2.5TD vs 200TDi

I'd be grateful for some advice. I've had Landy's for about 12 years and been without one for a year now, so getting itchy. Looking for a 3rd vehicle for use to off-road and do some RTVs. Decided on a 90 and have a list of upgrades to add on as and when. Have owned a 90 TD, a 110 300TDi and a Disco 300TDi but everyone raves about the 200TDi.

I want something I can maintain without much electronic wizardry and engine management etc. I don't want anything which requires diagnostics (laptop) etc. Will be doing a fair amount of wading too. Therefore I'm a little unsure as to get a standard well looked after pre-Defender TD or go for an early 1990s 200TDi.

Has anyone got any strong opinions on the subject that could sway me either way. My 1989 TD had 250,000 miles (prior to catching fire but that's another story) and purred like a kitten so I still like that engine even though nearly everyone else hates it!

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps me out here.

200 or 300 is the way to go.

People do rave about the 200tdi but the 300tdi is better in my opinion, its smoother, quieter etc...

I see no reason that makes a 200 easier to work on than a 300.

Stay away from the 2.5TD - they are all pretty much getting past it now - it's not a good engine, turbo should not be on these engines they just aren't up to it. If you do get one, get the manifold and down pipe from a NA and make it an NA - much more reliable. You possibly drove yours with care and didn't give it too hard a time thats why it lasted, how can you be sure about one you buy?

Having owned a 2.5n/a, a td and several 200tdi's the 200tdi (or300 not much to choose between em) wins hands down. If you buy a td you'll be putting a tdi in it sooner rather than later. A well looked after 2.5n/a would be ok but sooo slooooooow.

kept throwing money at my td all the time.in the end opted for a genuine 200 tdi defender enjin put in and it is superb.havent looked back atall

N/A = slowwwwww

TDI =

G

300 TDI for me.

It's the last engine before the electronical engine came along.