Your advice on the right price... (yes I can rhyme)

[Hebe]

Hi everyone,

I've got a baby on the way and need something bigger than my RAV4 and Series 1 SWB. I'm going to sell the RAV4 and go soley LR. I have never looked at a Defender before and have no clue as to the right price etc.

What do you think of this one...

1995 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
White 4dr Wagon Manual 4cyl 2.5L ; 291,000kms
$10,700
http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private-results.aspx?Ntk=CarRego&Ntt=7594239&rego=7594239&D=7594239 (http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private-results.aspx?Ntk=CarRego&Ntt=7594239&rego=7594239&D=7594239)

Would that be a good price?

And who of you can I ask for help to do a (visual) inspection? Again I am not familiar with Defenders and wouldn't know what to watch out for.

(I am intersted in anything LWB (seats in back) without electronics for daily use and long distance. So if you got a II, IIA, III, Defender for sale, or know of one...?)

Thanks,

Kris
hebe.land.rover@gmail.com (hebe.land.rover@gmail.com)

[lardy]

Kris,
Fairly average money but at 300,k i would be looking to have the lump inspected for worn items and maybe overhauled, you have a bit of time for that so in effect use the time to buy parts at your leisure in preparation for that, if all seems tickety boo, you would probably want to do a renew of the injectors to keep her sweet.
and of course do the timing belt from the get go, as you are buying an unknown quantity (not that it's necessarily a bad buy)
On start up expect a bit of smoke but it shouldn't bellow whilst driving,
Check the bulkhead under the heater box and behind the brake servo, also the bolts on the backside of the window to bulkhead clamp for rot bubbling here can be indicative of corrosion taking place under the paint.
Look at the hoses for cracking, and see what the temperature is like when at running temp.
look at the rear diff for oil moving backward toward the dif plug, as that would indicate the pinion seal is shot, all of the above i reckon is a bargaining tool to lower the price.
Oh yeah then there are the doors and chassis to inspect.
As a series driver you know nothing is irreplaceable so use this to your advantage.
Just had a butchers, the rear quarter is stuffed ali is repairable to a point but in the wrong hands will stretch and become worse...filler is just ****house so chequer plate is your new friend.
The rear crossmember looks satisfactory but the rear door looks to have been changed out ...why is the question?
The n/s sill is buckled
The rear n/s door looks bent and doesn't look to line up with the pillar (on the hinge)
Have a serious go in it looks to have stains on the header tank which may mean the head gasket is stuffed or has been repaired.
It's seen some action and i would be inclined to in at $8.5 -8.9 max you have a fair bit of work to do the engine looks a bit 'polished' maybe to distract from the header tank, the left hand hoses facing the engine need replacing
Andy

[Hebe]

Thanks,

Wow that is a very impressive. At least it is above my (non-mechanical) head. I do have a Series 1, since 6 months now, as long as I am in Australia, but am still learning.

The Defender guy didn't reply yet. Left voicemail and sent email. So, maybe it is already gone. Will keep my eyes open, but can see that when inspecting I need someone like you to come along.

[lardy]

Thanks,

Wow that is a very impressive. At least it is above my (non-mechanical) head. I do have a Series 1, since 6 months now, as long as I am in Australia, but am still learning.

The Defender guy didn't reply yet. Left voicemail and sent email. So, maybe it is already gone. Will keep my eyes open, but can see that when inspecting I need someone like you to come along.

Not a drama chap, i am self taught through servicing and overhauling my 130 and getting advice from some of the gods on here like blknight he knows toooo much!!!
Where are you from originally mate as you say as long as i am in Australia (i didn't quite get that bit?)
I reckon the best thing you can do is keep shopping around if this chap doesn't get back to you, and give any of us a hoy with the best photo's you can at the time, if you can get under the motor and look at the chassis that would give you an understanding of what to expect.
In fact you have a series landy get a creeper board (like mechanics use) steam clean your chassis (the black iron looking thing that runs the length of the vehicle either side) and see what that looks like get to know it, spend a bit of time under there if you plan to sell it you could get some rust remedy stuff and give it a going over with that, and then paint it up with some epoxy black paint, so you get to know what the diffs look like what the transfer box looks like the gearbox and lower engine parts like the sump, if you get a land rover manual that could help you identify parts and what they do further.
Knowledge is power and could be a saving to your wallet long term.
I hope this idea helps in your quest don't be shy to ask anyone questions on here, and go get your hands dirty regards andy

[Hebe]

Hi, Thanks for that.

Yeah I will keep looking for a Defender I guess. I have some time, baby is due in March. However, would be great if can find one tomorrow... :)

What I meant to say is that I have my Series 1 as long as I have been in Australia, which is a bit over 6 months. We are here to stay... that's the plan... and even if we go I would take the S1 with me.

Oh, I am Dutch. But left NL when I was 21 and no plan to return. If we would go back would probably be Spain. If can find a job there.

Yeah, I plan to spend some time on my S1. Unfortunately have to do it out of a small apartment in inner city Melbourne and the one parking spot for now. Will move to something bigger hopefully. Depends on new job location etc. But for the rest everything is going fine. Got my hands on a original mechanics book, got the rest digital (pdf), and got a lot of tips and advice from some new LR friends here. Became member of the LROCV and the Series 1 club in the UK. So, on my way to become a LR nut. Guess I already am a bit... I am having the engine rebuild by Dandenong Rebore. And after that I will get it back to its original Sand colour.

Regards,

Kris

[lardy]

Hi, Thanks for that.

Yeah I will keep looking for a Defender I guess. I have some time, baby is due in March. However, would be great if can find one tomorrow... :)

What I meant to say is that I have my Series 1 as long as I have been in Australia, which is a bit over 6 months. We are here to stay... that's the plan... and even if we go I would take the S1 with me.

Oh, I am Dutch. But left NL when I was 21 and no plan to return. If we would go back would probably be Spain. If can find a job there.

Yeah, I plan to spend some time on my S1. Unfortunately have to do it out of a small apartment in inner city Melbourne and the one parking spot for now. Will move to something bigger hopefully. Depends on new job location etc. But for the rest everything is going fine. Got my hands on a original mechanics book, got the rest digital (pdf), and got a lot of tips and advice from some new LR friends here. Became member of the LROCV and the Series 1 club in the UK. So, on my way to become a LR nut. Guess I already am a bit... I am having the engine rebuild by Dandenong Rebore. And after that I will get it back to its original Sand colour.

Regards,

Kris

yeah Kris sounds like a terminal case of land rover love to me give me a shout if i can help you out at all Andy

[Hebe]

I wish you wouldn't have used that word. "Terminal" at 120 I hope....

I should explain.... When I was a little kid (aprox 7) I had no specific preference for any kind of car type. Then one day while we were driving through France on vacation I see this Land Rover in front of us and ask... "Mamma, what kind of car is that?" I got the previous day my first little camera and made a snapshot. I still got it somewhere at my mom's place in the Netherlands. Very blurred but clearly a Series... I got an interest in Land Rovers right away but never knew why. Nothing special happend and we were just driving on the road and I saw it just one or two minutes I guess. The Land Rover affliction was there but didn't manifest itself until a couple of years later. I started collecting Land Rover toy cars. Not really fanatic either, but when I saw one I wanted it. A few years ago my mother tells me that my father and her went to Africa in a Land Rover. She continued to explain that while they were camping on a beach somewhere in Dahomey (now called Benin) I was conceived... Not a subject you want to hear about from your mother but still a nice fact. So, even though I didn't realize it until much later, Land Rovers have been in my life for quite a while. I was always travelling and moving countries and never bought one... until we came here.

So, I would prefer to call it a non-lethal obsession....

[lardy]

Yes i guess i was much the same coming from the land of rover i had always loved the look of them and when i was a kid i was an army cadet and Bedford trucks and Landrovers came into my life.
They look antique in their presentation but under the facade you know that they are so capable.
My love for land rovers has just become a bit obsessional i had a couple in the u.k. but they were disco's very capable but to posh in my book.
My true image of land rover has to be from series to Defender.
It's a bugger that you are in Victoria, as i looked at buying from around Melbourne when we stayed at a freinds and just couldn't find any half good defenders.
have a look in this state and queensland, but i don't know what the road traffic laws are in victoria and wheather it's worth it

[Blknight.aus]

Not enough pics in the profile (that loaded) to make a judgement...

WAG... IF it was in top condition maybe its worth that much if its got the full deck of accessories.

the profile just loaded, Urmmm IT would probabley be worth it if it hand been pranged and repaired and wasnt starting to rust on the firewall.

ITs also been forded quite deeply at least once.

(nice detailing job, pity he missed doing what those in the know know to look for)

Assuming the mechainics and chassis is in top notch order all the electrics work (including the winch) with the 12 months rego signed over and regsitered into your name

maybe $8k.

[Hebe]

Hi Guys,

Found another one advertised. Does anyone have time and opportunity to have a look at this one for me? It is currently in/around Adelaide.

1995 300tdi Defender
All new suspension bushes, shocks, rear springs, track rod, tie rods, timing belt, brake vaccum pump, axles and front bearings (wheel & swivel pin). It has the Airco removed but is sitting in shed and will go with it. It has a snorkel and non winch bull bar, roof rack. Also a set of near new cooper st's which can be purchased for an additional $900. Dual battery setup minus the second battery.

It has a few minor dings and interior marks as all older trucks do, mechanically is great.

290 000 kms

Any price suggestions?

Thanks,

Kris

[lardy]

pictures are a must really contact the vendor and try and get some

[HowardSmall]

Don't forget you will need to get a mod done to support the baby seat and get an engineering certificate for that mod so allow for that in your planned expenditure and in ensuring the vehicle does not present any problems that way.

Also I flew to Adelaide from melbourne (lived there at the time) to buy my Defender. Big mistake. Psychologically I had committed to buy it before I got there (partly because of the travel costs I had already outlaid and would have to add to if I did not buy the car). It cost me about $5,500 for engine repairs after purchase and some $1,500 since for radiator and other maintenance over and above normal maintenance work...

Not to mention accommodation costs for four days on the return journey while it was fixed; bus fair fro wife and me from Bordertown to Melbourne; hire of vehicle and car trailer to drive to Bordertown and back to pick it up.

After spending that money it has served me well for four years and am now moving it on and hope to get about $17,000 for it so it will have cost me $8,500++ for four years use. Probably would have been cheaper to hire a 4WD whenever I needed one :(

Point of all this is to be really sure of what you are buying and organising inspections is much easier when it is local than interstate.

Howard

[eddiec]

amen to that...

we did the same (went to adelaide from Melbourne) to buy ours. $8000 purchase price, which then involved another $8000 to get it registered in Vic (lots of little fixes, plus a new gearbox). Since then it's probably been another $4000 including wheel bearings and master/slave cylinder replacement, plus all the little improvements we've made (triple batteries, LED dash lights, soundproofing, etc.)... and now it looks like we're up for possibly another $3000 in the not too distant future for clutch and shocks. So I'm seriously contemplating moving it on in a slight fit of despair. :( Although who knows. After the clutch basically the entire drivetrain has been replaced so maybe it'll be ok! (hmm.. sure i've heard those words before!)

It's a shame, as we love it... but it's just now getting that recurring element of 'what next?' and wondering how long we continue to pour money into it because we feel we've passed the point of no return.... ;)

But yes, long story short, check it out carefully. And I would recommend not being afraid to pay significantly more if there's an excellent example out there rather than saving money on a bargain...

[HowardSmall]

I guess I should not say this but I was really pleased to read your post - it is good to know I am not the only one who made this mistake :cool:

Hopefully our experiences will help others so there is a plus in them...

But my Defender has brought me to FNQ OK and been all around the Tablelands over the last few years so I have got some value for my money.

amen to that...

we did the same (went to adelaide from Melbourne) to buy ours.

[Hebe]

Hi,

(note for Victorians: I got the same post started on LROCV but I hardly get any response there. I start to wonder now if it was the right decission to join the club.)

Anyway, thanks guys for all your feedback. Indeed the last couple of comments/posts did put my feet back on the earth.

I must say though that while I was living in Ireland for a couple of years I bought two 4WDs on eBay and picked them up from the UK. I haven't regretted those buys at all. I guess I was lucky.

Anyway, back to my search..., we got a baby on the way and I want to get a bigger car, a Defender...

I do have a S1 but do not know what to watch out for when buying a Defender. My mechanical knowledge is not that great. I've found on internet in Victoria a

'85 for $4500 a 3.5 Petrol,
'95 for 6500 a 300TDi (SA reg in Adelaide),
'94 for $10950 a 2.5 Diesel, and a
'95 for $10700 a 2.5 Diesel.

I would like to go have a look at them... but I rather have someone with knowledge come and join me. If you have some spare time....??? I'll buy you lunch/dinner...

And is there anyone in Adelaide, or going there? If I have a knowledgable impartial party helping me I will still consider that one. The 300TDi-s were the last non electric ones and I understand quite a good choice!?

Anyone know of another (good) Defender for sale in Vic?

Thanks,

Kris
043-0509258

[Hebe]

I just read somewhere that a 200Tdi is even better than the 300Tdi. More economical and easier to maintain...

I am of course willing to pay a fair price... (which Defender should I look for?)

[isuzubob]

(note for Victorians: I got the same post started on LROCV but I hardly get any response there. I start to wonder now if it was the right decission to join the club.)


Personally I wouldn't judge how good a club that's been around for 46 years is by how good (or bad) their forum is ;)


Do a bit of research into parts availability for 200Tdi's - I've heard new cyl heads are virtually (actually?) not available.

I'm a bit biased insofar as I reckon the ONLY decent Land Rover ever made came with a 4 cyl diesel engine made in Japan


The Isuzu Landy Enthusiasts Section - Australian Land Rover Owners (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/isuzu-landy-enthusiasts-section/)

Cheers,
Rob W

[Hebe]

Tell me more about that Land Rover?

[spudboy]

I just read somewhere that a 200Tdi is even better than the 300Tdi. More economical and easier to maintain...

I am of course willing to pay a fair price... (which Defender should I look for?)

I'd be thinking that the 300 is probably the better choice. The 200's are getting on now, and the 300 has an excellent reputation as a long term engine. Last of the simple 'non-electronic' engines.

Haven't heard that 200's are more economical, but perhaps. My 300 TDi gets around 10L/100Km no matter how you treat it, which is very economical for such a big heavy vehicle.

[haggisbasher]

Hebe,

you will need a CRAB bar fitted to anchor the child seat to. It can be fitted aby a few places. Mine was $350 fitted with 3 points across it.

You are more than welcome to come and have a look at it if you like.

As an aside, you could get into a good Discovery for that sort of money, and they have 3 factory fitted mounts, come in an auto (my wife has a bad hip and needs an auto, hence we also have a Volvo).

Just tossing options around for ya!

Chris

[Hebe]

Mmmm, a Discovery eh!

It just doesn't do it for me. I prefer to keep with the series looks... "I still haven't found what I am looking for".... (lyrics)... Otherwise I could also consider getting a larger Toyota RAV4. But, I rather sell mine (excellent by the way) and go Defender.

From feedback and research I reckon I am looking for:

Defender 300Tdi
Wagon (rear seats)
aprox $0 to $7500

But I am still flexible and it really depends on what is out there.... Seems not many are selling in Victoria right now. Price is also flexible for the right dreamobile....

But baby is due in March and I have until then and am in no rush.

BUT, I want one NOW! :D

[Hebe]

p.s. I will go to next LROCV meeting and anyone willing to show off their Defender I would like to meet.

[haggisbasher]

Offer still there if you want to have a crawl over 'ducK'

Can PM you details if you like. LROCV would have a few there... and also the gathering this coming sunday

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/upcoming-events/89540-vic-melb-social-day-out-templestowe-sunday-22-11-09-a-8.html

Chris

[lardy]

Kris firstly go have a look at duck, i am sure that haggisbasher would point out areas to check, a little knowledge can be a great leveller, buying a vehicle with absoloutley no knowledge is pushing your luck somewhat, purely on the basis of you will find a bomb start salivating and buy it without a thought of the quality or long term cost.
Try and buy from your state as mentioned prior in other posts, i bought my 130 on S.A. plates what a painful experience that was.
maybe even buy a defender workshop manual such as land rovers own or even a haynes may be useful at least you then identify serviceable parts and include those in your initial inspection, this way you can see if the vehicle has had any kind of love.
Oil leaks are familiar territory with land rover but it does depend where they are located as to the worry factor, a transfer case though slightly painful to overhaul on your own (lifting off and on) is doable and fairly reasonable to repair, where as a main crank oil seal is drama territory.
Disco 2 would be useful for you as it has forward facing dickie seats in the rear-rear so a child seat does not impeed the useability of the vehicle,but i know you want a defender, just bear in mind disco and defender share components and off road ability, but disco is a lot more wife freindly.
Regards Andy

[Hebe]

Good advice...

I did go have a look at the dealer's one for 10950... Offered to me for 10500... but although it looked allright to me... I don't know where to look. So I thanked him for the experience and let it go. Although he claimed to have another interested party I see it now on sale for 9950 :).

The one which sounded OK, but in Adelaide ... gone...

The Petrol one, now for 4000 on ebay...

Anyway, "it will come to those with patience"...



'85 for $4500 a 3.5 Petrol (now on eBay for 4000),
'95 for 6500 a 300TDi (SA reg in Adelaide) (Sold),
'94 for $10950 a 2.5 Diesel (now 9950), and a
'95 for $10700 a 2.5 Diesel (didn't look right and didn't follow up).

[lardy]

Good advice...

I did go have a look at the dealer's one for 10950... Offered to me for 10500... but although it looked allright to me... I don't know where to look. So I thanked him for the experience and let it go. Although he claimed to have another interested party I see it now on sale for 9950 :).

The one which sounded OK, but in Adelaide ... gone...

The Petrol one, now for 4000 on ebay...

Anyway, "it will come to those with patience"...



'85 for $4500 a 3.5 Petrol (now on eBay for 4000),
'95 for 6500 a 300TDi (SA reg in Adelaide) (Sold),
'94 for $10950 a 2.5 Diesel (now 9950), and a
'95 for $10700 a 2.5 Diesel (didn't look right and didn't follow up).

wouldn't touch petrol