Land Rover 300tdi Review | Why Are Old Defenders so Expensive And Are They Worth It?

This week on Buckle Up, Jasper drives the iconic Land Rover Defender. Used prices for these cars have done nothing but rocket up over the last five years, but are they worth it? What’s a 20+ year old car like to drive? Jasper does his best to find out.
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#BuckleUp #LandRover #4x4
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Buckle Up is a channel that is only interested in one thing - cars!
We upload a myriad of different content including car review videos, car challenge videos, car news videos and much, much more!
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0:00 Introduction and Costs
0:40 Styling - Front
1:43 Engine
2:08 Styling - Front Vents
2:26 Styling - Side
3:58 Styling - Rear
5:37 Security and Access
6:18 The Boot and Rear Seats
7:30 Rear Windows
7:57 Rear Access
8:26 Front Access
8:42 Interior - Control Layout
9:42 Interior - Comfort
9:59 Interior - Storage
10:34 Interior - Front Seating
11:19 Interior - Off-Road Controls and Gearbox
11:53 Interior - Features and Controls
14:03 Driving!
14:22 Off-Road
15:25 On-Road
16:15 Driving - Refinement
17:10 Driving - Making Progress and Acceleration
18:12 Driving - Control Responses and Weaknesses
18:53 Driving - Visibility
19:14 Driving - Steering
19:52 Driving - Comfort and Ergonomics
20:38 Setting Off and Accelerating to 60
21:03 Driving - Higher Speeds?
21:56 Driving - Other Vehicles
22:31 Driving - Heavy Controls
23:45 Driving - Final Thoughts
24:40 Conclusion

[@fernandoroldan2288]

Best review of a Defender I have seen so funny. I got one I have had loads of 4x4s Defenders are a really special car nothing like it Love them.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching, Fernando!

[@qp4367]

no one can seem to articulate why that is exactly....what makes it so special to own, drive? is it the attention you get whilst behind the wheel? Or is it the buyers reporse you have to commit to say you love the vehicle?

[@BuckleUpShow]

There is undeniably something very special about the Defender 😁

[@oldbritishmetal]

It's an iconic English vehicle with a rich history and offers significant flexibility in what it can be used to do. It's also the ultimate recyclable vehicle and can be infinitely rebuilt fairly cheaply. When I hear of some of the garage bills people get with modern cars, spending a few hundred a year to keep a (good) example of one of these going seems like nothing for the smiles it provides!

[@BuckleUpShow]

It certainly is the kind of vehicle you can fix easily and cheaply - sad thing is you'll be doing quite a lot of fixing!

[@davidthomson2794]

Love my 300tdi, albeit 1.5 tonne more than a standard Defender, no radio, no opening windows but puts a smile on my face everytime I get in it. Clutch and gearbox are absolutely fine BTW.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@sameuinton]

Why 1.5 tonnes heavier ??

[@2702simmo]

You either love them or hate them. I love them and daily mine. I couldn’t believe some of the stuff you were saying about the drive I’ve other more refined and quicker cars but I tend to take my Defender as it’s just the best fun to drive and for whatever reason it makes me smile. Definitely not a car for the young generation of drivers who wear skinny jeans and gloves snd who’s main desire in a car is Bluetooth and seemingly family looking hatchbacks

[@McCrazyFish]

OK boomer

[@2702simmo]

@@McCrazyFish 😂😂 Standard response from the wet blanket generation 👍

[@McCrazyFish]

@@2702simmo Yes, I am the wet blanket while you're over there getting triggered by gloves 🤣

[@BuckleUpShow]

I mean the owner of this one was younger than any of the presenters on this channel, but I hope your closed minded views keep you warm at night

[@auggiedoggie21]

I bought my '87 Defender 90 a year ago, built as an export model and sold new in Italy, then imported to the United States back in 2018. No rust whatever and I absolutely love this truck, although it did benefit from a full restoration by the previous owner and it needs nothing. Only thing I would change is to yank the original 19J turbo diesel four-cylinder engine and replace it with a 300Tdi, for a bit more power and speed than I have currently. Tough as an old boot, this vehicle, and I love having a vehicle that was not sold in this country (until the mid-90s, and only in small numbers every year -- about 500). Everywhere I go someone will come up to me and ask me about it. Great video, by the way!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching

[@Wylder955]

Use it for what is intended for and you won't have a problem, it doesn't meet to peoples standards since they almost never use them "correctly". I've used them in the military and i own one as a civilian and they are bombproof when it comes to repairs and its a no fuss vehicle in the bush, no onboard computers no electronics no nothing when you are a 6 hour off road ride to the nearest human you learn to appreciate simplicity in vehicles. You have to understand every vehicle has it's pro's and con's and you need to weigh those things if it suits your needs it's stellar if not don't get it.

[@BuckleUpShow]

It's a shame so many people buy them now only as a fashion statement and not for their intended purpose

[@chriswalker4272]

Yep, use my 1974 Station wagon as a daily driver, in my woodland off road several times a week; and there is no other vehicle so practical to use for me.

[@gingerbard2607]

Hope he gave back his Dad's coat after he'd finished filming in it!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Don’t worry, he did!

[@waynecartwright7276]

Its the embodiment of a right to repair product. easy to repower , re chassis , replace parts. And a good offroad vehicle with heaps off character.

[@McCrazyFish]

You'll be using that right very often though

[@waynecartwright7276]

@@McCrazyFish Yep my current one ive owned 9 years , Recon gearbox,duelmass,starter motor , wiper motor , prop UJs . But not a lot of depreciation.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Spot on

[@awalk5177]

I have had my 1996 300TDi with a replaced Galvanised chassis. Whilst I also drive a Jaguar XKR and Classic MG's, the Defender is still a favourite in all weathers. No electronics is the way back to the future.

[@benozies211]

Nice touch with the thumbnail number plate edit guys 👍

[@BuckleUpShow]

Well spotted!

[@radiator0]

I daily drive a 2011 puma 90 qnd although it's slightly more refined than the model you were driving i have to agree with the majority of what was said. Although you do get used to them.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I do know refinement improved slightly towards the end of these generations, though they're still pretty rough! Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@lifeofzayan]

the gearboxes I will say tend to vary, I have a friend with a 110 where you'd be lucky to find any gear and 2nd grinds but thats because he used his to tow a 100 old taxis for scrap - mine on the other hand is like a modern car in terms of shifter feel

[@BuckleUpShow]

Within that varience though there's generally more slack def gearboxes than tight ones, I'd say you got lucky rather than your friend being unlucky

[@davidjackson1986]

Will be in the market soon for a 110 csw 300tdi..20k max to spend..can’t wait

[@BuckleUpShow]

Hope you manage to find a good one! And thankfully, the 110 will have a bit more space than this one did!

[@davidjackson1986]

Thanks..yeah got to make sure I don’t end up with a lemon lol..hmm I still reckon il end Up driving all scrunched up..the 110 won’t be any different to the 90 in the drivers seat but I’m prepared for that lol 👍

[@remidemi75]

very funny thanks and somegood info

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jmr1255]

It took me a full 4 months of ownership to reliably find 4th gear in mine. Its a bit closer to 5th/reverse than you'd expect

[@BuckleUpShow]

It's like an extra reward when it goes in smoothly

[@kennethrose5612]

Whoa!,Had this presenter,just passed his test. Off road,he took it down a dirt track. Next presentation,haul a Horse Box,or a loaded trailer up the side of a Welsh Mountain track. I love my SWB 1999 300 Tdi,My Partner,pinches my Landy,She has named "Dolly" over,dring herondeo estate. Take a day out ,Green Laning,it might surprise you against driving a Motorised Sofa.

[@BuckleUpShow]

The presenter has been driving for six years? We don't really have the budget to acquire a horse box, a Welsh mountain or indeed anything else, so we did the best we could with our budget of zero. We hope you enjoy 'Dolly' and we'll stick to reviewing a wide range of vehicles to the best of our abilities.

[@McCrazyFish]

Defender good, me like

[@BuckleUpShow]

We like too

[@Psico4rm4]

I´m happy drivin my Defender, every day

[@BuckleUpShow]

Good for you 😊

[@awalk5177]

The Defender 300Tdi 90 is most nimble due to the short wheel base. Off road it behaves like a small donkey almost able to climb anything if you know the correct way to use the gearbox, low ratio and diff lock. They are great trucks to own and you can just hose them out. My ex-wife loved driving it, transporting multiple dogs. .But , like a Yorkie bar, they are not for girls.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Harry's mother learned to drive in a Series Land Rover, and famously the queen was a fan, maybe keep your opinions about women to yourself

[@awalk5177]

@@BuckleUpShow We have this thing called Free speech, which trumps your sensitivities about opinions. I seem to remember the members of the Royal family who were driving Land rovers were women, not girls.. Your comment is funny as you just made a video voicing your own "opinion", but others should be censored ? I'm sure it was light hearted.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Oh dear, I'm not dictating what you can and can't say, I'm saying you sound like a sexist pig. If that's what makes you feel big, then there isn't much I can do about it in the wider world.

[@awalk5177]

@@BuckleUpShow Your cancel culture was exposed. If you react or triggered by the words of a Yorkie advert then there is no hope.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I wonder why she left you…

[@simongreen2510]

You missed out the Defenders best attributes the headlights! Love my TD5 absolute British classic.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Do you mean style wise cause functionally they're known for not being particularly bright

[@sklepmztrade7878]

Why does it have no wheels ? I mean that creepy tires size...

[@BuckleUpShow]

I don't know, it's not our car we didn't pick the tires

[@chriswalker4272]

Anything bigger than a 16"wheel is not that great for offroading, because you can drop the tire pressure and get more flex and grip with the big sidewall flex

[@paulsehstedt6275]

Funniest Defender review ever!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching, Paul! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mylesmooney7505]

My 1988 Land Rover 90” is my daily drive , 300 Tdi ..

[@maxkeel7882]

I just bought the exact same and I’m excited to start daily driving one.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Good for you

[@carolinehowell5203]

Well I love my ‘defender’. I hate that name. They used to just be Land Rover 90, 110 or rarely, 130. I had my back broken for me thirty five years ago and at just under 5’7” find the driving position much more comfortable than a regular car. It’s easy to get in and out of too. It doesn’t drive like a car, because it’s not a car. It’s a Land Rover. Both my 200td & 300tdi gearboxes have been fine. It’s true there isn’t much travel on the clutch, but you get used to it. You get used to the hand brake position too. There’s nothing wrong with the wing mirrors if you take time to position them in the first place. I don’t like larger wheels and tyres being put on. They’re best with the originals. It’s REALLY unfair to review any Defender without towing some sort of trailer, and manoeuvring using the low transfer box. You were lucky only to get ‘a few’ drips from the sunroof. Mine has never leaked, but water pours in through other places. It’s NOT a fault. It’s a characteristic. ❤ You’ll find more ice on the inside than outside on a freezing cold day. As the inside of the sunroof defrosts, you’ll get wet thighs, and if you’ve a passenger and steer sharp left, they’ll get wet too. Always leave home wearing gloves and have a blanket over your legs. By the time you get to where you’re going, you’ll have warmed up. 😂😂 I love my Land Rover 300tdi. For all her characteristics, she’ll never be for sale until I’m in a box. Don’t compare them to a car; they aren’t cars. They are Land Rovers. If they aren’t worth the money, complete strangers wouldn’t regularly knock on my door, asking if she’s for sale.

[@BuckleUpShow]

It really sounds like you love it for it's flaws, and while one of my colleagues agrees with you it wouldn't be fair to frame it that way in a review meant to help someone who might be new to Defenders know if they want one or not. Also while I haven't driven a Def that's towing I have been on one while it is and I'm not sure I would have the same take aways as you. I would certainly pick my 4.4 TDV8 Range Rover over this if anything needed shifting.

[@BigArch6564]

You will change your mind when you grow up!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Very witty

[@richardgash3238]

Ha ha quite right

[@secpac58chichi]

in the us a 90 NAS is closer to $100K

[@BuckleUpShow]

Yeah, it’s pretty crazy for you guys!

[@McCrazyFish]

I blame Doug DeMuro

[@mylesmooney7505]

Stop ✋ complaining & just enjoy it .. they are heavily…. !

[@BuckleUpShow]

We have to be objective though, Myles

[@mareksleczka]

Land Rover Defender. Only for adults!!! 😝

[@maxkeel7882]

How dare you, us youth drive them too. 😭

[@BuckleUpShow]

Ha.

[@MrCareer707]

One criticism I have of this video, please please stop referring to it as a car, a car it's not, I have a Defender 300tdi 110 County, been my daily driver for 12 years, it may not be fast, but if you get your diesel fuel pump tuned it don't half shift afterwards, the 300tdi was built for just 4 years, and the main reason why Defenders are worth so much now is because production ceased a year ago, no disrespect intended, but you look fairly young, the defenders iconic stature has been derived from 70 years of some of the most brutal off road experiences put to an off road vehicle, the Defender has been seen in 3 quarters of the world, not just on roads but deserts, jungles etc, it's an icon of British engineering gained over 70 years, the early Defenders were the goto vehicle for expeditions, no matter what continent you were in, there's always parts available for that reason.

[@BuckleUpShow]

The English word car is believed to originate from Latin carrus/carrum "wheeled vehicle" or (via Old North French) Middle English carre "two-wheeled cart", both of which in turn derive from Gaulish karros "chariot". I believe this would fall into the category of wheeled vehicle.

[@christopherhampson265]

Car is short for carriage as in horseless 😂😂😂

[@BuckleUpShow]

Incorrect, I would ask you to guess the correct answer but it's written above

[@christopherhampson265]

Not a defenderer NO 😂😂😂😂😂

[@BuckleUpShow]

Why?

[@MsThunder40]

Bell end.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thank you for your insightful feedback 🥰