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Land Rover - Defender (1989)
Land Rover Defender 1989 – the iconic off‑road icon that still turns heads in today’s used‑car market. Though the original Land Rover Defender price back in the late 1980s was modest compared to contemporary SUVs, the classic 1989 model’s status as a collectible has made it a subject of interest for museum‑level collectors and adventure enthusiasts alike. The Land Rover Defender 1989 price today is largely dictated by configuration, mileage, and condition, and can range from a few thousand dollars to a high‑six‑figure premium for pristine examples.
Below is an in‑depth look at the 1989 Defender’s key specs, depreciation trajectory, and how it stacks up against modern rivals in the luxury adventure segment. Whether you’re hunting a used Land Rover Defender price listing or simply curious about what Land Rover Defender depreciation looks like over time, this guide covers it all.
Key Specs (HTML List)
- Engine: 2.8‑liter (2.8L) inline‑4 petrol / 3.6‑liter (3.6L) inline‑4 diesel (depending on market)
- Power Output: 137 hp (petrol) – 5.3 kW / 155 hp (diesel) – 6.1 kW
- Torque: 180 lb‑ft (petrol) – 244 Nm / 210 lb‑ft (diesel) – 285 Nm
- Transmission: 4‑speed manual (standard) or 5‑speed manual aftermarket
- Drive: 4WD L‑shaped transfer case with breakdown gear
- Fuel Type: Petrol or diesel (depending on spec)
- Dimensions: Length 4,250 mm – 4,275 mm | Width 1,735 mm | Height 1,845 mm | Wheelbase 2,500 mm
- Weight: 1,550 kg – 1,650 kg (dry)
- Curb Weight: ~1,700 kg with standard equipment
- Top Speed: 80–90 mph (fuel) / 75–85 mph (diesel)
- Acceleration (0‑60 mph): ~20–25 seconds (under 1,000 kg)
- Ground Clearance: 230 mm (typical)
- Approach / Departure Angles: 15° / 20° (limited)
- Suspension: Live rear axle with wheel‑by‑wheel hydraulic system
- Brakes: Disc brakes front & rear, with optional ventilated discs on the 1987‑88 updates
- Interior Features: Basic cabin, leather seats optional, manual climate control, minimal infotainment
Depreciation Insight (What Is a 1989 Land Rover Defender Worth?)
Because the 1989 Land Rover Defender sits at the intersection of nostalgia and practicality, its depreciation curve is markedly different from that of mainstream luxury SUVs. Below are realistic annual depreciation estimates you can use when asking what is a 1989 Land Rover Defender worth in today’s market:
- First year: Typically loses 15‑20% of its value, primarily due to mechanical wear and the lack of modern safety features.
- Year 2‑3: Depreciation slows to about 10‑12% per year as the vehicle becomes a more established collector’s item.
- Years 4‑5: Value stabilizes and can even appreciate 3‑5% annually if the vehicle is well‑maintained and retains authenticity.
- Year 6‑10: Long‑term depreciation becomes negligible; rarity and condition drive most of the resale price.
Overall, Land Rover Defender depreciation tends to be high in the first few years but then reaches a steady plateau, making the Defender a potentially smart investment if you keep it in excellent.
Comparison Context (Compared to Similar Models)
When you compare the 1989 Defender to contemporaries like the Jeep Wrangler (KK/KKA) or the Mercedes‑Baden Antraz, several distinctions become apparent:
- Off‑road capability: The Defender’s live rear axle and L‑shaped transfer case give it a lower center of gravity and better approach angle than the Wrangler’s independent tire‑by‑tire suspension.
- Durability: The Defender’s robust chassis and simplified mechanical layout mean fewer failures than the complex drivetrain of the Antraz.
- Classic appeal: The 1989 Defender’s design is instantly recognizable and holds more brand prestige than the Wrangler’s utilitarian look, which appeals to a slightly younger audience.
- Price range: While a used 1989 Defender might produce a comparable retail price to a used Wrangler from the same era, the Defender’s collectibility often nudges it ahead.
In terms
Last 20 car trackeds
| Last tracked date | Status | Price | Price rank | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years ago | used | £7,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 3 years ago | used | £11,850.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £7,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £12,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £9,850.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £6,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £11,850.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £8,750.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £8,750.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £8,750.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £8,750.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £8,750.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £8,750.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £49,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,495.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,495.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £49,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,500.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £10,495.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £49,950.00 | Unlock all links |