23yrs old, 20k to spend, want a 110

[RussTSV]

Hey guys,

New to the forum and looking for feedback. I am keen on purchasing a 4wd, as I am the last of my friend group to own one. After completed hours of research on the net, asking thousands of people for their opinions, I have decided I've got my heart set on a 110.

My issues however, as follows;

I've only got around 20k to spend, there are a few decent looking fenders for the 25k mark (2000+, >150ks), which I could achieve at a stretch, is it worth it? Or should I go below and get a vehicle with higher ks and have the 5k left over for whatever needs fixing.

I will mainly be doing bitumen driving during the week, between 60k80k, is this bad for the vehicle over an extended period of time, as its constant 4wd? Does this mean they wear through tyres a lot more than other part time 4wds?

I live in townsville, and I see a very minimal amount of fenders getting around, are parts difficult to come buy when needed for anyone in the nth qld area?

That's about all I can think of for now. I'd love to ask someone these Q's in person, but I don't know anyone who personally owns a fender, just a few rAngers and a few discos.

Thanks a lot

Russ

[PAT303]

I'd spend 10 on a Tdi leaving plenty to make it reliable. Pat

[RussTSV]

I'd spend 10 on a Tdi leaving plenty to make it reliable. Pat

Hey pat, I reckon I'd be flat out finding one going as low as 10k. I don't want a penerite as it'll be my daily driver as well, they seem to be the only ones available around that price range.

[RussTSV]

Another issue I'm having,

I know that the ks are relevant to the condition and maintenance of the vehicle. But is the 300k mark too many? Seems very excessive compared to most other vehicles, but for for 2nd hand fenders it seems quiet common. Any help/comments would be appreciated as Im still on the fence

[BigBlackDog]

Which engine are you looking at? Life really depends on how it's been looked after, not unusual for a tdi to do really big numbers. There is a few on the forum that have seen 1,000,000.

[steane]

I'd spend 10 on a Tdi leaving plenty to make it reliable. Pat

In my experience you'll find a worn out tdi for 10k or less and then spend a LOT more than 10k making it reliable. 20k budget will vanish and you'll either spend a lot more or not be happy with the half finished Defender you end up with.

If my budget was 20k I'd be looking for a well looked after TD5. I think the TD5s are better buying at the moment. Find a nice one and try to have a few thousand left to deal with any issues.

Get a LR expert to go over it and make sure the gb, tc, engine and its ancillaries are all A1.

300,000kms on a 15 year old vehicle is not unusual but less kms provided they can be verified and its been looked after is better.

A Defender can be a monumental money pit, so go in with your eyes wide open and buy the best one you can find. One that has been well cared for and correctly maintained. Treat it good and it will be good to you.

[isuzurover]

Which engine are you looking at? Life really depends on how it's been looked after, not unusual for a tdi to do really big numbers. There is a few on the forum that have seen 1,000,000.

Which ones? Highest i have seen on here is half that.

[RussTSV]

Thanks for the input everyone. I have my eye in two up here, between 23-25k, and 130ks and 150ks. I think they could be possibilities if I wait it out for a little bit and don't rush anything. Yeah I have seen a lot for sale Between 300-400k in the 10-20k mark. Just keen to get behind the wheel and have some adventures with the boys.

[isuzurover]

Thanks for the input everyone. I have my eye in two up here, between 23-25k, and 130ks and 150ks. I think they could be possibilities if I wait it out for a little bit and don't rush anything. Yeah I have seen a lot for sale Between 300-400k in the 10-20k mark. Just keen to get behind the wheel and have some adventures with the boys.

Don't discount the perenties if you haven't driven one. With a turbo they go better than the ones you are looking at, then it is just a matter of fitting defender bits to make it more quiet and comfortable.

[The Cone of Silence]

Agree with Isuzurover here....don't discount the Perenties.

Cheaper but still well-maintained. They look sensational and are, by and large, decent, lightweight vehicles which would be superb for off-roading.

To manage your 80k a week on the blacktop, you might want to consider making it quieter (loads of options here, have a search through the forums) and maybe softer, depending on the ride.

[Scotty85]

I spent about 6 months looking for the right defender. Then at 8pm one night, I checked Gumtree and found a 110 Td5 1999 :) Paid $10000 and home I went. She has 333000 k's on her. Not much wrong either. Shocks are gone and other minor things to pass a rrc. If you wait, you will find the one for you.

Edit : I couldn't be happier :D

[PAT303]

I stand corrected,just had a look on carsales and Tdi's are still pulling almost 20K,they must have the highest resale value in Australia. Pat

[isuzurover]

I stand corrected,just had a look on carsales and Tdi's are still pulling almost 20K,they must have the highest resale value in Australia. Pat

RRCs appreciated in price during the 80's in Australia. During the same period 110s depreciated slowly.

Yet RRCs are now worth nothing and (diesel) 110s still get good money.

[RussTSV]

Hey guys,

I have found a defender for 13k (97 model), not sure about its condition however. It's clocked up 313ks. Which is a lot for 13k. But I am willing to spend money to maintain it. Yeah defenders hold value better than any other vehicle almost!!

Peer ties are cool, but I honeslty can't drive one around as a daily driver. Does anyone see many defers pop up on gumtree regularly around my price range? I have only been checking the lAst week or so, gumtree/car sales should have a vehicles listed history page so we could view what's been posted in th least 6/12 months, and know what we could expect.

Appreciate all the help boys and girls!! Keen as for my own defender to carve up the local tracks in!

[PAT303]

300k is OK for it's age,mine has 470 and it's a '98,you'll still have plenty to get it up to spec,how good are you with tools?. Pat

[dero]

I went through this same thing about a year ago , it seems they have gone up about $5000 .
2-300,000km is about when they need things like ...inj pump , injectors , turbo , head , power steer etc . This is only a rough guide , they are all different depending on how much TLC they have received .
Look carefully at the service record , if you can trust it .
personally I went for a 300TDI and spent the $'s on it , they are simple & reliable if you do the mods [ ask for advice on this forum ]
Post TDI they get more complicated , probably why the TDI's have gone up in price , people are starting to appreciate their simplicity .
Good luck .

[RussTSV]

Hey guys,

I have located an absolute gem. I will keep deets to myself for now until i get her home and can have a good chance to get to know her. Is a 4 cyl, 2.5l, 300tdi. Is fully kitted out for 4wding, appears to have been a very well loved and respected rig.

My question for the experts on here i respect the opinion of, where else do i need to check for rust;

Rear Bar, Fire wall, Door columns, Chassis, anywhere else i have missed

Must find out when the last timing belt was changed, every 80,000ks?

What else should i check? Watched heaps of Youtubes on this.

Thanks blokes

[RussTSV]

This is my achilles heel, im not fanastic. But i read on here, "a defender will make a mechanic out of anyone". I am very eager to learn hands on, and will be willing to put alot of time and effort into her. Keen to get to know some landrover enthusiastics in north queensland as well if anyone has any contacts up here.

[Bearman]

Russ, I would get in touch with Tim Vinson out at Tompkins Road Bohle. He is a wizard on Tdi's and his knowledge would be invaluable for what you are looking at. Well worth the effort.

[RussTSV]

Thanks Bearman,

Im picking the vehicle up from another town, but i will keep him in mind for any mods/servicing/problems! Thanks alot mate

[poundsterling]

Russ TSV

I have a Defender 110, 2000 model TDI, 5 spd, Mercedes 2.5 lt motor,
52000 klms, 8 seater compliance plated, troopie, ex Commonwealth.
Further details and photos if this of interest,

pm me

poundsterling.

[MLD]

Russ TSV

I have a Defender 110, 2000 model TDI, 5 spd, Mercedes 2.5 lt motor,
52000 klms, 8 seater compliance plated, troopie, ex Commonwealth.

poundsterling.

If it was a dog you'd call it a mongrel. Interesting mix.

if 2000 it should be a TD5. Not that the early TD5's were much different internally to the TDi until the face lift in 2002 (Extreme model being the exception).

MLD

[poundsterling]

Your right it has a Td5 motor, its a factory built mongrel, its certainly not a dog, still has plenty of bite in it.

2000 Td5, 8 seater compliance plated, 5spd, 51,204 alms, 3 door trope, no hard
bush work, bit of a detail and it would look like new, not up for sale as yet but could be soon.

Cheers.

[technophile]

Poundsterling, I think you mean BMW 2.5l motor

[Defendozer]

Yes your right Land Rover was owned by BMW at the time but the Td5 was actually designed and built by Land Rover at Solihull, so technically an LR engine.