Looking at buying first defender - advice

[Darkhorse72]

Hi all

New to the forum, but have been reading for a little while.
I cam considering buying a 110 defender. The question is buy a new one or a second hand one? I'm waiting on the WA dealer to get one in to drive, most likely May. We are still looking at alternate 4WD vehicles but I want one that will last a long time (i.e. with maintenance etc)

The problem is 2nd hand is knowing something of good value? Are there are not a lot around to buy I have noticed.

For example the following gumtree ad:
Landrover Defender TD5 99 | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Bunbury Area - Glen Iris | 1041081548

Is that vehicle good value for the price on the information provided? The vehicle itself for its setup and age seems a good price to other 110 I have seen advertised in WA at least. And the K's are not too bad.

Any advice very welcome. And most likely not my last post looking for answer.

Cheers

Kane

[BilboBoggles]

Depends on a number of factors.

My preferred method of buying defenders is a Novated Lease. If you work in a large industry you might qualify for Land Rover's corporate plan. What this means is that you pay no servicing costs for the first 3 years. There are a lot of financial details to work out to see if a Novated lease makes sense. But if it does then you remove maintenance and a good chunk of the running costs for at least the first three years.

When you compare that to the running costs of a used Defender it did not make sense to buy a used Defender.

The other point with a Defender is that they retain their resale value quite well and again that makes it not a huge step to go for a new one.

Lastly - The latest post 2012 Defenders have perhaps the best (in my opinion) engine of them all, at least from a vibration and noise perspective. Whilst I do still have my TD5 (Pre 2007) Defender - it's really a labour of love keeping that one going. If I had to pick one to keep it's going to be my 2013.

A defender will keep going for as long as you choose to keep it going - they are fully rebuild-able and only limited in life by your wallet size.

But there are some specific quirks of particular year models that you may want to look out for.

Pre 2003 TD5 Defenders are somewhat more likely to do a headgasket or oil pump. If this has been attended to then all is good. But if not then you'll need to be aware you may have a large repair bill on the horizon - (3-5k) (Or you may not)...

TD5 Defenders in general are getting on a bit now. You might find yourself looking at Harmonic Balancers, Clutch, FlyWheels and engine mounts. All of which can add up. But once attended to - will last another 150-200 kk.s Or you might be lucky and experience none of those issues.

Finally with any Defender, they do rust. Particularly the door frames and bulkhead(under the windscreen). If you are unlucky enough to buy one off a cow farm or one that's been beached, then you might find some nasty rust surprises. Again - all fixable - but your wallet will be smashed. My TD5 is rust free - I kept it Rust proofed since new. BUT I have seen a nice looking 99 Td5 that showered rust on the ground when you slammed the doors.... Nasty.

You really ought to drive a new Defender and an older TD5. The interior on the Later model is much much nicer than the TD5. As I said - the new post 2012 model is so much nicer than my 2003 model to drive.

[Samblers]

I am also a recent (1.5 years ago) newcomer to Defenders in Perth - search my posts on here.

The TD5 and the new Pumas are different cars in my opinion - you have to drive both and figure what works for you.

Tip 1: drive the td5 first, then drive a new Puma at the dealer. Take a camera with you and post the photo of your face when you drive the Puma.

Tip 2: air-con.

If you can afford Puma, do it.

BTW i looked at the novated lease thing in detail and it was a con (for my situation)

Cheers, Sam

[Darkhorse72]

Thanks fro the advice. I recently meet someone who has a brand new Puma and he and his whole family rave about it. It is high on the list. But waiting for the dealer to get one in to drive. They daughter us sold on it, but need to work on the wife.

I am looking into Novated leases so I'll see if we are eligible for the corporate plan.

Samblers - the benefit of leases vary depending on the vehicle and plan etc. They have worked well for me in the past. I'll check out your posts.

I guess the appeal of a 2nd hand one is having it already kitted out with expedition gear.

Any other advice welcome

[Samblers]

Yes indeed. But 2nd hand prices are high, 4WD's in general in Australia hold their value well.

If irritating faults and niggles phase you, then suggest buy a Toyota (dont want to open a can of worms here). So my recommendation for 2nd hand is try to get one with a bit of warranty left so you can weedle out any issues. Mine has been back to Barbagellos maybe 5 times. They have been good about finding and fixing faults (with no quibbles) though, so no complaints there... and all cars have issues at some point.

Plenty of Perth owners on this forum to share their experiences.

Cheers

[two up]

Kitting out any vehicle is half the fun but all of the financial pain. Doing it yourself means there are no compromises.