What to look for when buying a second-hand Defender

Even if you’ve had one before, buying a second-hand Defender requires some careful consideration, and not just because of the purchase costs involved. You’ll also want to be looking at whether the car is a good fit for you, and what the longer-term costs and maintenance requirements might be. Whether you’re after a classic Series model or a newer version, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you assess if the vehicle is the right one for you, and where the best places to buy one might be, to ultimately get you the best deal.

What to check on the vehicle

It’s always a good idea to give the vehicle you’re interested in a really good inspection. If you’re not sure what to look for, you could always ask a mechanic to have a look with you. 

It’s important to pay close attention to the following:

Rust and corrosion

The Defender’s chassis and body panels may be prone to rust, particularly on the underside, door frames, and crossmembers. Have a good look all round the vehicle to see where there is any rust - older cars will usually have some, of course, but you want to make sure that it won’t impact the important components of the car, which could be costly to fix.

Engine and transmission

Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises such as knocking, or excessive smoke from the exhaust. A test drive is always key - the gearbox and clutch need to be tested to make sure there's smooth operation there. Defenders are often known for stiff gear changes, but it shouldn’t feel excessively difficult.

Suspension and axles

Check for any worn suspension components and ensure the axles are free from leaks or damage. Also look for uneven tyre wear, which could indicate there might be alignment or suspension issues.

Electrics

Check that all the electrical components are working properly, including the lights, indicators, wipers and the heater. Some older Defenders can often have wiring issues, so double-check that everything looks to be in good working order. Pay attention to any warning lights that come on, too.

Modifications

Many Defenders have been modified over the years. While some upgrades (such as improved brakes or suspension) can enhance the vehicle’s performance, it’s a good idea to look closely at any heavily customised vehicles and make sure you are confident in the quality of the work done.

What to check on the paperwork

In an ideal world, the car will come with a full service history, but not all cars do! A full service history generally indicates the vehicle has been well-maintained.

Ensure the seller has the original logbook (V5C) and that the registered address matches theirs.

You can also check that the VIN on the chassis, engine, and paperwork match. Any discrepancies could indicate that the vehicle has been stolen or repaired using parts from other vehicles.

You can check the vehicle’s MOT history online via the gov.uk website to verify its mileage and identify recurring issues, and do a general car check on hpicheck.com to prevent being scammed.

Have a look at the ownership history - vehicles with fewer owners are often better cared for. Be cautious if ownership changes are frequent, as this could signal some underlying problems.

Getting the best deal

So we’ve discussed some of the key things to look at in terms of the vehicle itself, the paperwork and its history. What else should you take into consideration when buying a second-hand Defender?

Set a clear budget - and stick to it!

Defenders vary widely in price depending on their age, condition, mileage, and any modifications. Decide how much you’re willing to spend, factoring in potential restoration or repair costs, and stick to it.

Research market prices 

It’s very important to have a rough idea of what the market price for your particular Defender is. Have a look online at sites such as Autotrader, eBay Motors and specialist Land Rover forums to get a sense of current market values. This will help you identify overpriced listings, or hopefully, any bargains!

Negotiate!

Sellers often list vehicles with a bit of wiggle room in the price. Use your research to negotiate, especially if you identify any issues during the inspection.

Don’t rush in

The right Defender may take a bit of time to find. Don’t rush into buying the first one you see - make sure that everything feels right, and that it is within your budget.

Where to find second-hand Defenders in the UK

You could do an online search for specialist dealers - this is a good idea as they should be able to sell you a vehicle that has been inspected for quality and any issues.

Many private sellers can be found on websites such as Autotrader, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace, and these sites can be great for finding deals. However, you’ll need to be more thorough with inspections when buying privately. Don’t overlook local newspapers or community noticeboards, too, as these can sometimes lead to some hidden gems.

There are various Land Rover clubs and forums online, which may point you in the right direction and also give you some help if needed if you have questions. Communities like the Land Rover Owners Club or forums such as DefenderSource often have classifieds sections with vehicles for sale, too.

You can also visit car auctions too - stay tuned as we'll be doing an article on this very subject soon! Both online and in-person auctions can be exciting to attend, and you can get a really good deal if you know what you’re looking for.

No doubt there’s a lot to think about, but it’s important to get it right! Buying a second-hand Defender can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some diligence. If you carefully inspect the vehicle, verify that the paperwork is ok, and buy from a reputable place, you’ll increase your chances of finding a Defender that will serve you well for years to come. 

Happy buying!