I'm going to put in a shout for the fender 200tdi,

mine's a 91 vintage and run fautless for the last 3 years I've had it, been playing frequently and use it for 4x4 response work

I was in the same position as you late last year. Drove a couple but in the end got a TD5 and not looked back. Even with all the mud I chucked into the rad and engine this weekend it has run perfectly and not missed a beat.
I would get a TD5 again.

I think the issue with tdi's is that while they are nice and simple, most of them have done a lot of miles and even the youngest is 14 years old so you will pick up all the inevitable old car issues, rust dodgy seals etc. while the engine may run and run the rest of it may be falling apart around you. Mine is 17 on 146k and I need to replace the rear diff bearing and oil seal, gearbox and transfer box, cross member and a few other small things. not big or expensive jobs but still hassle.

Personally when the time comes I will buy a td5 as at least the chassis, and drivetrain will be fresh, as I have decided after a year of ownership I cannot be without a Defender.

Well for whats its worth mine is a 1999 TD5 and when I bought her last September it had 98k on the clock and now we are in April and it has 108k on the clock and it has never skipped a beat .... the only thing I can say I have done that may of made a big difference is a massive service was done locally by a good LR specialist as soon as I got her home....yes pricey but shes worth it....and to ber fair the last guy had never had it serviced for 4years prior....

I wont be without her.....

Defender90uk said:

Well for whats its worth mine is a 1999 TD5 and when I bought her last September it had 98k on the clock and now we are in April and it has 108k on the clock and it has never skipped a beat .... the only thing I can say I have done that may of made a big difference is a massive service was done locally by a good LR specialist as soon as I got her home....yes pricey but shes worth it....and to ber fair the last guy had never had it serviced for 4years prior....

I wont be without her.....

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Regular servicing is the key to keeping any engine running sweet. Learn how to do it yourself and save a lot of money as well as knowing its been done properly. You dont need any expensive tools either. I've done oil and filter changes at the side of the road with nothing more than a bucket and an adjustable spanner before now.