Thread: What to buy...

buy and install a wabesto diesel pre heater or an electric preheater to the block along with a small in cab heater

Simon, the answer from my point of view depends on a few things.

Do you do your own maintenance? D2 td5 are easier to work on than a D3, although the D3 is probably more reliable and need less work.

If you can do your own and you get a Nanocom I would go for the D2 and with your budget you can get a really nice D2, or probably a very high mileage D3.

Dont know if this will help but...
My Dad had a 1994 Defender for 12 years as a work vehicle in the building industry. Before that a Series III, Series 2A, Series 2 which just about covers his vehicle owner driving life!!

His original thought was do a rebuild but liked the 300tdi and R380 box, but I figured this was going to cost me a lot of time so I suggested something that the base vehicle was ready to go and from there he could add all the bits he wants.

Ended up getting him a 2004 Defender TD5 130 twin cab trayback with 120K on the clock, bullbar, hydraulic winch, 165lt tank for $20,000. Its taken him a bit to get used to it (actually months) but all his bits such as the hydraulic crane are now fitted to it and the other day he commented "its the perfect work vehicle" (handy as he is retired now).

$5000 - $7000 aprox will get a Disco 2 TD5 auto that needs all the typical disco things needed doing. Expect to spend dollars on getting it to spec. Search this forum there will be a list. Avoid any TD5 that has been poorly maintained as it will cost you.

$10,000 n up aprox a Disco 2 TD5 auto in good condition.
$20,000 or just up? early Disco 3 with round 100k on the clock, V6 petrol. A poorly maintained Disco 3 will be a never ending expensive nightmare.
$35,000 n up a Disco 3 TD, RR Sport TD, 100K on the clock, again look for one thats had a good service record.

If it was my hard earned dollars (and I didnt repair Land Rovers for a living) I'd go for a Disco 2 TD5 auto in good condition or a Defender TD5 with as minimal battle scars on panels as I could find. Good service records are a key point to look for.

Hope that sort of helps.

Regards
Daz

for $20k you could either get a great disco, or one that needed a little bit of work and have it sorted for a long time with change
Chipped Td5 is what you want....

I think Tombie posted this a while ago - old style 4wd, more under the driver's control (levers etc) - up to D2a; 4wd via switches and more under electronic control - D3 onwards.
FYI - D3 is more complex eg D3 handbrake detail in the workshop manual is over 15 pages due to it being electric.

Originally Posted by bsperka

I think Tombie posted this a while ago - old style 4wd, more under the driver's control (levers etc) - up to D2a; 4wd via switches and more under electronic control - D3 onwards.
FYI - D3 is more complex eg D3 handbrake detail in the workshop manual is over 15 pages due to it being electric.

Something similar I think

I'm a glutton for punishment....



Easiest to work on is on the left

(Forgive the yard - one day it will get landscaped, at this stage its 'native')

Thanks everyone for the great feedback - it's much appreciated.
Took the old girl out today to get photos of her before sale (that'll be the Defender, not the Mrs).... getting pangs of regret already but I think I'd get over that driving around in a nice Disco....

There are Electric heated Defender seats available ..............