Looking for an upgrade...

**SG1 Bones** · 10th November 2018, 09:07 AM

G’day all,

I’m asking for opinions on what I should upgrade to from my SIII. I don’t know too much about the reliability or long term running of the 300Tdi, Td5 and Puma.

So I’d like to know that with a budget of $20,000 what would be the best option to upgrade to, keep in mind that it will be my work (carpentry) vehicle pulling a trailer daily. I don’t mind if it’s a 110/130, ute or wagon, I’m thinking of at least a 5 seater due to the family needing to hop in sometimes and taking the kids offroad.

I won’t be buying until next year but I’m looking now to get ideas. My concern is what the high mileage problems will be, I don’t want to buy it and have the engine blow up on me after 12 months.

Sorry about the long speech but, I’d like to give as much info as possible.

Thanks heaps in advance.

Nathan

**goingbush** · 10th November 2018, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by SG1 Bones

G’day all,

I’m asking for opinions on what I should upgrade to from my SIII. I don’t know too much about the reliability or long term running of the 300Tdi, Td5 and Puma.

So I’d like to know that with a budget of $20,000 what would be the best option to upgrade to, keep in mind that it will be my work (carpentry) vehicle pulling a trailer daily. I don’t mind if it’s a 110/130, ute or wagon, I’m thinking of at least a 5 seater due to the family needing to hop in sometimes and taking the kids offroad.

I won’t be buying until next year but I’m looking now to get ideas. My concern is what the high mileage problems will be, I don’t want to buy it and have the engine blow up on me after 12 months.

Sorry about the long speech but, I’d like to give as much info as possible.

Thanks heaps in advance.

Nathan

Assuming you want to stay with LandRover ??

**SG1 Bones** · 10th November 2018, 10:36 AM

Yep, I’d would prefer to otherwise I’d just get a Navara, Ranger or BT-50 or something. I have thought of even getting a D3.

**Wicks89** · 10th November 2018, 11:18 AM

For $20,000 you should get quite a nice tdi or td5, low KMs in unmolested condition.

I have no experience with puma, but either of the other two will do the job you want. There have been other threads with people asking the exact same question, people suggested a part time kit amongst other things to try limit the backlash.

I'd say get something in the best possible condition you can, there are ways to improve the driveability under load for any of those models (diff gearing, power-upgrades, etc) depending if you even think you need it.

My td5 has std ratios and 35"s, tows fine but I am changing to 4.11 diff ratios soon just to restore that crawlability and low down torque.

If you end up with a higher km example I'd recommend finding something as standard as possible. I bought mine at about 300,000 KMs with zero service history in poor condition, and has been going great for something that really should have been the ultimate lemon.

I have modified mine a fair bit, if I had my time again I certainly wouldn't give it any lift, but I don't regret big tyres and the rest.

Maybe a cheap puma might be better given the nicer interior but I don't know if you could get one in really nice Nick for 20k.

Hope that helps