Originally Posted by
Mr S1
Looking at getting a Defender, wanted one for years but now her who must be obeyed has said now s the time !
Seen a 300tdi County for sale I quite like, 189k on the clock but I seem to think that's nothing for one of these (?)
What's the story chaps ?
Defenders are awesome, 200tdi is the best one as there are no electrical issues to worry about, no egr valves or even an ecu, 300tdi is basically the same but with some basic electrics, maybe even egr and cat can't remember now, after that they start going downhill, my td5 was a nitemare so I got rid and went for the 200tdi, ex raf, 180k on original engine box and turbo.
Mechanical wise don't worry, they run forever but do smoke on acceleration especially if the fuel pumps been messed with to make more power, they are slow so don't be expecting to get anywhere quick, motorway 60 mph feels good, any more doesn't but load up the family and the dog and go anywhere.
Later engines than td5 are shite, like any modern car, cheap units that are poor in comparison although quicker and less agricultural.
Biggest thing by far to check is the chassis, 200 and 300tdi if it hasn't been welded I'd be surprised, they rot behind the outriggers especially, if you have the budget get one with a galvanised chassis, a proper galvanised from new chassis not an old one that someone's had galvanised as they rot from the inside out.
The bulkheads rot too, give it a good check, if it's the original bulkhead it will have rot somewhere.
Best thing about the defender is everything is replaceable but things can be expensive.
Also this is the no1 vehicle targeted for theft in the uk, older ones especially so be very careful where you leave it and get an alarm fitted along with pedal lock and disclock, only a deterrent as you can unbolt the steering wheel, bolt a new one on and drive off but the more deterrents the more likely they'll leave it and Nick another.
That said I never had an issue but paid 2.5k for it thinking I'd got a bargain, soon after
New galvanised chassis
New galvanised bulkhead
4 new tyres
New fuel tank
Fuel lines
Brake lines
Seat box
Windscreen
Suspension
Brakes
All bushes
And the list goes on, my 2.5k defender though was now worth 10k plus and you'll never lose money on it, has to be one of the best vehicles ever made and even on a small budget you can own and run it and do bits as you go