130 - Things to look for

[markus_80]

G'day all

After much reading of forums here and elsewhere, I have decided that the 4wd for me is a Defender 130 with the 300tdi engine. This comes down to reliablility of the engine, the advantage of the dual cab for my purposes (day to day driving when not on the duke, long range touring, keeping a smelly wet dog at bay, cost unlesss I win lotto, and the list goes on)

My good mate Phoenix who has put up with me for over 24 years has been of great assistance in keeping an eye out for various things. My question here is for regarding specific things to look out for when buying one of these great vehicles, eg: rust spots, signs of heavy use and fatigue, engine and transmission issues etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I can then covince the Wise Investment Finance Enthusiast (wife - if you can come up with a better acronym let me know:D) to let me access the cash

Thanking everyone in Advance

Mark

[one_iota]

Mark,

Welcome.

Any one who has put up with RG for 24 years is more than welcome here. :p;)

I haven't any advice to give with regards to the 130..apart from having had a 300Tdi Discovery...a great motor.

Just dip into this vast well of knowledge.

[SVX37]

G'day all

After much reading of forums here and elsewhere, I have decided that the 4wd for me is a Defender 130 with the 300tdi engine. This comes down to reliablility of the engine, the advantage of the dual cab for my purposes (day to day driving when not on the duke, long range touring, keeping a smelly wet dog at bay, cost unlesss I win lotto, and the list goes on)

My good mate Phoenix who has put up with me for over 24 years has been of great assistance in keeping an eye out for various things. My question here is for regarding specific things to look out for when buying one of these great vehicles, eg: rust spots, signs of heavy use and fatigue, engine and transmission issues etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I can then covince the Wise Investment Finance Enthusiast (wife - if you can come up with a better acronym let me know:D) to let me access the cash

Thanking everyone in Advance

Mark

Goodluck with the search...

And my WIFE is Washing Ironing Fking Etc :D

[spudboy]

Make sure you check out the chassis for cracks. If they have had a hard life and/or overloaded, this can be an issue. There are a few threads here on 130 chassis cracks, and I reckon a search would turn them up.

300TDI is a seriously good engine.

Be prepared for a turning circle like a super-tanker :D

[markus_80]

I've heard and read nothing but good on the 300tdi engine
as for the turning circle it doesn't bother me - isn't that what 3 point (or 4 point) turns were created for??:p:p

[markus_80]

Goodluck with the search...

And my WIFE is Washing Ironing Fking Etc :D

Yeah I do know this one, just looking to see what other peoples imagination can come up :D

[rick130]

I've heard and read nothing but good on the 300tdi engine
as for the turning circle it doesn't bother me - isn't that what 3 point (or 4 point) turns were created for??:p:p

Try five point turn, particularly with bigger diameter tyres.....
You also become proficient at reverse parking and reverse turns rather than five pointers forwards ;)

yep, chassis' can crack, do a search using my user name, you'll find a few posts describing where and what to look for.
Everything else is pretty straight forward with the problems that can arise with any Land Rover with the Tdi/R380/LT230 combination.

[spudboy]

... isn't that what 3 point (or 4 point) turns were created for??:p:p

I think turns have to be an odd-number! 4 point would have you reversing away ;)

Anyway, this thread would be worth a read: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/22942-130-crew-cab-defender.html

[rick130]

I think turns have to be an odd-number! 4 point would have you reversing away ;)

Anyway, this thread would be worth a read: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/22942-130-crew-cab-defender.html

Geez, things became a little, err, heated on that thread, didn't they.... :angel:

[markus_80]

i'm used to doing 3,4,5,6,7,8,9, point turns as I drive a rodeo as a work vehicle and although i haven't driver a 130 yet all I can say is the Rodeo is, well to use polite language, not good.:p

thanks for tips so far.

A quick question. I've always had the opinion that buying a 4wd as close to stock would tend to indicate a more quite life, ie less likely to have been driven hard. I know this is a generalisation but how accurate do you wise Landrover enthusiast believe this to be. I'm well aware that there are those out ther that add every mod con as a fashion statement.

[Sleepy]

Good Luck Markus_80,
The 130 & 300tdi is a great combo - search hard for a good one - many will have had a tough life.
The youngest tdi is now over 10 years old so if you are not "full bottle" then get someone to check it over for you.

I wouldn't discount the td5 myself they are good if looked after.

Whatever you find, look for evidence of regular servicing. This may save you $1000's.

[one_iota]

Regardless of what's been bolted on the key to longevity is maintenance.

The harder the vehicle has been used the more maintenance is required.

A well maintained vehicle will have been checked by its owner and things replaced generally before they break. Things like checking wheel bearings, suspension rubbers, hoses, belts and changing oils can make a huge difference.

If you find a 130 that takes your fancy look for service history and quiz the owner. One that acts dumb will be hiding something or wouldn't have taken due care to maintain it.

The one simple question for the owner is when was the timing belt changed?

You may have noticed in the Market place here that one of our members is selling his 90 for the same price as one from a dealer. His has been modified by him well used but I would put more faith in it than the one at the dealers.

[markus_80]

Yeah kinda what I was think as far as maintainence goes. For me (as far as age goes) cost is a big issue - the missus wants a Disco4 when they are released later this year so I was after a bit more of abush basher that I can take on a boys trip with a wet smelly dog and wetter smelly mates :p.
hence why I was looking at a 130 with the 300tdi - aside from the fact they're a great engine.:D

[Phoenix]

Funny thing is Bec likes the D3 as well (I only just spotted this thread ;) )

But she doesn't mind the defender :eek: (But hates my series 3??? )

Just keep pushing, once you get the go ahead you just need to get the money ;)

[wally]

I agree with Mahn. Maintenance is the key. Personally I would only buy one with a comprehensive service history - whether the work has been done by the owner or otherwise. And I would definitely prefer to be able to quizz the owner - something you can't do when you buy from a dealer.