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Hi Jack,

We are considering buying a Land Rover Defender, new or close to it.
I understand Land Rovers in general don't have good reliability records. Defender seems a relatively simple, manual transmission 4x4 with a Ford Transit diesel engine. Internet research also suggest that 75% of all made since 1948 are still running.

Are we risking too much? We do love the design and would be prepared to live with it's agricultural comfort levels and quirks but not if it's costing us a fortune. How would it stack up?
Please let us know.
Many thanks
Davor

The risk levels have dropped considerably in recent times.

Sure, you could expect some niggles but their major problems seem to be well behind them.

A quick call to one of my old mates who managers one of the local Land Rover workshops has confirmed this.

If you didn't buy new I would still be a little nervous about an older used model unless I knew a little about its past history.

Buying from a Land Rover Dealer would also provide me with extra peace of mind.