Thread: Defender 1994 300 TDI

Since my Tdi Disco is coming up to 200,000km I certainly hope 240k is not a lot for one of those motors but I can't speak from experience. I think a lot depends on service history and whether it's been looked after.

Welcome to AULRO, Try searching for some threads on the following, (I'm not sure how to provide you with a link...)
Rear axle wear and drive member wear
Head gasket failures ( At 240K, I would be doing one in case)
Timing belt upgrades (should've been done by now)
Mainshaft to transfer gear wear. ( Would've hopefully been done by now, either that or it is about to break...)
These are a good truck though, if the previous owner has addressed all these, then I would say go for it, But have it inspected THOROUGHLY by a LR reputable workshop who can give you a Big picture of the vehicle and its life span etc. BEFORE you buy it, there is no such thing as a 'cheap' Defender, or disco, or rangie for that matter.


JC

truer words never spoken..... always get them inspected by a lr specialist if possible. at worst your state motorists association...

Originally Posted by incisor

truer words never spoken..... always get them inspected by a lr specialist if possible. at worst your state motorists association...

Actually, I would insist a landrover enthusiast/specialist look at it, mainly because most people such as RAC, AA etc don't know about the idiosynchracies and whats normal and what isn't about these vehicles. For example, I had a used car dealer tell the prospective buyers of a Disco that all LAndies have that clunk...After we had a look the transfer gear was nearly worn away, and would've cost them around $3000 to rectify. Let us know where you are, lots of willing advice givers here could point you in the direction of a good inspection / workshop.

My old 94 Defender (with the 300Tdi) was a dog because it was badly looked after by its previous owner. Having said that I know that it had done way over 200k because when I got it it said 175k, and when it clicked over 200 the first digit didn't change (the guy who had it before me was a complete !!#@*%!! he stuffed up everything with his welder including fuel sender, all the seats, rear axles ...).

My current Disco is up to 280k with no major problems. The only things that have cost me have been manifold water gasket, front cam seal, vacuum pump and fuel lift pump. However I get my car serviced by a LR expert every time, and if they say there is a mod to fix a problem (eg I'm up to timing belt mod #3 I think) I get it done without question. So I pay the money to keep mine in top mechanical nick at all times, and it's the best car I've ever had (including non-Landys).

My Tdi has over 280,000 and still going well, touch wood.
I hate replying to these longevity questions i always feel like i've just jinxed myself and she'll blow up any minute now.

Originally Posted by Wortho

My Tdi has over 280,000 and still going well, touch wood.
I hate replying to these longevity questions i always feel like i've just jinxed myself and she'll blow up any minute now.

I know what you mean. You start getting a little paranoid when you're doing that, but hey! The number of "all-mighty" 80-series I see running around blowing blue smoke tells me that the 300Tdi is one helluva motor. Looking forward to the 300km click-over. Might have to have a party!

Thanks for the info guys, I'm in Perth so anyone have any recommendations for a Landrover mechanic ??