jameshub Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 this is a question I've been wondering about for a while. my 1987 Defender came direct from Withams and unlike the other 10 or so I looked at there, this came with 3 large envelops full of every nut and bolt which had been changed etc, it even shows where it had been working. However, as some of you would have seen from my recent post, I am looking at replacing the N/A with a 200TDi as I need more power when in Norway along the roads and up the mountains. I just can't quite understand why Ex-MOD as more expensive, because if I spend £1500 on a 200TDi (including full installation as I couldn't do it) then I would probably be cheaper to sell it now, without the replacement engine and buy a normal 200TDi Or, am I missing something? All opinions welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michele Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Because they look cool I'd say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat_pending Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Because people pay! Yes I agree, why anyone would want a basic 2.5 na and pay a premium for it is beyond me. There are some exceptions, but most ex mod stuff is nothing special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jameshub Posted September 20, 2013 Author Share Posted September 20, 2013 Because people pay!Yes I agree, why anyone would want a basic 2.5 na and pay a premium for it is beyond me. There are some exceptions, but most ex mod stuff is nothing special. so in your opinion I should sell it and buy a non mod with a 200TDi and not spend the money replacing existing one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matfield Posted September 21, 2013 Share Posted September 21, 2013 If you know the vehicle, its structurally and mechanically sound, and you've already paid the premium for it, I'd stick with what you have. Adding a 200tdi is only going to add to its appeal and lets face it, you bought an Ex-MOD for a reason in the first place. If its going to cost £1,500 to have a 200tdi fitted including the engine and you know the engine is good, I'd be going down that route. The worst thing you could do would be to sell your nice, sound Ex-MOD and buy what looks like a decent 200tdi standard Defender, but end up with a crock with a decent engine that will cost a LOT more than £1,500 to get up to spec. I know, I got stung with what looked and drove like a decent 300tdi 90 and turned out to be a money pit!! Then again, if the Ex-MOD is showing signs of age, the chassis is starting to melt away and you're not sure its going to last too long, that changes everything Mat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat_pending Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 so in your opinion I should sell it and buy a non mod with a 200TDi and not spend the money replacing existing one? Depends, I'd certainly agree with what Mat said. By the time you add decent seats, power steering and a proper engine the whole thing starts to get very expensive. Fine if realy want a military vehicle but if it's just the look or the practicality then IMO it's possible to get both cheaper starting with a civy vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 so in your opinion I should sell it and buy a non mod with a 200TDi and not spend the money replacing existing one? Nope 'cos most old Defenders are heaps. If you're reasonably happy with yours then stick with it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big.Mike Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 There is a rumour going around that the MOD either: 1. Keep them in a warehouse for all of their lives 2. The MOD have scores of squaddies around to service them and keep them pristine! Also Withams have a monopoly... Cheers, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumping jack Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Personally I'd find somewhere cheaper than a grand and a half to source and fit a 200 tdi (or 300....). But to be fair I've wondered this myself, alot of ex MOD stuff is rubbish, some is mint. just don't see why people think their worth so much more for something thats slower, alot louder if its tent topped and doesn't like you turning the steering wheel in a car park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumping jack Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 oh yes, and has doors that flap at speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ananab Posted January 7, 2014 Share Posted January 7, 2014 I think i must be mad because all the reasons you listed, plus the serious condensation in a hard top make me love my little 90 even more jumping jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 7, 2014 Share Posted January 7, 2014 There is a rumour going around that the MOD either: 1. Keep them in a warehouse for all of their lives 2. The MOD have scores of squaddies around to service them and keep them pristine! Also Withams have a monopoly... Cheers, Mike 1) Yes they do keep many vehicles dry stored for long periods, but they have a massive number of vehicles, and seem to rotate them, so whilst any given vehicle may have been stored for a few years in a climate controlled facility it has probably spent the other 15odd years of its life getting thrashed about by troops 2) Having worked alongside both serving and former VM's I would not be keen to buy any former military equipment at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crofter Posted December 18, 2014 Share Posted December 18, 2014 I to have seen how military vehicles are used and abused, one careful owner and 1,000 careless drivers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohlins Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 oh yes, and has doors that flap at speed. Yip..you can never have too many doors that flap at 'speed'...oh how I enjoy mine.... . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GW8IZR Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 As with most vehicles - assess each one on its own merit and try not to be duped into XYZ is automatically better. 1500 quid to fit a 200 tdi also sounds a lot to me - can you do any of the work yourself. There again if that is a turnkey and includes engine / clutch / plumbing and exhaust.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 Withams have the contract as they are currently M.O.D's prefered equipment disposal agents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John mills Posted August 29, 2020 Share Posted August 29, 2020 Hi I've just bought myself a long wheelbase ex Army land rover snach defender 300tdi in fantastic condition I have to say it is bombproof .only driven 5,500 miles in northern Ireland. The good thing about Ex military vehicles is that the vehicle has been fully reassembled as of many . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gluv Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 13 hours ago, John mills said: Hi I've just bought myself a long wheelbase ex Army land rover snach defender 300tdi in fantastic condition I have to say it is bombproof .only driven 5,500 miles in northern Ireland. The good thing about Ex military vehicles is that the vehicle has been fully reassembled as of many . Not quite bomb proof , I believe the problem was Gluv 🇬🇧 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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