The US classic cars market is the largest in the world, generating nearly $19 billion in revenue by 2024. If you’re looking for classic Defenders for Sale, you need as much information as possible. What questions do you ask to find out about the legality of the vehicle? How do you find out the maintenance record and whether it has been restored?

Here are 10 key questions you should ask when buying or considering classic Defenders for sale.

What About the Title?

Depending on the age of the vehicle, the owner may not have a title for the Defender. So, do your research to find out whether your state issued titles for vehicles of that year and type. Check the title to make sure it’s clear with no lien or restriction on selling the vehicle.

What About the Seller’s Name?

Assuming that the vehicle has a title, check to make sure the classic Defender lists the seller’s name correctly. Ask to verify that the names sync up by checking the seller’s official identification (a driver’s license or passport). Your state may require a notarized signature by the seller for the sale to be valid.

Is the Seller a Representative?

If the representative has permission to speak and bargain on behalf of the seller, you might be fine to discuss the details of the classic Defender. It may just take longer for the entire purchase process to complete. Ensure that you get all the facts on the vehicle’s history and that you get the title and paperwork sign-off for your state.

What About the Registration?

If the car’s registration is current, you may have nothing to worry about. The seller could have several valid reasons the car’s registration is not current. For example, the car could have been sitting in the yard for years because of mechanical issues.

What About Mileage?

The length of ownership tells you important details about how well the seller has cared for the classic. Combined with the maintenance records and mileage, you may determine whether the vehicle is a classic trophy or a nightmare to avoid.

What About Rust?

For a new vehicle, any rust might be a turnoff. With a classic Defender, though, determine whether it’s surface rust or more structural. Depending on the level of rust, the vehicle might still be worth your time and effort, even if you might need to do some restoration work.

What About the Condition Code?

A condition code is a great way to gauge the value of a vehicle even without seeing it. Of course, you’re relying on the seller’s evaluation, but you should still get a general sense of the vehicle’s condition, based on accepted qualifications.

• Excellent
• Fine
• Very good
• Good
• Restorable
• Parts car

You may not expect to find a classic Defender in an “Excellent” condition, since that probably means the vehicle has been sitting in a garage somewhere. All the components appear new, so it may be a show car. Even a classic in “Good” condition means it’s still driveable.

What About a Test Drive?

A test drive means you’re meeting the seller or their representative and driving the car. So, you’ll get a sense of whether the classic Defender is really as advertised, as well as if there are any obvious mechanical issues that will soon need to be addressed.

What About the Mechanic?

When you take the classic Defender to your mechanic, ask them to examine the engine and chassis to see what the condition of the vehicle is. Your mechanic can run full diagnostics to get a more comprehensive sense of what the issues are.

What About the Interior?

The interior of the restored Defender is always something that you can consider when you’re looking to buy a vehicle. It’s just one factor that you’ll consider, though. It may be one feature you’ll add to your list of things you’ll work on as part of the restoration.