Thread: What to look for on used Def TD4??? HELP!

i brought my 95 fender feb last year, sight unseen with 180k on the clock, for $14500

the body is a bit rough and it had done a few big trips cape york, simpson desert and one of the other deserts

it was fitted with the following, long range fuel tank, compressor, dual batteries, roof rack, extra spare, bull bar, sidebar and steps, front and rear diff locks

i have had to do the following, upgraded the rear axles to maxi drive, replace one cv, starter motor, rebuild the right rear brake caliper, clutch master cylinder, water pump

expect a bit of maintenance due to its age, looks like its been serviced quite well so you should get good ks out of her still, make sure your happy with the condition of the rig first than work out a price, you could ask for mates rates

The price sounds about right. I was looking for a Defender and couldn't really get anything worthwhile for much under $12K-$14K.

I ended up with a '97 with 112,000km with bullbar, winch, lights, long range tank, diff locks, recovery gear, lights, wheel carrier, roof rack, cargo barrier, A/C, Cruise control, tacho, OME lift kit and some other stuff for $18K.

This was way beyond my budget, but for extending myself a little bit more, I got a whole lot more. Let's hope nothing goes wrong now.

So if you can stretch another $4K-$5K you may get more stuff and fewer kms.

Hi just remember it not just the engine that has done 246,000ks
rich

Mileage

If properly serviced and looked after, it should do twice this mileage without major repairs.

Check:- when was the timing belt last changed - make sure you KNOW, and if you don't have proof, get it changed immediately after purchase. If it is a 300Tdi there was an issue with the cam belt idler, but this would have been fixed for sure by that mileage.

Find out if this is one of the ones with a wear issue on the gearbox mainshaft output gear splines, and if so, has it been fixed? Probable major expense if not.
Steering box could be getting tired if it is the original, and these are not cheap - check for leaks, could be a reason for asking for a price reduction.
At that mileage you cannot expect it to be perfect, but there should not be any major problems, but you could have things like brake discs/pads/calipers/master cylinder needing repair soon, tie rod ends, suspension bushes, A-frame ball joint, prop shaft U-joints, door locks, door seals, door hinges, etc, none of which are expensive (well depends what you call expensive!) but they can add up very quickly.

Diff lock - this locks the centre differential - it is then the same as your S3 in four wheel drive. Probably stiff to engage because it has rarely been used.

For inspection I would suggest Fred Smith at the end of Havelock Rd in Wantirna - see phone book, trades as Fred Smith Four Wheel Drives, I think.

I would have looked at 10 or 12 Defenders over 12 months to get the one I have Now 98 model that has been fastidiously maintained every 5000ks,Gearbox,Transfer and Diffs every 15000k's all recorded with a service history and receipts ,anything gone wrong it was replaced the only faults I could pick was it is near due a timing belt (60ks) and a leaky rear diff pinion oil seal (landy ,go figure?)
underneath looks show room condition with not a scratch on it, I doubt it has never been off a track in its life. Although I appreciate technology I wanted a non ACE,ABS, Air Bag and computer controlled diesel and the MY late 98 was as close as I could get. $15k was a bargain. They are out there you just have to be patient to find the good ones.

does anyone rec some one in Vic for an inspection?

where are you in Vic ???

if your out in the Eastern suburbs give Glen a call

Rover Land (Glen)
9758-5777

tell him big Ray sent you

roadkill i've sent you a PM about a defender

Thanks a heap guys, all very good info, and yep point taken about ALL the car having done 246000 ks!!!

i use my truck all the time (every weekend) cutting wood, hunting deer, and man shyte in general, so it would be used very frequently, and dented and scratched given time, it just happens when your out there, but i cant afford it to fail in some areas i go too, buy the time i get back it would probably be in bits, along with all my gear!

I have been trying to stop myself form going down the Landcriuser troopy path, its pretty hard as i cant afford to make the mistake of buying a dud car



Cheers for all your advise, may your oil stay clean and never leak !