To buy a TD5 or not

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Osiris

New Member
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Hi all,
I currently drive a ‘04’ plate Freelander, that we have owned for the past two-years, and use it to pull our 1500kg caravan. I have to say that I am surprised by its reliability and pleasure in driving, though she struggles a bit with the van. That’s why my wife and I are looking at a ‘54’ plate Discovery TD5 at our local LR Dealers. It is as good as new with only 48K on the clock. Yet, I am a bit concerned with some of the write ups on a particular towcar website; the last two not being very complimentary at all to the TD5. Can anyone throw any light on this subject?
I used to own a Discovery TDI but I had many problems with transmission rather than engine problems but I understand they were prone to engine failures owing to timing belts. Does the TD5 have this arrangement or is it timing chains? Does anybody else tow with a TD5 and finds it acceptable and that their vehicle is reliable.
I would appreciate any comments or thoughts; cheers in anticipation.
Mike
 
They are great vehicles, BUT they ALL go through a " mid-life crisis " at some point. ( usaully between 60 and 80 thousand ).

Search the internet and you will soon get an idea of what I,m talking about.

I got my TD5 at 60k, and its now on 90k, and I,ve spent about a grand on parts for it, ( all the common stuff ), and I,ve done all the work myself.

I wouldnt be without it now. Its a great vehicle and is good for towing.

Your always going to read horrific reveiws for these cars, as when they go wrong, if you dont know a good independant Landy garage, you,re going to get " reamed " by the main dealer !.

Del.
 
I've had mine about 8 months and love it. I tow a twin axle Abbey Spectrum and have had 6 six people in the car ( 4 kids ) but still no real problems. Had the usual rear air springs, 3 amigo's and snapped manifold bolts but wouldn't be without it!
 
hi iv had my disco 2 for about 6 months now spent about 1500 on things like air susspension full service tyres height level sensors ,but i tow a 1300kg caravan and i love the car to bits even tho it has cost a bit,i used to have a subaru impreza station waggon to tow ....but the disco is a lot better,i have the es premium and i drove 10 hrs with caravan to scotland non stop ,did not get one problem the car is so comfy and that was in the snow,mine has done 120k on clock,so maybe thats why it costa a bit to look after.
 
From experience you usually tend to find a car at the end of its production run are usually the best to have as many of the problem have been "ironed out", of course this does not mean your not going to get problems but theres less chance than an older vehicle!
 
They're a very nice car, but expensive when they go wrong. As stated above, the later ones are better. If it was me though, I'd consider a FL2 auto instead - a bit bigger than the old Freelander and lots more power. Much more economical than the TD5 and, I suspect, a bit more reliable.
 
A stated above, TD5's are a fine vehicle. Late in 2001, many of the issues were fixed (such as replacing the dowels in the head from plastic to metal). I've owned a 2002 from new, now on 178,000 miles. A few niggles but generally excellent. It does tow very well, with lots of low-down torque.

There are a few "usual" issues, ACE pipes corroding, rear suspension airbags can give trouble (you can swap for springs), et cetera. Most of the issues are well discussed on here, and none of them are really that bad!

Go for it!
 
chrisjc
My 3 amigos turned out to be a wheel bearing on its way out. I had the sensor changed first but it came back after a day. The bearing hasn't been changed yet, but the grease that was causing the fault by covering the ABS ring has been cleaned away. They haven't returned yet!
 
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