Finding a 130

[wally]

I decided some time ago that I needed a crew cab 130. My current single cab 130 has been an excellent, and monumentally reliable, farm ute for me for the past eight years and I am very reluctant to part with it. However I really need to be able to put the whole family in and head out bush. Doing that in anything other than a Defender just doesn't feel right. So I've been looking...and looking...for a very long time. And I realise now that a good one is a very difficult thing to find at the right price. I think I regret selling my old 300Tdi crew cab back in 2002.

Basically I can afford something in the low $20s. I'm a bit of a Tdi man but they're pretty long in the tooth now and I've turned my attention to Td5s. But for the money I have to spend I still seem to be looking at vehicles with pretty high kms. Its frustrating. They never seem that expensive when you're selling.

Where do I find a good one at a realistic price? My single cab came from a farm clearing sale, but you have to be lucky...

[pc3]

Maybe your not being real about what it costs to buy a decent 130. Defenders hold there value well, a nice one in good nick with the options and KM's on it you want is going to cost more than your average Jap dual cab etc. I have also found (when searching for my 130) the dual cab market (jap brands included) is thriving.....in many instances it was only $5k to $10K more to buy new dual cab for the kind of KM's/condition I was looking for, the extra $$ was justified to me in relation to KM's travelled. In the end I bought a new 130.

Also Defender drivers know that the PUMA may well be the last of the true defenders with Live axels etc. The new model 2014 or 2013 may be softened down considerably and this MAY be inflating a prices of all models a little.

Just my thoughts on the matter for what its worth....

[Marshall]

This may be worth a flight to Melbourne, followed by a road trip!
Looks light it has a couple of battle scars... but well within your budget. And you could get a lot of work done with the 10grand you would save...
already has 4 new Cooper STTs
1996 Land Rover Defender 130 (4X4) White 5sp M Crewcab | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1996-Land-Rover-Defender-130-4X4-White-5sp-M-Crewcab-/380340936309?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item588e161e75)

[VladTepes]

Tdi - fixable
TD5 = disposable.

[wally]

Maybe your not being real about what it costs to buy a decent 130. Defenders hold there value well, a nice one in good nick with the options and KM's on it you want is going to cost more than your average Jap dual cab etc. I have also found (when searching for my 130) the dual cab market (jap brands included) is thriving.....in many instances it was only $5k to $10K more to buy new dual cab for the kind of KM's/condition I was looking for, the extra $$ was justified to me in relation to KM's travelled. In the end I bought a new 130.

Also Defender drivers know that the PUMA may well be the last of the true defenders with Live axels etc. The new model 2014 or 2013 may be softened down considerably and this MAY be inflating a prices of all models a little.

Just my thoughts on the matter for what its worth....

Perhaps I'm not. What I'm really looking for is a bargain if I'm to be honest. And I am prepared to spend time finding it.

[towe0609]

I feel like I've been through exactly this. I waited and waited, and then got 'beaten' to a couple that came up - one within the hour of it being advertised online. I ended up engaging in some high risk buying (ie. sight unseen) - luckily it worked out - although I'd never claim it was a bargain. I was pleased to get a reasonably priced td5 with low kms - they seem a rare breed - most seem to have 200k+.

I stumbled across mine at Australian Machinery Wholesalers - its worth keeping an eye out there for ex Rural Fire Service units (they seem to get mixed up in large lots with other fire trucks). I have no idea how often - but mine was one of 2 in that lot.

Good luck.

[abaddonxi]

I decided some time ago that I needed a crew cab 130. My current single cab 130 has been an excellent, and monumentally reliable, farm ute for me for the past eight years and I am very reluctant to part with it. However I really need to be able to put the whole family in and head out bush. Doing that in anything other than a Defender just doesn't feel right. So I've been looking...and looking...for a very long time. And I realise now that a good one is a very difficult thing to find at the right price. I think I regret selling my old 300Tdi crew cab back in 2002.

<snip>

Must've been at least two years ago that you called about mine.:D

[wally]

Must've been at least two years ago that you called about mine.:D
Oh, has it really been that long? I've been looking on and off for about that long I suppose. Sometimes I get sick of it and stop looking.

[wally]

Tdi - fixable
TD5 = disposable.

OK, I know we've had a lot of Tdi vs Td5 stuff on here, but I'm interested in what you mean by that, Vlad. Can you expand on it? What's disposable about a Td5 and what can you fix on a Tdi that you can't fix on a Td5? I've owned both. In fact I've had three Tdis and two Td5s over the last sixteen years so I'm not new to them but I don't really understand what that comment's all about. I still think I could go either way. My Tdis were all pretty good. One of the Td5s was disastrous and the other was excellent. A Td5 would be a bit better suited to the work I do (lots of highway and some heavy towing), but I'm more familiar with Tdis, I like their simplicity and I'd be happy with a good Tdi - but it's hard to find one that doesn't have super high mileage.

[The ho har's]

As towe0609 said look in sites that specialise in ex-CFA equipment;)

We bought our '03 td5 crew cab 130 in '07 (sight unseen as well) with 5,008.00 on the clock...no that is not miswritten..it now has just over 80,000.00 after 8 years:D, mind you it did cost a little more than $20,000, over $30,000 but is was basically a brand new truck, others have gone much cheaper with more k's on them though;)

Mrs hh:angel:

[Fender Bender]

check ebay 130 dual cab in brisbane 2000 model $19,990 at
Redland City Autos
114 Redland Bay Rd
QLD
Capalaba
4157

[spudboy]

TD5 = disposable.

Harsh!!!

They are good engines and I've had both 300TDi's and TD5's.....

I wouldn't not buy a 130 dual cab just because it had a TD5, that's for sure.

[Mick_Marsh]

I too am looking for a 130 crew cab and like Wally, I'm not too fussed when I get one.
I have put bids in on a couple of Ex-CFA ones but my bids didn't get through to the auctioneer ( computer problems they told me).
I am very interested in the Tdi/Td5 debate.
Please, tell more.

[wally]

I too am looking for a 130 crew cab and like Wally, I'm not too fussed when I get one.
I have put bids in on a couple of Ex-CFA ones but my bids didn't get through to the auctioneer ( computer problems they told me).
I am very interested in the Tdi/Td5 debate.
Please, tell more.

They've fallen silent. This Td5 bashing might be baseless after all.

[Mick-Kelly]

No, its pretty simple. 300tdi = way less electronics = way less to go horribly and expensively wrong with little to no warning leaving you stranded. European engines have always had their biggest weak spot in electronics.
I can honestly say that I would not own a Land Rover product with a post 300tdi engine. If i was given one i would sell it and buy a 300tdi or Izuzu powered specimen.
If i wanted a vehicle with a complicated electrical engine i would opt for comfort and buy a Toyota. The reason i like landies is because of their owner serviceability and reliability for decades. The newer vehicles dont fit that bill.

[wally]

No, its pretty simple. 300tdi = way less electronics = way less to go horribly and expensively wrong with little to no warning leaving you stranded. European engines have always had their biggest weak spot in electronics.
I can honestly say that I would not own a Land Rover product with a post 300tdi engine. If i was given one i would sell it and buy a 300tdi or Izuzu powered specimen.
If i wanted a vehicle with a complicated electrical engine i would opt for comfort and buy a Toyota. The reason i like landies is because of their owner serviceability and reliability for decades. The newer vehicles dont fit that bill.

The thing is, though, the most common Td5 problems, of which most of us are aware, have nothing to do with electronics. Apart from oil in the loom, I hear nothing about problems with Td5 electronics (and we're talking about 130s here so there's no TC/ABS). If you're really concerned you could carry a spare ECU. I'm not here to defend Td5s, I'm just interested in an objective discussion.

[newhue]

perhaps its just a case of, if it's modern it must be crap. If I owned a tdi it would make no difference, I still have no idea how to fix it.
It seems a puma may be similar to a TD5, many of the complaints are mechanical, not electrical that stop them in their tracks.

I think wally its a persistent patience game you have to play, just have the cash in the back pocket ready to jump.

[Mick-Kelly]

Its just a matter of simplicity. Without the loom and the ECU your problem shooting will be a much simpler process. The 130's are not over endowed with electronics but any that they have are simpy not needed. Diesel engines work perfectly well without the added complexity so why have it? I dont believe that the emissions warrant the disadvantages therefore i do not want the disadvantages. A series 3 diesel with no electrics creates less harmful emissions than any petrol engine.

[Jock The Rock]

I'll sit on the fence a bit

My argument comes from a price point of view

Say you overheat your Landy

Both engines have a high chance of warping a head

So Td5 replacement head : approx $3000 for just the head and gaskets
td5 head | eBay (http://shop.ebay.com.au/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=td5+head&_sacat=See-All-Categories)

Replacement 300 Tdi head : approx $1200 for a good one
300 tdi head | eBay (http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?_nkw=300+tdi+head&_sacat=0&_dmpt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=td5+head&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313)

Say it gets a few miles on it and the injectors start to play up

Td5 from the dealer about $1000 each, for a reconditioned unit from the UK approx $280 each (5 x $280 = $1400)

Tdi new set (4) for approx $600
300 tdi injector | eBay (http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?_nkw=300+tdi+injector&_sacat=0&_dmpt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=td5+injectors&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313)

One thing I will argue is the diagnostics, yes in the bush it may be easier to diagnose a fault with a 300 Tdi. Basic mechanical fuel sytem

But at home with your Td5, take it to your local specialised Landrover agent. Let them plug their laptop/computer into it, pay your fee and walk out with a piece of paper telling you the fault and with advice from the man on the computer; telling you how to fix the problem. No reason to lift the hood (matter of speaking) How do I know this? Because I have recently done just that on a Td5

(N.B prices were sourced from eBay, it may well be possible to find cheaper prices but the prices will still have a big difference)

On a final note I have a soft spot for the 300 Tdis. Why? because I know mine back to front, I've done the research I know what fails, roughly when it will fail and how to fix it properly

If I were to own a Td5 I'd have to do that all over again

So once again I sit on the fence, if I had started out with the Td5 then I would probably prefer them

[abaddonxi]

Land Rover end of financial year sale!

Time to go Puma.

[d@rk51d3]

Just been offered (by a friend of a friend) an '02 130 dual cab - styleside with 160,000 on the clock for $18k

Damn near pulling the missus' arm out of it's socket, but she aint interested. (yet). :(

[The ho har's]

Just been offered (by a friend of a friend) an '02 130 dual cab - styleside with 160,000 on the clock for $18k

Damn near pulling the missus' arm out of it's socket, but she aint interested. (yet). :(


that's a damm good price if it is straight, neat and tidy...

Mrs hh:angel:

[d@rk51d3]

that's a damm good price if it is straight, neat and tidy...

Mrs hh:angel:

Apparently it is in pretty good nick. Yet to check it out.

He wanted a traytop, so bought one of those aswell. Now needs to get rid of the styleside. Gets a flat 10L/100km regardless of load or driving style.

[Mick_Marsh]

Just been offered (by a friend of a friend) an '02 130 dual cab - styleside with 160,000 on the clock for $18k

Damn near pulling the missus' arm out of it's socket, but she aint interested. (yet). :(
Buy it. Easier to seek forgiveness than permission.
When the divorce papers arrive, I'll buy it off you for half price.
I love helping people out.

[wally]

Just been offered (by a friend of a friend) an '02 130 dual cab - styleside with 160,000 on the clock for $18k

Damn near pulling the missus' arm out of it's socket, but she aint interested. (yet). :(

I'd buy that. Why can't I find those ones?

[wally]

I'll sit on the fence a bit

My argument comes from a price point of view

Say you overheat your Landy

Both engines have a high chance of warping a head

So Td5 replacement head : approx $3000 for just the head and gaskets
td5 head | eBay (http://shop.ebay.com.au/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=td5+head&_sacat=See-All-Categories)

Replacement 300 Tdi head : approx $1200 for a good one
300 tdi head | eBay (http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?_nkw=300+tdi+head&_sacat=0&_dmpt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=td5+head&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313)

Say it gets a few miles on it and the injectors start to play up

Td5 from the dealer about $1000 each, for a reconditioned unit from the UK approx $280 each (5 x $280 = $1400)

Tdi new set (4) for approx $600
300 tdi injector | eBay (http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?_nkw=300+tdi+injector&_sacat=0&_dmpt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=td5+injectors&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313)

One thing I will argue is the diagnostics, yes in the bush it may be easier to diagnose a fault with a 300 Tdi. Basic mechanical fuel sytem

But at home with your Td5, take it to your local specialised Landrover agent. Let them plug their laptop/computer into it, pay your fee and walk out with a piece of paper telling you the fault and with advice from the man on the computer; telling you how to fix the problem. No reason to lift the hood (matter of speaking) How do I know this? Because I have recently done just that on a Td5

(N.B prices were sourced from eBay, it may well be possible to find cheaper prices but the prices will still have a big difference)

On a final note I have a soft spot for the 300 Tdis. Why? because I know mine back to front, I've done the research I know what fails, roughly when it will fail and how to fix it properly

If I were to own a Td5 I'd have to do that all over again

So once again I sit on the fence, if I had started out with the Td5 then I would probably prefer them

Jock, an excellent post - very well reasoned, and you make some good points. You pretty much echo my own thoughts on the subject. The point about maintenance costs is certainly a valid one. I don't doubt that the running costs of a Td5 would be higher. Like you, though, I still sit on the fence, so to speak, and I'd still be prepared to go either way wherever I find a good deal.

[PAT303]

Wally,personally I don't listen to the ''it's modern,full of electrics,if it stops you can't fix it brigade''.I live in remote Australia and drive a modern full of electric stuff vehicle and have another on order and don't worry about it.If you find a good Td5 buy it,don't stuff around.People who carry on about modern vehicles being nothing but trouble are talking through thier bum. Pat

[bcj]

Still got your 130 c/chassis wally?
I'm in similar dilemma, I need more seats (wet weather & 2 kids & school bags:(). I've a 110 300tdi c/chassis with 170k on it that I don't want to part with. Most replacements I look at are overpriced with about 300k on them and unknown history. Through my business insurance they reckon market value - 110tdi $8k, 130tdi $9k ,now I don't mind paying right price for a good one but not near double what I can insure it for. I realise the market sets the price :o & we won't speak any more of insurance companies :mad:
I need more seats and have been looking for cheap wagon body / parts to swap (if I could do it for $5k, I'd be infront I rekon with a low k tdi wagon or crewcab pick up) but prices seem quite high for suitable donor vehicles (thinking of swapping body then on selling donor)& buying parts separately is expensive.
Always wondered if it'd be worth bringing body parts over from uk ?

Brett

110 300tdi

[Hymie]

Found a 1995 130 Tray with 153000 K on the clock sitting on the side of the road for sale just out of Warragul.
Winch bar, Kaymar wheel carrier, long range tanks, Maxidrive Axles in the rear(or at least the flanges), rough as guts body, Interior poor.
Asking 8 grand but will take offers....

[wally]

Still got your 130 c/chassis wally?
I'm in similar dilemma, I need more seats (wet weather & 2 kids & school bags:(). I've a 110 300tdi c/chassis with 170k on it that I don't want to part with. Most replacements I look at are overpriced with about 300k on them and unknown history. Through my business insurance they reckon market value - 110tdi $8k, 130tdi $9k ,now I don't mind paying right price for a good one but not near double what I can insure it for. I realise the market sets the price :o & we won't speak any more of insurance companies :mad:
I need more seats and have been looking for cheap wagon body / parts to swap (if I could do it for $5k, I'd be infront I rekon with a low k tdi wagon or crewcab pick up) but prices seem quite high for suitable donor vehicles (thinking of swapping body then on selling donor)& buying parts separately is expensive.
Always wondered if it'd be worth bringing body parts over from uk ?

Brett

110 300tdi

Yes I still have it. I love it - it's almost a part of me. It only has 180000km and still in such good nick. It'll be hard to part with it. But when I eventually find a crew cab, that will make three Land Rovers in the stable so it will have to go. I do need more seats. I've also considered converting mine - I don't know what it would cost but I simply don't have the time.

[Johnno1969]

As your own 130 is in good nick mechanically......if it were me I'd gather together the bodywork I'd need to convert it to a crew cab and then one weekend invite some really good mates over to help me do the swap. That way, I'd not be dealing with a "new" vehicle with possibly an unknown or unguaranteed service history, and I'd get the bodywork to suit my needs.

But perhaps I am just being old fashioned.....

[Johnno1969]

Oh, also, I had a mate in Cooktown about ten years ago who had what sounds like just the sort of vehicle you need. I think he sold it or something. No idea where it is now.

[jonnovet]

Gosh, only now do I realise how fortunate I was. Bought a 1996 130 tdi dual cab with aluminium canopy fitted, dual battery system, HR heavy duty towbar and heavy duty bullbar with twin quartz iodide spots fitted. Has done 280k but full maintenance record supplied. Had it totally checked by local fundi and landed up replacing some seals, windscreen, exhaust and timing belt and tyres - total cost $11800 for vehicle and repairs. Compared to the 4 cyl petrol version I had in the 70's, this is a dream.

[spudboy]

...Had it totally checked by local fundi ....

Haven't heard the word Fundi in many years! Did you spend some time in Kenya? It is Swahili for teacher/expert....

[wally]

As your own 130 is in good nick mechanically......if it were me I'd gather together the bodywork I'd need to convert it to a crew cab and then one weekend invite some really good mates over to help me do the swap. That way, I'd not be dealing with a "new" vehicle with possibly an unknown or unguaranteed service history, and I'd get the bodywork to suit my needs.

But perhaps I am just being old fashioned.....

You are old fashioned. But not necessarily in this instance.

[wally]

Oh, also, I had a mate in Cooktown about ten years ago who had what sounds like just the sort of vehicle you need. I think he sold it or something. No idea where it is now.

His wife probably didn't like it.

[Johnno1969]

His wife probably didn't like it.

Though he probably panicked and sold it when he didn't need to. I can't imagine a time when selling a Land Rover would not be a mistake....

[wally]

Though he probably panicked and sold it when he didn't need to. I can't imagine a time when selling a Land Rover would not be a mistake....

Who is this gatecrasher anyway? We were all having such a lovely time, and then this bloke comes barging in.

[aew849]

Wally,

Will PM you something that might be of interest.

Possibility that it will be in Brisbane during August (Belmont Range)......


aew849

[Mick_Marsh]

“1996 LAND ROVER DEFENDER TDI 130 Private Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=13&R=10563210&keywords=&trecs=61&__sid=12AD7A7EA50B&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Qpb=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&seot=1&__N=1216) 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&silo=1011”
“2001 LAND ROVER DEFENDER CREW CAB 130 Private Cars For Sale in SA - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10455010&__Qpb=1&Cr=1&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&silo=1011&__No=15&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=61&__sid=12AD7A7EA50B”
“2002 LAND ROVER DEFENDER CREW CAB 130 02MY Private Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10721305&__Qpb=1&Cr=5&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&silo=1011&__No=15&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=61&__sid=12AD7A7EA50B”
“2000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER CREW CAB 130 Cars For Sale in QLD - carsales.com.au - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=10636322&__Qpb=1&Cr=7&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&silo=1011&__No=15&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=61&__sid=12AD7A7EA50B”
“2005 LAND ROVER DEFENDER CREW CAB 130 03MY Private Cars For Sale in SA - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10020176&__Qpb=1&Cr=7&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&silo=1011&__No=30&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=61&__sid=12AD7A7EA50B”
“2000 LAND ROVER DEFENDER CREW CAB 130 Private Cars For Sale in QLD - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=10627018&__Qpb=1&Cr=8&__Ns=pCar_PriceSort_Decimal|0||pCar_RankSort_Int32 |1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&keywords=&__N=1216) 1247 1252 1282 4294965541 4294964692&silo=1011&__No=30&seot=1&tsrc=allcarhome&__Nne=15&trecs=61&__sid=12AD7A7EA50B”



Yeah, the links look stuffed, but they work.

[Johnno1969]

Who is this gatecrasher anyway? We were all having such a lovely time, and then this bloke comes barging in.

Yeah, anyway, this mate just kept selling Land Rovers over and over and making himself miserable. In the end, I even lent him my Series IIa so he could at least have a Land Rover for years on end in his shed.

[wally]

Yeah, anyway, this mate just kept selling Land Rovers over and over and making himself miserable. In the end, I even lent him my Series IIa so he could at least have a Land Rover for years on end in his shed.

I know that bloke! He then tried to give it back bit by bit. It was a bit of a nuisance for him I think but he never complained.

[Psimpson7]

Tdi - fixable
TD5 = disposable.

You post some absoloute nonsense...

[VladTepes]

You post some absoloute nonsense...

ha ha mate I think Johhno1969 has it all over me in that department !

What I mean is that the TD5 LIKE MOST MODERN VEHICLES relies on so many electronics and so on that it just isn't likely to last as long as an older mechanical contraption.

The actual phrase you quoted was said by a mate of mine who was a Land Rover mechanic an worked for the company for many years.


Naturally the TD5 wil always be a much nicer thing to live with day to day... as long s it works.

It's just my opinion - you don't have to agree.

[Johnno1969]

I know it's kind of getting off-topic, but I'm still keen on the lower-tech engines too, Vlad. I've got a mate who's had good service from a TD5 (and one other that was a disaster) and I can see why he likes them... but I can't stop leaning towards fewer electronics.

Come to think of it, this mate is the same bloke who keeps selling Land Rovers, so perhaps his judgement is pretty impaired to start with....

[wally]

I know it's kind of getting off-topic, but I'm still keen on the lower-tech engines too, Vlad. I've got a mate who's had good service from a TD5 (and one other that was a disaster) and I can see why he likes them... but I can't stop leaning towards fewer electronics.

Come to think of it, this mate is the same bloke who keeps selling Land Rovers, so perhaps his judgement is pretty impaired to start with....

I think everyone's bored with you now.

[Johnno1969]

I think everyone's bored with you now.

You been in touch with British Offroad yet? Can you grab another mug for me? Just put it in the shed with those axles.