Thread: Buying a Defender - what to look for/ask?

With regards to the price, having just spent a few months myself looking for a Defender, and given that you can probably negotiate down a bit, I don't think he's asking too much. Providing of course it is in good condition and doesn't require any costly work.

That being said, if you're prepared to wait something similar may come up at a slightly reduced price, or perhaps with some extra's this one doesn't have (bullbar, snorkle etc).

Cheers

Sean

Originally Posted by mojo

That being said, if you're prepared to wait something similar may come up at a slightly reduced price, or perhaps with some extra's this one doesn't have (bullbar, snorkle etc).

Cheers

Sean

It is one of the most stock standard Defenders Ive ever seen, perhaps he took off the stuff he purchased.

Regarding reliability, the other Defender owners I know love their vehicles like I do mine and find them reliable, but what they are not is cheap to maintain. They don't break down any more than other vehicles but and seem to get you home but by crikey there is always something you are replacing at a service or getting ready for a trip. This added expense more than makes up for the money you save on better fuel economy (compared to other vehicles the same size and capability).

Your Significant Other will more likely start growling at the bills (as you will) than be left stranded anywhere.

You have to want one.

I agree with James.....although price wise I recently bought a 1994 TDI 200 110 (to complement the 130) in very good order and paid just over $6,000.

Work on the basis that a car of that age wil require some remedial work, I'd be surprised if it doesn't, especially if you are going to use it for touring/trips etc.

If you want to get it checked over there are a couple of LR only places the guys here use that will put it on a hoist etc and check it over for you )

1. Range Rov Automotive in Mitcham
2. Roverland in Ferntree Gully

Ritters in Highbury Rd Burwood will also do it but they may be a bit more expensive. ( suggest ring around all of them and ask to give you a quote for a pre-purchase inspection )

The contact details will be in the Recommended Vendors section.

Originally Posted by eddiec

......
Which brings the next question - who's the best specialist in either his area (St Andrews, Vic), or mine (Box Hill, Vic)?

I'd call Fred Smith in Bayswater - if there is something wrong with it, he'll find it, and give you accurate advice.

John

bugger!!!

After all that building of anticipation and looking forward to the defender, i suddenly realised a problem - It's too tall to fit in our garage! dammit! Garage door is a smidge under 2 metres, so it's pretty unlikely to fit I think... And I do want to keep it off the street.

Hmm... maybe it'll be a TD5 Discovery instead. Not quite the charm, but hopefully a suitable compromise!