TOP 10 BUYING TIPS. Land Rover Defender buying guide. Complete walk round

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  • čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
  • If you're thinking of buying a used Land Rover Defender then don't miss my guide on what to look out for when viewing any potential purchase. Step by step walk around an old Defender to highlight the pitfalls of buying one of the worlds riskiest vehciles to buy.

Komentáře • 121

  • @trailerfitter2
    @trailerfitter2 Před 6 lety +20

    Should be the top 1000 places to look on a Defender before buying. Fair video. Whichever way you go, A Defender will make a mechanic of you.

    • @DSLRMuffin
      @DSLRMuffin Před 3 lety

      do they break a lot? i somehow thought they never break just becouse of their apperance^^

  • @jamesevans244
    @jamesevans244 Před rokem +1

    So that just saved me a potential world of pain, looked at an ok 110 double cab 23 yes old and the chassis VIN had been filed off!! Thank you for some great advice for a landie newbie.

  • @markhodgson2755
    @markhodgson2755 Před 3 lety +6

    top bloke with some great tips. I'm a first time buyer and will definitely be following this guidance.

  • @pwatom22
    @pwatom22 Před 7 lety +11

    worth checking engine too. make sure you start it from stone cold and it doesn't smoke. give it a good hard run and get oil hot. make sure oil light doesn't flicker near idle. important to check on 200tdi as can spin cam bearings. if smokes badly when cold or oil light flickers when hot then could be in for major engine work

  • @michaelhands1240
    @michaelhands1240 Před 4 lety +6

    Thank you so much, I am going to buy my first Land Rover this week. This is really useful, I made a tick list.

    • @DSLRMuffin
      @DSLRMuffin Před 3 lety

      How is your defender running?

    • @michaelhands1240
      @michaelhands1240 Před 3 lety

      @@DSLRMuffin been doing a lot of work on it past 2 weeks, chaning suspension bushes, sterring pump. water pump and turbo…

  • @kurtsteiner8384
    @kurtsteiner8384 Před rokem +1

    Very good points. Not many people mention this. Electro asidic action.
    In otherwords corrosion, this happens when steel or iron is in contact with aluminium or other non ferious metal. Especially when water is alowed to get to these areas.
    I worked on a ship that had this problem, very difficult to get rid of bad design fault.

  • @GilOnController
    @GilOnController Před 7 lety +5

    Huge thanks for these videos; really appreciate the detail, insight and experience. Especially useful for those, like me, who are genuine enthusiasts; but are still learning the ropes of what to look for. Invaluable stuff, all the best and keep them coming!

  • @samrobinson408
    @samrobinson408 Před 3 lety +1

    buying one today, this video is hugely cool

  • @wonkeyleggs
    @wonkeyleggs Před 7 lety +8

    I bought mine blind as a complete novice 4 years ago luckily there wasn't anything wrong rust wise. the engine was another matter😅😅😅 a steep learning curve

    • @trailerfitter2
      @trailerfitter2 Před 6 lety

      It is an enjoyable one isn't it?

    • @tupaicindjeke275
      @tupaicindjeke275 Před rokem

      I bought mine a month ago. Your experience is mine exactly. Engine issues 🤦‍♂️

    • @tupaicindjeke275
      @tupaicindjeke275 Před rokem

      ​@trailerfitter2 dude probably died

  • @hlic7941
    @hlic7941 Před 2 lety

    a really good and useful summary with good video to properly show what you are talking about!

  • @johncard007
    @johncard007 Před 7 lety +4

    At the beginning of your video I was looking around trying to find the ringing phone! :-)

  • @soylentgreen5841
    @soylentgreen5841 Před 6 lety +1

    Love the video very informative ! Great help to those who catch the Defender bug ! Thanks again

  • @fortitudevalance8424
    @fortitudevalance8424 Před 5 lety +1

    I had a new galvanised chassis on my 90 but I will need to look for a new bulkhead because it’s finished and is rusting in its usual places. I will be getting a new galvanised bulkhead. It’s 100% worth the cost just like the chassis and I may consider deleting the vents, they are a nuisance and a pain in the backside and just lets water in. Need more air? Wind window down or air con.

  • @saggyhaggis
    @saggyhaggis Před 7 lety

    Great to see a video of the problem areas. Very handy. The guides in LRO and LRM magazines are only helpful if you know exactly what and where they are referring to.

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety

      saggyhaggis thanks. It's what I thought too. Glad you liked it

  • @bran756
    @bran756 Před 3 lety

    Realy got my heart set on a 90,thank you.

    • @samanthasmile8150
      @samanthasmile8150 Před 3 lety +1

      I bought a 90 3 days ago, wish I did it years ago xxx

    • @starskymedia
      @starskymedia Před 3 lety +1

      @@samanthasmile8150 I bought a 90 5 days ago and wish the same thing haha

  • @englishcountryliving448

    Such a good video and great presentation. Thank you.

  • @blastdude89
    @blastdude89 Před 7 lety

    Really impressive guide
    Thanks !

  • @OverlandTT
    @OverlandTT Před 5 lety +3

    I know three difference people in various locations and all three of them have either their interior, clocks, panels and so on stolen! All three have chosen to buy a mainstream pickup like the DMax instead... why would other Defender owners steal from each other?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 5 lety +2

      That's a bloody good question. Such a shame

    • @rogierschouten4050
      @rogierschouten4050 Před 5 lety

      iVlogBuzz might just be “clever” thiefs that got to know the value of original spare parts

  • @polloloci21
    @polloloci21 Před 3 lety

    Awesome information- thank you sir

  • @spenhaywood1526
    @spenhaywood1526 Před 5 lety +1

    Thing is you have to be careful buying any vehicle, but buying a defender is a very safe investment over any Japanese copy!! You either love them or loathe them. I personal love them, but If you love other 4x4’s then watch videos on them don’t spend your time trolling! Land Rover owners stick to Land Rover videos! & don’t troll!!!

  • @phantomwalker8251
    @phantomwalker8251 Před 5 lety +1

    i bought a 1962 f100 4x4,v8,no rust,drives.$1500.cant beat u.s 4x4rs.

  • @deiresmyth
    @deiresmyth Před 2 lety

    Useful video, cheers

  • @HeliRy
    @HeliRy Před 6 lety +3

    Question regarding newer Defenders with a digital odometer.
    How does one verify the total mileage? The digital ones seem to only display 5 digits plus a decimal.
    Example: 12345.6
    So is that mileage as it’s shown, or is it 112345.6? Or 212345.6? Or higher?
    Dos it drop the decimal once it passes 100k miles or kms?

  • @tomnscrubs
    @tomnscrubs Před 4 lety +1

    Own 3 of em
    Also own a 2010 fj cruiser
    Shoulda bought the fj cruiser first
    Woulda been ahead soooooooo much $$$$$

  • @colinturton9907
    @colinturton9907 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Chassis number on front of Chassis is but what if it's had a new galvanised Chassis no number on it

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 měsíci

      You'd have to reply on the plates in the engine bay and behind the windscreen. That's always an issue. Try and buy from someone who fitted the Galv chassis themselves with receipts.

  • @drogomuircastle7175
    @drogomuircastle7175 Před 6 lety +1

    If you've got a Tdi 300 the chassis will probably have been changed by now as they're all over 20 years old...

  • @akonsamantha
    @akonsamantha Před 6 lety

    In my country so many people replacing body and engine of old defenders with new ones. They erase the chassis numbers and mould new ones

  • @Tekspert
    @Tekspert Před 7 lety +4

    I am a newbie so please forgive this question: what happens if the chassis has been changed and vin numbers don't match should you be worried? Thanks for the defender guide please keep the restoration tips coming :)

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety +11

      Yeah that's one to miss. Only time it's ok is if a galvanised chassis has been fitted. And you should ask for the proof of where and when it was fitted along with a receipt from the galv chassis manufacturer.

    • @Tekspert
      @Tekspert Před 7 lety

      Fraser thanks for the reply

    • @MattRickson
      @MattRickson Před 7 lety

      Whats wrong with it though? Does it mean it could be stolen or something?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety

      Matrix if it's missing then it's been removed for a reason. If it's different then the history is complicated and could be stolen yes

    • @MattRickson
      @MattRickson Před 7 lety

      Alright thanks Fraser im currently looking into buying one and this video is very helpful - :D i should be probably getting a Mortgage on a house but these seems like a better idea ;) only 21 Houses can wait

  • @j.p5932
    @j.p5932 Před 4 lety

    Let’s just remember the chassis number on the chassis leg may be covered in an underseal agent, so sometimes cannot he seen.

  • @Johncashort
    @Johncashort Před 5 lety

    Great help, Thanks

  • @lror
    @lror Před 7 lety

    Top video as usual 👍

  • @KevsSanders
    @KevsSanders Před 5 lety

    Great vid but no mention of doors - one of the biggest problems on a Defender

    • @fortitudevalance8424
      @fortitudevalance8424 Před 5 lety

      kevinbrucesanders A crazy design flaw. My D90 was used to launch/retrieve boats. Everything has rusted inc the rear/front doors, rear diff was eaten severely, chassis and bulkhead too. Literally time and sodium chloride are the enemies.

  • @alwilliams1997
    @alwilliams1997 Před 7 lety +3

    Hi Frazer, can you do a video on securing a landrover. I want to buy one but have heard they are now the car favoured most by organised thieves. As a land rover owner will you be walking around with a target on your back waiting for it to be nicked!

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety

      Al Williams that's a great idea. I might do that very soon. Thanks

    • @equaliser2265
      @equaliser2265 Před 7 lety +1

      Al Williams
      Get a removable steering wheel.

  • @dieselpower5303
    @dieselpower5303 Před 5 lety +1

    Iv got a top tip .. buy a land cruiser and have powerfull happy problem free motoring for ever

    • @bjarnejs
      @bjarnejs Před 4 lety

      But it wouldn't be a Defender then, would it?

  • @adamculligan5198
    @adamculligan5198 Před 7 lety

    This was an excellent video...thanks Fraser! I too am a rookie and about to buy my first. There were some excellent tips in here. Do you have a similar video more specific to just the drivetrain? Any questions I need to make sure I ask?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety

      Adam Culligan thanks, there's an ex military buying guide worth watching but nothing specific to drive train I'm afraid.

    • @adamculligan5198
      @adamculligan5198 Před 7 lety

      Fraser very good. Cheers! Do you by chance have a top 3 tips kind of thing? I'm looking at a 2001 Td5. I've been told to ask about the timing belt as at 180k miles it should have been done by now. Anything else mission critical that would cause you to walk away?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety +1

      Adam Culligan I think I'd aim for something with lower mileage. 2002 onwards and check the diff lock works.

    • @chechen_power1jz
      @chechen_power1jz Před rokem

      @@LRLiveUK hello mate I got 1985 defender 2.5 petrol engine
      What do you advise me to swap engine
      Like what is the best petrol engine for land rover...

  • @equaliser2265
    @equaliser2265 Před 7 lety

    Great thanks saved me a few grand.

  • @chrisstephenson1203
    @chrisstephenson1203 Před 6 lety +2

    Any tips on mileage? Does it matter if I'm buying one with over 100k in the clock and using it as a daily?

    • @PillSharks
      @PillSharks Před 5 lety

      Chris Stephenson mine has covered just over 300,000 miles now and it's let me down once, the clutch exploded!
      In the 16 years of ownership it's not been without its problems but on the whole it's been a bloody brilliant vehicle, it's a 1992 200tdi defender.

  • @byrantennis5150
    @byrantennis5150 Před 3 lety

    So what if they rebuilt the chassis, the chassis number won't be there. What am I to do?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 3 lety

      Make sure it's a new chassis and check the vin in on the dash plate

    • @byrantennis5150
      @byrantennis5150 Před 3 lety

      @@LRLiveUK okay, thanks.

  • @raedonvendetta
    @raedonvendetta Před 7 lety

    Thanks for the extremely helpful guide! What would be a good ballpark figure for a decent defender?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety +1

      Very hard to say. Depends on the year and engine type. I'd recommend a 2009 Td5

    • @raedonvendetta
      @raedonvendetta Před 7 lety

      I have been doing more research and a TD5 is what I am going to get and hopefully at the 9k mark maybe more. Therefore I don't get a rust bucket!

    • @DominicMurray
      @DominicMurray Před 7 lety +3

      2009 TD5? Wasn't the TD5 engine replaced by the Puma engine in 2007?

  • @jasonwilly8409
    @jasonwilly8409 Před 5 lety

    thnks for tips

  • @Coordinator61
    @Coordinator61 Před 4 lety

    Being 1.95 m tall i do not fit in any old land rover or newer defender. Building quality is sheit overall.

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 4 lety

      You could fit a bulkhead removal bar which allows the seat to go back a lot further allowing taller people to fit comfortably. Except for.elbow space!

    • @Coordinator61
      @Coordinator61 Před 4 lety

      @@LRLiveUK I know but its just the legroom and elbow space. Plus looking at the B-pillar all the time is not done. The body is just made for average height people not taller ones like me. I had an old Land Cruiser FJ40. From Japan but lots more space everywhere.

  • @akonsamantha
    @akonsamantha Před 6 lety +1

    I've heard that puma body and engine aren't reliable as td5 or 300tdi.. Is it true?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 6 lety +1

      No, the puma is a strong engine and great for higher speed driving

  • @CoolKillkennyCat
    @CoolKillkennyCat Před 2 lety

    Hey mate, I'm in Australia, trying to find out if these issues are localised to England due to weather and salting the roads etc? Or if it's still just as bad in drier climates? Thanks

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 2 lety

      Probably not as bad over there but worth checking on any potential buy.

    • @CoolKillkennyCat
      @CoolKillkennyCat Před 2 lety

      @@LRLiveUK would you say it's a inherent design flaw of having the aluminium shell? Do they exist worse than other cars of the same age and use?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 2 lety

      @@CoolKillkennyCat definitely some design flaws with the front flaps etc. (You can buy blanking panels for these now) but aluminium panels are a good thing.

  • @Coordinator61
    @Coordinator61 Před 4 lety

    First toptip: before checking a Defender out you should not be taller then 1.70 m. Above that the driving position is the worst ever.

  • @asambi69
    @asambi69 Před 5 lety

    What if the chassis has been replaced?, I'd assume it wouldn't match the vin?.

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 5 lety +1

      If the chassis has been replaced, most likely an aftermarket galvanised type. There would be no vin. Never buy if the chassis vin doesnt match the vin plate

  • @floradecanya1654
    @floradecanya1654 Před 5 lety

    So which year of the LR Defender 90 or 110 has an engine with timing chains and has a decent freeway speed limit for US roads ?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 5 lety

      Td5 but wasn't introduced until around 2000 so not available for export in US until 2025

  • @jackmartin9008
    @jackmartin9008 Před 5 lety

    0:39 on my 2004 d90 the bulkhead is perfectly fine but both windscreen brackets have a fair bit of oxodisation I was putting new seals under my front vents and actually removed the brackets to make it easier I found that their pretty brittle and a small area actually chipped off... the bracket also their wasn't much left of the gaskets..... would leaving these as is damage the bulkhead I mean would it spread further.? writing this I'm pretty sure i'm just going to replace the brackets with new gaskets anyway but thought I would ask......

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 5 lety

      Did you remove the vents or the windscreen brackets?

    • @jackmartin9008
      @jackmartin9008 Před 5 lety

      I removed 1 bracket simply to allow better access on removing the vents to re-seal... but the oxidisation is on the brackets @@LRLiveUK

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 5 lety

      @@jackmartin9008 you can take these back to bare metal with a flap disc. Acid etched then primer coat. Or you can buy them cheaply aftermarket

  • @kingquadking6075
    @kingquadking6075 Před 5 lety

    If the chassis has been changed and vin numbers don't match this is very common as landrover are total crap rot box on wheels so when the piece of shit goes wrong witch it will gauranted you will haft to go and Nick another one and ring it over just like everyone else!!!!

  • @goldenboyi1989
    @goldenboyi1989 Před 6 lety +1

    One of the world's riskiest cars to buy? Why are you trying to scare people in buying this car when i see so many old ones still on the road and even used for towing?????

  • @lisamolai4002
    @lisamolai4002 Před 6 lety

    Fraser, how do i get in touch? I have a Defender 6x6 that needs restoring...6 wheeler ex fire response vehicle

  • @alwilliams1997
    @alwilliams1997 Před 7 lety

    Hi Fraser, I would like to buy a Defender 90 however with the new stringent Emission Standards - is it possible to modify the vehicle so it meets current regulations? thanks

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety +1

      Al Williams for which country?

    • @alwilliams1997
      @alwilliams1997 Před 7 lety

      The UK. Thanks Frazer

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 7 lety +1

      Al Williams if you want it for the LEZ you'll need a county station wagon as they are classified as an estate car.

    • @drogomuircastle7175
      @drogomuircastle7175 Před 6 lety

      Mine says 'Utility vehicle' on the form, and it certainly isn't a conversion, I bought it new.

    • @dwahnsinn
      @dwahnsinn Před 4 lety

      Fraser and Germany ?

  • @none11ification
    @none11ification Před 6 lety

    So if the chassis numbers dont match. Should you not buy it?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 6 lety

      none11ification absolutely not

    • @48sydney
      @48sydney Před 4 lety

      @@LRLiveUK If it has been fitted with a new galvanised chassis I would think it would be a good buy if other components such as suspension and brakes have been replaced as part of the chassis replacement / rebuild ? Are you saying don't buy one that has a galvanised chassis with no vin on the new chassis ?

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 4 lety

      @@48sydney if it's a galv chassis try and make sure other vins and engine numbers match the paperwork. You don't have to walk away if there's a solid paper trail confirming it's history

    • @48sydney
      @48sydney Před 4 lety

      @@LRLiveUK Its my car and I had the chassis replaced as the old one rotted out. I'm not sure I will let it go now I have fixed everything.

  • @lajjvo
    @lajjvo Před 7 lety +1

    Watching this video and hearing Fraser explain all the problem areas, one comes to realize that these trucks are ridiculous poorly built. I mean, a chassi crossmember and towbar mount should not collect mud. It should have been a square tube and not a pressed u-shape piece of crap.
    All of these problems could be remedied with some engineering. I mean, the truck has been in production for nearly 70 years! (And now sadly isn't)

    • @pepedrat2982
      @pepedrat2982 Před 6 lety

      I totally agree, but I can't really blame a car manufacturer for engineering a product that will last just 10 years or so.
      At least a determined owner can (and often does) keep them running.
      Cheers.

    • @gordonwedman3179
      @gordonwedman3179 Před 6 lety

      Try looking at an older CJ Jeep. Built to collect mud. Very handy if you live in a part of the country where they salt the roads. Total rust out....

    • @dieselpower5303
      @dieselpower5303 Před 5 lety

      Exactly.. I'm done with landys, it's all about status now . They are not a real working mans vehicle any more in fact they are just a joke world wide now .. sad really but this is what happens with all top management teams .. No bloody idea .

  • @bunnymaid
    @bunnymaid Před 4 lety

    You make it sound like Defenders are mobile rustbuckets.

    • @LRLiveUK
      @LRLiveUK  Před 4 lety +1

      Just being real. The earliest Defender is no 34 year old

    • @bunnymaid
      @bunnymaid Před 4 lety

      @@LRLiveUK WAO! Really. Time flies.
      So if I come back to the UK and want one. I'll be asking you for help ^^;;

  • @70svd
    @70svd Před 3 lety

    Well if you see a lot of bad stuff, be afraid 🙅‍♂️run😆

  • @truthbetold89
    @truthbetold89 Před 6 lety

    The top tip to buying a defender is not to buy one. Most unrefined, unrealible, and underpowered piss of shit car you can buy.

    • @djosasocorro6437
      @djosasocorro6437 Před 6 lety

      human better don't say anything .
      LR is the best forever...

  • @johnbarron618
    @johnbarron618 Před 6 lety

    Just go and get a toyota landcruiser.

    • @PillSharks
      @PillSharks Před 5 lety +6

      John Barron I didn't think it would take long when looking at the comments to find the Isis supporter!

  • @12kerryman
    @12kerryman Před 7 lety

    Very helpful, thanks