200 or 300tdi 110 for The Big Trip

[discowolf]

Hi all
Just wondering about maybe a 110 for my next vehicle. Currently 4.2 diesel GQ (over 20yrs old now), but would like to get back to a LR product. Planning on retirement in next couple of years and plan to see most of Oz progressively over a few years. Also do have a caravan (1800Kg) for some trips, but not for Gibb, Tanami etc.
So what do you think? Would be thinking 200 or 300tdi. One preferred over the other for this sort of work? Not against having engine re-build to ensure reliable service. This will probably be my last car purchase. Is this a good idea? By the way, nothing wrong with Patrol, but really keen to get back to LR.
Any comments on idea, suitability, etc etc most welcome.
Cheers, Chris

[weeds]

Far more 300's around, 200's are getting quite thin on the ground

I tow a 1300kg camper trailer behind my 300, at times I would like a fee more herbs but I'm never in a rush

Mine has 385k on the clock.....

[steane]

I'll tell you how this will go.

1. You'll have someone tell you the 200tdi is best because 20 years ago it had less issues than the 300tdi

2. A few more will vouch for the 300tdi because it is easier to get parts for and if it does blow a head gasket you only need one spanner and a piece of fencing wire to replace it.

3. Then a TD5 owner or two will drop in and tell you what you want is more power. You see, a tuned tdi is only as good as a stock td5. There is nothing wrong with a well lubricated loom either as it stops the wires from rusting which is a bonus if you do a lot of water crossings.

4. Then (and this is inevitable unfortunately because they are devoid of self control) you'll have one of probably three vocal 4BD1/4BD1T engined Landy owners tell you all of the other engines are crap and the Isuzu is the only way to go because you are far better off chewing gearboxes than breaking cranks or blowing head gaskets. They'll take this seriously as well and respond accordingly.

In my opinion, you are better off buying the very best Defender you can afford, irrespective of what is under the bonnet. All of the engines are reliable if well maintained and offer different driving experiences, all of which have their positives and negatives. The engine type is less important than the vehicle condition and the way it has been maintained and cared for. They will all take you anywhere you want to go reliably if they are treated right.

If you want a money pit, buy a cheap ratty, rusty, uncared for Defender.

If you want reasonable airconditioning buy a Puma. Nothing wrong with their donks either.

[2stroke]

Steane pretty much summed it up. Either Tdi will be fine but if there's nothing wrong with the Patrol maybe you'd be better off just going in that? The 110s with Tdi's will be more economical and perhaps carry a little more but apart from that no great advantage over your Patrol, and it's "the devil you know".
I guess if you're in the market for a Defender you could also consider a 130?

[mudmouse]

1800kg being dragged about by a loaded Defender is a big ask... Turbo it may be, but 2.4/2.5l is a little engine and it's going to feel it.

Matt

[Distortion]

laughed at the 4bd1 comment, it's pretty accurate.
Love driving mine but I'm always concerned about the GB

[Dervish]

There's nothing I can add to the posts above - which are all spot on - but because you asked for votes I'll put one in for the 300tdi. Mine has 454,000km on it now, and it has been relatively trouble free.

[PAT303]

I'll tell you how this will go.

1. You'll have someone tell you the 200tdi is best because 20 years ago it had less issues than the 300tdi

2. A few more will vouch for the 300tdi because it is easier to get parts for and if it does blow a head gasket you only need one spanner and a piece of fencing wire to replace it.

3. Then a TD5 owner or two will drop in and tell you what you want is more power. You see, a tuned tdi is only as good as a stock td5. There is nothing wrong with a well lubricated loom either as it stops the wires from rusting which is a bonus if you do a lot of water crossings.

4. Then (and this is inevitable unfortunately because they are devoid of self control) you'll have one of probably three vocal 4BD1/4BD1T engined Landy owners tell you all of the other engines are crap and the Isuzu is the only way to go because you are far better off chewing gearboxes than breaking cranks or blowing head gaskets. They'll take this seriously as well and respond accordingly.

In my opinion, you are better off buying the very best Defender you can afford, irrespective of what is under the bonnet. All of the engines are reliable if well maintained and offer different driving experiences, all of which have their positives and negatives. The engine type is less important than the vehicle condition and the way it has been maintained and cared for. They will all take you anywhere you want to go reliably if they are treated right.

If you want a money pit, buy a cheap ratty, rusty, uncared for Defender.

If you want reasonable airconditioning buy a Puma. Nothing wrong with their donks either.

Give me a break,this is AULRO,you know you can't let facts like this get in the way of a good story,you didn't even come up with a decent TDCi story about the electrics leaving you stranded or the Tdi wearing out the big ends,fail mate fail. Pat

[PAT303]

1800kg being dragged about by a loaded Defender is a big ask... Turbo it may be, but 2.4/2.5l is a little engine and it's going to feel it.

Matt

Never bothered either of mine. Pat

[rovercare]

Just keep the GQ