Some thoughts pls

Hi to all,

I am new here, and I am looking for some advice. Years ago I had a Defender TDI 300 for a short while and I loved it. Then I had a Range Rover Classic which I sold as it drove me nuts- too much needed doing. I am now yearning for another Defender. If it were up to me I would buy the newest I could afford, but I cannot justify this because: 1) I want a panel van 90, which is obviously not good for a family, and I have 2 little kids 2) I will use this everyday to go to work (just 5 miles) and then as a play thing. So I am buying this simply for me, therefore I don't want to spend too much money. I am wondering whether the TDI 300 vehicles are worth buying, or whether generally they are too old? I know that condition is more important than age, but generally speaking, is it wise to do for this engine or is the TD5 a better buy. It's important that I get a tidy vehicle as I would not be happy with one that is very rusty and feels very old if you know what I mean. Not sure about budget yet, probably 5k - 7K, maybe more for the right car. Also, are these cars on ebay with galvanized chassis something desirable, considering they are not "original"? Thanks to all.

Personal preference with engines, I've had both tdi's and a td5. Td5 is obviously smoother, quieter and more modem but I wanted the reliability of a tdi but with less noise than a 200 so I got a 97 300 110. Paid 7 for it with 81k miles and 12 months warranty, I've spent the same again on it to get it to a similar condition to my td5 but I do feel more confident in travelling far and wide with it which is the plan.

Your always buying trouble with a land rover, so always save some budget for the unexpected first off.

corrosion is more important than anything to check, both the 300 and td5 rust REALLY badly.Ive had vehicles in for work that had been purchased from "reputable" landrover specialists for five figure sums and still been close to needing a new chassis ,they definately seem far worse than 1980s models for survival

Do a search on ere m8 its a topic that gets a lot of coverage

300 TDi all the way - loads of early 90's Landys still going strong and so easy to work on.

Defender Buyers guide is on my visitors page if you click on my name and select public profile - might help although suspect from past ownership you'll know your way around

I think that TD5's feel like a car engine and like they aren't very 'meaty' my 200 Tdi is noisy, but the engine feels more solid than the TD5. Obviously it's each to they're own, but if it were me, I'd get a 200/300 with a good chassis, if you don't want a car that will look tatty unless you look after it, then a Land Rover isn't a good idea, they do rust, and need constant maintenance to keep them looking tidy and operational I wouldn't want anything else though

200tdi engines are good aslong as you dont plan on travelling on the motorway too often . They are defening. If you are looking for a 90 that is suitable for your family, try and get one that has rear forward facing seats as they are alot more practical and safer. Make sure the chassis is in good condition as they can have hidden surprises. Watch out for bodgy filler jobs and so on. To really make sure, take a screwdriver and have a good poke around to make sure its all solid. Just because something is waxoyled or repainted underneath doesent mean its all good. Dont be put off by welding, as long as its professional. If you are looking at 300s and td5s they can always be made to get a bit more oomph for better daily driving. Always take a good condition 300 over a slightly less good conidition TD5. Although they're older, they are built to last. Next to the chassis, always look at the bottom of doors for rust as they go very easily. Althoguh I doubt it will be a problem on the age of vehicles you are looking at, make sure that bulkhead is solid too. And in relation to galv chassis, aslong as the rebuild on them is professional and not some dodgy job, they are a good investment as they are much less prone to rusting and will last longer than a normal steel one. Of course, with Defenders, they are easily and often stolen so make sure you run a check on anything before you consider it. If you're not planning on driving off road often, dont have huge mud tyres as they will significantly reduce your mpg. hope this helps

Thanks a lot for all that info, it's really helpful. How much should I be paying for a 1997 TDI 300 with about 115,000 Miles? There is a 90 with a replaced crossmember and also a 110 pickup(although I want a 90). which are tempting me on ebay.The 110 looks really smart and only has one previous owner - that's why it's tempting me. Chassis has been welded in a couple of places. Might try any view them. Also, will sellers actually let me poke theri vehicle with a screwdriver??

I think if a seller diddnt let you poke it with a screw driver you should be worried to be honest, ive let people poke the chassis before just to prove how good it is! well as a benchmark i recently bought a 99 90 TD5 softtop for £6500 although tbh now with a few problems surfacing i belive i paid too much