I'm looking at purchasing a 1990s defender but don't know much about them
is there any years to stay away from ?
What are things to look for ?
How reliable are the defenders ??

 

What to look for?

Rust in the frame, bulkhead, doors, rear cross-member, outriggers basically anywhere there is steel.

They are fairly simple and robust, think Discovery 1 with no electronics


oh and be sure to look for rust

 

Rust rust it is
my only experience at owning a land rover was having a disco 2 2004, loved the vehicle but never trusted its reliability
how is the defender compared to the disco 2 I mean the 1990s defenders

 

much better

 

Look no further than here:
https://copleymotorcars.com/?showroo...convertible-30

 

"1990's" limits you to 1993 110, 1994 & 1995 90 ST or SW only with 5 speed manual or 1997 90St or SW with only an automatic.
Poke around over on Defendersource.com
Lots of ROW (Rest Of World, not North American Spec, NAS) trucks getting imported now. I'm not sure what the regulations are for Canada on importing from overseas. NAS trucks are expensive ROW are based more on condition. Figure out if you want a NAS or ROW and what body type, 90 (ST - soft top or SW station wagon), 110 etc...

 

thank you for post i wish you best car

 

Hello Redwhitekat

Stay away from anything before 1991 if you want a good, solid motor that can go anywhere near highway speeds. 200tdi, 300tdi, Td5, Td4 are all wonderful motors. Drive train from all years of Defender, 1983 to 2015 are good. Watch for rust, bulkhead, floors, frame pieces, rear crossmember, door bottoms.

Personally I like the diesels, gas is just OK. They are reliable cars, but need attention and love. A better word is: Rugged. They will do all that you want them to do and you can fix them with limited tools.

Best, C