I think the reliability issues are more down to poor servicing etc, because i'e had a V8 range rover, a TD5 and now a 300tdi. Not one of these gave me any real problems. The range rover was totally reliable the whole time, the TD5 had rear airbags and a rocker cover gasket and the 300 tdi has been faultless, even in this winter, starts no problem and makes driving in this weather easy. As long as you get one that has been cared for, you'll be fine!!