Opinions Please; 4x4 diesel needed

[AndrewGJones]

Hi,

Firstly I would love to get another early /mid defender, or a diesel series III, but fund are tight and I realise one must plan for a fair bit of replacing of bits when ones tastes are for the classics.

Practically speaking, all I need it a reliable diesel 4x4 to head bush in to begin sampling on tenements I am about to hold rights to out back of kalgoorlie.

So it not pleasure so much, but getting there and back and pushing through a fair bit of bush (without getting silly as one might in convoy!)

At the moment I'm leaning towards a Rodeo (with the isuzu diesel donk), but don't have the experience with these, except for the respect I have for isuzu diesels.

i haven't ruled out a discovery except to say that I don't think they have the cargo area, though i guess everything folds down in the back right?

My budget is $10K (ish) with all preventative medicine administered!.

Opinions?

cheers

Andrew

[yannpiat]

I currently own a 300tdi disco, never had a problem with it (touch wood). IMO so long as your aware of the common problems that may occur and prepare the car to eliminate these you shouldn't have a problem. Many enthusiasts have already made their discos reliable and built them up like a tank. For 10k you should be able to find a great 4x4. With seats folded I have so much cargo area, better yet i would recommend removing back seats and installing a cage so you can stack high.

[gavinwibrow]

Hi,

Firstly I would love to get another early /mid defender, or a diesel series III, but fund are tight and I realise one must plan for a fair bit of replacing of bits when ones tastes are for the classics.

Practically speaking, all I need it a reliable diesel 4x4 to head bush in to begin sampling on tenements I am about to hold rights to out back of kalgoorlie.

So it not pleasure so much, but getting there and back and pushing through a fair bit of bush (without getting silly as one might in convoy!)

At the moment I'm leaning towards a Rodeo (with the isuzu diesel donk), but don't have the experience with these, except for the respect I have for isuzu diesels.

i haven't ruled out a discovery except to say that I don't think they have the cargo area, though i guess everything folds down in the back right?

My budget is $10K (ish) with all preventative medicine administered!.

Opinions?

cheers

Andrew
Don't know if we are talking the same donk, but my son had no end of trouble with his (3? litre TD)- and it was an ex gov't well maintained one. He ended up with a replacement engine, and that still had problems. Eventually he cut his losses and got rid of it.

[DiscoTDI]

I have had quite a few and the one I miss the most and proved to be the best was my 300tdi discovery, I did just shy of 300000km in it and it only gave me grief once and that was because I gave in to my wife and let someone else do work on it.
Best parts
Mechanical injection so if you do go through water as mine did no electrics to fry.
No computer, nuff said :D

As a matter of fact when I am better and get back into the real world again I will be going to a 300tdi discovery again.

[isuzurover]

Let me start by saying that I have a:
1968 IIA 109" ute with 2.25D
1997 D1 300tdi
1987 110 with 3.9L Isuzu diesel

As much as I love driving the IIA (and have driven it from coast-coast), driving it from PER-KAL regularly would get old very quickly.

The discovery on the other hand is very convenient and comfortable on the highway, and the seats fold down so it has a reasonable load space if only 1-2 people. You can pick up one like mine starting at around $4k if you shop around.
For your intended use, make sure the head hasket and timing belt have been done, and fit an aftermarket temp guage and low coolant alarm.

An isuzu powered 110 wagon or 120 ute would be the best (LR) option imho though. However a good one would cost your whole budget, and may still have a tatty interior and superficial rust - e.g. in the door frames...

If you are buying a rodeo, the best option would be a 2.8L diesel. They are simple, reliable and easy to maintain.

[AndrewGJones]

Ok, where is the thank button? ! ? :)

That was exactly what I was hoping for, thanks to all of you for replying.

I've been searching the forum and the 300tdi (which I had in my defender) always had me worried with it's timing belt, but after reading about a few of the failures it seems I've been worrying about nothing. sound like if I had some spare rockers and push rods, and of course I timing belt kit, I could get things back up and running out in the bush. that and making sure I know when it was last changed, and the fuel was leaking in there, and it was properly adjusted and ....:o Ok, still maybe not over my phobia yet!

If I could get an auto discovery 300 tdi and run down the check lists on what to look for, then that's basically what I need. I must admit I've been shying away from the 300 tdi thinking that a belt failure was basically bye-bye engine, but it seems that I was worried for nothing. The isuzu 4BD1 engine sure gets a great wrap though.

that really helps.

cheers

[Disco44]

I currently own a 300tdi disco, never had a problem with it (touch wood). IMO so long as your aware of the common problems that may occur and prepare the car to eliminate these you shouldn't have a problem. Many enthusiasts have already made their discos reliable and built them up like a tank. For 10k you should be able to find a great 4x4. With seats folded I have so much cargo area, better yet i would recommend removing back seats and installing a cage so you can stack high.

I too have a 300TDI and have kept it fully maintained.Yes take the rear seats out and install a Milford cargo barrier right behind the front seats they are made to do that.You will find you heaps of room then .It is not a hard job at all to put everything back and vice versa.
John.

[AndrewGJones]

cheers,

Sounds like a plan. Having a ball reading the forum, plenty of my other questions being answered all over the place.

So my plan then is to find a '98 300tdi disco with around 200K at the most on the clock, stilll up in the air about transmission but I'm sure I'll find some info on that around the place. I'm leaning toward auto as I've been driving autos for the last couple of years and got lazy, and previously had a clutch go on the defender (lazing along in traffic, nothing heroic), so I'm sort of thing that it's one less thing to worry about.

Then I'll take the seats out, put the cargo barrier in, see what bar work I can afford .

thanks

[Daisy Driver]

Andrew

There is a lot of folklore and mythology about how discos break down and fall apart. I owned a 200TDi for 4 years and have driven a TD5 for 6. Sure they have had some faults but the only stoppers I have had were a failed clutch on the 200TDi and a clutch master cylinder on the TD5. With 4 kids and a dog a Smart Car isn't going to hack it. My next car WILL be a discovery - end of.

....unless I can find a an 88" series III and fit it with 200TDi engine and gearbox and some parabolic springs....

[AndrewGJones]

ha, ha yes, the lure of the classics is always there.

So you are not helping my clutch phobia much...but from reading around, I'm not sure I'll be happy with the tdi power infront of an auto anyway. Guess I'll just factor in a new clutch to my sums. Easy.

The thing i love about the defenders is the way you know exactly where the corners are, I missed that going camping before xmas in the company ford ranger, that and also the luxury of adding some bush pin stripping. I'll feel weird scratching up a disco.

cheers

[UncleHo]

G'day Andrew :)

I would suggest the 97/98 300TDI disco AUTO (turbo doesn't go off spin on changes) :) we have one with about 360,000 klms on it,runs well @ 9 litres per 100klms,well mannered on the road and would be just as good off road,we have both an 85 Rangie manual and the 98 AutoD1,and I would definately suggest a spare set all of hoses ;) as well as pully belts, and to fit an engine low water alarm with the light AND the buzzer, my low level alarm has the light fitted in one of the dash switch blanks alongside the instruments at eye level, and a nice alloy bull bar which includes bumper will protect the front and roll the scrub under.


cheers

[AndrewGJones]

I'm getting the idea that no matter what I take out there, I need to have a pretty well stocked spares box. I'll probably end up putting all these points in a spreadsheet or something so I can check them off.

cheers

[isuzurover]

...

There is a lot of folklore and mythology about how discos break down and fall apart. ....

As with all Landrovers (if you believe the Nissota Owners).

However that said, I have done more engine repairs to my Tdi disco in ~3 years of ownership than I have done to my 4BD1 110 in 12. I have also never needed a flatbed for the 110, but have needed one twice for the disco.

As of last night though, I have almost fixed all the little niggles on the Disco... The remaining items are:
ABS
AC idler bearing
Heater Matrix

(until something else breaks...)

[AndrewGJones]

If only isuzu defenders where a bit thicker on the ground. the couple I've seen recently for sale have pretty scary mileage on them and still demand a pretty penny.

though I have to say, having a read around here and elsewhere, the 4BD1 is an impressive donk. My less rational tendencies would have me contemplating dropping one is the next v8 defender i see for sale, but I have to remain focused damn it!

seriously though, i had a look at a conversion thread the other night one of the members here did, and it is beyond what i have space and time for.

If one came up for the right price (leaving me some dosh for for the 'reliability bucket list') I would prefer it, but i don't want to have my hopes up too much, Perth is a long way from the few i've seen recently.

cheers

[AndrewGJones]

isuzu rover, just noticed you are in WA! Are there many isuzu defenders over here you think? I'm not against driving one over the paddock- bit of a waste of resources perhaps, but peace of mind is priceless really. If I stretch the budget a bit it not out of the question; I've got relatives in the east so rolling a visit in could work.

Won't tell them I'm there for the car though...! "Yeah, hi, haven't seen you in a while, can't stay long, buying a car, see ya!"

[Distortion]

well I've got the following in Perth at the moment

County Isuzu
Disco 1 300 tdi
S3 stage 1 isuzu

I'll probably end up selling the second 2 now I have the county but I haven't finished swapping toys around

your more than welcome to come and have a drive of all 3 if you want just pm me if your keen

[isuzurover]

isuzu rover, just noticed you are in WA! Are there many isuzu defenders over here you think? I'm not against driving one over the paddock- bit of a waste of resources perhaps, but peace of mind is priceless really. If I stretch the budget a bit it not out of the question; I've got relatives in the east so rolling a visit in could work.

Won't tell them I'm there for the car though...! "Yeah, hi, haven't seen you in a while, can't stay long, buying a car, see ya!"

There are a few, though not as many as the east coast IME.

Offender90 bought a nice 120 ute for a good price in northern NSW, then had it freighted over for ~$1k. Adelaide also has a few. They do 500k - 1 mil k between rebuilds. Mine is a low 400k and still doesn't use oil.

I am happy to take you for a drive in the 110 and the disco if you are nearby (just south of river) - so you can see what the options are like.

[AndrewGJones]

thanks, thats' very generous of you. hold, on generous of you both! So basically they are truck motor engineering. that's the sort of mileage my late dad would get out of his rigs (interstate truck driver). Hmm, makes the 110 for sale here: 1987 Land Rover 110 County Cars For Sale in QLD - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=SSE-AD-1013798&Cr=1)

a lot more tempting. (Probably a forum member?). I don't need /want all the suspension extras or the big tyres, but if the engine is only halfway through it's rebuild cycle...

i'll pm my details to you both anyway, as it would definitely be good to get a feel for them.

cheers

[isuzurover]

thanks, thats' very generous of you. hold, on generous of you both! So basically they are truck motor engineering. that's the sort of mileage my late dad would get out of his rigs (interstate truck driver). Hmm, makes the 110 for sale here: 1987 Land Rover 110 County Cars For Sale in QLD - CarPoint Australia (http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=SSE-AD-1013798&Cr=1)

a lot more tempting. (Probably a forum member?). I don't need /want all the suspension extras or the big tyres, but if the engine is only halfway through it's rebuild cycle...

i'll pm my details to you both anyway, as it would definitely be good to get a feel for them.

cheers

That is Sam's 110. He is a member on here.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/search.php'searchid=3540059

Just bear in mind you would need to get the mods (engine conversion) re-approved in WA. It may be easier to keep the QLD rego...

[UncleHo]

G'day Andrew :)

I would suggest that you shoot a PM to Blknight.aus as he is a spanner twister par exelence :) to put the Mk1 eyeballs over it and give you the dope ;) I have driven Incisors old 4BD1-T 110 (also red) and it was brilliant,no such thing as a hill,just took a little to get used to the virbrations coming up the steering column.

And, if it has the correct blue plate(it should be a nationally exepted mod plate ) he also may be able to find homes for the extras that you don't want.

cheers

[AndrewGJones]

That's a great point, thanks UncleHo. I'll take up these fellas offer for a drive and have a chat to Sam about the possibilities.

Something I saw on the 'funny picture' thread sparked my attention. It had a picture of a motorbike and the caption "if you don't turn around the admire it after it's parked, you bought the wrong one"

Sentiment may well get me on this one. We will see...

[isuzurover]

...

And, if it has the correct blue plate(it should be a nationally exepted mod plate ) ...



Since when are QLD mod plates nationally recognised???

While WA has a similar scheme to QLD, the WA transport dept advised me that all mods need to be re-approved if registering a vehicle in WA. [this may have changed with the NCOP or I may have been misinformed]

One loophole around this may be to keep the vehicle registed in QLD for >12 months (?) after purchase, at which point you can transfer the vehicle to WA rego without the need for an inspection.

[AndrewGJones]

I've left a message for Sam on Carpoint, see what his thoughts are. When I 'sold' my defender to the insurance company (3 years ago), I had large tyres on which I took off and sold separately later. Wasn't going bush then, just having fun.

Not much can be done about the other mods easily I'm guessing, and it sounds strong. Strong is good...

I may be rushing a bit here though, but opportunity waits for no one, so we will see. i have possibly a couple of months before things are all ready to go out bush. But that could all come through sooner than expected as well. Life is like that.

[AndrewGJones]

As they say; I've heard it all now!

When I asked a seller today, "Does the defender have a service history?" the answer was, after alot of umming and ahhing and having to walk to the car to get it's log book, "No, there are a lot of blanks. I think the lady who owned it left the book at home when she got it serviced"

Really?!;):thumbsdown:

Next!

[isuzurover]

As they say; I've heard it all now!

When I asked a seller today, "Does the defender have a service history?" the answer was, after alot of umming and ahhing and having to walk to the car to get it's log book, "No, there are a lot of blanks. I think the lady who owned it left the book at home when she got it serviced"

Really?!;):thumbsdown:

Next!

Personally I don't bother much with service history on an older vehicle. It is easy to get a few stamps or a dodgy mechanic to fill in the blanks in a log book.

[OffTrack]

Personally I don't bother much with service history on an older vehicle. It is easy to get a few stamps or a dodgy mechanic to fill in the blanks in a log book.

x2 on that. I looked a D2 Td5 that had been advertised as having a full service history at LR specialists. Unfortunately for the vendor I was going to have the vehicle inspected by the workshop that had supposedly serviced the vehicle. When I asked the service manager if he knew of the vehicle he told me they had no record of the car having ever been serviced by them!!

Turned out one of the owners mates worked in the parts department, and they did oil changes after hours and helped themselves to the service stamp while they were at it.

Far better getting the vehicle inspected by someone who knows what they are looking for.

[AndrewGJones]

It was the avoidance that bothered me and the suspicious story. From the bit i could gather it had been a rental vehicle at some point, which I don't know what to think of.

At this stage (After talking to Dave Dover -mechanic recommended on the forum somewhere -good bloke - was happy to chat) I'm budgeting $2000 on top of what I pay regardless to pull things apart and make sure all the 'show stoppers' are in good condition after purchase. May even just replace bits for the heck of it incase...

i was meticulous with the servicing on mine and still had a couple of 'show stoppers' (wheel bearing, and clutch) let go (and I am very 'gentle' with cars- so :wasntme:); i realise that the mechanics bull**** me despite charging more for all the extras 4WD servicing is meant to entail. (there is no way they had changed the grease in the wheel bearings ever, or even checked them as when I openned them all up no one had been in there for a long long time.)

feel much more confident now I've jumped in here and found all the advice being offered/ info available. Having the right contacts is still king!