Where to look for rust etc when purchasing a defender?

[gtst25]

Hi all,

Finally I've sold my second car and am going to start looking for a tidy 110 4 door wagon defender. Looks like I can only afford a 90's TDI - I'd like to know where these rust out and best spots to look? Mechanical problems aren't such a problem for me but I hate rust with a vengence!

I understand they have an aluminium body but there's plenty of metal in land rovers ie. firewall etc.

Also if you look at Car Prices - Search Car Prices & Values Online - Red Book (http://www.redbook.com.au/) I've noticed most defenders are $5000 or more over priced - for a standard defender with well over 300000k's. I have seen a few decent ones for the right $$ but they get snapped up pretty quickly.

Thanks in advance I'd appreciate any tips.
Cheers

[Scallops]

I'd first check out the firewall, bulkheads, rear cross member, chassis and then generally have a good overall look around the vehicle. There are numerous little "ledges" in front and under the wheel arches where mud and crap accumulate if the owner has not been careful enough when cleaning.

[86mud]

and door frames....

[gtst25]

Thanks for the replies fellas - sounds like it would be nice to check on the hoist if possible.

[weeds]

passenger side foot well under air con unit
bottem edge of door
rear door, remove trim and check for cracks

no need for a hoist, just an old set of cloths and drag yourself around underneath.....after all you will need to get used to it

[Chucaro]

Have a look for corrosion on the door panels where there is contact with the steel frames.
My Defe have corrosion on the doors but I ignored it because mechanically is spot on.

[Jock The Rock]

Also if you pull the rubber mat out that covers the driver and passenger footwell. I have pretty nasty rust there. Also just below the edge of the trim of the dash, where the pedals come out of the bulkhead

[harry]

where do you look for rust when purchasing a defender?

have a look in the toyota parked next to it in the dealers yard.