TD5 Landrover reliability

Submitted: Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 16:57
ThreadID: 92875 Views:15326 Replies:7 FollowUps:11
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Can any one tell me if there are in inherant problems with the TD5 Landrover or suggest any other diesel vehicle that would be a better buy in the $20k to $30k bracket.Need for towing 2.5 tonne van plus some 4x4 work.
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 17:20

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 17:20
Zappa,

If I had 20 - 30 big ones to spend, I'd be looking for a late model 80 series Toyota, or a 4.2L Patrol.

At the top of your price range, you might, and this is a maybe, get into a early model Troopy turbo.

Don't know anything about the TD5's, but they do get a bit of a ribbing on here at times. There's no doubt they are capable off-road.

Bob.

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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AnswerID: 481755

Follow Up By: Whirlwinder - Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 20:11

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 20:11
A good site to visit is "complaintscorner.com" and check in "category" for your car. Very revealing detail.
Ian
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Follow Up By: zappa - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 17:41

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 17:41
Like your choices Bob but I'm actually after an auto and your 3 suggestions are rare in auto. Maybe I'll look at Pajero although I'm right on towing weight limit. Thanx Zappa
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Reply By: Steve M1 (NSW) - Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 17:29

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 17:29
I don't think there are any inherent problems but unless you have a mechanic who knows his way around Land Rovers I'd give it a miss. You'll hear all sorts of derogatory remarks re: LRs but I've had little problem with thm after 10 years ownership of 2 models; Defender tdi and Discovery. The main problem I found was finding a mechanic that could work on anything other than Toyota, Holden or Ford and maybe Nissan where I live. I've had several botched up jobs done on them and I'm a lot more selective about mechanics as a result. That said, although I don't think there's a better 4x4 off the factory floor you'll do better than a Defender to pull 2.5 t, regardless of it's rating. I've actually gone to a Prado d4d for servicing and towing reasons. I'd have to say the Defender isn't the most comfortable car for long distance towing although not as bad as some would have you believe.

You might get a Landcruiser or Prado with 250000+ ks and if towing is your priority, that's the way I would go. I'm sure others will have other suggestions.
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Follow Up By: Steve M1 (NSW) - Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 17:34

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 17:34
yep - forgot the Troopy but like the Defender, it is more truck-like (read:rougher, noisier) than an LC for instance but worth taking for a test-run.
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Reply By: Batt's - Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 19:26

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 19:26
Yes they do have inherent problems thats why I sold mine 6yrs ago electrical fault , abs, traction control, hill decent lights coming on and they pick up sand very easily in the air box so you need a snorkel to stop this front cross member is positioned poorly and can be damaged easily which I done . you can find out more on how to fix it on land rover sites but I wouldn't bother buying one..Even though I have a GQ patrol I say Go with the 80ser as suggested their tried and tested comfortable easy to drive you'll have cash left to spend on a turbo if it doesn't have one which will be very helpful for towing and a suspension upgrade for towing good luck with your choice
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Follow Up By: Stevesub1 - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 11:17

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 11:17
We have had 2 Landrovers, a new Freelander V6 and 5 yr old Rangie, never again a Landrover product, just too unreliable and cost too much to keep on the road with constant repairs. Last year we were offered a 5 year old Rangie at $20K and we turned it down - we knew its history 9not good) and the owner was getting rid of it for one reason only.

A good friend had a new TD5 Disco, one of the first ones (around 2002 I think) and had no end of electrical, engine and gearbox problems. The engine had to be completely rebuilt and she had 2 or 3 gearboxes replaced.

She sold it and as they are Landrover nuts, they now have a TD5 Defender (3 or 4 years old now, bought new) and a new Defender (last year) with a Ford, Volvo whatever engine. Both have had no issues at all.

Go the Toyota or 4.2 patrol way. We have a Troopy, great truck with untold reliability, bit slow when towing 2.5 ton though as it is a non-turbo. But we love it and do not tow anything heavy on a regular basis, only if we borrow a caravan which we have done in the past.

Stevesub
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Reply By: The Landy - Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 20:20

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 20:20
Check in at the AULRO (Australian Landrover site), you'll get, the good, the bad, the ugly. For what it is worth we own two Defenders, and more than happy!
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Follow Up By: Member - nick b - Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 22:26

Thursday, Mar 29, 2012 at 22:26
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thought you might like this Baz

cheers nick
Cheers Nick b

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Follow Up By: The Landy - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 04:52

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 04:52
Fantastic...I want one!

Cheers....
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Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 16:29

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 16:29
And a lot more reliable than the later offerings.....but I still remember working on them...........ARRGH.

Cheers
Pop
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Follow Up By: Member - nick b - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 22:09

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 22:09
This chap is now working on a wagon

re storing from ground up .....

but my 15 year old said " that is that thing " ...... :-(

cheers
Cheers Nick b

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Reply By: zappa - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 17:26

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 17:26
Thanx for the follow up and I should have been more specific. I was chasing a TD5 Discovery but I get the idea from most posts. I currently run a 01 petrol Landcruiser. Happy with everything exept fuel usage. Would love 4.2 diesel cruiser but they're still bring over $40k for a decent low k auto.Thanx again.
AnswerID: 481880

Follow Up By: The Landy - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 17:56

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 17:56
The thing to bear in mind is that most vehicles have known problems, the trick is to work out want best suit your needs for the job required, and then research known problems and decide whether you can live with them or not.
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Reply By: snailbait (Blue mntns) - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 20:39

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 20:39
Hi Zappa
I had a defender td5 and it went every where i pointed it i retired and we were goining to go around Australia I loved it and i am still a Landrover nut but what i did was look at where i could get the LR serviced i found that LR closed a lot of dealer's in Australia so i sold the LR and got a Parado I now have a Ford Ute because TOY or Ford have DELEAR in most towns AND that is the only reason we sold The landy
Terry
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Reply By: Member - nick b - Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 22:01

Friday, Mar 30, 2012 at 22:01
Zappa : if your not stuck on land rover ... well what about a nissan patrol wagon very cheap & capable vehicle

Cheers Nick b

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Follow Up By: zappa - Saturday, Mar 31, 2012 at 09:25

Saturday, Mar 31, 2012 at 09:25
Thanx again for replies . thinking Nissan Pathfinder now!
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Follow Up By: garrycol - Saturday, Mar 31, 2012 at 11:59

Saturday, Mar 31, 2012 at 11:59
Well that is a real backward step.

A TD5 Disco is a far superior vehicle.
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