Confused? Need advice on which model Defender to buy

[fender22]

Hi there. Been looking around at Defenders and can be a bit of a maze. I've settled on a 110 wagon, cant afford new but prepared to spend up to mid 30's on a good used one with low k's, or an older one with low k's at the right price. I saw a pre 2000 one this morning where the owner told me it had the Freelander diesel motor. It's my understanding the Freelanders from that era were horrible and unreliable? Does that apply to Defenders from that era also?

1) Is the build quality and engines better from 2000?
2) Are they much different now to what they were in the 90's?
3) Are the "extreme" much different mechanically or just cosmetically?
4) I've seen one with a BMW diesel boxer engine. Are these good?
5) Is there a particular year or era I should be targeting?

Many thanks in advance

[Mick_Marsh]

I don't own a Defender but I've been looking at them recently with a view to purchase So I'd be interested in what appears in this thread.
In recent times, I've been associating with Discovery owners with the Td5 motor. I've been impressed with how they perform despite their so very english design flaws (injectors under the rocker cover, I ask you). So, what I am looking for is a Defender 130 Td5 to tow a large trailer. Depending on your intended use, I would suggest you consider the Td5. There was a thread about how long diesels last which is worth reading.
Recently there was an early 2000's ex-CFA 130 sold on ManheimFowles, crew cab, about 75,000km with a/c. I put in a bid of $20k and it sold for $18k (to someone else, go figure) so an early 2000's model should be well within your budget.
As with reliability, on any vehicle, regular servicing is the key. Oh, and don't trash it. As has been said to me on several occasions "It' not a sports car."
I hope this helps.
regards
Mick

[Reads90]

Mmm interesting freelander motor in a defender. No never done. They have aTD4 in the freelander and a TD5 on a defender I think someone is getting confused



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[one_iota]

Defender (not County) engines:


pre 95 2.5 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel 200Tdi


1995 to 1999? 2.5 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel 300Tdi ("Tdi" decal on the driver's side lower front guard).


1999 to 2007 2.5 litre 5 cylinder Td5 ("Td5" decal on the driver's side lower front guard). The "Extreme" was an Australian option with Bullbar and I think some other "luxury" items.


2007 + 2.4 litre turbo diesel common rail engine (Tdci)
Freelanders had a 2 litre "Td4" engine

I've never come across a BMW boxer engine in a Defender

Mid $30k will put you into the Td5 range.

The Forums search engine will give you much more information on each of the engine types and some of the good and bad aspects of each of the various models.

[rijidij]

The 'Extreme' also had traction control and ABS.

[frantic]

I can only give an opinion from info i got here and other places that led to my purchase. Go an 01-02 td5 extreme(yes they get abs/tract. control) with the salisbury(discontinued in 03)rear diff(stronger and can easily fit a detroit with hytuff/maxi driveshafts to make it very strong) and a flashable ecu. Check the wiring loom for oil.
I got my 02 for 24k but have since done tyres(255/85 r16-33.5inBighorns or bfg fit no mods:)), suspension, exhaust,rear det + hytuff and egr valve plate. Need to get rear load area seats, then my wanna's are look at front cv+axles as a preventative measure(can be expensive) and then get the engine tombified(cost a bit with all areas covered but cheaper than the other options) so need intercooler, exhaust manifold ground, ceramic seal + longer bolts and a mild flash;) then look at a winch and duel batteries , the list goes on.
Now if you take your time and look you may find a 110 with some or all of the mods you want but on the other hand find one at a cheaper price but factor in the cost of what you want to do to it. The def's made after 03 are also very nice just remember the rear rover diff is not as strong so factor it in as an upgrade(ashcroft, lucky8 ,hytuff, kam or jack mac) if you want to go diff lock / bigger tyres.The newer 07 on puma seem to have a few troubles with 2in lifts but others are ok ?

[scott oz]

There were a couple (saw 2) DEFENDER 110 TD5's for sale at the Sydney LRO club show the other week. Looked in really good condition about. One had only 120k's.

Ring the club and they may be able to put you onto the owners.

[Papa Smurf]

what are your intentions with it?
papa smurf