Friend buying a Defender

[Redback]

I have a friend buying a 4WD, at first he wanted a Disco but found these 2 Defenders, is there anything in particular to look for in these models, 93 300Tdi 200,000ks and 95 300Tdi 290,000ks, does the year model matter.

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Baz.

[cheyne_r]

Cheers Baz.

[abaddonxi]

I think the '93 is a 200tdi.

Simon

[Chucaro]

I have a 1994 model ex deceased state with 103000km that I bought last December for $ 11000.
This Defs are very good.
I will be concerned with the 290000 km on the White Defe.
Perhaps offer $ 10800 or so to allow some money for the full service including adjusting valves, timing belt, inspect oil pump, inspect rear hub axels and modify is it is required, etc.
If all is well, I would install the engine saver alarm and a oil pressure gauge on it.
Cheers

[wally]

The '93 is definitely a 200. All '93 models are as far as I know but you can tell because the air intake is on the passenger side.

[Michael2]

I'd go for the 300Tdi, the 200Tdi is probably a bit more robust, but parts, like a new head would be hard to get.

The 200Tdi's were different in the bellhousing / gearbox and turbo manifold between the Discos & Defenders, so getting Defender specific parts is even harder. The 300 Tdi's are the same across the Disco / Defender range, so finding parts should be much easier & cheaper.

The 300 is also a little more powerful and a bit quieter, but it will need to have timing belts done at around 70K intervals.

[cheyne_r]

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

I'm hoping to find a decent 300tdi for under $15000, the closer to 10 grand the better. Plenty of time to shop around so I'll have to see what pops up.

[Redback]

Cheyne have a look in the markets section as well.

Baz.

[JamesH]

I don't think 290000 on a well kept 300Tdi is anything to worry about at the right price. It seems to have had a quiet life.

My MY96 has 204000 and the way the economy is going it will still be with me when it hits 294000 (and it has done heaps of outback kms , I don't know what that comment was about, they love it!). My Defender was the first owner's second car, and I walk to work thus it has low km for its age.

Look for receipts for the timing belt and get it done if you can't be told when it was last done. Be prepared for some things to be done as necessary. Clutch? Slap in the drivetrain. Don't expect it's a purchase and forget proposition, your wallet will need to be opened from time to time but it's worth it.

When you pay $15000 for a Defender this old then it is going to have some extras like roo bar, dual battery, aux tanks etc which is all good but it is not going to be much less in kms on the clock.

Defenders qet more on the 2nd hand market. Dare I say you get more 300Tdi Disco for your money (less km for less $) but do not take this as a suggestion to get a Disco.

When you have been chosen by Higher Powers to own and drive a Defender then you disobey at your own risk.

[Chucaro]

Hi James, when I mentioned that I was worry about the 290000 km is if I do not know the history of the vehicle.
I belive that the Tdi is very capable to do 400000 + but at 290000 it is close to have a full engine head service among the other points mentioned. So the new owner have to be ready to do some preventative maintenance and service on the vehicle that can be in the order of $ 2000 or more if the clutch have to be done.
Cheers