US Marine Getting Smart on Defender 110s - Advice Requested

M

MarineMatt

Member
Hello NAS-ROW -

I am a new member and I am starting to execute a plan to purchase a Defender after 30+ years of pining for one. I am a US Marine Colonel who used to live in Scotland back in the mid-1980s, now a New Hampshire resident. As a gamekeeper's apprentice, I learned to drive at age 12 on a Defender 110 (stick, right-hand drive) in 1985, which gave me the Defender bug.

Now that my career is winding down, I wanted to start my research and learn as much as possible leading into a purchase. I'm most interested in a Defender 110 turbo diesel variant, with right hand drive as a nice-to-have. I'm not adverse to doing some restoration, but I don't know what I am getting into in terms of time and money. I'm also looking for what are "good bones" for a vehicle in terms of must haves when considering a purchase.

I'd be grateful for advice on members to connect with, existing forums, other resources that I can start to educate myself on the vehicle, variants, how to evaluate a potential purchase, how to price, websites/auctions to track, etc.

Thank you in advance for your advice,
Col Matt Swindle
 
ron

ron

Well-known member
Welcome Matt///

I am in MA right down the road.

PM a telephone number and would be happy to talk to you.

Ron
 

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Parrie

Parrie

Well-known member
Welcome Matt and thank you for your service!
Lots, of knowledge on this forum, don't be afraid to ask questions. There are tons of RHD trucks out there w/ multiple engine choices. What is your budget? Being in NH you are in a good location to find a decent RHD truck at a reasonable price. My best advice would be to not rush into a purchase and probably stay away from ebay, BAT and the likes. There are several forum members that have good trucks available state-side on a regular basis...post in the "wanted" thread and I'm sure you will get multiple responses. Good Luck!
 
acheck

acheck

Well-known member
hi matt,

the most important piece of information you need to know is that very few defenders (especially right hand drives) are in "original" condition today. that means that at some point, they have had some level of restoration work or rebuild work completed. and likely the vast majority have been refurbished with profit in mind rather than quality.

so, buyer beware. if it has been repainted, had rust repair done, engine changed, etc. you absolutely have to scrutinize the quality of the work.

this forum will be a good resource for helping you do that.
 
R

Red90

Well-known member
The best thing you can do is find local enthusiasts that are willing to go with you to look at trucks. It is a minefield if you do not know what you are looking at. This also lets you drive a few to understand what they are like. Fortunately you want RHD as that really drops the price.
 
RBBailey

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
Welcome! It's an honor to be a part of a forum that hosts such high caliber miltary personnel.

If I were in your position, I'd figure out what my budget is and move from there. Get in with the locals, and be willing to buy long distance if you can get eyes-on to confirm that it's a good purchase. The main things to look for always include rust on the frame, the bulkhead (hard to diagnose sometimes) and then rust or corrosion on the doors.

I'd also recommend posting here when you think you've found something, so the experts here can help narrow it down for you.
 
javelinadave

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
Welcome! You're on the best Defender forum going. Many here have built/restored/saved/transformed several trucks over the years and have seen it all when it comes to Defenders. A few are in the Defender business and are always happy to share knowledge. You also live in an area which is rich in not only Defender owners but fellow NAS-ROW members.

Defender owners motto:
Semper Affixione Notauit
Always Fixing
 
expanse

expanse

Well-known member
Welcome!

acheck said:
....so, buyer beware. if it has been repainted, had rust repair done, engine changed, etc. you absolutely have to scrutinize the quality of the work.
Click to expand...

Can't agree more. Half the trucks that came through my shop last year were plagued with these issues. Quick fixes to get the truck imported and sold are very common.
 
M

MarineMatt

Member
To Ron, Chris, Parrie, acheck, Red90, RB Bailey, Javelin Dave, expanse, and Jim - - can't thank you enough for the advice. Appreciate the warm welcome to the forum and the Defender community.

Off to do some homework now.

Best and S/F,
Matt
 
Tbaumer

Tbaumer

Technical Excellence Contributor
If you are good at finding solutions for unexpected obstacles... if you like fixing things... then a Defender needs you!
I have discovered my "Inner mechanic" with mine. The experience of the members on this site has been invaluable.
Welcome & Semper Fi.
 
steinhnj

steinhnj

Well-known member
Matt, search "Defender Perentie". If you buy from overseas, seek out Doug Crowther for shipping.

The Defender world is like joining another family. Many friendships made being part of this crowd.
 
M

MarineMatt

Member
Steinhnj - Great recommendation on the Perentie - looks like the 6x6 variant is most aligned with what I am looking for. Is the best place to start with the Australian MOD Sales? Also, is Doug Crowther on NAS-ROW?

Again, many thanks for the advice.

Best,
Matt
 
M

MarineMatt

Member
MarineMatt said:
Steinhnj - Great recommendation on the Perentie - looks like the 6x6 variant is most aligned with what I am looking for. Is the best place to start with the Australian MOD Sales? Also, is Doug Crowther on NAS-ROW?

Again, many thanks for the advice.

Best,
Matt
Click to expand...

Correction - - 4x4
 
WreckITFrank

WreckITFrank

Technical Excellence Contributor
If you end up going for a 110 over a Perentie. Reach out to Neil (610-295-5169) at Red Door Off-Road. He's down here in PA, north of Philly, and has a good assortment of RHD South African 110's, usually with galvanized bulkhead and chassis. Good bones to start with and go from there. He can get whatever you need, and is as honest and reasonable as they come.

@Uncle Douglas is Doug's name here. Keep us posted.
 
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javelinadave

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
Colonel,
Message me your contact info and I'll pass it along to a friend who imported a couple of Perenties himself from Sydney to the New Your area. He has the gouge on pre-purchase inspections, port delivery, shipping and port procedures.
 
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