Used Land Rover Defender 1990-2016 review

The Land Rover Defender is a favourite among farmers and other countryside dwellers. Okay, so its road manners leave a lot to be desired, and, despite a number of updates designed to add a bit of marketing sparkle and keep it relatively fresh, its styling hasn’t changed much since it was first launched in 1990. Indeed, it hasn't much changed since that original concept was unveiled in 1948. It is, however, a very capable off-roader.

Production ended in January 2016, and the all-new, all-singing and dancing, and distinctly upmarket model was launched in 2019. However, numerous variants of this older version were built during the car's life; the range encompasses three wheelbases and 14 body styles.

Engine options are mostly confined to diesels. Early models came with a 107bhp 200TDi shared with the Discovery and Range Rover of the time, before being modified in 1994 to become the 11bhp 300TDi. These engines are well liked for their durability, but each is undoubtedly loud and unrefined compared with more modern diesel engines. Still, at least they provide the Defender with enough go to get up to speed briskly.

From 1998, a newly developed 122bhp TD5 engine replaced the 300TDi and powered all Defenders until a 120bhp 2.4 engine was installed from Ford. These are the ones to go for if you regularly drive on the motorway, because they come with a six-speed gearbox to improve fuel economy and refinement at speed. In 2012, a 122bhp 2.2 diesel was fitted that gets a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that made the Defender Euro-5 emissions compliant.

The Defender is far more at home in the countryside than it is on the open road, though, because the ride is fidgety and unsettled at speed, and to the uninitiated it can feel unpredictable and nervous.

Don’t expect much in the way of luxury. The dashboard is utilitarian, despite featuring buttons and switches from the larger Discovery SUV, and the driving position is so cramped that you’ll be forced to lower the window if you want somewhere to put your elbow.

Still, it's not all bad news, because there's enough space for a couple of adults in the back, as long as you go for one of the larger, 110 models.

The compelling figures that make the Defender stand out are its off-road ones, though. This is a car that will tackle a 45deg slope going forwards or backwards. It will wade through water half a metre deep without modification and traverse a 35deg hill. Its approach and departure angles are each an astounding 47deg.

These extraordinary stats combine with its huge ground clearance and compact wheelbase to give rock-hopping qualities most alleged off-roaders simply couldn’t imagine. Low-range gearing, unswitchable traction control (optional with ABS) and differential locks complete the picture.

Don’t take those on-road criticisms to mean that you shouldn’t buy a Land Rover Defender. Just bear in mind that this is a car for going off road – a car for farms, jungles and deserts. It may look outdated next to modern 4x4s, but very few vehicles can match its sheer talent for going anywhere and everywhere.

If you're interested in finding a used Defender, or any of the other large SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying service to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

You might expect a car like the Defender to be cheap on the used market. However, it's such an effective tool that it's always in demand and prices remain pretty high.

Things start at about £3500 for the short-wheelbase Defender 90 version, while you should expect to pay from around £4000 for the longer and much more practical Defender 110. You'll be looking at cars from the early 1990s, as well as some rougher newer ones. Spend between £8000 and £10,000 on a Defender from the early 2000s, in good condition. Fork out between £12,000 and £14,000 on a good-condition Landie from the mid-2000s, and upwards of that for anything later with a reasonable mileage.

Prices can rise steeply, but a budget of around £15,000 will get you a good used example. There are plenty of specialist and modified versions of the Defender, too, but these are, for the most part, best avoided.

Check the value of a used Land Rover Defender with What Car? Valuations

MPG

Unfortunately, you'll pay out a lot at the pumps, because the 2.4 and later 2.2-litre diesel engine will return only 25.5mpg. The five-cylinder TD5 is marginally better at 26.1mpg.

CO2 emissions

The Defender is a high-polluting car; even the 'cleaner' 2.4 and 2.2-litre engines produce 295g/km, while the TD5 puts out 299g/km.

Road tax (VED)

All Defenders of this generation will pay the annual road tax (VED) according to CO2 emissions, with those registered after 23 March 2006 paying a much higher fee than those registered before this date. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing and insurance costs

Routine maintenance with a Land Rover is generally expensive, but this can be offset somewhat by cheaper insurance than is generally the norm with a large off-roader, no doubt helped by the fact that body panels are cheap to replace.

Engine

Go for the newest example of a Land Rover Defender that you can, because you’ll be getting a more up-to-date package, particularly the 2.2-litre diesel engine that was available towards the end of production. It has more than enough power to venture off road, and is fairly economical.

Specification

Of the many Defender models available, we’d stick with the 110 version, which has seating for five (and potentially seven passengers). Whichever version you go for, you’ll be getting a very capable off-road companion. The Defender can’t really be measured by the same yardstick as other cars, because its natural territory isn’t the road. Just rest assured that if you choose to buy one, you’ll be getting one of the best and most loved 4x4s around.

Our favourite used Land Rover Defender: 2.2 110

Like the Defender, the Jeep Wrangler is renowned for being better to drive in the mucky stuff than down paved roads. It has a strong diesel engine, is reliable and has a sturdy construction. However, it's let down by high running costs, poor steering and a lack of comfort.

You could also consider a Toyota Land Cruiser. It's practical, built to last and known for its supreme reliability. Its four-cylinder engine can feel a little underpowered, though.

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