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2002 Land Rover Defender 90

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  • Mileage~93,428 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.5L
  • LocationLichfield

AUCTION CLOSED

2002 Land Rover Defender 90

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Loved by many - whether on- or off-road - the Defender 90 has a rugged appeal that people just can’t ignore.

The Defender family began its life as the British equivalent of the Second World War-derived (Willys) Jeep, and quickly gained a worldwide reputation for ruggedness and versatility.

The original Land Rover used a steel ladder chassis to support an aluminium alloy bodywork, and was still being produced in developing countries after the arrival of the relaunched Defender (L663). The Defender incorporated significant changes compared to its predecessor, such as adopting coil springs, lockable centre differential, and a more modern interior.

This example is fitted with Land Rover's last in-house diesel, the five-cylinder Td5, which offers serious torque at low revs – ideal for ploughing through waist-high mud! It comes from seven years' ownership, during which time the owner has thoroughly enjoyed it; his first-ever car! Or 4x4, to be correct. It comes with a long MOT, valid until 08.12.2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Will the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It might be an unconventional choice for a first car, but Will was dead set on having a Defender 90.

It took some convincing, but when Will finally managed to talk his parents and grandparents around, the search was on for the perfect Defender.

Purchased seven years ago from Walton Motors near Guildford, which primarily stocks Defenders, this 2002 Defender 90 had just ~63,000 miles and had been kitted out with additional equipment, including a CB radio and a tilt/pitch meter. For Will, it was a no-brainer - low miles and within his price range - so a deal was struck and Will became the proud owner of a Land Rover Defender, which he’s enjoyed for ~30,000 miles over seven years of ownership.

A recent change in job means Will has a longer-than-usual motorway commute each week, so he’s looking for something more suited to that sort of driving. Will can happily answer any questions in the comment section below.

Will
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

It's an iconic 4x4 shape, instantly recognisable worldwide.

Wheels and Tyres

The original wheels have been replaced with some later Land Rover options; these are finished in the original silver. There are a few minor marks but nothing excessive.

The tyres are a matching set of Continentals, all with a good amount of tread remaining.

Please take the time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

Walking around the Defender, the bodywork is in good condition. There are a couple of small dings and some minor corrosion blisters in places. The panels align well with even gaps, and all the doors open and close nicely.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to review all media files to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

Paint

Finished in 'Rutland Red' with a White roof, the paintwork is in good condition. There is some fading on the bulkhead, a few chips in places, and some chips on the top of the white roof, but generally it presents very well and, from what we could see, appears to be an original example.

The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition for their age. There are some minor marks, as you would expect, and the windscreen has a very small amount of clouding around the bottom and sides.

The headlights have been upgraded to angel-eye halo units that also flash as indicators, adding extra visibility for safety. There are also LED DRLs in the front bumper. The rear lights are in good condition, with no damage to the lenses.

Also included with the Defender are two metal mesh guards that cover the rear side windows.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

Interior

The Defender's simple interior has everything you need, plus a little bit more with the upgraded audio.

Seats and Carpets

The grey vinyl seats are in excellent condition, with no signs of damage and minimal age-related wear. In the rear, there are two bench seats that are also in excellent condition.

The heavy-duty rubber flooring is all in good order, with no signs of excessive wear.

Dashboard

The instruments are working correctly. The ABS light does show when first started, but this disappears once driven, and no other warning lights are displayed.

The odometer showed ~93,428 miles at the time of our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is original and has some light signs of age, consistent with the mileage.

Included with the sale is a new three-spoke steering wheel, complete with a boss kit and ready to be fitted: Will never got around to fitting it.

Both gear knobs are in good condition, with the numbers and letters clearly visible.

Mechanics

The Td5 is considered by many to be one of the most durable engines available for the Defender 90.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without hesitation and runs smoothly, with no issues reported by Will. A new turbo was fitted last summer, when it was also serviced.

Fitted with a five-speed gearbox, the change is direct and engages easily. No untoward noises are coming from the transmission, and the Defender performs well on the road.

Suspension and Brakes

The move from leaf springs to coil springs in the 1980s was the best thing Land Rover could have done, as it greatly improved the ride both on- and off-road. No knocks or bangs were heard from the suspension, and the ride was exactly as you would expect from a 4x4.

The brakes are working as expected, bringing the Defender to a stop in a straight line with no issues reported. Will tells us he had the brakes overhauled earlier this year, ahead of the latest MOT.

The Drive

Back to basics, pure, raw, and mechanical; just how a classic 4x4 should be. The Td5 turbodiesel engine delivers ample performance, and the gearbox is perfectly suited to both high and low range, depending on the terrain.

Sitting high up in its commanding driving position, you feel a sense of unstoppable capability, knowing that, behind the wheel, you are only minutes away from some fun, as the Defender can go pretty much wherever you take it.

Electrics and Other

All the switchgear appears to be original and in good condition, working as it should, with no reported problems.

A JVC CD head unit is fitted, powering speakers in the front and rear. Additionally, there is a CB radio, a tilt/pitch meter, and temperature and humidity gauges - although these gauges don’t appear to be working.

Helping keep the Defender secure is an alarm/immobiliser system.

History and Paperwork

It appears to be a solid, honest example which hasn’t spent its life off-roading.

There isn’t a great amount of paperwork with the Defender when it comes to invoices and repairs, as it has been reliable during Will’s seven years of ownership. As is increasingly common, any earlier paperwork wasn’t passed on by the garage from which he purchased it.

This is a great example for anyone looking for a nice, honest, unmolested Defender. There are, of course, the upgraded headlights, stereo, and CB radio, which are all welcome additions to one of Land Rover's most beloved models. It comes with a long MOT, valid until 08.12.2026.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, as well as a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional HPI check that will highlight if the car has previously been stolen, recorded as being involved in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Please note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We’ve summarised our own view of the car based on information provided by the seller; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video each car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your home. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are also welcomed on all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time; we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like at a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
09.12.2025 MOT 90,665
05.12.2024 MOT 86,925
22.11.2023 MOT 82,173
06.12.2022 MOT 77,093
09.11.2021 MOT 73,808
03.12.2020 MOT 69,535
03.12.2019 MOT 66,163
26.11.2018 MOT 62,230
15.01.2018 MOT 61,377
16.01.2017 MOT 59,986
01.02.2016 MOT 57,935
05.01.2015 MOT 54,935
09.01.2014 MOT 51,020
14.01.2013 MOT 47,483
05.01.2012 MOT 44,278
19.01.2011 MOT 40,836
14.01.2010 MOT 36,836
14.01.2009 MOT 32,953
14.01.2008 MOT 29,991
24.01.2007 MOT 27,236
02.02.2006 MOT 23,887
Key Details
  • Year2002
  • ModelDefender 90
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date28.02.2002
  • CC2495
  • Mileage~93,428 on clock
  • ColourRutland Red/White
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #SALLDVA572A633043
  • Engine #15P18199A
  • MOTExp: 08.12.2026
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers3
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned7 years, 1 month
  • Key FeatureNice honest exapmle
  • Vehicle RegistrationHT51 OOJ
  • Auction ID3816






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

I'M INTERESTED
Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
10 Comments
glassman1
glassman1
11 days ago

Has it had a respray in the Past?
any bubbling to hinge areas and windscreen?

JamesBinns
JamesBinns
11 days ago

Is this original a hard top or a station wagon?

coffindodger
coffindodger
11 days ago

Is this a private sale and have you set a reserve
Thanks
Roy

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  coffindodger
11 days ago

Hi Roy,

This is a private sale, all our cars have a reserve unless stated otherwise in the title, we can’t unveil it though as it undermine the auction.

Thanks,
Colin.

JeffO
JeffO
13 days ago

What is the V5 registration for Mot history please?

JeffO
JeffO
13 days ago

Hi Will, Does this Defender have any chassis corrosion ? and has the chassis been replaced at any time in last 24 years?
TiA J.

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Vehicle Location

Lichfield

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