SLROC Forum

Some great advice was given when asking about reputable dealers for Landrovers, many thanks. I read somewhere that when looking for a defender it's not the mileage that counts, it's condition. Is this an accurate statement and if so are there any of you that have bought a defender with over 100, 000 with no issues. I know it sounds like a daft question as there are many vehicles out there with well over 200,000 on the clock. I just want to make sure before I take the plunge.

I have owned my 1985 Ninety for over 14 years now.  It has only got 112,00 miles but looks a right shed.  Mechanically it is fine and underneath it is solid.

My mate/navigator calls it the "Sally Gunnell" - not very pretty, but runs for ever 

main things to check are chassis, bulkhead, service history, chassis, bulkhead, look for 'off road' damage - avoid too many off road modifications - this could mean its had a hard life 

check engine runs sweet and doesnt smoke 
check gearbox, transfer box and diff lock work as they should 
take another member with you who knows his stuff for a second opinion 

did i mention check the chassis and bulkhead 

look at loads and only buy the best one of those

prof............

Take a hammer to check the chassis, should have no effect and a magnet to check bulkhead corners have not been filled with body filler.

Thanks for the replies. I am heading up to A.Storry land rovers this weekend.

I bought my current 90 from A Storry -- couldn't fault them. 

Excellent, thank you.

I have seen a defender 110 csw I am very keen on. It has got over 100,000 miles on the clock but seems solid.I took the good lady for a test drive, drove better than a couple of newer ones I have tried, the defender that is !  I was hoping my better half would see the charm in this iconic vehicle. The comment of "why would we want an old car, it feels like an old car !" Put me on the spot! I guess there would be no point in trying to explain.
I have two growing kids and it was also pointed out to me that there was not that much room in the bench seats behind the passenger and drivers seat, by my wife not the kids, I personally thought it looked ok and pointed out that there were further seating options to the rear of the vehicle, much to the delight of the children.
Anyway I am still keen to purchase this vehicle. It will be used as a daily runner, my wife doesn't drive. We will take it on the occasional family holiday up north, camping fishing maybe a spot of greenlaning etc. and if comfort is ok for wife and kids maybe further afield down south. I am fully aware of the upkeep required on these vehicles, I know it's not a car, I know this is an agricultural / military vehicle that is also capable of running on the road. I also know from experience that once you are used to the driving position and handling of this vehicle there is nothing else like it! I just wonder if the wife would maybe grow to love the defender as much as I do!
I am not interested in comfort and road handling. All I require from this vehicle is to start every day and get me to work and back , a round trip of around 16 miles, and for the aforementioned family outings.
Before I take the plunge, possibly this weekend, am I doing the right thing ? Experiences please from people who have a defender as a family runabout. I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing.
Thanks.

the kids will love it 
the good lady will take convincing 

make sure you try and keep the noise levels down with sound proofing - make sure the heater works - dont mention how much it costs to run

try and get to events where other WAGS are there - she should make friends - this will make the 'transition' a little easier 

good luck 

i run a S3 station wagon - my missus 'tolerates it' 

All i have to ad is- are you willing to get your hands dirty or are you going to be runnig to a garage everytime it plays up?

I wouldnt fancy running mine with garage bills, infact running any car with a garage maintainjng it would e expensive but a landy can drain you dry if you dont have a decent specialist near by.

Prof pat makes me want to go out and buy it and I would definitely attend at your days out! Top drives input now has me worried!
I would be willing to get my hands dirty, however it would be a learning process.
I hear so many conflicting reports. I need to be able to rely on this vehicle for work.
The vehicle in question is at A Storry 4x4, 2000 plate with 111,000 miles on the clock. There are receipts of about £6k of work to it. don't know if that's a good or bad thing.

You can rely on it as much as you would any other car

But all im saying is - be fore warned they are not 1 mot a year run into the ground cars , thats what most of my friends seem to do. Buy a new car every 3 years and then wonder why at its first mot it needa heaps of work....

If you do this with a landy it will let you down.

Care for it and it will look after you. Perfect vehicles to learn maintainance on.

That's excellent advice, many thanks to everyone on this site who has taken the time to read my ramblings and guide me in the right direction.