Buying 96-97 defender ute?

[subaman]

Hey guys would like to know what to look for when buying defender. Have had subarus since I could drive and want to upgrade to a bigger 4X4 as keep breaking the suby. Had a look at one today looked tidy 171000 on the clock tdi was worn but not trashed had sub fuel tank fitted they had $15000 on it what sort of price should I be looking at?. Am mechancaly minded so dont mind working on it just want to know any major pit falls. Thanks in advance shane0

[uninformed]

they have been had for as litle as $6000 but it all comes down to the condition/history. mines a 98 payed $30,000 for it in 2000!!!! only had 50k on the clock and had all the services. its been pretty trouble free, now has 190,000k's and still goes well. small problems have only been the electrics, lights mostly. make sure the timing belt has been replaced, every 70,000kms. check for back lash in the drive line, they will have a little as standard because of permanent 4wd and thats how rover made them. oil leaks are required for the rust provention system. my clutch is starting to go but i tow a 1.8-2 tonne trailer 5-6 days a week. 210,000 is pretty standard for the clutches. just look for the standards, rust, etc and check the history, any engine failures/rebuilds etc

serg

[modman]

i bought 94 200tdi with lockers for $10k 6 years ago.
have seen td5 utes for sale under $20k so shop around.
the utes are a little rarer but cheaper compared to s/w's.
search in this rover forum, there is loads of usefull info on checking over used defenders.
goodluck
david

[Maggot4x4]

A guy on AULRO just bought a 130 Truck Cab 2002 TD5 with 106k for 17000.

[subaman]

Thanks for the replies guys will keep looking