200 or 300tdi 110 for The Big Trip

Thanks for replies so far. Keep them coming.
As for GQ I might keep it anyway, but really want to get back to LR product. Have had SWB III and v8 disco in the past. Love the look of Defender; nearly bought one new back in mid 90s.
I thought towing van would be a problem, so the towing rate of 3.5T is not in anyway practical is it? I had my concerns towing with relatively small motor.
Of course for the BIG trip probably have a lighter camper trailer; definitely not taking current van up top end. Maybe even tent as I travel with G/shepherd.
Anyway other comments really welcome, especially in regards to 300tdi as I do lean slightly in that direction.
cheers

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Originally Posted by PAT303

Give me a break,this is AULRO,you know you can't let facts like this get in the way of a good story,you didn't even come up with a decent TDCi story about the electrics leaving you stranded or the Tdi wearing out the big ends,fail mate fail. Pat

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Sorry Pat. I know I've let you down. I forgot about the p gasket and plastic head dowels as well. So many left stranded over the years and I've let them all down.

As for the OP's questions, I've towed with a 300tdi without issues and enjoyed good reliability and fuel economy over 30k kms of 4wding and remote outback travelling. I wouldnt hesitate to choose a 300tdi powered defender for touring, just find one that has been looked after.

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Originally Posted by rovercare

Just keep the GQ:D

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Or better yet, transplant the whole GQ driveline into a defender body/chassis.

As for the other comments, I have a 300tdi and a 4BD1(T). Both are on their 2nd gearbox. The 300tdi has let me down more times in 2 years than the 4BD1(T) has in 12. One tows effortlessly, the other struggles to keep the speed limit when towing (guess which is which).

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Originally Posted by discowolf

Thanks for replies so far. Keep them coming.
As for GQ I might keep it anyway, but really want to get back to LR product. Have had SWB III and v8 disco in the past. Love the look of Defender; nearly bought one new back in mid 90s.
I thought towing van would be a problem, so the towing rate of 3.5T is not in anyway practical is it? I had my concerns towing with relatively small motor.
Of course for the BIG trip probably have a lighter camper trailer; definitely not taking current van up top end. Maybe even tent as I travel with G/shepherd.
Anyway other comments really welcome, especially in regards to 300tdi as I do lean slightly in that direction.
cheers

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What year is the GQ? if its an early silver top with no rust, keep it, fit good turbo and 12mm pump, good clutch and drive forever more, 200+HP at the treads and ever reliable

I certainly would not consider a similar age defender just because, if you really want a LR product, why not a series or something fun for day outings?

I could understand if you were looking to purchase something newer, I wouldn't have a TD5, but a puma would be a reasonable decision, but certainly not a 200-300tdi

Hi rovercare, yes silver top, no rust. Bought it when about 17yrs old from 1st owner. Old bloke who did about 9k per year. Didn't even have dust in it (unlike now). Car has now just reached 275k. religiously serviced, never scrimp on service or repairs when required. Not interested on blowing the engine. Pulls like a steam-train, but admit its slower uphill, even when not towing. But that doesn't bother me.






Why wouldn't you have a 2-300tdi? For me a 110 is highly desirable. Surely a 300 fully maintained (rebuilt motor etc if necessary) would be good for touring Oz? How's that fellow (timko?) from Finland travelling Mongolia on another post? So many seem to have great service from theirs. Am I missing something here as I peer through my rose coloured glasses?

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Originally Posted by discowolf

Hi rovercare, yes silver top, no rust. Bought it when about 17yrs old from 1st owner. Old bloke who did about 9k per year. Didn't even have dust in it (unlike now). Car has now just reached 275k. religiously serviced, never scrimp on service or repairs when required. Not interested on blowing the engine. Pulls like a steam-train, but admit its slower uphill, even when not towing. But that doesn't bother me.






Why wouldn't you have a 2-300tdi? For me a 110 is highly desirable. Surely a 300 fully maintained (rebuilt motor etc if necessary) would be good for touring Oz? How's that fellow (timko?) from Finland travelling Mongolia on another post? So many seem to have great service from theirs. Am I missing something here as I peer through my rose coloured glasses?

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Better the devil you know, old vehicles can be buying other people problems, the TD42 will take a turbo and big fuel pump no problems and the drivetrain will go forever, I have one with chinese turbo...was cheap rusty GQ just for bush....its done 450,000kms now

Saying that, if you were looking at buying a GQ and selling a 110 of similar age I'd suggest the same, to keep the vehicle you know

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-ch...te-travel.html
Didn't we determined all this here ^^^^, keep the nissan:p

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Originally Posted by Vern

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-ch...te-travel.html
Didn't we determined all this here ^^^^, keep the nissan:p

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good find. Maybe the mods should merge threads.

The only good thing I can say about a 300tdi is that they are extremely economical when not towing.

But its a GQ , I'd rather drive a shagged out defender than any model nissan any day of the week .
My old man has had 2 from new then a GU and now a Navara and they all handle like a bowl of jelly.

Hi Vern, bang on the money mate. Just me having a slight change of direction Disco to Def. Didn't want to waste people's time here, but really interested in getting as much info and opinions. I truly appreciate the responses. Cheers everyone, and thanks