Defender Purchase Advice (300tdi vs td5)

[ThoBar]

Hi all,

New to the forum, but drive a p38a currently.

Looking to move to a Defender 110, but am not sure whether to go for a 300tdi or td5. I do prefer the drive of the td5, but really am after a bullet-proof vehicle for touring - possibly including O/S. I don't want to be scared of water, and if I'm remote, I'd like half a chance of getting help.

I've found a 94 tdi with upgraded pulley system, maxi-drives etc, but I am really unsure if I should go for this vintage or the newer td5 - which I'm aware has it's own set of issues (plastic dowels etc).

I guess I'm asking if the advantage off-road and touring for a vehicle that I'm not planning to tow with justifies the td5...?

[edit]I had a look around on the forum, but couldn't find much direct info. Apologies if I've missed it. [/edit]


Cheers,
T

[VladTepes]

Given your intention to use it overseas (presumably travelling in remote places), your desire for water not to worry you excessively, then I think the Tdi would be a safer bet.

They certainly are no rocketships though.

[isuzurover]

Personally I would get a 4BD1(T). There are millions of them in trucks overseas, so parts are everywhere.

Given the choice of TD1 vs TD5 though, I would buy the latter and learn how to repair/troubleshoot it myself.

[rangieman]

Well very valid question which i have contemplated many a time I have owned both in Defers .

Now i could be shot down or called a Dinosaur for my answers to your questions but as they are first hand i dont care for some others so called thoughts ,

Of both the engines i loved the Td5 for performance , i never had any dramas with the Td5 , But the thought of some electrical engine management problem was all ways there which did concern me a lot if i ever did remote travel ,
Now we all know that electrical componets can give way at any time with out notice !

Now the Tdi the only thing that concerned me was the silly timing belt , But if serviced at the right intervals there should be no dramas , The Tdi is a very basic engine that most can be repaired on the side of the road with the right knowledge , The Td5 is a complex engine that requires the right diaognostic equipment (electrical) at times to sort out problems ,

So my theroy is if you want simple that just about any tom dick or harry can fix any where the Tdi is your puppy

Sorry if ive insulted some of the technos out there , ill just crawl back into my (Tdi) cave now

[Psimpson7]

TD5 without any doubt if it was me.

The overall condition of the vehichle is more important that the engine in it in all honesty however.

For example there was a post somewhere on here yesterday I think with a guy in an Isuzu 110 who was in trouble because oil was pouring out of his transfer case.

The TD5 in the Defender is very simple. In fact in my opinion its far easier to work on that a Tdi.

It also has the stronger later R380 gearbox.

I would have no hesitation taking a good TD5 defender anywhere. Ive taken mine all over the place.

[d@rk51d3]

I'd go td5. Check the oil pump bolt, grab a nanocom and enjoy.

[ThoBar]

Personally I would get a 4BD1(T). There are millions of them in trucks overseas, so parts are everywhere.

Given the choice of TD1 vs TD5 though, I would buy the latter and learn how to repair/troubleshoot it myself.

Hen's teeth?

Can't say I've seen one for sale yet. Are these a much more powerful engine?

[wally]

I've owned both. The Td5 is certainly better on the road but in certain off-road situations I prefer Tdis. Cost of parts and running costs will be a bit higher for a Td5 but you also don't have to worry about doing your timing belt every 70000km. I can't see why the Td5's electronics are all that relevant because they don't really cause too many problems, and they do aid in diagnostics, and allow use of a nanocom or similar device. For me it probably comes down to type of use. For predominantly highway running (and especially for towing) I'd probably lean towards Td5 (2002 onward if possible). If I was out bush and off-road often then I'd lean towards Tdi. But either way, it's more important to get one that's been treated well and properly maintained.

[ThoBar]

Answered my own question (re: 4bd1)... or rather another thread did. Yes, more powerful.

[Psimpson7]

Answered my own question (re: 4bd1)... or rather another thread did. Yes, more powerful.

I disagree.