1997 Defender 110 TDI LHD what's it worth? - Land Rovers Only

bikedown · 08-26-2007, 07:00 PM

I am new here, hi everybody. I am very happy to have found a group of experts to talk to.

I am looking at a 1997 Defender 110, 300 TDI, left hand drive, all original, under 90K miles, very good condition, all stock, supposedly imported from germany. I can't find many for sale in the US so I can't determine what this should sell for. I think the guy wants too much for it so I would like to hear what you guys think this one is worth. Any words of caution about buying an import like this are also welcome. This would be my first land rover, but I am a big fan and a good mechanic so I am eager to join the ranks. Thanks everyone!

chrisvonc · 08-26-2007, 09:23 PM

Words of caution for a first time Rover buyer? Yeah.. if you live here in the US, dont even consider this one. If this is your first, I would suggest you start with the legal NAS (North American Spec) Defenders, which that one is not.

The reason you are not finding much info here in the US on this type of truck is that it was never offered here and generally not legal to import. Read this thread just to see how long people have been trying to find the way around the laws:
http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10844
But the short of it, with a some very specific exceptions aside, most of the over seas trucks trying to get sold to the US buyers who dont know any better, wont make it past customs.

TerryS · 08-27-2007, 03:59 AM

What it's worth depends on many things. Is the truck physically here, In the US? Can the seller prove to you it was legally imported? If he can't, can he prove that it has been registered here successfully. If it hasm than the VIN Number has been accepted by a DMV and you will not likely have any difficulties (Provided the owner has, and signs over the current TITLE and registration)
There is no way I can be convinced a 1993 Defender is worth what they are selling for, and I have been driving one for many (6+) years. They fetch stupid money simply based on rarity. Factor a four year newer truck with the desirability of a 300 Tdi, and you have a nice find. The shadow of questionable legitamacy will follow it forever (well, at least for the next 15 years) unless you have proof positive, as in 'papers in hand' that it got here with approvals from Customs. Still, I wouldn't be scared off, just very careful.

bikedown · 08-28-2007, 07:02 AM

Thanks guys, I guess I didn't realize what I was getting into. That d-90 thread you mentioned chrisvonc was a real eye opener. Terrys, the 110 I am speaking about is here, so now I need to look into what trickery they used to get it past customs. I am going to investigate more, see if he has registration and title, and ask to see the customs paperwork. What are the specific customs forms I should ask him for? Any other good questions to ask the owner? Thanks for your help.

08-26-2007, 07:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
bikedown Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2 Gallery: 0	1997 Defender 110 TDI LHD what's it worth? I am new here, hi everybody. I am very happy to have found a group of experts to talk to. I am looking at a 1997 Defender 110, 300 TDI, left hand drive, all original, under 90K miles, very good condition, all stock, supposedly imported from germany. I can't find many for sale in the US so I can't determine what this should sell for. I think the guy wants too much for it so I would like to hear what you guys think this one is worth. Any words of caution about buying an import like this are also welcome. This would be my first land rover, but I am a big fan and a good mechanic so I am eager to join the ranks. Thanks everyone!

08-26-2007, 09:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
chrisvonc Oh yes.. there will be blood. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,532 Gallery: 0	Words of caution for a first time Rover buyer? Yeah.. if you live here in the US, dont even consider this one. If this is your first, I would suggest you start with the legal NAS (North American Spec) Defenders, which that one is not. The reason you are not finding much info here in the US on this type of truck is that it was never offered here and generally not legal to import. Read this thread just to see how long people have been trying to find the way around the laws: http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10844 But the short of it, with a some very specific exceptions aside, most of the over seas trucks trying to get sold to the US buyers who dont know any better, wont make it past customs. __________________ Chris von C. Sick of how slow LRO has become with all the ad's? Rage Against The Banners!! If you use Firefox, install the add-on AdBlock Plus. All ads gone and the site loads like greased lightning again.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Land Rovers Only - Land Rover Forum Advertisement

08-27-2007, 03:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
TerryS Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bloomfield, CT If I died today, I lived there all my life. Posts: 2,025 Gallery: 0	What it's worth depends on many things. Is the truck physically here, In the US? Can the seller prove to you it was legally imported? If he can't, can he prove that it has been registered here successfully. If it hasm than the VIN Number has been accepted by a DMV and you will not likely have any difficulties (Provided the owner has, and signs over the current TITLE and registration) There is no way I can be convinced a 1993 Defender is worth what they are selling for, and I have been driving one for many (6+) years. They fetch stupid money simply based on rarity. Factor a four year newer truck with the desirability of a 300 Tdi, and you have a nice find. The shadow of questionable legitamacy will follow it forever (well, at least for the next 15 years) unless you have proof positive, as in 'papers in hand' that it got here with approvals from Customs. Still, I wouldn't be scared off, just very careful.

08-28-2007, 07:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
bikedown Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2 Gallery: 0	Thanks guys, I guess I didn't realize what I was getting into. That d-90 thread you mentioned chrisvonc was a real eye opener. Terrys, the 110 I am speaking about is here, so now I need to look into what trickery they used to get it past customs. I am going to investigate more, see if he has registration and title, and ask to see the customs paperwork. What are the specific customs forms I should ask him for? Any other good questions to ask the owner? Thanks for your help.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)