Make: Land Rover

Engine: Td5 Diesel

Model: Defender

Drivetrain: 4×4

Odometer: 83,000

Transmission: Manual

Location: Tucson, AZ

Title Status: Clean

Fuel Type: Diesel

This extensively refurbished 1999 Land Rover Defender 90 is offered by Sonoran Rovers in Tucson, AZ for $49,500. Finished in Portofino Red over a bespoke black leather interior with red diamond stitching, this right-hand drive example shows just 83,000 miles from new (~3k miles/year). It has undergone a major recent overhaul, including a powder-coated replacement chassis, new rear tub, fresh respray, and upgraded interior finishes. Powered by the reliable Td5 turbo-diesel backed by an R380 5-speed gearbox, it offers excellent condition, rugged usability, and standout curb appeal in a rare U.S.-titled package.

• Defender Heritage: The Defender 90 was introduced in 1984 as a short-wheelbase counterpart to the legendary Land Rover lineup, prized for its maneuverability and off-road strength. By 1999, it had cemented its reputation as one of the most capable 4x4s in the world, with low global production numbers making quality examples increasingly collectible.

• Proven Td5 Powertrain: Under the hood sits the 2.5L Td5 turbo-diesel, renowned for its torque, reliability, and fuel efficiency-capable of nearly 30 mpg with conservative driving. It's paired with the R380 5-speed manual gearbox and a dual-range transfer case, delivering power to all four wheels with confidence on both highway and trail.

• Refreshed Exterior: The body was fully disassembled and resprayed in Portofino Red, including a new rear tub and powder-coated replacement chassis installed in 2022. Black powder-coated Boost alloys wear brand new BFGoodrich KO3 tires, while new rear windows complete the sharp exterior presentation.

• Bespoke Interior: Inside, the Defender sports custom black leather upholstery with red diamond stitching across the seats, cubby box, and trim panels. A hand-finished Sonoran mesquite rear deck and cubby box add a unique desert-inspired touch, blending craftsmanship with practicality.

• Ownership & Condition: Showing just 83,000 miles, the Defender benefits from careful refurbishment and strong recent maintenance. It holds a clean U.S. title, has passed a 500-mile shakedown without issue, and is offered with a 500-mile warranty. Air conditioning is available as an optional $7,000 upgrade, and the seller includes a weekend camping trip with Sonoran Rovers.

This 1999 Land Rover Defender 90 TD5 combines classic British design with modern usability and exceptional condition. With its refurbished chassis, new paint, upgraded interior, and fuel-efficient turbo-diesel, it stands as one of the cleanest U.S.-titled Td5 examples currently on the market. Whether you're after a collector-grade truck, a reliable daily driver, or an adventure-ready overlander, this Defender offers rarity, capability, and craftsmanship in one package.

Powertrain

• 2.5L Td5 inline-five turbo-diesel (30 mpg possible with conservative driving)

• R380 5-speed manual transmission

• Dual-range 4x4 transfer case

• Recent 500-mile U.S. shakedown with no issues

Exterior

• Portofino Red respray (disassembled for full paint job)

• Replacement powder-coated chassis (2022)

• New rear tub and rear windows

• Boost alloys powder-coated black

• Brand new BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrain tires

Interior

• Bespoke black leather upholstery with red diamond stitching

• Hand-finished Sonoran mesquite rear deck and cubby box

• Clean, rust-free interior and tub

Condition

• 83,000 miles (~3k/year from new)

• U.S.-titled and highway-ready

• Smooth-shifting R380 gearbox and solid drivetrain with no clunks/play

• No rust observed, excellent overall condition

• Optional A/C upgrade available (~$7,000)

• Financing available with good credit (20% down)

• Sale includes 500-mile warranty and weekend camping trip with Sonoran Rovers