After having my second defender stolen in two years i'm now looking at replacing it with a disco 2. I've been reading a lot about what to look for when buying one. The thing I can't seem to work out is the engine. My defender was a 99 td5. At what point did the head cracking get sorted or didn't it? I've read the pre 02's had plastic dowels and we're more prone to the head cracking. Did they correct this with post 02's or is there just less risk of it happening?

Cheers all

Earlier TD5s had a 10p engine which the fuel return was inside the head causing some of the cracking isues. Later, 15/16p engines had the fuel return on the outside of the head. ( 2002 ).
I wouldn't let this put you off buying an earlier one though. Rear chassis condition is the most import thing.

When looking at rear chassis look inside the rear spring mounts this is another weak point.
mine, More Feckin Rust Slideshow by cambridgecockney | Photobucket
seen others with same issue.

view from back to front