Found a Defender in the wild

[hatchetman325]

Someone in my neighborhood has a white (I believe 1997) NAS defender 90. They’ve had it sitting deep in their driveway for the last 4 years and it hasn’t moved once. To the point where it now has vines growing on it. I’ve become obsessed with the idea of approaching the resident and asking for more and information on the vehicle, making an offer, and having it restored. If I feel they might be interested in selling I’m also at the point where I now have plenty of cash saved. NOW it all boils down to how to determine the potential value. If upon further inspection it is indeed a 97 NAS defender. I’d like to ask if there specific things I should be checking before making an offer and secondly what would a rough ball park be for a vehicle that will A.) start on its own but may be in rough exterior condition or B.) won't start and is in rough exterior condition. FYI by rough I mean it's dirty and might have some rust other than that it looks all there. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[javelinadave]

Where are you located? Somebody on this board may be able to check it out with you if they are local. As for bracketing a price that is nearly impossible without really detailed pictures and a solid description.
HT or soft top?
Frame condition?
Does it start and run?
Have squirrels, rats or mice eaten the wiring?
Title?
Milage?
Body condition?
You see what I mean? It could be worth $8-10k for the title and the VIN or it could be a low milage gem requiring a bit of polishing and worth $70k or more.

Welcome to the board and hopefully it pans out for you.

 

[RBBailey]

Being parked like that, it probably doesn't run. But that's probably not the worst of it. The worst will be the rust. Count on a full restore, which is possible! But very expensive.

1. Rust.
2. Rust.
3. Does it run?
4. Rust.

Pics would tell more. The value is very difficult to say, but probably more than you want to pay, and less than they want to get.

 

[RBBailey]

I mean....

One Owner 1993 Land Rover Defender 110

One Owner bought new. #449 of 500 brought into the United States in 1993. Lovingly maintained. The ultimate 4 wheel drive experience.

portland.craigslist.org

 

[chris snell]

Don't tell anyone where you found it until you've tried to buy it. There are some sharks who want to beat you to the punch and flip it, unfortunately.

 

[RBBailey]

Luckily, the ones I can think of aren't always on this site.

I'm free to look at it though. The threat of murder or suicide are hanging over me if I get another Rover.

 

[hatchetman325]

I'm going to attempt to approach the owner this week and i'll report back. I can confirm that it is a hard top though. ohh and I'm in Maryland

 

[RBBailey]

Black, or color match?

 

[Uncle Douglas]

Plan to be in Baltimore to pick a 90 up @ port later this week if you want someone who knows defenders to look @ it with you and give you advice.
Have been building GEMS powered (the injection system in a 4.0 litre 97) defenders for clients for years and have one myself.
Shoot me a text.

 

[1of40]

Rust/Corrosion, imo, is more expensive to fix than engine and transmissions.

 

[def90]

Plan to be in Baltimore to pick a 90 up @ port later this week if you want someone who knows defenders to look @ it with you and give you advice.
Have been building GEMS powered (the injection system in a 4.0 litre 97) defenders for clients for years and have one myself.
Shoot me a text.

That’s a solid offer.