300 Tdi or TD5??

[Droptheclutch]

Hi All,
I have been swayed to go the diesel route by my local mechanic and now have to choose between a late model 300Tdi or an early (ish) TD5...
I'll be using the Disco as a daily driver, on the smallholding (a fair few acres), and for towing a car trailor.
What do you all suggest and why? Any help greatly appreciated.

[Droptheclutch]

bracken78 said:

Psimpson7 said:

I would say go for the TD5.

There is far more to it than just the engine. (which people seem to keep missing)

The D2 is a far better car than the D1 in pretty much every way. More powerful, nicer to drive, much stronger underneath, better suspension design, much less prone to rust, etc etc..

The TD5 is also better than the TDI really. There are some issues to be aware of but there are issues with the TDI also.

You are also much more likely to find a better condition, lower mileage one.

Rgds
Pete

Agree with the above. I've had a 300tdi and a td5 (Defender and not a Disco) and prefered the td5 for what I used it for. Whats the budget?

Budget is £5k to £7k, and looking at what's on offer that should get me a darn good 300Tdi of a decent TD5?

[Droptheclutch]

Andy Sargeant said:

We fix them and our choice if you want the least amount of problems is 300TDI, try and find a late, low mileage JAP import and then get it properly wax oiled, TD5's are just "junk".

Or find a TD5 with a blown engine and reto fit a 2.8 TGV.

aNDY.

Hi Andy,

Strong words you are using there...are they (TD5's) really THAT bad? My list of uses for the vehicle is in the original post, and includes being a daily driver, for which I've been told the TD5 is the preference?

All the Mk 1 Discos I've seen so far have been rotten/rusty and I've not seen any Jap imports (although I'd be inclined to steer well clear of those normally).

Thanks for your advice though, keep it coming if that's OK!

Cheers,

Jason.

[Droptheclutch]

Andy Sargeant said:

Very rude comment from Psimpson7 which I will overlook.

My customers can't all be wrong and neither can I, we are seeing more and more problems with the Disco 2 TD5's, like; Air Suspension, ACE, Fault lights etc, also rust, yes just like the D1 we are finding the rear ends getting the old metal moth, also diagnostics are a pain.

Just Google "Disco TD5 problems" and have a good read, it may take some time so put the kettle on.

I agree that there is a big rust problem with the Disco 1, this is why I say try and find a late, low mileage Disco 1 import from Japan, which you will be best getting it properly rust treated before you start using it, we have many customers who have gone this way and are "very happy" with there choice and are quite easy to fix with no problems.

I have been in business looking after all L/Rovers for 34 years and have seen many, many changes, not all for the better, I earn quite a good living from repairing the product and still use a Disco 1 which anyboby would be happy to own, we build Defenders from scratch and take great pride in our work and have a good name with many "very happy" customers.

We are all different and have our own vieu's, these are mine and I will stick by what I say without having to be rude to anyone.

Thanks for the additional info, Andy.

I must say, I find this all very confusing... Please put up with a couple more questions though?

Can the ACE be turned off on the TD5, or is it always on?

Where on earth can I find a Jap import 300TDi?

I'm not that far away from your business - do you know of any good Landies for sale in my budget?

Many thanks,

Jason.