Things to consider for importing a Defender to the USA

[TheKangarooMan]

Hello all,

Looking into importing an older (25+ years old) Defender 90 back to the states. My main concern is finding parts for repairs and maintenance back in the USA. Is there a good availability/stock of parts over there (like, say, classic minis have)? Or would I be shipping parts from the UK? Or, perhaps, is there a US vehicle model that has parts that work well with defenders? Again, just looking into the idea here. Thanks for any help.

[Voldemort]

Save yourself a lot of hassle and buy a Defender there if you want one. This site has 104 for sale. If you're talking about a specific (sentimental, already owned) Defender then the fact that there are 104 for sale suggests that there are many more that aren't and such a volume of vehicles will likely have a parts supplier over there. Anything they don't have will be a postage item, just like classic US metal owners over here. Everything is available but sometimes you have to wait a little longer.

https://www.carsforsale.com/Search?SearchTypeID=2&...

[300bhp/ton]

TheKangarooMan said:

Hello all,

Looking into importing an older (25+ years old) Defender 90 back to the states. My main concern is finding parts for repairs and maintenance back in the USA. Is there a good availability/stock of parts over there (like, say, classic minis have)? Or would I be shipping parts from the UK? Or, perhaps, is there a US vehicle model that has parts that work well with defenders? Again, just looking into the idea here. Thanks for any help.

There are lots of things to consider.

Afraid I can't really comment on parts supply in the USA. I know there are a few places that specialise in them. East coast rovers and others.

http://eastcoastrover.com/

That said, online ordering makes it really easy to order overseas. Your biggest issue will be cost, by the time you change it to USD$ and then factor in shipping (plus any duties, I assume you'll have to pay something). It might makes stuff a bit pricey.


That said, Land Rover's are pretty simple really. So unless it's something very specific, you would likely be able to source something local for many bits.


What would be your plans for the vehicle? Are you looking at keeping it stock, modified. Do you want to wheel it?

BTW - "Defenders" were only introduced around 1990/91 with the introduction of the 200Tdi engine. Earlier models are almost identical and are known as Nineties or One Tens.

For some reason most Americans I've spoken too always want a Tdi engine. I think this is a HUGE mistake. I like the Tdi, I have two of them. But their only benefit is better mpg vs a V8. A good V8 will be more refined, nicer to drive, quicker and more powerful.

And in the USA you have the virtue of much cheaper fuel, so the poor mpg is much less of an issue.

If you are serious about importing, feel free to PM a message. I have a friend who has exported several to the USA and he could probably help you find a vehicle here and arrange it for you.

Condition is key with a Defender. The oily bits are all pretty robust. But the chassis can be prone to rusting. As can the main bulkhead (firewall) and the front footwells. Rest of the body work is pretty much fine though.