Which D90 to buy

[Johnnyb]

Really psyched I found the site, beats tracking down D90's on the road. Here it is:
I have wanted one for 7 years. If I could have one vehicle in the world It would be a D90. I have been saving for one for the past 3 years and still need a lot more money. I think I might be able to afford a good deal, but am very scared of maintaining it. I dont want to get in over my head as far as $$ goes. How hard are these trucks to work on? Would someone who knows there way around an old Wrangler and CJ be qualified to do most maintenence on a D90? I dont want to buy it and get charged $100 per at L.Rover and have to sell it in a month.
Also what year do you recommend for a person looking for the most reliable trouble free truck possible (I emphasize possible). As I will be using this as my only vehicle.
Thanks for your help, I really want this truck, but I want to know if it's worth it to continue, as it is a lot of $$ to spend on a used truck. Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate any help.

[mhansen]

Originally posted by Johnnyb
I don't want to buy it and get charged $100 per at L.Rover

Also what year do you recommend for a person looking for the most reliable trouble free truck possible

Point # 1 Dealer (Denver South) charges $100 just to scan the OBD 2 diagnostics:mad .... so thats like $100 plus parts and labor!!! Dealers are not cheep. Thats the bad news. Good news is Defenders are as simple as old jeeps (except the damn computers). They are easy to wrench on / modify

Point # 2 Toyota :grin

[Eric Siepmann]

Reliability is fairly good. I have had great luck with my truck (see the for sale section. Couldn't resist the shameless plug). I f you maintain it well and follow the service guidlines you should be ok. If the previous owner took good care of it, you should generally do all right as well. The lower the miles the better as well.

EwS

[rover4x4]

you gonna have it as your everyday car?

[loykd]

John,
You've found THE D-90 site. Welcome. Lots of very knowledgeable people here and I'm sure they'll offer good mechanical advice.

Did you also find LRX.COM too? Super resource for vehicles, if you don't buy Eric's that is. There are lots of trucks in NE area. Rust, though is a big concern and some people have gone so far as to travel all the way to the southwest or west coast to buy their trucks. If you look it over well, though, you can still do ok buying a northeastern truck.

Also, I'd suggest searching through these old forums because this topic is often discussed.

Welcome and we look forward to hearing your stories.

[sherpamike]

I have had my 90 since last August and it has been my only vehicle. Of course, I have been in school and have not driven it too often (mostly on the weekends and incedentals during the week). My rover just rolled past 90k miles and it has never had any real troubles. Just be prepared to have a vehicle with a little "character." I find it pretty easy to work on. I would also be learly of taking it to the dealer for service. The dealer can be a good resource, but they are normally overpriced and the one closest to me likes to find service that doesn't necessarily need to be done. My advice would be to look for a good defender (not always the first one to pop up), look for an independent rover shop like www.roverclubhouse.com, and maybe buy yourself a workshop manual. Above all else, set the d-90 source as your homepage because it is the best resource for defender owners anywhere. Good luck with your rover hunt.

-Mike

[rover4x4]

I second the rust. I would look hard to find one with as little rust as possible. Also maintinace records are a plus, those were my two biggest criteria when I was looking for a D-90.

[Glenn_Guinto]

John,

Most of us here have been through what you're going through right now. That's why if you read through the different posts and archives, you will find a wealth of information. You can see what sorts of things plague these D90s and hopefully will give you a general idea of what you're in for....

I understand your concerns but remember these are enthusiasts vehicles (people that own them are crazy about them), that means you will have a great support group. I could already think of at least 3 D90 owners in your area and some are posting here too. It's like an AA meeting...LOL Of course, there's always this website. If you can work with Jeeps, you will not have much problems working with the D90. In some ways it IS as simple (if not simpler in some ways) than the CJs.

What you also need to know are places where you can take your truck that #1. know these trucks well and #2. don't have dealer prices. I don't know much in your area but if you cross the bridge and head to Jersey, there's Import Specialists in Paramus (about 15-20 min from GWB).

Good luck... Summer is fast approaching, get a Soft Top, preferably with the fiber glass hardtop already included.

Here is a great link about the different years of the Defender 90...

http://www.eastcoastrover.com/INFOD90.html

[Ragland]

John,

Buy a Defender when the time is right, don't force it. Whether that time is this year, next, or five years from now, you will find some Defender to buy. I test drove one in Spring '94, less than a year after buying a Wrangler. It was simply too expensive then. A few cars, grad school, and the like later, I bought mine in summer '99.

These trucks are now upwards of 10 years old, and can require significant work. Most here have had a fairly good experience with reliability. Given the age, though, things do go out, and Land Rover parts aren't exactly cheap. Also, reliability will worsen if you can't afford routine maintenance or work. Say for instance the radiator needs replacement, and the truck runs hot. You can't afford it, so you put it off. Then the engine blows a gasket, or worse. If you're stretched too thin, you'll end up paying notes on something that doesn't even run. The worst situation to face is being forced to sell a non-running vehicle because you can't pay to fix it - you take a real loss. I saw this happen while in college with people buying old Porsche's and the like.

By and large, everyone here loves Land Rovers, almost to a fault. So I don't think you'll find anyone who wouldn't say a Defender is a great vehicle. But no matter how wonderful, it isn't worth losing sleep over making payments, or having a panic attack every time the truck makes a weird noise. Be honest with your budget. When you know you're ready, ownership will be a lot more enjoyable. Learn all you can, take your time, and have fun.

[Toddco]

Another great one! www.tntlr.com

[wicks]

Just make sure you look at the differences between the different years and determine what you like. I like the 97 because it has an auto tranny and nicer interior. Plus there's a great color they made 300 of called Willow Green.

As far as reliability - Landies are reliable- they don't usually "break down", they just need maintenance. I do a lot of it myself. And contrary to common belief, the parts are actually pretty cheap.

[Eric Siepmann]

And contrary to common belief, the parts are actually pretty cheap.

You got some secret JuJu you're not sharing with the group WIcks?

[wicks]

Dude, I used to be a BMW and Benz person, and general parts for that kind of car are 2x rover parts. Not special stuff, just regular replacement parts. Jap parts might make rover parts looks spensive, but I never did that thing.

Oh, and I also used to daily drive a Citroen. ;)

[Eric Siepmann]

Fine Euro cars, well except for the citroen. That puts things into perspective.


EwS

[Johnnyb]

Thanks a lot for the replies, I see a defender maybe once a month in my area, and it's usually impossible to start asking questions while they are passing the other way. I am real glad to talk to actual owners. My budget will allow me about 25K to spend, I know I will need to find a deal, but I have seen quality trucks for this price in the past. (I might be able to stretch a little more within a few months) I would most likely be looking at a 95 (in my range). Is there a mjor difference between 97 and 95?? (besides auto-manual). I am wondering if one is more reliable than the other (different engine? computer??)
If anyone is in the area I live (mid suffolk county) I would be glad to speak with you, though I have probably seen your truck before. I get up extra early to catch a glimpse of a green one drive by once in a while, I'm obsessed! Keep the help coming guys, I appreciate it more than you know. And yes this would be my only vehicle.

[Joe P]

If look around and are patient and check all the BBS, and for sale sites you will find a really nice D-90 for that price. I bought my 97 D-90 w/40K miles on it for $23,500 in December. Granted a ST D-90 is certainly less attractive in December than May, but my advice is to just be patient and wait until the right one comes along. If you want a 97 don't settle for a 94 or a 95 and vice versa.

Good Luck

BTW - I frequented this site and other LR related sites for almost an entire year before I finally found the right one.

[Mike Hippert]

John, Listen to Joe, wait for a good deal on what you are looking for, don't stretch yourself thin, leave some extra $$ just in case and for all the upgrades and mods you are going to want to do.

[Johnnyb]

Joe, I saw a black D90 on ebay, that looks exactly like yours, its not from Oregon is it? I regret buying it, it was a 97 for about 25K, anyway, I will take that advice and take my time looking. If you guys have any other sites to look at trucks for sale, please let me know. Thanks.

[ONDROX]

It took me about a year and a half before I found the right rover for me( $$$ and the right color). Don't jump on the first rover in your price range. I actually found mine on autotrader.com, but I spent a lot of time looking in here and on lrx. Previous posts were right--the guys in here will give you a lot of support and questions are answered quickly. Its almost like a cult following w/ these trucks--once you get one, you will understand.

[Joe P]

Actually, the truck I bought was from Oregon.

[mdmccallum]

Another thought that hasn't been mentioned John is to get one from a dealer which will probably be marked up but they will certify it and you don't have to worry about the repairs. I did this a year ago and have been really happy. While I have had no real problems with mine, I have had to use the warranty for a few things. Alternator went out in the woods far from home and civilization. LR sent a wrecker to pick me up, tow me home (140 miles) and fixed it, to the tune of $50. Not a bad deal. A couple more trips like that and I think LR and I may be even with the markup I paid. Oh, and mine is an everyday driver and still loving it. Some Dealers can't get them. I got mine in Albuquerque and they found exactly what I wanted. Check em out.

[Joe P]

John,

Check out craigslist.com. Specifically the Bay Area in Northern Cal. They always seemed to have quite a few D-90's. Also, check all the BBS. SCLR.com, norcalrovers.org, tntl.com, roversnorth.com, lrx.com, d-90.com, etc. I actually found mine listed on the norcalrovers site.

Joe

[Screehopper]

Originally posted by Joe P
Check out craigslist.com. Specifically the Bay Area in Northern Cal. They always seemed to have quite a few D-90's. Also, check all the BBS. SCLR.com

I agree about the Bay area comment. Everytime I head into SF I see many D90s out there. Driving through SF I literally counted over 8 parked D90s within a 10 minute drive. If I see one D90 on the road or parked in LA I'd be lucky. Excluding my friend who lives a few blocks away from me who has a D90.

[Johnnyb]

I posted, I regret buying it, it should be "not buying it"
I already understand the following, I have just about every truck around here down, and will take drives, just to look for them. I will take all the advice given, and look all over before I make a purchase. I feel like this is the truck I want, I just have to figure out the payments. By the way, what do you guys pay in insurance. Are there any tricks to get around paying ridiculous amounts??

[Joe P]

I pay about $1,100/yr for insurance with Farmers

[Johnnyb]

My wife and I have a 2003 VW jetta (which is what I'm selling right now to fund the D90). Geico told me I would be paying about $350 more per year for the defender. I just thought it sounded a little high. That would be like $2600. I am 26 years old, and the only blemish was when I got hit 2 years ago (settled at 90% the other persons fault).

[Mike Hippert]

Man, I have a BAD driving record (numerous Speeding tickets) and I only pay $1,800 a year for the Defender through Progressive.


Edit: Oh yeah I'm 25.

[mhansen]

John-

Since we all did such a good job at trying to talk you out of it:grin , and I am guessing that this will be your first rover, Take another unbiased long time rover owner with you to test drive/look over. Spend an hour,at least, pouring over everything. Take coveralls and a creeper and spend some time under it. Work EVERY switch and control. Drive it in high and low range diff locked, and unlocked. If it looks, sound, or smells screwed up to you, I probably is.

If the owner is uneasy about you doing so, then I may not be the one you want.

I was able to get a substantial amount of money off the asking price when I pointed out the flaws in what the owner listed as "flawless".

The rose colored glasses are thick and hard to get off your face when defender shopping.


Good Luck:toast

[newfD90]

Originally posted by Johnnyb
By the way, what do you guys pay in insurance.

I'm with Allstate. I don't have it broken out by car, but I pay about $1600/yr for a 97 D-90, 02 Disco, and 01 VehiCROSS. I use classic car insurance ($80/yr) for the old car.

[Johnnyb]

Thanks guys, big help with the insurance, I am def. not rusing into anything, but I do want one. I will most likely use the summer to search, and will go into the fall and winter if I have to (hopefully not). Now, is there a big difference (mechanical wise between a 95 and 97?? I am just trying to figure out if I should go for one or the other.
Mike, many people have tried to talk me out of it, so I am def. going into this with awareness. I don't know anyone familiar with Rovers mechanically. I was going to have a pre-purchase inspection done at a dealer, maybe slip the guy an extra $50 to go over everything??? Is a pre-purchase inspection at a dealership a good idea? Thanks.
John

[rover4x4]

the 95 had a manual tranny and the 3.9. the 97 had the autobox and the 4.0 (distributorless ignition). other than that they are pretty much the same.