Thread: New Defender or old Defender?

It all comes down to the dollars you want to spend. The td5 defender lost the stronger rear axle in 03 ( I have a 2002 with the Salisbury axle) . The problems I have had where the power steering box leaking ,which was cheaper to replace with a new uk import, A fuel pressure regulator which was sent from all fourx4 Newcastle and a slave cylinder for the clutch.
The other things are optional, Detroit rear locker, hy tuff rear axles, Gwynn Lewis suspension dobinsons springs ome shocks from a patrol(60070L) bighorn 255/85's. Next wants are Xbox and stronger cv's and front axles but being a def with TC you need the correct gear.
From what I've read about the puma it is good but you need to be carefull if you put a lift in as the front prop has issues sometimes. Also the rear diff is weaker but easily upgraded. It has a nicer interior and the engine is a ford so parts easily available.

If you have the money, a late TD5 or Puma is your options. If they seem pricey, a 300TDI is what you're looking at. In my opinion, any vehicle that's 1990's (300TDI's for Land Rovers), you need to expect some issues, purely because of age. For that reason, if you want reliability and have the budget, go a TD5 or Puma.

You'll find TD5 vs Puma an ongoing argument on the forums. A lot of opinion regarding personal choice (fair enough) in amongst the facts. These 2 describe a lot of the real differences, along with plenty of discussion on personal choice.

TD5 vs TDCi Under Bonnet Differences
TD5 or PUMA? The perpetual question!

If you want variations in the TD5 years:

TD5 Defender variations

Good luck!

Thanks for all the great info guys, it's very much appreciated! This is going to be a tough decision

Never thought, this is going to be my first post, but please let me know, what is this song in the video in your web site. Thank you advance!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzds2DiAh6E&feature=player_embedded]LandRover series one.mp4 - YouTube[/ame]

Originally Posted by goingbush

cheers Don link to my website

Hi MQS, its Astral Projection from MusicShake, glad you like it,
Astral Projection - created by microdot12



Now that you posted the video it reminded me I have some still shots from that trip, there are a few with headlights behind the grille, I'll try & dig them out, wonder where all those Landys are now. Mine on that trip was my '54 86" the 49 model came a year later.

Originally Posted by goingbush

Now that you posted the video it reminded me I have some still shots from that trip, there are a few with headlights behind the grille, I'll try & dig them out, wonder where all those Landys are now. Mine on that trip was my '54 86" the 49 model came a year later.

My dad just dug up the photos he took from the LROC trips he went on in the 70s....lots of history in them! ill try and scan them, put some up
Cheers
Muppet

My choice would be an isuzu 3.9 110 never owned one but would sell my soul to get one

I've just brought a 93 defender so in a few weeks ask me my first impression.
i have previously owned series 2a 6cy wagon and a 2a diesel ute.
i have driven f250 and triton utes and both feel so very wrong to drive and get in and out of.

i brought a 200 tdi for 2 reasons i would have trouble getting a td5 on my budget and 200tdi seems to have fewer issues then 300tdi.
no replacement of heads due to poor design.

Im wanting to keep it for, well till i die.
you cant do that with a cruiser.