what do you all make of this 1988 Defender

Blue

Blue

Well-known member
Mar 26, 2004
10,071
881
AZ
1988 Defender Diesel 200TDI - $16500

Going to look at this tomorrow with a buddy of mine who's always wanted a Defender.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5712663624.html

Aside from the dashboard that looks like an abortion that lived and the "modern" wheels, what else do you fuckers see that we should grill the seller about? Kind of looks like an amalgamation of shit from Sam's Hot Car Lot to me.
 
Mongo

Mongo

Well-known member
Apr 19, 2004
5,731
2
59
its a transplanted 200tdi seeing how they didn't come out until 1989...look for the vin to be stamped on the front right frame rail. Pull the carpets and look at the foot wells, check for rust at the windshield hinges and open the vents and look for rot there. Check the rear cross member and spring perches for rust and rot. Look at the paperwork, it's should have the MOT info and see if it failed before being imported...
 
Howski

Howski

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2009
1,499
213
Alabama
No bulkhead or footwell pics is an immediate red flag for me. Be sure to look at those areas thoroughly
 
Mongo

Mongo

Well-known member
Apr 19, 2004
5,731
2
59
yep, 200tdi came out in 89 in everything LR... Watch out when asking a question over 90source, lots of info but some of the egos are bigger than all those combined here...and some who think they know everyone and everything but really don't know...
 
paxton

paxton

Well-known member
Nov 13, 2006
1,246
2
Huntsville, AL
Just the words on that ad make me nervous. I certainly wouldn't use these words to describe something valuable that I'm selling (for whatever reason): "I'm getting rid of my..."

I'd use those terms only if the last word was going to be "problem".
 
Tugela

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,766
565
Seattle
For that kind of money you could import a much nicer Defender 110 from South Africa. You'd have to do all the work yourself to import it, but at least you can be more confident in the source vehicle. This (garishly painted) example is $6,000. I've gotten quotes for shipping to Seattle for about $7,000. There are probably some taxes/duties/other expenses on top of that. Most buyers are typically willing to pay a price premium for a vehicle that's already here and clear.

From what I've seen as an interested observer in the used Rover market is that "cheap" Defenders usually have major issues that escape the notice of uninformed buyers, and Defenders in good shape are insanely priced.
 
Blue

Blue

Well-known member
Mar 26, 2004
10,071
881
AZ
Yep, hand-painted with a brush. Original color was blue, looks like marine blue. Definitely a 20 foot paint job.

Good rot going in driver's footwell, bubbling in passenger footwell, surface rust and just a little minor perforation in bulkhead, rot in rear suspension frame area one side only. Lots of leaks - engine oil, steering box, one swivel ball at least.

I think my buddy is going to pass.
 
Howski

Howski

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2009
1,499
213
Alabama
Blue said:
Yep, hand-painted with a brush. Original color was blue, looks like marine blue. Definitely a 20 foot paint job.

Good rot going in driver's footwell, bubbling in passenger footwell, surface rust and just a little minor perforation in bulkhead, rot in rear suspension frame area one side only. Lots of leaks - engine oil, steering box, one swivel ball at least.

I think my buddy is going to pass.
Click to expand...

Run. There's enough RoW trucks around now you can afford to be picky
 
L

Leadvagas

Well-known member
Jun 10, 2010
232
2
Leadville CO
The 200tdi had a much shorter production run than the 300tdi. There are a number of parts that are unobtainium fot the 200tdi, like heads. A new head for a 300tdi isn't cheap but it can be bought. I would not recomend a diesel Rover for anyone who doesn't have extensive automotive experience, or a VERY deep wallet. For those who can do most of the work themselves, diesels are really cool. For those who can't they are very costly.
 
mgreenspan

mgreenspan

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2005
4,723
130
Briggs's Back Yard
Look at the seals on everything. If they are painted green also instead of being black rubber then walk away. Anybody that sprays over rubber seals skimped big time and the drive train is probably a timebomb.

Look for shit bulkhead repairs and any signs of fiberglass over metal hiding bulkhead rot. Look at frame and all outriggers and back side of rear crossmember, especially the top part of the bottom that you can only see from laying on your back.

Ask about timing belt replacement and proof of it. Check all fluids. Make sure the heat works and blows hot. If it doesn't I'd walk away. Look for turbo placement to ID if it's a defender or disco 200tdi. Doesn't make a difference really but helps knowing where it's from. Hopefully it's hot so you can see if it overheats/if the cooling system works right.
 
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