This Land Rover Defender 90 XS is a smart, low-mileage example of a timeless automotive icon, with an appealing specification. It is powered by the 2.2-litre DT224 diesel engine producing 120bhp, with permanent four-wheel drive via a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 10,947 miles from new.
First registered in September 2012, this Defender has just two previous registered keepers from new. The current owner acquired the car three years ago, and has covered around 3,000 miles behind the wheel since then. It has been dry-stored in a heated barn whenever not in use by him.
This Land Rover’s bodywork presents in excellent condition. There are no dents or other damage on the panels, and the original Orkney Grey metallic paint is in great shape. The only notes from the seller are that one small stone chip has been touched in below the nearside headlight, and that there is some bubbling in the finish below the windscreen. The exterior remains original and unmodified, with factory-fitted features including mud flaps and side protection runners.
All of the window seals, plastic body trims, hinges, and light lenses are in superb order. The window glass is all sound, free of any cracks or chips. The Defender rides on 16-inch ‘Boost’ alloy wheels, which are in excellent condition with no kerbing marks around the rims.
Inside, the four individual seats are trimmed in the original factory Black Leather and Rack Three Cloth. The upholstery presents very well indeed, protected by waterproof seat covers to ensure they have remained unspoilt, which the current owner has never removed - with the exception of capturing the photos for this listing.
The dashboard and door cards are in great shape, and the cabin equipment includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel, central cubby box trimmed in black vinyl, air-conditioning and heated front seats. There are tailored rubber floor mats throughout the interior to keep the carpets as clean and unmarked as possible. A mesh steel cargo barrier is fitted between the front and rear seats, which is easy to remove when not required.
There are six stamps in the maintenance record, with the most recent service having been carried on in February 2020 at 10,856 miles by Land Rover specialist Nick Kerner in Winkfield. The previous services were in March 2019 at 10,819 miles and July 2017 at 8,884 miles.
The most recent MOT test was on 6 May 2019 at 10,839 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory about residue on the front hub seals, and the tester noting the presence of a factory-fitted engine cover. The advisory on the MOT suggests that the swivel hubs would benefit from refurbishment or replacement in due course.
The alloys - including the full-size spare on the rear door - are fitted with Continental CrossContact all-terrain tyres in size 235/85 R16, which are date-coded to 2012 and still have approximately 12mm of tread remaining.
Accompanying this Defender is the complete book pack, including owner’s manual and service record, a raft of receipts for previous maintenance, and two sets of keys. Importantly, this car is also fitted with the advanced Datatag forensic anti-theft system. This not only provides unique identification markings on the vehicle, but also acts as a significant deterrent.
This Land Rover Defender 90 XS is a great example of the breed, which remains original and unmodified, and presents in superb condition with low mileage. While this car will undoubtedly appeal to some collectors, it is first and foremost a supremely capable utility vehicle, ready to be put into use immediately. If you have been looking for a very smart contemporary Defender with a great specification, then this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Summary of service history: