So you want to buy a defender and want to make sure of three Important things.
1. Is this Defender good value for my money?
2. Will this Defender last?
3. How much repairs will my Defender require in the future?
Questions 2 and 3 will in part be determined by how you drive it and the conditions it experiences. However finding a quality Land Rover to start with will also ensure not only years of enjoyable use but also a high resale value if ever in the future our needs change and other forms of transportation become a priority in our lives.
We’ll deal with these questions one at a time so that a good decision will be reached, and not only for the peace of mind of the buyer but also, let’s face it, the wife will approve and get to enjoy all that the defender has to offer.
1. Is this Defender good value for my money?
This is likely our first and overwhelmingly most important concern. We want to be sure that we could not have found a better condition Defender somewhere else, for a better price! No one wants to come to the realization that we could have made a better decision. So how can we determine that the Defender, either 110 or 90, is a sound purchase? Let’s consider the following criteria for evaluating a Land Rover.
Rust.
As is well known Land Rover Defender 110’s and 90’s have a few problem locations where rust can become a cosmetic issue. Rarely, if ever, is rust a structural or frame issue, but from a cosmetic viewpoint we want to avoid it at all costs. Areas of concern to closely inspect are the forward bulkhead, frame pillars, and rear wheel well forward locations. However of primary importance with Defender 110’s and 90’s is the forward bulkhead. Check underneath the passenger side carpet. Check the seam where the bulkhead meets the floor pan. Check where the bulkhead meets to windshield pillars, and also behind the front tires the exposed area of the bulkhead to the front wheelwell area. Check also the front vents below the windshield. If these areas are free of rust and decay, there is a good chance this vehicle has been driven in dry conditions and is worthy of serious concern. As with any vehicle, be careful of new paint work and aftermarket attached fender flares that are hiding rust or damage.
Odometer.
The odometer reading is a factor to NOT be concerned with. Defender sellers are very quick to advertise a low odometer reading as a selling feature of the youth of the vehicle being sold. This is to be ignored. A Defender’s worth is determined by the extent of maintenance, care, and storage/driving conditions it has experienced. It is also a fact that odometers are rolled back, rolled over once or twice, or replaced. The true mileage of any Defender is generally unknowable. More important is it’s condition and operation.
Interior.
The interior of any defender is a critical aspect of customer satisfaction. All facts aside, we have to ‘feel’ good when driving the vehicle, and a nice interior goes a long way to provide that feeling. That being said there are very few Defenders that are not in the 90k price range that have that nice interior ‘feel’ we are looking for. So what to do? If we’ve found a Defender that we REALLY like the appearance of, but not so keen on the carpet/flooring, dash, seating, or roof liner, not to despair. There are MANY aftermarket companies providing top knotch interior full assemblies for affordable pricing. This can include dash and door panels, carpet kits, overhead ceiling kits, seats, and everything can be matched without difficulty. Please let us know about any preferences you may have and we’ll provide as many options as you need to make your choice. So interior appearance, while a very important aspect of any defender buyer, can be brought up to the level of the customer’s satisfaction without too much difficulty and price.
Oil Leaks.
We have to remember…. These are Defenders. The vast majority of Defenders will weep oil to some degree. This can be cared for and rectified of course, so don’t let a minor oil leak that can be quickly and easily dealt with before a vehicle changes hands to deter you from purchasing a Defender.
2. Will This Defender Last?
Obviously it doesn’t need to be said, but will be said that the Defender’s longevity is determined by how it’s driven, and how it’s maintained. We can recommend Defender qualified shops in the lower mainland B.C. to get any work done that meets the highest of standards for Land Rover Owners. This is part one of the equation. This equation’s second variable is the purchased condition. How much hidden rust will rear it’s ugly head within the lifetime of owning the vehicle that will contribute to the deterioration and a lower value of my Defender. To minimize this risk is what we do by brining in Defender 90’s and 110’s from the middle east and surrounding countries. The dry atmosphere, lower rainfall, and lack of road salt being used makes these machines among the best preserved Defenders on the planet. This will absolutely lend itself to resaleability and minimal loss in value over it’s owned lifetime.
Thirdly…. We do recommend a solid undercoat treatment. This can be cared for by customer request.
3. How much Repairs will my Defender 90/110 Require in the future?
The experts at HESP automotive and Rovalution Automotive will be inspecting your vehicle and bringing any deficiencies up to expected standards. They will provide any information you would need to or like to know regarding your vehicle and future costs you can inspect to incur. However, rest assured, no vehicle can be sold to the Canadian market unless it is in top running condition, and these guys will make sure that’s the case.
