Used buyer's guide: Land Rover Defender

Land Rover is soon to replace one of the most iconic cars ever: the Defender. And that means prices are set to tumble – you can get one for as little as £3,000. It might look as though it’s driven straight out of the forties, but under that boxy skin is a car that’s been constantly updated. And although it’s noisy, slow and thirsty, with crude steering and suspension, if you’re looking for a weekend toy or a tow vehicle that can tackle even the most demanding terrain, the Defender’s in a class of its own. 

• Land Rover Defender full review 

History

The Defender arrived in its current form in 1990, and was little different from the Land Rover 90 and 110 that it replaced. Early cars featured a 200 TDi 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which became the more muscular 300 TDi in 1994 – this was developed into the TD5 in 1998. Most of these earlier cars are now tired, so go for the far better post-2006 Defender. These have a 2.4-litre diesel, a six-speed box and a heavily revised interior. Best of all, though, is the 2012 Defender, with a 2.2-litre diesel that offers far greater refinement.

Alternatives

The Defender has no direct rivals, although the Jeep Wrangler is arguably the closest. Similarly priced compact SUVs such as the Nissan X-Trail and Chevrolet Captiva aren’t really true off-road workhorses; they’re better built, more luxurious and more enjoyable to drive, however. If you’re considering a Defender pick-up, then the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, Isuzu Rodeo and Toyota Hilux are well worth a look. They all feature a crude chassis, but have better build quality, more

Running costs

These Defenders must all be serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles; if used for hardcore off-roading, a more regular checkover is worthwhile in case of suspension or underside damage. Main dealer prices range from £400 to £720 for routine servicing, but the army of independent specialists out there can reduce maintenance bills. Also allow £75 every three years to replace the brake fluid, while the 200 TDi and 300 TDi need a fresh cambelt every six years or 72,000 miles; expect to pay £600 at an official dealer. After the 300 TDi, all Defender engines were chain-driven, so no fresh belts are required.