best defender to buy?

[bob10]

If I had a choice between defender models, the idea being to buy at a good price, then slowly repair/ modify to produce a very capable off road vehicle, which would be the best base model to start with? [ I think I've been infected with the Land Rover virus ] Bob10

[weeds]

how long is a piece of string......what do you define as off road?

i have a 95 defender that i think is pretty capable (twin lockers, MT tyres, PTO winch, standard suspenion) other would think otherwise

engine performance could be a factor that you need to consider first

300tdi
td5 or
tdci puma

[bob10]

Thanks, weeds, I think engine performance would be important, I am leaning towards one with minimal electronic black magic, one that can be worked on by the average punter.Fuel consumption is important, as is reliability . If I was to buy one, it would be used for trips to the cape, the gulf, and bush trips where I would not lose any sleep over minor body damage. A PTO would be a consideration - good thing or not? Bob10

[ScottW]

You have just described an isuzu county. One with a hairdryer attachment.

[weeds]

You have just described an isuzu county. One with a hairdryer attachment.

availability is low for a isuzu county, tdi's are easier to come by

i have a tdi which has no electronic, can be worked on by the averager punter and can be tweeked a little for better performance

i would head off in any direction confidant i would get back without major mechanical issues

pto winches are hard to come by

if you have never owned a defender pop across the hi-way if you want to have a look at mine if you like

[PAT303]

My Tdi has been everywhere but then so has many Td5's,either is good.I would buy whichever model you find in the best condition. Pat

[ScottW]

Your budget would be a good place to start. No electronics means a Tdi 300 or earlier. They all seem to use a similar amount of fuel (except for the V8 Counties) and are all pretty much reliable as one another. It will mainly come down to how well it was looked after. I looked at a few cars, and in the end bought the best one I could. It just so happened that the isuzu I looked as was in much better nick than the tdi's, but not too many are.

[tangus89]

300tdi would be my pic, can fix it yourself, no ecu, reliable, and has a distinct sound

[justinc]

There is also another possibilty, V8 Counties are very cheap, IF you can find a good one, a Tdi conversion is a good option. IMHO the early 110's, 1985 etc, are made a little stronger in the body etc and are full of character

Of course a Isuzu 110 would be ideal, but hard to find a good example now.

JC

[frantic]

Wait a few months and buy 2 of the ex army defenders when they are sold at auction, that way you can build one to good nick and use the other for spare's. Or buy a writen off fullbody wagon from a flood or engine bay fire and use the body on the army chassis.