Want to buy and ship a vintage British Land Rover Defender from the UK to America? Maybe not immediately if you’ve recently moved to the UK and are uncertain about the whole driving on the left thing, but it doesn’t take long to understand why the Defender was truly the Duke of Edinburgh’s favorite. And obviously the rest of the British Isles’, too!
If you’re an American in the UK and curious about how to get one of these British beauties back to the USA, this post is for you. But full disclaimer that I’m no mechanic or expert in this field, but here to share tips as an American with experience shopping in the UK to buy and export one.
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If you’re not quite sure what all the Defender fascination is about, you must read Land Rover or English by Ben Fogle to get up to speed. If anything, they are fab reads to immerse yourself in all things British, while getting quite a good laugh too.
My Defender Truth
My dream to buy a Land Rover Defender 90 started in England on Fishpool Street in St Albans. After walking by a white working Defender for nearly 3 years, I knew we needed one.
The Defender on Fishpool Street England
We left England without becoming proud owners of a 25+ year-old Defender while living there. However, we were only 1 rust spot away from it and so bummed that we decided to import one once back in America instead. As a result, we learned a fair amount about how to buy a Land Rover to export to America.
If importing a Land Rover to America is on your UK bucket list, here’s how to do it.
1 – You must buy a vintage original
What do I mean by vintage original?
- In order to export a Land Rover, it has to be 25 years old or older.
- You want to buy a Land Rover Defender 90 or 110.
- The motor must be original.
- It also means that the SUV must have its original chassis. It cannot be a galvanized replacement chassis. The chassis can be modified after it’s been imported to America but if it’s been previously modified, it can’t go.
- The VIN on the chassis has to match the tag/plate.
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2 – Start the Land Rover Defender search early
I can not emphasize this enough. Start Defender shopping as soon as you know you might want to ship one back to America when it’s time for you to return.
While we could have made it happen with only 2 weeks to go before repatriation (our omg moment that we really wanted one), it would have been better to start the Defender hunt at least 6 months out. Or better, immediately upon arriving in the UK.
3 – Decide what you want: As-Is or Custom
If you’re in a pinch, both money and time-wise, your option is to focus on finding a Defender as-is.
Facebook Marketplace is the best resource (based on experience) for as-is shopping. Between private and commercial sellers, you can find the best array around all of Great Britain. The catch here is being ready to road trip shop for it!
The biggest issue with using Facebook without having a pre-existing relationship with a seller is the speed to act. These Vintage SUVs sell FAST – as in within hours of posting to Facebook fast. And the price is hardly negotiable because of their demand.
Plan on 12-20K£ if you’re truly buying an original vintage with no updates.
If you know you want a custom Defender look, this can take a couple of months to a half year to build to your spec. Maybe longer with the pandemic impact.
Plan on at least 30K£ for a custom Defender that meets exportation requirements.
4 – Connect with Land Rover sellers that specialize in exporting
Buying a custom Defender to ship to America should involve using a Land Rover shop that is familiar with exporting overseas. Use a specialty shop that knows the Land Rover exportation requirements, customs paperwork, and overall shipping process. This way you minimize the risk of your Land Rover not getting cleared to ship abroad.
Car dealers that infrequently get a Land Rover Defender trade-in on their lot are familiar with the exportation process, but be sure to ask upfront.
A list of places to find Land Rovers for sale in England:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Jimmy Johnson – Jimmy had several Defenders on his private lot when we met him and regularly exports Defenders to the USA for clients. We simply didn’t have enough time to make the modifications we wanted prior to moving back to America so chose to wait.
- Gumtree
- Classic Cars For Sale
3 places that specialize in exporting Land Rovers from the UK for Americans:
- Autoshoppers.co.uk
- Neneoverland.co.uk/export/
- Walton-motors.co.uk/exports
5 – Test Drive the Defender if you can
While the appearance is enough to fall in love with them and even consider adding a yellow Labrador for the back, don’t go on looks alone. Test drive to be sure you’re setting realistic expectations of what it is you’re actually purchasing. A 25-year-old vehicle isn’t going to drive like a new one, and potentially feel a lot older than even 25. Power steering, a/c, seat benches vs seats, and even windshield wipers might make you realize it’s not going to fit your family lifestyle or needs for where you’ll live next.
Nevertheless, test driving a Defender off-road (I did!) should be on everyone’s British experience list.
Be sure to inspect all bits on the Defender before buying!
6 – Get a quote from the exporter
Before you make an offer on a Defender get a quote on the total cost to export. This needs to be factored into the total amount you’re willing to spend so you can manage the budget without an export fee surprise.
7 – Tips for negotiating the sale
Defenders are a hot commodity as they are no longer making the original style. That said, negotiating a sale price doesn’t leave a lot of room in favor of the buyer. However, 2 close British friends in the auto business give these tips for negotiating a Land Rover sale that is worth trying:
- Start with a reasonable and respectful offer, 1-2K lower than the asking price.
- Remind the seller that you’re going to pay cash (if that’s an option).
- Have comparable Defenders with stats to back your offer.
- Have cash ready on hand to hold the Land Rover the same day you intend to see it.
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8 – Be first
As soon as you find a potential Land Rover online you like, request information and intent to the seller immediately. There’s an unspoken trust in the British culture where if you see it or ask for it first, you get the first right of refusal.
9 – Stick to your gut
Even though we looked at 5 Defenders for sale, and nearly bought one, there was one issue, albeit small, that made the sale not “feel right”. The kids were excited, I was pushing for it, and we could easily imagine a dog or 2 in the back. But my husband stuck to his original plan – if there was any rust we would walk away. And so we did in the end.
Final Tips On How To Buy A Defender To Import To America
Rust, rust, rust. If you’re not able to see the Defender in person, arrange a detailed video walkthrough of the vehicle and even have the seller take you on a virtual ride. Request images of the undercarriage and evidence of working parts – windshield wipers, lights, blinkers, brakes (really), etc.
And if it doesn’t work out to buy a Land Rover Defender while you’re living in the UK, there are options to fulfill your dream of owning a one once you’ve moved back to America. The story is obviously cooler if you can find and export one while living in the UK, but be sure to follow the steps above so it’s 100% worth it!
Looking for British things?
- British Things You Can’t Get In America
- 8 Quirky British Foods To Try Different From America
- Moving to the UK? Download my MOVING GUIDE
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2 comments
I’ve got a Land Rover best car we’ve ever bought. I was this poor girl from South Dakota workout any money now we drive a Land Rover and travel the world. If you want something get it. These are serious status symbols in the USA even my sister was super jelly over my purchase.
That’s awesome, Mitzy! We get our Defender in December (hopefully) and can’t wait! I’ve been publishing progress photos on my IG Stories…it already looks SOOO different!