Which Defender to buy?

Since the end of my Freelander (see main forum "Burnt Out Freelander") i have been toying with the idea of selling my Series IIA that i am rebuilding and buying a Defender 90.

What is everyones opinion on this?

I want to get more into off road driving, and it will need to carry 2 kids and a caravan in the near future.

I don't really want a 110 because it is a bit too big for the mrs to drive around in.

The other question is should i get a late (1997/1998) 300tdi or a (post 2000) TD5?

Which is better?

I am new to the Land Rover fraternity so as much info is needed on the Defender, how long will it last, what should i look out for, any faults with these engines, if i wanted to do a trip to Africa in a few years which one would be better.


Thanks


Trevor

steer clear of red ones

Does colour have a bearing on reliability then?

yup, red is a bad colour

if you got lots of cash to take to a dealer to service then TD5 but if you got time to service yourself 300 a must,you want to go to africa in a 90 buy a 110 much better,if missus can`t park 110 don`t let her drive it..works for me!!!

Defender 90 nothing compares, unless you want to farm with it. Tdi great fuel economy but if you are after power rather go for Td5.

Tdi if you are much into doing things yourself, simple (but not so simple), easier to fix in africa and in the desert.

Td5 if most of the time you don't make your LR swim. Better highway speeds and power everything. better pick up from stand still.

110 TD5 easily.

TD5 Land Rover have really got right.

My wife can drive and reverse park hers perfectly - its just practice. Its the Series 3 she's not keen on.

Thanks for the input guys,

What i buy, will depend on the MOT next month on the Series IIa.