300tdi or TD5? D2 sold and I'm in the market for a Defender

mikerajjers · Jan 5, 2016

Hi all,

sold my D2 this morning for 7300EUR, which I was very happy with and I can seriously start looking for a defender. Budget is 10000EUR and it must be LHD.

Which model year is the best for a Defender? I'm wanting something technically and electronically simple so that I can learn to do basic repairs. I gather the 300tdi may be just what I am looking for. I had a TD5 D2 and the amount of electronics was well outside my comfort zone. Although everything worked fine, I'd prefer something simpler. Is there much difference between a 300tdi and TD5 Defender other than the engine? Is the chassis, gearbox and everything else the same?

I've found this one ,if anybody has the time to see the pics and offer their advice as to whether it looks in good shape that would be much appreciated. The one pictures also has small windows on the sides of the rear. I've seen this on a couple - was that factory fitted?
http://auto.bazos.sk/inzerat/56903658/LAND-ROVER-DEFENDER-110-25-TDI-HARDTOP-300TDI.php

ER1C · Jan 5, 2016

mikerajjers said:
Hi all,

sold my D2 this morning for 7300EUR, which I was very happy with and I can seriously start looking for a defender. Budget is 10000EUR and it must be LHD.

Which model year is the best for a Defender? I'm wanting something technically and electronically simple so that I can learn to do basic repairs. I gather the 300tdi may be just what I am looking for. I had a TD5 D2 and the amount of electronics was well outside my comfort zone. Although everything worked fine, I'd prefer something simpler. Is there much difference between a 300tdi and TD5 Defender other than the engine? Is the chassis, gearbox and everything else the same?

I've found this one ,if anybody has the time to see the pics and offer their advice as to whether it looks in good shape that would be much appreciated. The one pictures also has small windows on the sides of the rear. I've seen this on a couple - was that factory fitted?
http://auto.bazos.sk/inzerat/56903658/LAND-ROVER-DEFENDER-110-25-TDI-HARDTOP-300TDI.php

200TDI = Mechanics dream
300TDI = Start of electric but not of full management and the need for them to work
TD5 = Full electrical integration

lynall · Jan 5, 2016

Thing is with any of them all their foibles are well known and all the info on the fixes required are out there.
I would say TD5 just for the power alone., its quite simple compared to modern common rail motors.
But the 200 and 300 are as simple as simple gets.

micknkatenki · Jan 5, 2016

As above, I went for 300 tdi as wanted to off road and on road use and for off road use there is far less electrics to worry about, td5 probably better on road.

lightning · Jan 5, 2016

We bought a 300tdi CSW and it was a really nice one, probably the best "proper Defender" but it was noisy and clattery for road use.
We changed it for a TD5 CSW and this model is MUCH more refined for use as a car.
However l do have a heart for the 300tdi. It's such an "honest" vehicle and totally fit for purpose.
It's harder to find good ones though, as they are all at least 17 years old. Many will need doors, rear door, and maybe a chassis/bulkhead.
The TD5 is a lot newer and it's easier to find one that's all good. You MIGHT get lucky for £10,000.
Our lovely 2003 CSW cost £12,995 after looking at about twelve from £8-12,000 that were solid but tatty.
The 300tdi was a nice example and cost us £8995 but it was a true "farmer's friend" it leaked, rattled, but generally chuntered along happily. A dealer gave us £8500 against the TD5 and put it on the front at £10,495 after doing a few jobs on it.
It sold within a week.

mikerajjers · Jan 5, 2016

thanks for your replies! I've thus far only driven a 2008 defender with the 2.4 engine and that was very nice but a little out of my price range. Perhaps the 300tdi will be a bit too simple. I guess best way to find out is to test drive one. Mind you, I had a 1970s Russian 4x4 (UAZ 469) a couple of years ago and the ride in that was a right bone-shaker. Nonetheless absolutely loved it!

Am I correct in thinking all defenders had springs rather than leaf springs?

reiny · Jan 6, 2016

If you're used to a TD5, stick to a TD5. The 300 will be too agricultural and sluggish for you.

bankz5152 · Jan 6, 2016

TD5. Got the power, more refinement.

Post 2002 though, improved over the first generation, more modern.

Buy a Nanocom with it and you'll be fine.

Equally if you want more power its easily attainable. Ive had mine for just over 3 years, 2 electrical issues, one was a bad battery earth one was a failed sensor. Otherwise none.

Coffeelandy · Jan 6, 2016

300tdi and pimp the engine with intercooler and turbo, De cat, straight exhaust and decent air filter.
Mine runs quieter than the in laws td5 although not at present as the power steering hose in tits!

lynall · Jan 6, 2016

The thing is as time marches on no matter what you do to a powerplant it wont be as powerful and as long term reliable as the newer models.
So a tuned 300 will still be beaten by a std td5 and a tdv6 will beat a tuned td5, I can vouch for that one personally as I was the td5 driver!
Im sure there are cases of the opposite happening but I did mention long term reliability.

danny6801 · Jan 6, 2016

They are not meant to be refined that's what disco's are for and range rovers get a 300tdi best engine for a defender runs on veg can be worked on easily enough even without little knowledge.

MrNasty · Jan 7, 2016

Td5 sounds good and is not very complex at all, and is pretty easy to work on, plus it has two oil filters, can't beat two oil filters eh? 2.4 and 2.2 tdci ford engines are a little more complex than the Td5 and like the Td5 you can get the odd one that is nothing but trouble, previous servicing schedules and how the thing was used is an important consideration. 200's and the 300 are happy little engines, but they are elderly now and I find them underpowered, even with "tweaked" pumps, nothing inherently wrong with them, just old designs.
15p Td5 late 2002 engines are the best ones to go for, but saying that, the earlier 10p engines will have had their specific issues rectified now anyway.

300tdi or TD5? D2 sold and I'm in the market for a Defender

mikerajjers

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ER1C

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lynall

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micknkatenki

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lightning

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mikerajjers

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reiny

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bankz5152

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Coffeelandy

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lynall

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danny6801

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MrNasty

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