1993 Land Rover Defender 3.9 V8 efi from North America

Summary:

A unique and capable (if dated) truck that can never be replaced

Faults:

Previous owner messed with a non-compatible performance cam that resulted in having to rebuild the top of the engine ($$$$s). Since rebuild gone like a dream.

Both exhaust manifolds fractured and replaced.

Oil leak from gearbox.

Rust on doors/bulkhead.

General Comments:

This is an amazing vehicle and a true 4x4 in the old fashioned sense. It can go virtually anywhere and has good low end power, but is slow on acceleration. AC isn't that great. On long trips the metal under the seats gets really hot, but it is a pleasure to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2004

1993 Land Rover Defender 200 TDi 2.5 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fine vehicle

Faults:

Replaced shocks at 100K.

Replaced front drive shaft at 150K.

Rear wiper motor at 120K.

General Comments:

It's loud and slow to warm up, a bit rattly and the seats are a joke.

There is a load of room to carry stuff and towing, although not quick, is always a pleasure. It has never failed to start and has always taken me home.

The handling is better than a Discovery in my opinion, but comfort is not an important factor in these cars. I've had it over 100,000 miles now and the best thing I can say is; someone will have to pry the keys from my dead hand!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2001

8th Jun 2001, 17:44

I live in the very treacherous Silicon Valley in California and have owned my d-90 since new in 94. I bought the vehicle to end my old car problems and have had nothing but problems since.

The first major problem was with the parking brake catching on to the drive train when warm and causing vibrations and noise when stopping. Rover of San Jose fixed the problem in only three visits.

Between other little inconviences came the big one two years ago. In first gear going about five miles per hour on pavement, the whole transmission and transfer case broke and the bill for that was huge.

My d-90 has always leaked oil and one of the gaskets to the exhaust system has been replaced. I read all these stories of people who love their Rovers and after all this I do too, but I've had enough and it's for sale now.

I will never buy another Land Rover and live the Rover lifestyle the rest of my days.

View 8 more comments