Defender TD5 or TDi?

After a Defender 90.

My only query is which engine do the wise old sages on this forum recommend?

Just had a good search through the forums and looks like TD5 is a no no

what are you intending to use the vehicle for?

TD5's are far more refined than tdi's and tbh mine hasn't been that unreliable.

In the 3 1/2 years that I've had it it's never not got me home under its own steam.

Thanks for the reply Ratty.

I live in the middle of nowhere so a 4x4 is essential.

Basically need a vehicle that can tow a caravan or large trailer.

Just heard a lot of bad news about TD5's, and unfortunately I have seen a TD5

90 that I quite like the look of.

Trying to convince myself to not let the TD5 tag put me off

discofever said:

Thanks for the reply Ratty.

I live in the middle of nowhere so a 4x4 is essential.

Basically need a vehicle that can tow a caravan or large trailer.

Just heard a lot of bad news about TD5's, and unfortunately I have seen a TD5

90 that I quite like the look of.

Trying to convince myself to not let the TD5 tag put me off

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I was unsure about the TD5 when I bought mine. I bought it cheap and it turned out to have a cracked head.

After the initial mucking about sorting that out it broke down for the first time a few weeks back with the copper washers on the injectors leaking back. It still got me home.

Bearing in mind it is offroaded, tows regularly in mud and snow and is used as a workhorse I can't complain.

If possible go for a 2002 onwards as they have less problems with them. Would I buy abother TD5 myself...... Oh Yes!!!

Mines a TD5 and I have no complaints, Its a 2006 so one of the last, I'd like to think they had ironed out all the niggles by the time they built mine.

I will say 300tdi just to even things out

TD5's are now not as bad as some discussions would lead you to believe. Also most problems have been solved and are well documented on the forums so often easier to fix than they were say 10 years ago.

G

discofever said:

After a Defender 90. My only query is which engine do the wise old sages on this forum recommend?

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I had a similar dilemma when buying my 1st Defender at the beginning of the year. One of my main criteria was the ease and cost of driveway maintenance, it was for this reason I opted for a 300 tdi (limited mechanical experience). The TD5 would have better suited my daily commute, but the fitting of good quality acoustic mats and the regular doses of mineral 2 stroke oil in the tank, has made my 300 tdi far more motorway friendly.

300tdi for me, simply because there is nothing I can't do myself. The TD5 has had it's problems but most of those have been solved by now. TBH I would worry more about tinworm than which engine it's got in it.

We got one of each ! the 300tdi imho is a far better engine ....the td5 is used only for short trips due to the fact we can never fully trust it ! even after spending a lot of money on it..

Its a 2001 TD5 so it looks like I may have to side step this one and wait until a suitable TDi comes along.

mines a 99 TD5 and until the otherday ive had no major issues. The alternator died on the way back from salisbury and i had to get trailered back by the AA.

But thats the only time i havent managed to get home under my own steam like ratty said.

I love my TD5 but ive never had a 200/300 so cant comment on them.

Parts are steeper for a TD5 in some cases but not all.

The difference in power and the smooth delivery is obvious. And like has been said its a little more refined.

Id also have another TD5, but i wouldnt rule out a 300.

Decisions, decisions hey.

BIG_GINGA_BEARD said:

mines a 99 TD5 and until the otherday ive had no major issues. The alternator died on the way back from salisbury and i had to get trailered back by the AA.

But thats the only time i havent managed to get home under my own steam like ratty said.

I love my TD5 but ive never had a 200/300 so cant comment on them.

Parts are steeper for a TD5 in some cases but not all.

The difference in power and the smooth delivery is obvious. And like has been said its a little more refined.

Id also have another TD5, but i wouldnt rule out a 300.

Decisions, decisions hey.

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Mine too is a 99 TD5.

I had a 300tdi previously and tbh if I was looking for another landy I would be happy to buy either. Sods law says that if you are after a particular model it won't come up. When I bought mine I was actually after a 300tdi 110 station wagon. It may be better for you to just keep an open mind and simply see what comes up.

Mine is a 98 TD5 one of the first ones. Drove it for more than 2 years with a porous head before it went bang when the oil pump failed.

Fitted a new military surplus TD5 engine because its a good engine. You just need to know its little foibles. Its by far the most usable landy I've owned and mine gets worked hard. Bundles of torque and responsive to drive. I'd jump in it tomorrow and drive to Scotland and back without any concern that it will let me down anymore than any other motor.

As Ratty says keep an open mind and if the 2001 TD5 is a good 'un then snap it up.

TDI for me because I can fix it with help from the peeps on here!

Mines a 2000 TD5 and apart from the usual wear and tear it's been good to me. I've not got a background of mechanics but with forum help and a little bit of common sense i've managed to do any work needed on it so far. Apart from the grazed knuckles and rusted bolts which you'll find with most it's been enjoyable.
As was mentioned before i'd be more worried about general condition than the type of engine.
Think a lot of people shy away from the "new fangled" electrics of a TD5 because it cant be hit with a hammer or squirted with WD40 lol
If its a goodun go for it

Had a D2 TD5 as new in 99. Ran it for 10 years and 210k miles. Apart from air suspension, starter problems, it was a relatively flawless and pleasant experience. Upgraded to a D4 59 reg, for 2 years, Did 40k in that. Despite that wonderful piece of engineering and sophistication, I have gone back to a 2001 TD5 defender! Much more fun, easier to work on, has had a few problems, fuel pump, injector washers etc. Message: Don't be scared of TD5. Plenty of help here if any problems.

I feel i need to retract my previous statement about my love for mine.

I f^&king hate it today! Bloody alternator change on a TD5 is bull poo!

Stoopid stoopid place for an alternator and i have fat snicker fingers so i cant get to some bits easily.

Did i mention i hate it and its bo**ocks! ARGH.

I with you on that one BIG_GINGA_BEARD it's always the jobs which you think will be quite simple that turn out to be a right pig for some stupid reason !!!

BIG_GINGA_BEARD said:

I feel i need to retract my previous statement about my love for mine.

I f^&king hate it today! Bloody alternator change on a TD5 is bull poo!

Stoopid stoopid place for an alternator and i have fat snicker fingers so i cant get to some bits easily.

Did i mention i hate it and its bo**ocks! ARGH.

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postieparr said:

I with you on that one BIG_GINGA_BEARD it's always the jobs which you think will be quite simple that turn out to be a right pig for some stupid reason !!!

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First time you do any job on any car is a bugger, but it's a learning curve and you find better easier ways of doin things.

First time I tried to take my starter off it took me awhile to realise the nut I couldn't see was a different size


And No I int saying how long