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Land Rover

Land Rover - Defender (1988)

Driving the iconic Land Rover Defender has always been a statement of rugged adventure and timeless style. The 1988 version, a cornerstone of the Defender lineage, still turns heads on modern roads and off‑road trails. If you’re exploring the Land Rover Defender price in today’s market, it’s useful to understand what the 1988 model costs, how used vehicles fetch cash, and what depreciation trends you can expect.

  • Engine: Inline‑4, 2 .5 L, 87 hp (early models)
  • Transmission: 4‑speed manual or 3‑speed automatic (automatic rarely found in older runs)
  • Fuel type: Petrol, later variants available with diesel options
  • Dimensions: 4 .3 m length, 1 .82 m width, 1 .73 m height
  • Weight: Roughly 1 .8 kg (without accessories)
  • Performance: 0–100 km/h in 13–15 seconds (depending on Load)
  • Off‑road capability: 40 % – 51 % wheel‑to‑ground clearance (4 .9–5 .5 in)
  • Drivetrain: Permanent all‑wheel drive with differential locks
  • Suspension: Dual‑arm front, leaf springs rear
  • Cabin features: Manual steering wheel, 5‑scroll hub, optional AM radio

When you first look up the Land Rover Defender 1988 price, you’ll see values vary widely depending on condition, mileage, and market demand. A pristine, low‑mileage 1988 can command higher prices than typical used examples, but most buyers are looking at the used Land Rover Defender price spectrum, where values range from a few thousand to over $30,000.

One of the most discussed topics for collectors and drivers is Land Rover Defender depreciation. Over the past decade, these rugged machines have showcased remarkable resilience. While most new cars lose 20–30 % of their value in the first year, a classic 1988 Defender tends to hold its ground better. Typical depreciation for this model often stays between 10 % and 15 % in the first year, with a slower decline thereafter. By the fifth year, the total depreciation may reach around 40 %—a higher rate than many modern SUVs but still a solid indicator of the Defender’s enduring appeal.

For those asking the classic question, what is a 1988 Land Rover Defender worth, a good starting point is comparison with contemporary Off‑Road legends. In 2023, the average used 1988 Defender with 120,000 km sits at about $18,000 in the United States, and $22,000 in the United Kingdom—though prices differ between dealership and private sales.

When you place a used Land Rover Defender in context with other models, you’ll find that: