highly.

Rob