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

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.

[@jamesevans244]

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.

[@trailerfitter2]

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]

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

[@markhodgson2755]

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

[@GilOnController]

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!

[@pwatom22]

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

[@soylentgreen5841]

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

[@kurtsteiner8384]

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.

[@hlic7941]

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

[@michaelhands1240]

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]

How is your defender running?

[@michaelhands1240]

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

[@samrobinson408]

buying one today, this video is hugely cool

[@saggyhaggis]

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]

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

[@blastdude89]

Really impressive guide Thanks !

[@englishcountryliving448]

Such a good video and great presentation. Thank you.

[@johncard007]

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

[@polloloci21]

Awesome information- thank you sir

[@deiresmyth]

Useful video, cheers

[@Johncashort]

Great help, Thanks

[@lror]

Top video as usual 👍

[@HeliRy]

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?

[@fortitudevalance8424]

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.

[@equaliser2265]

Great thanks saved me a few grand.

[@bran756]

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

[@samanthasmile8150]

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

[@starskymedia]

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

[@jasonwilly8409]

thnks for tips

[@lisamolai4002]

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

[@wonkeyleggs]

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]

It is an enjoyable one isn't it?

[@tupaicindjeke275]

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

[@tupaicindjeke275]

​@trailerfitter2 dude probably died

[@akonsamantha]

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

[@drogomuircastle7175]

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

[@adamculligan5198]

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]

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

[@adamculligan5198]

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]

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

[@chechen_power1jz]

@@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...

[@raedonvendetta]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

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

[@raedonvendetta]

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]

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

[@alwilliams1997]

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]

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

[@equaliser2265]

Al Williams Get a removable steering wheel.

[@Tekspert]

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]

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]

Fraser thanks for the reply

[@MattRickson]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

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]

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

[@chrisstephenson1203]

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]

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.

[@phantomwalker8251]

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

[@asambi69]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

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

[@akonsamantha]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

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

[@tomnscrubs]

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

[@floradecanya1654]

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]

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

[@j.p5932]

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

[@OverlandTT]

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]

That's a bloody good question. Such a shame

[@rogierschouten4050]

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

[@jackmartin9008]

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]

Did you remove the vents or the windscreen brackets?

[@jackmartin9008]

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]

@@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

[@KevsSanders]

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

[@fortitudevalance8424]

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.

[@CoolKillkennyCat]

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]

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

[@CoolKillkennyCat]

@@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]

@@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.

[@alwilliams1997]

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]

Al Williams for which country?

[@alwilliams1997]

The UK. Thanks Frazer

[@LRLiveUK]

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]

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

[@dwahnsinn]

Fraser and Germany ?

[@colinturton9907]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

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.

[@spenhaywood1526]

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!!!

[@byrantennis5150]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

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

[@byrantennis5150]

@@LRLiveUK okay, thanks.

[@none11ification]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

none11ification absolutely not

[@48sydney]

@@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]

@@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]

@@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.

[@dieselpower5303]

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

[@bjarnejs]

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

[@Coordinator61]

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

[@LRLiveUK]

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]

@@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.

[@kingquadking6075]

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]

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?????

[@lajjvo]

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]

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]

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]

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 .

[@70svd]

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

[@Coordinator61]

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.

[@bunnymaid]

You make it sound like Defenders are mobile rustbuckets.

[@LRLiveUK]

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

[@bunnymaid]

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

[@johnbarron618]

Just go and get a toyota landcruiser.

[@PillSharks]

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

[@truthbetold89]

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]

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

[@12kerryman]

Very helpful, thanks

[@LRLiveUK]

12kerryman no problem