Repeat of Post in the 110 Forum (maybe should have been here)

Hi, I'm Rusty Horse and whilst I've been a member for a long time you will see that my posts are very few - mainly because I had a number of LR friends who used the now defunct Landrovernet forum so I used to go there instead. Also, I haven't had a Land Rover for 4 years! Anyway - Hi Everyone.

A bit of background then a question if I may.

Over the years I have owned a number of 110 CSWs, mostly circa 20+ years old starting with 2.5 NA engine, Disco 200tdi transplant then a factory 200Tdi until 5 years ago getting the one I had been working towards for years - a 1998 300TDi. Having done all the checks - 2 owners, great pedigree, service/maint. records, no rot etc. I took out a loan and bought it. Within 12 months the chassis was swiss cheese and the pillars going. Sold it at a massive loss - it broke my heart and left a big hole in my wallet so basically I lost my enthusiasm for LRs and dropped out of the scene.

But my hankerings are back and wow, what has been going on while I've been away with prices (I know really) . LRs I bought and sold for £2,000-£3,500 10 years ago are fetching £5,000-£6,000 now and the 1998 CSW I paid £5,750 for would cost me circa £10k today!! My question though is this -

As a non-skilled DIY 'mechanic', (I could do a basic service and maintenance but after that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing) who enjoys tinkering, I'm looking for a circa 20 year old Landy to play and hobby with - am I best sticking with a 300TDi or moving to the TD5? The belief was that the 300TDi was the last engine people of my level could work on on the drive and the TD5 had lots of electronics that meant specialist equipment in garages. Also, from memory the early TD5s had some issues.

Is the consensus now that the TD5 has matured and recognised as a much superior engine than the 300TDi or is the fun still in the 300TDi? Some TD5s circa 2002-04 seem cheaper than a 1996-98 300TDi.

Where am I best focussing my efforts and money? Any thoughts, greatly appreciated and apologies for the long post.

Look for a 200 or 300 with a galv chassis and (would be nice) galv bulkhead.
Everything else could then be fixed at home with help from the forum.

Hi and welcome back!

I’ve always had landies but have had a few non-Landy vehicles in between but these have gone to be replaced by another Landy!

For me, it would be 300Tdi over the Td5, but that’s just personal choice. I had a Td5 disco and it was a very good vehicle, the only expense being when the head gasket failed, but this could happen with any vehicle. The Td5 is still okay for the home mechanic, the biggest issues are the oil in the ECU loom which is common and being careful with the rotary oil filter which is made of aluminium but uses steel bolts which damage the threads if you’re not careful. A Nanocom would be a good investment too. There’s no timing belt on the Td5 to worry about and it can be remapped for economy or power, or both.

Good luck with whatever you decide to get, let us know how you get on and don’t forget some pics!

Thanks for the replies. My instinct and inclination is to go with the 300TDi but I have to get over the mental block that I'll have to pay circa £10k for the same vehicle I paid £6k for 5 years ago. Seen one on a gavl. chassis though so might just have to swallow it.

I killed my 98 300TDI 90. Mainly chassis was dust.
If you want to tow go with the 300TDI, if you can work on one of them youll manage a TD5 they just bit more freelanderish delicate

Prices are silly now is why I changed to RR as was more affordable - bet you never thought you’d hear that.

Welcome back

Welcome to the forum