Looking to buy first 110

[ready]

Hi All,

After years of admiring them, I'm ready to bite the bullet and buy my first Land Rover. I am looking for a 110 and would love any advice in regards to what to buy/look for. From my research I am leaning towards a 300TDI and would like to know if there is any particular years to avoid or go after. I'm not opposed to a TD5 and would like to hear any thoughts on a early TD5 compared to a 300TDI. I'm handy on the tools and have owned several old cars over the years. My budget is $20k to $25k. Looking forward to your responses and hopefully finding my own 110 in the near future!

Cheers,

Ready.

[W&KO]

I’ve owned both...

95 110 defer purchase in 2005, had around 180k on the clock and I think I sold it with 400k. New head and gearbox were the big ticket items. Was set up for touring.

00 110HT, purchased 2017 with 80k now has 120k, new head, later ECU. Just about finished then build.

I’m leaning towards the TD5 if I was to compare the two.

Either way both good rigs, they’ll all have plenty off K’s on them. 20+ years old. Have a few $’s tucked away for the post purchase fix ups.

Good luck on the search.

[ready]

I’ve owned both...

95 110 defer purchase in 2005, had around 180k on the clock and I think I sold it with 400k. New head and gearbox were the big ticket items. Was set up for touring.

00 110HT, purchased 2017 with 80k now has 120k, new head, later ECU. Just about finished then build.

I’m leaning towards the TD5 if I was to compare the two.

Either way both good rigs, they’ll all have plenty off K’s on them. 20+ years old. Have a few $’s tucked away for the post purchase fix ups.

Good luck on the search.

Cheers mate, appreciate the insight.

[MLD]

TD5 is better engine for touring and towing but doesn't like to get hot. Being a LR engine of low volume, heads are $$. 300 tdi is more reliable but be prepared to get there at a leisurely pace. Both are generally reliable but i did have problems with my TD5 after a very deep water crossing where a connector wetted out and put the ECU into limp mode. I couldn't work it out in the bush. it dried out after a few days but it was an inconvenience and costly for the tow truck.

Both are at that age where everything under the bonnet and driveline will be tired. For both be prepared to systematically replace hoses, connectors, ancillaries, bushes etc etc as they end their life. on the td5 there is a coolant hose under the turbo that steps down in hose diam. out of sight so never gets attention until it bursts. always in the middle of nowhere and because of its step down is difficult to field repair. The transfer in both will be tired and expect a freshen up of the bearings, brass bushes and possible leaking intermediate shaft.

Rust will be the big ticket item. you can buy replacement panels, pillars, door frames etc but it can add up.


great old trucks and their quirks will get under your skin to make you a life long (tortured) lover.

[karlz]

MLD said some good stuff.

Best you test drive some 110's, even a good one may not be what you expect.

Defenders, are quirky. You either love them or you hate them.

[Mules]

I hate that I love them...

[incisor]

i don't buy the 300tdi is a slug line

i can happily cruise on the speed limit or towing speed limits most of the time without too much drama (or noise for that matter)

that said, i believe i have myself setup to suit the vehicle i am using to do the job

if you want to tow more than 2000kg or something that is a lot higher or wider than a defender, look elsewhere....

but the vast majority of the popular turbo diesel based vehicles have similar issues in my experience