so, im thinking of buyin a defender

[nibbsy]

im looking at buying a wagon type 4wd, a defender has popped up on the radar as well as a 80/100 series cruiser or GQ/GU patrol. No older than a 95 model really.
here come some ideas and questions:
ive heard the TD5 (i think its called) is the engine to look for, true or not?

how strong are the mechanical bits and pieces, do they take some punishment before throwing in the towel?

what are they like on long trips, they look very simple and i know they are, what are the seats like and do they all come with with AC and power steering?

do they develop many rattles and bangs as the km pile on, also what is n acceptable amount of km on a 2nd hand one?

i would be looking to raise it up 2 or so inches, will this fit 33" tyres or how high do they need to go up to fit them. How wide can a tyre go without major modifications too.

is there plenty of aftermarket gear like bars, roof racks, drawers, suspension etc as that can be a big draw card to the nissan and toyota.

that is all i can think of right now, if anyone has any other helpful info of the pros and cons of defenders it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks heaps.
nibbsy

[Mick-Kelly]

For me a 300tdi or better yet a 200tdi would be the engines to go for. Too much electrickery in the td5. They are basic but honest and you cant kill em with a big stick. Heaps of aftermarket accesories available. Bear in mind if you buy a fender you are buying a 4WD, not a glorified car like some of the other marques believe they should be. You'll never lack for credibility.

[Diego Luego]

Defenders start where other 4WD's end. They are incredibly able without adding any fancy stuff.

Unless you intend to really push the limits you do not need a lift kit. I have driven over 1 million kms (probably more like 2 million) in various landrovers and never needed any more articulation or clearance than standard. Unless you have seen it first hand you won't believe the articulation. Don't forget that if you increase the size of the wheels you put more stress on everything (especially the drive train and the steering) and are more likely to break something. Having said that definitely buy tyres for the job you have in mind.

I am not a purist and quite like the traction control and abs that the xtremes have. Lots of bloggers here on AULRO have a different opinion though.

The air conditioner is fairly crap until the 2007 model. The seating sort of grows on you, I never get a backache in a Defender, even though they are tiny, upright and not very adjustable. I found we often drove 600 to 700km a day towing a heavy trailer. The fuel economy of the TD5 is good, most of us average 10L/100km, more if we take it easy.

I miss my Defender.

[Aaron]

How many people do you intend to carry? The rear seats lack leg room.

As for rattles etc.... Well, its not as quiet as a luxury sedan :P (they're pretty noisy)

You wont have many problems with the TD5 if you maintain it to a good level.

What ever brand you choose, please don't brush aside a Defender untill you drive one.

There is plenty (the same as other brands) of after market stuff out there for them. Doubt you will need a lift kit though.

TD5 110 and 90's have abs and traction control, I dont think the 130's have either abs or traction control.

I had a mild back problem with my previous vehicle (BA Falcon) as the seats were I swear designed to impress people for the 30 minutes they test drive them. With a Defender you sit more upright like a truck, and the seats are firm and to this day I still can't believe how comfortable they are.

This is the thread on the first time I took mine out. http://www.aulro.com/afvb/general-chat/47097-my-first-time-out.html

Looking at what Ive driven through since then, Ive no doubt I could have driven what I wrote about in that thread in high range 2/3 gear with no Centre diff lock.

Im not mechanically minded at all, so Ill leave that to other people. But I dont know why they are so good off road, but everything just works... VERY well.

Nissan/toyota boys will tell you they are crap because they leak oil... Yeah, they do.... like a tea spoon a year. Big deal.

They will also tell you they are slow... Well, they are, unless you chip the ECU (easy)

They will tell you they have poor fitting door panels, they do.............. :D

[Xavie]

What are you planning on doing with it?

td5 vs 300..... jeez..... I prefer the 300 but the td5 has some great points to it.

All the mods you can get for those other vehicles you are looking at you can easily get for a 'Fender. Maybe except the dual wheel carrier but that can be made if you are super keen.

Your right Deefers are simple, that's why we buy them. ...maybe except for the latest model. If you want true simplicity you get the tdi 300.

How many km's is acceptable... That's really hard if not impossible to answer. I was searching for a disco recently with a tdi engine and I saw some which were in better condition then others which had only done 1/3rd the kilometers. You just have to pick the vehicle you like and take it to someone who knows landy's.

Can't recall if you said where you live but this should be taken in to account.

Also, importantly to some of us is the size. They are smaller then cruisers and patrols and it means some places you can get a Defender the others can't follow.

Fuel consumption is much better then the other vehicles your considering.

Don't worry about the ill fitting panels.... seriously it doesn't matter and they ain't that bad. If you were buying a lexus then I might say different.

I tell you one thing though. If you go for a test drive in a defender you will either feel like it is the right vehicle for you or not. Defenders in tdi and td5 have something that no other 4wd has.

And last is- this forum is so much better then all those other wannabe ones so if you want to stick around I guess you have to go with the Defender!

Xav

[Col.Coleman]

Mate need more info on what you intend to do with it and how often, but keep this in mind. Any vehicle that is well looked after and checked reguarly will prove reliable. I will probably be shot for this but if you plan on doing big k's maninly on tarmac a deefer is not going to be your bag. When the black stuff stops I wouldn't be in anything else. What other 4wd can you come home from a week on Moreton Island and just put the hose through the interior to clean it. No feet brushing when the kids pile in. Cover yourself in mud recovering your vehicle, salt water up to your armpits when launching your boat, just jump straight in and hose it out later. Fit checker and walk on the front wings to load unload the roof rack. Use the wings to cook lunch, rest your coffee, spread a map. easily stick your head out the window to see where your front wheel is. Load your vehicle up with all your stuff because it can take it. Did you know the payload on the others is very measly and by the time you fit all your add ons you are very close if not overweight and illegal and uninsured. Do the numbers. You can see all the corners of your vehicle is at all times. WHEEL ARTICULATION. Fuel economy. Off the road they just make sense. But if I'm just driving 1100 k somewhere and it's all bitumen, the subaru it is. If you drive it expecting the comfort levels of a car, you will hate it. BUT IT WILL GROW ON YOU. Italian bikes do the same. But when they are in their element nothing else beats them. I drive my 130 everyday for work, and play and go on long trips when I can, and it has served me well. There is a massive amount of stuff out there for them you just have to look in different places rather than the overhyped joints like ARB. They don't sell much for defenders for two reasons. they are that good standard they don't need much so there is not much money to be made. It's much easier to make and sell stuff to the drivers of other makes who need it. Take your time. work out what you REALLY need it for. What you do now not what you think or dream you will do and go from there. I would rather you bought something you were happy with than buy something that was not suitable, sold it and bagged it forever. Defenders are great, but need to be owned by even greater people, some people don't deserve them. Especially the ones who don't know how to wave.

The Colonel

[rick130]

<snip>

do they develop many rattles and bangs as the km pile on, also what is n acceptable amount of km on a 2nd hand one?

<snip>
nibbsy

Naa, they come pre-equipped with all the rattles and squeaks, saves you getting the poos when it happens further down the track......


Seriously, we have a GU Patrol (ute) and a Defender, so I'm possibly qualified to comment.

Build quality of the Land Rover is crap compared to the Japanese vehicles.
Simple basics like fit and finish are non existent on a Defender. If fit, finish, etc. are important to you, look elswhere.
Silly little niggly things fail, like door handle buttons, screws drop out, etc.

the boys above have touched on the engines. The 300Tdi goes fine once the turbo is spooled, but is a bit doughy off idle. Fuel economy is excellent. They are simple little engines and easy to service and maintain. The only major maintenance is timing belts every 80,000km and clutches last around 200-220,000km. Plates themselves don't seem to wear if the driver is doing his job, but the fingers on the pressure plate, and the clutch fork itself usually fail at around this mileage.
It is a relatively simple job to 'tickle' up the injector pump fuelling to give the Tdi better oomph than the Patrol TD42T yet still return better fuel economy.

On standard type tyres (235/85/16's) the driveline reliability is fine, although the front diff and g/box aren't as strong as a Patrol, the older model Salisbury diff (pre '03) would have the strongest centre of any 4x4 on the market, barring maybe the H260 in leaf sprung rear Patrols.

Axle flanges can be a problem with fretting in post '94 Defenders, as the axles are two piece (separate axle and drive flange) It's a relatively easy fix to convert the hubs to the older style oil lubricated wheel bearings (semi trailers use this style of lubrication too) and this fixes the problem, along with some Hy-Tough axles and flanges (formerly Maxi Drive)

33" tyres fit without a lift, I've been running 255/85's for years, and these are supposedly 33.3" tall new. (front end has been lifted about 40mm or so)

Out of the box, a Defender is probably more capable than any other 4x4 on the market, except a Wrangler Rubicon, and rides and handles off road better than a Patrol, although both vehicles can be easily modded for tougher off road use and then it's up to the driver.

I've had a lot more niggly problems with the Defender than the Patrol, but it was caned by the previous owner (Govt department) but it has never stuck me up. (except when the clutch fork broke, but I still drove it for two weeks without a clutch :D)
The GU has been the very model of reliable and quiet transport, has now clocked 280,000km and is need of a new rear axle seal (and bearings ) whch I think this is about the only thing I've had to do since new other than normal servicing.
The Defender has been a bit more 'involving' than that, but I still prefer to drive the Defender, and do every day as it's my work truck. I'm on call 24/7, so I need a reliable vehicle and the Defender fits my needs well.

[Scallops]

but if you plan on doing big k's maninly on tarmac a deefer is not going to be your bag.

The Colonel

Some great info here so far - but just wanted to add this - I have never driven a more comfortable vehicle all day, over 1000km, on bitumen - than my Defender. ;) I guess it's each to their own, but I find the driving position and seating the most comfortable of anything I've ever driven - and as a Geophysicist I have driven many Jap rigs many km around this country, on and off road, as well as a variety of passenger cars. Just my 2 cents worth.

[rick130]

Some great info here so far - but just wanted to add this - I have never driven a more comfortable vehicle all day, over 1000km, on bitumen - than my Defender. ;) I guess it's each to their own, but I find the driving position and seating the most comfortable of anything I've ever driven - and as a Geophysicist I have driven many Jap rigs many km around this country, on and off road, as well as a variety of passenger cars. Just my 2 cents worth.

Have to agree. I'm constantly amazed how well I jump out of the Defender after a trip.
Can't say the same for a Patrol, either GQ or GU. I usually can't walk when I get out of ours.

[rick130]

forgot to mention that GU Patrols with the TD42T up to about '04 have a reputation for overheating unless the radiator is scrupulously clean.
I can confirm this. They are a pain in the ****. A partial fix is to add more silicone fluid to the viscous fan clutch (obtained from a Toyota dealer of all places)
Later years fixed the problem (new radiator, which doesn't fit the earlier ones as they changed the crossmember as well, etc. ) although Nissan refuse to 'fess up to a problem :rolleyes:

[weeds]

i'm not sure that you are comparing apples with apples, if you were considering a disco it would be a closer comparo as it fits the shopping trolly theme;):p

what budget do you have


im looking at buying a wagon type 4wd, a defender has popped up on the radar as well as a 80/100 series cruiser or GQ/GU patrol. No older than a 95 model really.
here come some ideas and questions:
ive heard the TD5 (i think its called) is the engine to look for, true or not?have had no experience, 300tdi has been good to me

how strong are the mechanical bits and pieces, do they take some punishment before throwing in the towel? i drive to the conditions and have not had any problems.....keep it well maintained is the trick...

what are they like on long trips, they look very simple and i know they are, what are the seats like and do they all come with with AC and power steering? seating position is good, aircon no good, power steering is good

do they develop many rattles and bangs as the km pile on, also what is n acceptable amount of km on a 2nd hand one? a few rattle, no bangs, mine had 180k when i brought i thought that was acceptable for a 95 model purchased three years ago, it now has 247k on the clock

i would be looking to raise it up 2 or so inches, will this fit 33" tyres or how high do they need to go up to fit them. How wide can a tyre go without major modifications too. i run standard tyres and suspension, other members will have the answers

is there plenty of aftermarket gear like bars, roof racks, drawers, suspension etc as that can be a big draw card to the nissan and toyota. any aftermarket gear you can buy for a toyota or nissian you would be able to get for a defender, what you mentioned is pretty standard stuff.

that is all i can think of right now, if anyone has any other helpful info of the pros and cons of defenders it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks heaps.
nibbsy

[George130]

Defenders are a great vehicle but are not main stream. Im saying that I love them and hate driving other vehicles now.
Any mod you could want is available.
I have a 2 inch lift and 33's fit with ease.

[nibbsy]

Thanks for the awesome replies peoples, most useful indeed.
Not really sure of the budget as yet, just sticking out some feelers.
I was thinking of using it for some good offroad type driving stuff like cruiser park tracks i guess you could say and also possible big trips like the cape etc.
I do really like the look a deefer with some muddies and barwork but!!!:p
Are the 300Tdi cheaper to buy than the Td5?
Are the 300Tdi able to be "tweaked" up so to get some more power.
Also how SECURE are they against break ins, dont want bad persons removing my belongings or worse!
thanks again guys
nibbsy

[incisor]

yep

yep

totally insecure. you can open the doors with butter knives... but like just about anything in on or around a defender you can mod it to be as secure as you need it to be.

[rovercare]

yep

yep

totally insecure. you can open the doors with butter knives... but like just about anything in on or around a defender you can mod it to be as secure as you need it to be.

Pad bolts??:D

[Blknight.aus]

The tdi300 can be tweaked up to about the point where the TD5 starts and then you can play with the Td5 urmmm Bloody lots. Ive got 1 mod so far and thats an ECU upgrade that gives me more grunt than the american infantry

as for reliability Im pushing over 120K Km and havent had any dramas that fit into the show stopper class though (Im a mechanic by trade and a rover nut by choice) Since Ive started doing all my own servicing (warrenty reasons for why I wasnt earlier) Ive picked up on a shedload of things that would have eventually resulted in catastrophic failure. Reliability in the rover depends on you being nice to it. They're tougher than old boot leather tho and In 20+ years of dealing with them I've never had one stop so badly that It couldnt be coaxed back to civilisation and I know personally of 2 series rovers with over 1million miles on the clock.

The tdi is cheaper to purchase in the beginning than the TD5 and its parts are a bit cheaper and it has one achillies heel which is its timing belt.

The TD5 looked after has a longer service interval but requires semi exotic levels of care, its not much dearer to do minor services on than a TDI till something goes wrong then you can be up for a fair bit.

Ive never had anything stolen out of any of my landrovers even when I was driving them round sans door tops and roofs and I carry some stuff.

Big reds never been broken into but Ive done a little searching and you can get an "armourglasss" which is several times tougher than normal laminated glass(with quite a few more numbers in the pricce) deadbolt locking mechanisms for all the doors and you can purchase lock boxes that are designed to replace the center cubby for additional security.

Odd thing about the deefer Its got a smaller foot print than a GXL cruiser or an 80 series yet you can still get more stuff in it than the cruiser.

hope that helps

[JDNSW]

.........

Odd thing about the deefer Its got a smaller foot print than a GXL cruiser or an 80 series yet you can still get more stuff in it than the cruiser.

hope that helps

This is mainly because it is higher, it has more upright seating position, and a shorter bonnet. Also the doors are thinner and the sides and back more upright, giving more useable room.

Which raises one down side of the Defender - you need to keep an eye out for headroom signs on car parks etc - in standard trim you need at least 2.05m, and add to that with a roof rack, lift or oversize tyres. Whether this matters, depends on where you drive - I rarely find it a problem.

John

[Col.Coleman]

With regard to the big k's on tarmac i was alluding to the premise that if this is all you do, there are better tools for the job. A standard Defender doesn't have cruise control, air con struggles with a full cab of bodies, radio needs to be flat out to hear it, wind noise through the doors and bulkhead vents, water leaks and most non-landy persons bane the door pillar and hand brake. I personally put up with the former and the latter has never bothered me. I love the truck like seating position and can spin up 1400k in a session no prob and still feel fairly fresh, but in reality it could best only be described as adequate. I would hate to see a defender wasted as a Toorak taxi. Slide your bum in the leather seats of our subaru and you'll see what I mean, but that is comparing apples and oranges. That's why we have 4 different cars, 3 different motorbikes and 3 different boats. List isn't complete yet. Still want another 4 more Landies.

[Cameron_Def]

Alot of the "Old School" 200 / 300tdi people have responded here .. time for TD5!

There is 2 things wrong with the Td5,

1. Oil Pump Bolt may have not had Loctite put on it at installation
----> When you get your beast, at next oil change, drop the sump, remove bolt, apply Loctite and continue with driving. (30-40$ for new Sump Gasket, 2 hours of your time)

2. Oil in the Injector harness
----> Remove Rocketcover, remove injector harness, replace with new one ($134) clean contacts with CNC contact cleaner (24$ from Dicksmith) replace rocketcover, drive for another 200,000km, and check again. Job takes less than 40 minutes, including a beer.

These are the only two things I can fault on my td5, its quicker, uses less fuel, more powerful, and can actually leave the traffic lights easily.

I just kicked over to 200,000km, and the two things above is all thats been done, all the electrics they are worried about, are not in my td5, as mine is a 2001, non extreme, I do not have abs, or traction control, central locking, or a inbuilt alarm to go wrong.

If I was buying again, I would look for a 2002 > onwards, due to the ECU being able to be tweaked cheaply, but they do loose the nice big diffs (not a huge concern for most) and the extreme stickers are pretty erk ;)

Also agree with everyone else, seats look / seem to be unconfortable, but they are set up like truck seats, they keep you straight up, and never have I got out feeling sore.

And, regarding long trips, I did Sydney to Karratha (7,500kms in 3 days) 19-20hrs a day driving with 3.6 ton of D110 (loaded) and sat at 110-120 and got 10ltrs per hundred for the full trip... it loved chewing up the kms.

Thats my 2.2c!!

[wally]

Have to agree. I'm constantly amazed how well I jump out of the Defender after a trip.
Can't say the same for a Patrol, either GQ or GU. I usually can't walk when I get out of ours.

I agree absolutely. I've driven all sorts of vehicles and it's weird but the Defender beats them all hands down (including our brand new Forester) for comfort. Everything you ever read about them says that they're uncomfortable, and it seems the only people who know that isn't true is members of this forum. If I had to drive to Perth tomorrow I'd definitely choose the Defender over the Subaru.
It helps to be the right size though.

[wally]

Personally I'd go for a late 300. A Td5 will probably cost you more in the long run. Tdis are so much simpler, and easier and cheaper to maintain.

[Cameron_Def]

Personally I'd go for a late 300. A Td5 will probably cost you more in the long run. Tdis are so much simpler, and easier and cheaper to maintain.

Whats more expensive on them to maintain?

The engines are just as bullet proof, apart from the oil in the harness issue, which is fixed for less than $150.00

You will make that up in fuel alone in a few months...

I can not understand why people here are scared of electrics .. from the sounds of his target 4wding, it makes sense to get the more modern engine.

just my 2.2c

[Mick-Kelly]

Because us simple folk who drive landys can handle the logic of air, spark, fuel, bang engines when they go wrong in the bush. Throw in electrickery and engine mamagement computers that need a laptop download diagnostic program just to tell you what the problem is and we curl up in a ball on the ground and whimper.

[wally]

Whats more expensive on them to maintain?

The engines are just as bullet proof, apart from the oil in the harness issue, which is fixed for less than $150.00

You will make that up in fuel alone in a few months...

I can not understand why people here are scared of electrics .. from the sounds of his target 4wding, it makes sense to get the more modern engine.

just my 2.2c

Well I've owned 3 Tdis and 2 Td5s. They all have had their own issues but it is my experience that when things go wrong on a Td5 they are expensive. On Tdis it's usually less so. This has nothing to do with electronics by the way. None of my problems were related to electronics. My problems were ABS modules, fuel block leaks, fuel cooler leak, head gasket, oil pump retaining bolt, etc,etc,etc.. cost me a fortune. My other Td5, on the other hand was great. One fuel pump replaced under warranty, otherwise relatively trouble free.

Everyone's experiences are different, but as a result of my experiences I won't have another Td5. I'll probably hang on to my Tdi 130 for another 5-10 years and then think about replacing it with a Transit engine 130. In the meantime I'll see how they stack up for problems.

How do you make up $150 in fuel? My Tdis were / are more economical than my Td5s which in my opinion is another advantage.

[Mudnut]

im looking at buying a wagon type 4wd, a defender has popped up on the radar as well as a 80/100 series cruiser or GQ/GU patrol. No older than a 95 model really.
here come some ideas and questions:
ive heard the TD5 (i think its called) is the engine to look for, true or not?

how strong are the mechanical bits and pieces, do they take some punishment before throwing in the towel?

what are they like on long trips, they look very simple and i know they are, what are the seats like and do they all come with with AC and power steering?

do they develop many rattles and bangs as the km pile on, also what is n acceptable amount of km on a 2nd hand one?

i would be looking to raise it up 2 or so inches, will this fit 33" tyres or how high do they need to go up to fit them. How wide can a tyre go without major modifications too.

is there plenty of aftermarket gear like bars, roof racks, drawers, suspension etc as that can be a big draw card to the nissan and toyota.

that is all i can think of right now, if anyone has any other helpful info of the pros and cons of defenders it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks heaps.
nibbsy

I have a 2005 TD5 Defender, and love it. Just over 60,000k's on the clock, and only problems have been minor "Lucas Electircs" issues. Nothing to stop me, but some minor annoyances. Have had the wires to the rear of the vehicle pinched between the body, and transmission. This was repaired under warranty, but took a long time to find the problem. Since it has been repaired, the reverse light has stopped working again. Maybe just a globe this time??? The car is noisy at highway speeds, but I also have a full length roof rack on it. Have put in sound insulation, and it has helped heaps. The car is more comfortable on my back than our BMW X5. I can take about 2 hours driving the BMW, before I have to get out and stretch. Last year we did a 5 week trip from Melbourne, to the tip of Cape York, and back. The Defender was amazing on how it handled the trip. From blacktop, to very corrigated dirt roads. Off road it was unstoppable, and a joy to drive. It is also nice to wave to all the other Defender drivers, and mostly get a wave back. People have complained about the Defender turning circle, but it has a narrow body compared to the Nissin, and Toyota. This makes, say the Vic. high country, winding through the trees, an enjoyable drive.

As to your questions:

Have had a 3.9 V8 Disco, and the TD5 pulls harder than it did. Much better fuel economy also. The Disco was on LP gas, so cheaper than Diesel, but not much range. I can get about 650k out of a tank fully loaded. No mechanical issues in 60,000k so far, and it has been driven like a 4X4 should.

On long trips, I find the car very comfortable. My wife finds the Air conditioner intrusive in the passenger foot well. She does also complain about the general noise at speed. I personally don't mind the noise.

Not sure if you need to lift the car for 33" tyres. I run 235/85R16 tyres, and have not had any issues. If wider tyres are put on, you might need to put flares on to make them legal. I have seen Jeep CJ flares on the defender, and they look o.k.

As for accessories, you can find anything you want that will fit the Defender, but you might have to buy new, as there are not that many around, and once the car is set up, people don't part with them, or sell them fully loaded.

Well that is all I can think of right now. Good luck in your search.

Cheers,

Ken

[Captain_Rightfoot]

I will be howled down for this (as usual). The td5 is good but it does have an electronic component but not really much more than any fuel injected rover. However these electronics rarely fail (except for the injector harness - but this is well known and cheap to fix). They do need correct coolant etc. They have significantly more power than the TDI yet retain economy that is class leading. ;)

However, the most recent TDI is nearly 10 years old now. It's my argument that if you've got the money I'd rather have a much newer td5 vehicle than a 10 year old tdi as the car is not just the engine and there are many items that are wearing in a 10 year old car. This argument is completely lost on most people on this site :eek: :wasntme:

We bought a new td5 defender to invest in it and keep it for the long run. So far so good :)

[rick130]

<snip>

However, the most recent TDI is nearly 10 years old now.

<snip>

Nine years young, thank you very much.

And please remember it is rude to mention a ladies age......







:p

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Nine years young, thank you very much.

And please remember it is rude to mention a ladies age......







:p

:p :p :angel::angel:

[haydofly]

How many k's do you think a turbo good for (on either engine) before it is worn out.

I'll be looking for a Defender next year to replace the rangie.

Cheers Hayden

[Blknight.aus]

to throw a guess from my experience...

both the tdi and the td5 should easily make 500k Km between rebuilds... HOWEVER...

thats based on imppecable maintenance and stock tune.

the primary +'s and minuses as I read them are

the tdi will need a new timing belt every 80Kkm
new injectors (bout $100 eachish) every 100K Kmish (and valve caps)
valve lash checks EVERY service
new coolant every other year + a radiator clean out (chem flush should usually be enough
BUT
your oil can be cheaper and you only have one generic oil filter to replace
your coolant is cheaper and you can run the Kmart stock if you have to
you dont have to worry about electronic failure or a contaminated harness
you can tow/push start with a dead flat battery if you know how to bypass the electric stop solenoid
you can redo the block and crank.

the TD5
goes further between reccomended oil changes (but thats not my reccomendation
should never have an injector die (the company that makes them reckons that if looked after they are good for 1M Km) which is good as they are about $1400 each
only needs the coolant doing every 5 years or so
BUT
you cant do squidly to the head you toast it your up for a new one ($4K+)
you have to use a high quality oil that costs
you have 2 filters every oil change
you cant tow/push start without a semi functional battery (nominally at less than 10.5v the computer wont work)
as most of the fuel system is in the head you wont find out about a leaking seal until your oil is filling up with diesel which can have entertaining results if your into diesel hand grenades.

theres a myriad of other points that can be made but IMHO the kinds of electrical failure that can stop a td5 can also appear as a mechanical fault in the TDI to do the same thing and repairing either still comes down to "your stuck unless you foresaw it and have the spares to fix it"

[long stroke]

Visit ebay type in rover (NOT LAND ROVER JUST ROVER) in the cars section and on the second page there is a nice td5 defender.

Sorry for sum reason i can't post up a link:(

CHEERS TIM