Rusty vs Expensive, 300 vs 200

[Ardo92]

Hey Folks,

I am in the market for a 110 that I want to keep long term.
Ideally 300 Tdi (since parts are easy to find), but I also like 200 Tdi's....
I shall correct me, I was in the market for one.... In fact I have purchased one that got me extremely excited but in the days following the purchase I realised that was everything but perfect.
I knew it, but I have plenty of tools and some knowledge to tackle jobs myself...

To summarise, I have purchased a 1997 110, 300 Tdi.

Starting with the Pro's:
179k km, mechanically in decent conditions (although haven't sourced a transmission noise yet, I suspect a bearing), rust free chassis and interiors in 6/10 conditions... The dash has been butchered but the rest is fairly ok.
Shifts smoothly and has got AC.

The bads:
Rust on the footwells and in the sill between the footwell and B-Pillars as well as door panels rusted. Noise in the gearbox or transfer case (suspected bearing).

I have just seen now in the market a really really tidy 200 tdi, that has even less km but it definitely has been looked after. The bad is the roof that has been made a cut-out for a vent (facepalm) and the price... it is advertised for 6k over of what I have paid for my 110.

I am now trying to source all the bits and pieces I need and do an estimate of the costs...

In your opinion, would it be a batter choice to get the looked after 200 tdi instead?

I am somewhat confused and would like expert opinions...

Thanks!!

[Phil B]

I’d go for the 300Tdi , more power, spares are still available, newer vehicle, less money
Rust a problem on both but easily repaired as long as it’s not too bad

[MLD]

if i understand correct, you bought a 300tdi that needs a bit of work and you now are second guessing yourself if you should buy a 200 tdi that is more money. 6k will go a long way to make the 300 tdi a better vehicle than the 200 tdi.

get replacement panel sections from Home - YRM Metal Solutions

1.5k for a basic gearbox rebuild, same with TFC. That will replace bearings and seals. if anything else is worn, add the cost of the parts. You can source all your needs from Ashcroft or Syncro Gearboxes out of the UK.

you are on a path now. any lets be honest with your self, a defender is a life long project so don't kid yourself that you will patch up the known problems and down tools.

[donh54]

I would have thought that $6k would nearly pull up a 200tdi.

[Ardo92]

I would have thought that $6k would nearly pull up a 200tdi.

I wish! These vehicles are getting more and more expensive every day!

[Ardo92]

I’d go for the 300Tdi , more power, spares are still available, newer vehicle, less money
Rust a problem on both but easily repaired as long as it’s not too bad

I see... What would it be the breaking point in your opinion of difference in price?

[Ardo92]

if i understand correct, you bought a 300tdi that needs a bit of work and you now are second guessing yourself if you should buy a 200 tdi that is more money. 6k will go a long way to make the 300 tdi a better vehicle than the 200 tdi.

get replacement panel sections from Home - YRM Metal Solutions

1.5k for a basic gearbox rebuild, same with TFC. That will replace bearings and seals. if anything else is worn, add the cost of the parts. You can source all your needs from Ashcroft or Syncro Gearboxes out of the UK.

you are on a path now. any lets be honest with your self, a defender is a life long project so don't kid yourself that you will patch up the known problems and down tools.

Hehe true... You have a point there.
I will do most of the jobs myself, including rebuilds...
The parts list is starting to get looooooooooong!
Thanks for the metal provider contact, i was using LRWorkshop to source all bits and pieces... Do you think that yours is a better option?

[Phil B]

I see... What would it be the breaking point in your opinion of difference in price?

Can’t say
Too many factors in play
Km, rust, general condition etc
The 300Tdi engine would be my preferred option- power, spares, reliability

[Ardo92]

Km one is 180k the other 120k
Rust as said above, one with some the other none
Overall one needs attention the other is in much better conditions

[rar110]

I agree.
300tdi should had rear disc instead of drums like on 200tdi. Also 200tdi will have LT77 box, which most accept is not as good as R380 box in 300tdi.