When Land Rover debuted the Defender name in 1990, we saw the numbers written out numerically to replace the outgoing Ninety and One-Ten variants; the model line-up now featured the Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130. The example we have here is a 2004 Defender 90, and one of its most notable features resides under the bonnet: you see, in 1998 the range was updated to include the Td5 engine – an all-new 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbo-diesel motor which was torquey and rugged but also markedly cleaner, and it was revised again in 2002 to further improve emissions. 

This engine is a mark of pride for Land Roverists; indeed, you can see from the number plate on this example – LR54 TDS – that it’s a feature to shout about.

This Defender has evidently been looked after (peek underneath and you’ll see that it hasn’t spent its life bouncing off jagged rocks), and it’s recently been fully serviced. Its current keeper has very much enjoyed owning it, and is regretfully only selling it for ULEZ reasons. It’s the model everybody’s clamouring for these days; Td5 Defenders are very much in demand right now, and this one is a thoroughly enjoyable  and well-presented example of the breed.

 

The interior is in remarkably good condition. Defender cabins can often be a bit of a mixed bag given the inherently rough-and-tumble lifestyles they can lead, but this one is clean, tidy and well-presented throughout. The seats have weathered 129k miles extremely well, with no notable signs of wear to the Exmoor Trim front seats, and there are tidy seat pads on the rear benches to match.

The dash is undamaged and complete, sporting the factory-original head unit and a very smart looking Momo steering wheel. The carpets, rubber floor mats and headlining are all clean and decent.

This shade of deep dark green is arguably the strongest look for a Defender, it suits the classic lines so well. And the overall condition is very good; the light lenses and window glass are all good, the doors all close with a nice solid thunk, and there’s no evidence of it having ricocheted off trees and suchlike as can happen with so many Landies.

There’s a little surface corrosion visible on the bumpers, as is par for the course with a 19-year-old Defender, but it all looks to be reassuringly solid where it counts. It’s got the desirable accessories you want, with the spotlights up front and additional lighting and spare wheel out back, plus the tow bar with electrics.

The original alloy wheels are fitted; the lacquer has lifted a bit here and there, but they look straight and true and wear good quality BFGoodrich tyres with plenty of tread

Land Rovers go on seemingly forever if they’re looked after, and this one appears to all be in great working order throughout the drivetrain. It’s very recently been treated to a full service, and it all works as it should.

The motor fires happily on the first twist of the key, settling into an even idle; the owner regularly takes it on lengthy journeys to the coast for sporting endeavours and Land Roverish pursuits, and reports that everything’s doing what it should with no issues.

There are no areas of concern reported with the transmission, braking, steering or suspension, with receipts showing that the shocks and springs are recent, as are the discs and pads. A Longlife exhaust system has also been custom-made for the Land Rover. A tough machine that’s been properly maintained.

The Defender badge is front-and-centre of the cultural zeitgeist right now, thanks to the new-for-2020 model making impressive waves since its launch. In a peculiar way, it actually helped that lockdown kicked in before any UK journalists were able to drive the new one, because Land Rover instead decided to give the press fleet to key workers to deliver essential Covid-related supplies, which really helped to bolster the brand’s reputation. Defenders? They’re for good guys.

This has always been the case, of course, and the enthusiasm for old-school Defenders has received a real shot in the arm of late. These instantly recognisable British workhorses are inextricably interwoven through the very fabric of the national identity, and the idea of an early-2000s example is extremely attractive these days, thanks to their myriad improvements over the Series models in terms of refinement and sophistication. They’re rugged old hectors, these Defenders, and they won’t let you down.

And this one? Quite simply, it’s a decent and usable Defender that doesn’t need anything doing to it – it’s ready to drive away and enjoy. The mechanicals are all in good order, the bodywork is highly presentable, and the dependability is baked-in.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*