Defender 300tdi vs 200tdi

**justinc** · 11th November 2010, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by Johnno1969

Sagacious advice. I own a 200 and love it to bits, and a lot of my work cars have been 300s and I've enjoyed them too. I have never had any trouble at all getting bits for either motor and never noticed any real difference in that department. Then again, all my time with TDis has been in Africa and the market is a little different there.

I'd much prefer to work on a 200.

I know the R380 is a more modern box, but (assuming that the gearbox is a good one) in the bush I prefer an LT77. Now I think about it, I absolutely loved the 200Tdi/LT77 combination in my last work car, "Arnold".....

About the only comment about that I can make is that they require LESS work than a 300Tdi usually. (Hardly ever have Vac pump failures, lift pump leaks, and broken timing belts

)I am particularly reminded of the fact that I can fit 2 timing belts to a 300Tdi in the time it takes to do 1 200Tdi. And that is only if the cooling system on the 200 is in good nick and hasn;t corroded the through bolts and stud solid in the timing cover/ case. AND that the little coolant gasket behind the timing case isn't leaking, requirng the complete front of the engine off to replace a 30c paper gasket.

I really love these engines, BUT I'd prefer to own a 300Tdi because I don't want to spend so much time performing simple maintenance tasks such as timing belt replacements.

Each has its own good and bad points.

JC

**justinc** · 11th November 2010, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by slug_burner

...

Thats just my point, the 300Tdi is easier to perform maintenance on, although it usually has more 'issues' than a 200tdi, at least they are easier to rectify, IE on my own vehicle.....

JC

**jayso81** · 15th November 2010, 07:40 PM

Thank you to everyone who has voiced their opinion on this topic. I didn't realise it would create such a debate.

All of your personal experiences have helped me a great deal in making an educated decision.

What I gather so far, is that generally a 200tdi costs more to repair if it's being serviced by a mechanic (more time involved) but it may not have as many "issues" as a 300tdi. The 200tdi, as it was produced in far fewer numbers, has potentially less parts and accessories available than a 300tdi.

Also, the LT77 is better as a bush transmission/towing transmission, whereas the R380 is a better all-round transmission.

Finally, it comes down to what I like and what I'm using it for.

I plan on using the Defender as both a work vehicle, for towing upwards of three tonnes, but we'll be using it on weekends and holidays as a fun/touring vehicle. Eventually, within a years time, we'll be retiring it from business use and using it as our primary means of transport.

Thank you again!

**philco** · 15th November 2010, 09:32 PM

I have a 130 300 Tdi, been to NT and back, sydney and the islands around Moreton bay, as a carpenter, I use my truck for work every day, carring timber and all my tools etc, do the oil change etc myself, never had an issue with it unless i created it, as us home mechanics sometimes do, My truck always starts, and has never let me down, I put a 2.5 inch mandrel bent exhaust on and a K&N filter(ebay), best thing ever did, lots more power and all under $1000. want to do more touring and the 300 is a great motor to do it. I don't have a camper to tow so everything goes in the back.
Just my 2 cents

**cewilson** · 16th November 2010, 07:42 PM

Forgot to mention - re: parts.

The 200tDi still has plenty of parts available for it - just for some things you need to get them from England instead of here. Talking more the MAJOR items like heads etc.

Do a search on Ebay under 'Defender' and you'll see that the parts that are available for both the 200 and 300 tdi engines. And that's not considering the speciality suppliers like RoverParts etc.

Cheers
Chris

Thread: Defender 300tdi vs 200tdi

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