Defender 2.5 Vs 2.4

[ELLE74]

So please stick with me as I have lost sleep with this.

My car is dead. (due to the fact it's not a defender)
So time to follow the dream and get one.

After weeks of procrastination and research I had my heart set on a 2002 - 2006 the 2.5TDI, but challenges come in all guises.
I decided to finance it but I am having trouble finding anyone who wants to play because of the age of the unit.
Although it may push my budget I am now considering a 2007 + which is the earliest I can get with the usual finance.
These obviously have the 2.4 with the 6 speed.

So to make things a little easier I decided to ask are there pit falls with the 2.4 I need to watch out for ?
In addition are there any institutuons you might know of that will look at older units ?

It's will be my daily drive but does get a workout when we go away.

Thanks

[pibby]

hi there,

not answering your question directly, but curious to what makes you discount the 300TDI and go for a later TD5?

a good 300TDI you may find you don't need to finance.

brett. :)

[steane]

A GOOD 300TDi that is buy and drive and not buy and start fixing won't be a cheap alternative IMO.

Lot's of people think they'll pick one up for $10k and spend a few grand on it and she'll be bonza. Most Defenders are used and abused, not maintained and generally run into the ground. Finding a good one from a sympathetic owner, that is rust free and can be loaded up and driven across the Simpson without batting an eyelid is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. There are more than a few out there but you don't see them come on the market very often.

If I was looking to finance a Defender then I'd go for a not too old Puma and probably the 2.2 because they seem to get a thumbs up from owners. Haven't really read anything bad about the 2.2 although I haven't been going out of my way to research them.

[ELLE74]

Steane,
Hit the nail on the head..

Right now I have a house to build flat out at work.
So I want something that I don't have to do anything to right now.
If I have to work on it in a few years that's great but right now I am looking for hassle free. I know I pay a premium for that but that I will accept.:)

The fact I also have a series III in my shed and a Series II in my yard both well intentioned projects but are lacking the time to dedicate to them has showed me I need convenience right now.

[camel_landy]

The 2.5 TD5 & 2.4 TDCi engines are excellent. The power delivery are different for both, so you adapt your driving styles to suit.

If you're doing highway miles, I'd get the 2.4 as the 6spd box makes a massive difference to comfort & noise levels.

IMHO - The 2.2 is gutless and requires a right good thrashing to get it to do anything. :(

M

[cinders]

I have an 02 td5110. I know it's a bit older but I have put in the disco transfer case which drops the revs from 2500 to 2200 rpm at 100kmh.
230000km later and it's been fairly trouble free, considering what I do with it.