[jonl1983]

Anybody any experience with these or similar? I\'m looking to get a 4x4/off roader for taking the dog in the back of and generally bashing around in without pissing up the beemers. We are using my missus 1 series at the mo and the dog is stinking the thing up after walks.

Budget around £10k, I\'d like a defender 90 but she likes the L200/Hilux.

Any advice and things to watch out for on either of these would be appreciated!

[JLR1969]

We had a 2008 Defender for 12 months. They are very agricultural and not at all car like. Amazing off road and will virtually go anywhere.

Will return 25mpg if you go for the 2.2d and tax is about £250 a year. They have a cool image but are very basic. The XS we had came with aircon, heated seats and heated front screen.

Even though it was a year old it leaked. If you only drive 5K a year then it would be fun but for any distance forget it. Most people buy them 'get it out of your system' and move on.

Main dealer servicing is expensive but there are loads of independents around.

A test drive will soon make your mind up.

For me it was a good looking tractor.

[phil200tdi]

Defenders are fantastic if you are into driving slow and not being able to hear passengers!! £10k will get a very nice td5 station wagon... Residuals are very strong and will remain so in the future. Buy the best vehicle based on condition not year. Low miles and a enthusiast owner would be better than a dealer car IMHO, look in landrover owner magazine for these..

Weaknesses? Not much! After say 10-15 years rust will be an issue, wax oiling the chassis and bulkhead will protect against this for the future and make your car worth more..

If you want something capable off road and yet comfortable on road, buy a discovery 2..

[jjbirch530d]

farmers motor and should stay on the farm not on main roads not much space behind and wheel and very hard ride

[jonl1983]

Cheers for the input guys. Seen a few im going to have a look at. Will take one of my mechanic mates with me to go over them.

Not bothered about comfort etc, it really is for just bashing around in, won't really give a shit if it gets a bump/scratched etc. Loathe getting the beemers messed up lugging shit around all the time and the dog stinking up the wife's car and scratching the rear bumper jumping in and out.

Most of the 90s I've seen fairly high mileage so I'm concerned about buying a lemon and having whacking bills for new gearbox/diff etc.

Anyone got any views on the L200 and Hilux? I know top gear destroyed one and it still worked so may be tempted by one of those if price is right

[Dr Dave]

Defender is capable of high mileages (I look after one at 220,000 miles) but that has had its fair shout of problems along the way.

Buy something sensible in the first place and you won't go far wrong.

TD5 engine is a quick old lump but not immune from expensive engine management problems, dual mass flywheel and crank damper trouble for starters. Older more agricultural 300TDi lump would be a safer bet.

[scooba0010]

Hi , we have loads at work and they get abused ! and yes they do break like everything else, They are heavy on fuel and oem parts are expensive.


My mate has his own as he is on a different works contract on protected terms and is paid 45p per mile his 110 model he bought new in 1991 and now has 340k miles he has had two doors replaced through rust ,Same engine gearbox ,starter motor, serviced every 6k and has just had the down pipe go , two clutches and a set of injectors.

He has just retired and treated himself to a new 2012 defender 90 with the new 2.1 eu5 spec engine.


My brother in law has two and loves them. He has a 90 county for sale i think its 2001 some ltd edition lara croft tomb raider version if you want ill forward you his details

[Metalmickey]

Defenders are pretty cramped and uncomfortable as already mentioned plus you really need to be the type that likes to tinker at weekends on a regular basis otherwise they can be expensive to keep on the road!
I'd go for a hilux over a defender any day! You'd have to be very unlucky to have any trouble with one!
L200 are v good also and probably a bit comfier than hilux. But I'd still buy a Hilux!

[jonl1983]

I am swaying more towards a Hilux or l200 now. Been doing some reading on some defender forums and on the web and does seem that they require alot of work to keep in top working order. Don't fancy replacing diffs/transfer boxes etc etc.

There is one I am going to look at on the weekend after discounting a few others but am now looking for some hilux's. Some of the l200's look a bit chavtastic covered in chrome and big alloys. Not really into that for a car to bash around in

[Metalmickey]

If your looking at a defender I wouldn't worry about transfer box or diff problems if the vehicle is standard and well maintained as they're pretty tough!
The engine can give trouble at high mileage mainly turbo, injector, head gasket and cracked head problems! All expensive to fix!
Also check if there is any engine oil in the engine ecu connectors (under drivers seat) as the is v common and v expensive to fix correctly so not to cause future problems!
Also check for corrosion at rear of chassis, rear crossmember can rot quickly.
Check disc/pads for uneven wear, could be a sign of seized calipers.

Or buy the Hilux!!!!

[scooba0010]

I would forget about the l200 if you are buying Japanese get a Hilux ! just about bomb proof