discofever
New Member
After a Defender 90.
My only query is which engine do the wise old sages on this forum recommend?
My only query is which engine do the wise old sages on this forum recommend?
discofever
New Member
Just had a good search through the forums and looks like TD5 is a no no
discofever
New Member
Thanks for the reply Ratty.
I live in the middle of nowhere so a 4x4 is essential.
Basically need a vehicle that can tow a caravan or large trailer.
Just heard a lot of bad news about TD5's, and unfortunately I have seen a TD5
90 that I quite like the look of.
Trying to convince myself to not let the TD5 tag put me off
I live in the middle of nowhere so a 4x4 is essential.
Basically need a vehicle that can tow a caravan or large trailer.
Just heard a lot of bad news about TD5's, and unfortunately I have seen a TD5
90 that I quite like the look of.
Trying to convince myself to not let the TD5 tag put me off
ratty
I'm not special I'm limited edition
I was unsure about the TD5 when I bought mine. I bought it cheap and it turned out to have a cracked head.
After the initial mucking about sorting that out it broke down for the first time a few weeks back with the copper washers on the injectors leaking back. It still got me home.
Bearing in mind it is offroaded, tows regularly in mud and snow and is used as a workhorse I can't complain.
If possible go for a 2002 onwards as they have less problems with them. Would I buy abother TD5 myself...... Oh Yes!!!
Cutty Dyer
Active Member
I had a similar dilemma when buying my 1st Defender at the beginning of the year. One of my main criteria was the ease and cost of driveway maintenance, it was for this reason I opted for a 300 tdi (limited mechanical experience). The TD5 would have better suited my daily commute, but the fitting of good quality acoustic mats and the regular doses of mineral 2 stroke oil in the tank, has made my 300 tdi far more motorway friendly.
waldershelf
Well-Known Member
300tdi for me, simply because there is nothing I can't do myself. The TD5 has had it's problems but most of those have been solved by now. TBH I would worry more about tinworm than which engine it's got in it.
doodle bug
Well-Known Member
We got one of each ! the 300tdi imho is a far better engine ....the td5 is used only for short trips due to the fact we can never fully trust it ! even after spending a lot of money on it..
discofever
New Member
Its a 2001 TD5 so it looks like I may have to side step this one and wait until a suitable TDi comes along.
mines a 99 TD5 and until the otherday ive had no major issues. The alternator died on the way back from salisbury and i had to get trailered back by the AA.
But thats the only time i havent managed to get home under my own steam like ratty said.
I love my TD5 but ive never had a 200/300 so cant comment on them.
Parts are steeper for a TD5 in some cases but not all.
The difference in power and the smooth delivery is obvious. And like has been said its a little more refined.
Id also have another TD5, but i wouldnt rule out a 300.
Decisions, decisions hey.
But thats the only time i havent managed to get home under my own steam like ratty said.
I love my TD5 but ive never had a 200/300 so cant comment on them.
Parts are steeper for a TD5 in some cases but not all.
The difference in power and the smooth delivery is obvious. And like has been said its a little more refined.
Id also have another TD5, but i wouldnt rule out a 300.
Decisions, decisions hey.
ratty
I'm not special I'm limited edition
mines a 99 TD5 and until the otherday ive had no major issues. The alternator died on the way back from salisbury and i had to get trailered back by the AA.
But thats the only time i havent managed to get home under my own steam like ratty said.
I love my TD5 but ive never had a 200/300 so cant comment on them.
Parts are steeper for a TD5 in some cases but not all.
The difference in power and the smooth delivery is obvious. And like has been said its a little more refined.
Id also have another TD5, but i wouldnt rule out a 300.
Decisions, decisions hey.
Mine too is a 99 TD5.
I had a 300tdi previously and tbh if I was looking for another landy I would be happy to buy either. Sods law says that if you are after a particular model it won't come up. When I bought mine I was actually after a 300tdi 110 station wagon. It may be better for you to just keep an open mind and simply see what comes up.
Shifty1962
Well-Known Member
Mine is a 98 TD5 one of the first ones. Drove it for more than 2 years with a porous head before it went bang when the oil pump failed.
Fitted a new military surplus TD5 engine because its a good engine. You just need to know its little foibles. Its by far the most usable landy I've owned and mine gets worked hard. Bundles of torque and responsive to drive. I'd jump in it tomorrow and drive to Scotland and back without any concern that it will let me down anymore than any other motor.
As Ratty says keep an open mind and if the 2001 TD5 is a good 'un then snap it up.
Fitted a new military surplus TD5 engine because its a good engine. You just need to know its little foibles. Its by far the most usable landy I've owned and mine gets worked hard. Bundles of torque and responsive to drive. I'd jump in it tomorrow and drive to Scotland and back without any concern that it will let me down anymore than any other motor.
As Ratty says keep an open mind and if the 2001 TD5 is a good 'un then snap it up.
postieparr
Member
Mines a 2000 TD5 and apart from the usual wear and tear it's been good to me. I've not got a background of mechanics but with forum help and a little bit of common sense i've managed to do any work needed on it so far. Apart from the grazed knuckles and rusted bolts which you'll find with most it's been enjoyable.
As was mentioned before i'd be more worried about general condition than the type of engine.
Think a lot of people shy away from the "new fangled" electrics of a TD5 because it cant be hit with a hammer or squirted with WD40 lol
If its a goodun go for it
As was mentioned before i'd be more worried about general condition than the type of engine.
Think a lot of people shy away from the "new fangled" electrics of a TD5 because it cant be hit with a hammer or squirted with WD40 lol
If its a goodun go for it
Had a D2 TD5 as new in 99. Ran it for 10 years and 210k miles. Apart from air suspension, starter problems, it was a relatively flawless and pleasant experience. Upgraded to a D4 59 reg, for 2 years, Did 40k in that. Despite that wonderful piece of engineering and sophistication, I have gone back to a 2001 TD5 defender! Much more fun, easier to work on, has had a few problems, fuel pump, injector washers etc. Message: Don't be scared of TD5. Plenty of help here if any problems.
I feel i need to retract my previous statement about my love for mine.
I f^&king hate it today! Bloody alternator change on a TD5 is bull poo!
Stoopid stoopid place for an alternator and i have fat snicker fingers so i cant get to some bits easily.
Did i mention i hate it and its bo**ocks! ARGH.
I f^&king hate it today! Bloody alternator change on a TD5 is bull poo!
Stoopid stoopid place for an alternator and i have fat snicker fingers so i cant get to some bits easily.
Did i mention i hate it and its bo**ocks! ARGH.
postieparr
Member
I with you on that one BIG_GINGA_BEARD it's always the jobs which you think will be quite simple that turn out to be a right pig for some stupid reason !!!
Bromsgrove Defender
Well-Known Member
I feel i need to retract my previous statement about my love for mine.
I f^&king hate it today! Bloody alternator change on a TD5 is bull poo!
Stoopid stoopid place for an alternator and i have fat snicker fingers so i cant get to some bits easily.
Did i mention i hate it and its bo**ocks! ARGH.
First time you do any job on any car is a bugger, but it's a learning curve and you find better easier ways of doin things.
First time I tried to take my starter off it took me awhile to realise the nut I couldn't see was a different size
And No I int saying how long
