1999 TD5 Extreme 110

[dayswaste]

I'm thinking of buying a newer defender (Currently have a '97 TDI 130). One owner with service history.

Is there anything I should be looking for or asking in particular?

[isuzurover]

'99 was the first of the TD5s, and as a result they had a lot of little engine niggles.

There is plenty of info on here if you search. Issues include: Flywheel/clutch, oil pump bolt, plastic head dowels, injector loom oil etc...

If it was me I would look for a later model, unless the price was low, repairs were well documented and the engine ran perfectly.

[flagg]

If it has been serviced properly all should be resolved and it will be a good truck. As with any defender, if it hasn't been serviced properly- run away.

[dayswaste]

Thanks for the input, hitting the books.

[Nomad9]

HI Dayswaste,
Understand the comment about the "If not serviced run away" comment, and the reasons why. I've just bought a 2001 110 TD5 that had been regularly serviced by a reputable Land Rover dealer, I'm doing a bit of a trip later on in the year so I decided to do the EGR removal, a precautionary head gasket change, silicon hoses and a few other small jobs.
Since removing the head I've found two exhaust manifold studs sheared off, one had fallen out and the other was hanging on for grim death, the previous owner had complained about an oil leak "around the back of the engine somewhere", when I removed the head it looks like some siliconed string had been caulked in between the head, the gearbox and the block to stop the leak, obviously it had worked but surely you would have thought that this would have been fixed properly unless the oi leak was noted during the warranty period, a little bit synical I know.
If you find a well cared for vehicle by a fastidious owner this would also be worth a look, I wouldn't discount entirely vehicles that have been serviced by the owner, some tend to do a better job. Personally I pride myself on the extremes I go to to look after my vehicle. I know a few other LR owners who are the same, sort of goes with the marque.
Good luck finding what you are after.

[goingbush]

HI Dayswaste,
Understand the comment about the "If not serviced run away" comment, and the reasons why. I've just bought a 2001 110 TD5 that had been regularly serviced by a reputable Land Rover dealer, I'm doing a bit of a trip later on in the year so I decided to do the EGR removal, a precautionary head gasket change, silicon hoses and a few other small jobs.
Since removing the head I've found two exhaust manifold studs sheared off, one had fallen out and the other was hanging on for grim death, the previous owner had complained about an oil leak "around the back of the engine somewhere", when I removed the head it looks like some siliconed string had been caulked in between the head, the gearbox and the block to stop the leak, obviously it had worked but surely you would have thought that this would have been fixed properly unless the oi leak was noted during the warranty period, a little bit synical I know.
If you find a well cared for vehicle by a fastidious owner this would also be worth a look, I wouldn't discount entirely vehicles that have been serviced by the owner, some tend to do a better job. Personally I pride myself on the extremes I go to to look after my vehicle. I know a few other LR owners who are the same, sort of goes with the marque.
Good luck finding what you are after.

Mate, you hit the nail on the head. Healthy Synicisim , i'd call it.

I'd trust an Authorised LR dealer maintained vehicle as much as a corner mechanic who is great with Jap 4x4's . Book stamps are worth squat.

I'd be far happier with a self maintained vehicle by a fastidious owner OR a INDPENDANT LR Specialist.

[dayswaste]

I'll organise a third party viewing of the vehicle and service records this week. I think the fly wheel and clutch issues where done on recall and he did mention a wiring loom replacement of some sort. He's saying all the right things.

[BilboBoggles]

All mechanical things are fixable - just are expensive to do so unless you can do it yourself. A TD5 is now getting on a few years, and most likely will have done a few k's so you would need to have budget to cope with wear and tear items and maintenance, this will happen on any TD5 and is quite unpredictable. You might have a perfect engine, and then tomorrow it might do a head gasket. SO keep a decent budget for repairs.


Perhaps the only thing that would stop me from buying a 1999 td5 is rust.
I'd be looking for rust in floor pans and the bulkhead, as well as the chassis. I've seen a few TD5's completely riddled with rust, and some with not a speck of rust to be seen. If you get a good rust free defender - it's worth spending the money to maintain it.