Making my 1994 200tdi reliable

Hi all,

D1 200tdi been sitting probably 5 years now (failed MOT on rust), about to get some of this sorted.

I'd like to make it reliable to get around the M25 towing etc.

What are the main things for help make this run better, already covered off the usual full service etc, should I look into any of the following and possibly more:

- Thermostat?
- Cambelt/belts
- Gearbox oil
- Brake fluid done
- Brake lines done
- Rear shocks done
- Fuel pump? This had some issue around 7 years ago a garage sorted it at the time
- Glow plugs no idea when these were last replaced

Rust on the rear body mounts are about to be looked at.

She is old year 1994 with 220k miles on it mostly motorway miles, this has been in the family since brand new (never been off road).

Or another option, sell her and buy a Honda CRV for the reliability aspect?

Any thoughts, greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Wash your mouth out with the Honda crv . I’m looking to do similar to be honest to one of similar mileage. I’m restoring one at the moment but have got a commercial to take the beating of shifting stuff about and general duties instead of my daily getting abused.

Lots of people on here have run them for years so they’ll chip in hopefully. In addition to your list of what I intend though:

Water pump (oem spec!) p gasket, fuel lines, fuel pump - lift and main, not sure if people do HG as a matter of maintenance?, silicone coolant pipe kit and a low coolant alarm.
I’m going to put a fresh alternator on also, UJs, bearings including stub axle seals, swivels/seals. A lot for the former could be done as and when you notice weeps etc. check leak off pipes, power steering hoses, oil cooler hoses, brake lines, transfer weep etc.

At high mileage I’d be looking at getting the injectors refurbed or even buying a spare set for refurb that you could swap over one day.
My resto build is having rebuilt pump and refurbed injectors but that’s a fresh rebuild that I’ll be going ocd with.

Rust is the killer mate and will creep up on you. It’s such a bastard. I’d ensure you’ve dealt with it thoroughly before putting money into it

Have you seen the towing capacity of the Honda CRV

J