23yrs old, 20k to spend, want a 110

[RussTSV]

Hey guys,

New to the forum and looking for feedback. I am keen on purchasing a 4wd, as I am the last of my friend group to own one. After completed hours of research on the net, asking thousands of people for their opinions, I have decided I've got my heart set on a 110.

My issues however, as follows;

I've only got around 20k to spend, there are a few decent looking fenders for the 25k mark (2000+, >150ks), which I could achieve at a stretch, is it worth it? Or should I go below and get a vehicle with higher ks and have the 5k left over for whatever needs fixing.

I will mainly be doing bitumen driving during the week, between 60k80k, is this bad for the vehicle over an extended period of time, as its constant 4wd? Does this mean they wear through tyres a lot more than other part time 4wds?

I live in townsville, and I see a very minimal amount of fenders getting around, are parts difficult to come buy when needed for anyone in the nth qld area?

That's about all I can think of for now. I'd love to ask someone these Q's in person, but I don't know anyone who personally owns a fender, just a few rAngers and a few discos.

Thanks a lot

Russ

[PAT303]

I'd spend 10 on a Tdi leaving plenty to make it reliable. Pat

[RussTSV]

I'd spend 10 on a Tdi leaving plenty to make it reliable. Pat

Hey pat, I reckon I'd be flat out finding one going as low as 10k. I don't want a penerite as it'll be my daily driver as well, they seem to be the only ones available around that price range.

[RussTSV]

Another issue I'm having,

I know that the ks are relevant to the condition and maintenance of the vehicle. But is the 300k mark too many? Seems very excessive compared to most other vehicles, but for for 2nd hand fenders it seems quiet common. Any help/comments would be appreciated as Im still on the fence

[BigBlackDog]

Which engine are you looking at? Life really depends on how it's been looked after, not unusual for a tdi to do really big numbers. There is a few on the forum that have seen 1,000,000.

[steane]

I'd spend 10 on a Tdi leaving plenty to make it reliable. Pat

In my experience you'll find a worn out tdi for 10k or less and then spend a LOT more than 10k making it reliable. 20k budget will vanish and you'll either spend a lot more or not be happy with the half finished Defender you end up with.

If my budget was 20k I'd be looking for a well looked after TD5. I think the TD5s are better buying at the moment. Find a nice one and try to have a few thousand left to deal with any issues.

Get a LR expert to go over it and make sure the gb, tc, engine and its ancillaries are all A1.

300,000kms on a 15 year old vehicle is not unusual but less kms provided they can be verified and its been looked after is better.

A Defender can be a monumental money pit, so go in with your eyes wide open and buy the best one you can find. One that has been well cared for and correctly maintained. Treat it good and it will be good to you.

[isuzurover]

Which engine are you looking at? Life really depends on how it's been looked after, not unusual for a tdi to do really big numbers. There is a few on the forum that have seen 1,000,000.

Which ones? Highest i have seen on here is half that.

[RussTSV]

Thanks for the input everyone. I have my eye in two up here, between 23-25k, and 130ks and 150ks. I think they could be possibilities if I wait it out for a little bit and don't rush anything. Yeah I have seen a lot for sale Between 300-400k in the 10-20k mark. Just keen to get behind the wheel and have some adventures with the boys.

[isuzurover]

Thanks for the input everyone. I have my eye in two up here, between 23-25k, and 130ks and 150ks. I think they could be possibilities if I wait it out for a little bit and don't rush anything. Yeah I have seen a lot for sale Between 300-400k in the 10-20k mark. Just keen to get behind the wheel and have some adventures with the boys.

Don't discount the perenties if you haven't driven one. With a turbo they go better than the ones you are looking at, then it is just a matter of fitting defender bits to make it more quiet and comfortable.

[The Cone of Silence]

Agree with Isuzurover here....don't discount the Perenties.

Cheaper but still well-maintained. They look sensational and are, by and large, decent, lightweight vehicles which would be superb for off-roading.

To manage your 80k a week on the blacktop, you might want to consider making it quieter (loads of options here, have a search through the forums) and maybe softer, depending on the ride.