Help info please

[Steve1965]

Hi everyone, I am looking into buying a disco and have been told to go for the 300tdi.
I am finding it hard to find a good one and have seen quite a few td5 s about and I was wondering what the main differences were with the two vehicles.
I have been told that the td5s have air suspension. Is that correct?
Thanks for any replies
Steve

[thebiglad]

Hi everyone, I am looking into buying a disco and have been told to go for the 300tdi.
I am finding it hard to find a good one and have seen quite a few td5 s about and I was wondering what the main differences were with the two vehicles.
I have been told that the td5s have air suspension. Is that correct?
Thanks for any replies
Steve


Hi Steve, first of all some basic info: TDi300 runs from 1994 to 1998; TD5 runs from 1998 to 2002.

Deciding between the two is quite a difficult operation as they are both good vehicles if you can find clean examples.

TDi 300 is arguably easier to work on and definitely has cheaper parts prices.

TD5 is more refined, has better body protection from rust but has little in the way of rust protection to the chassis.

You don't say what you want to do with it, whether you prefer manual or auto and how much you are prepared to spend.

Also, what is your competance/motivation level like regarding diy servicing and repairs.

Cheers
Dave

PS Not all TD5's have air suspension, the 5 seat ones have colis on the back, usually.

[Steve1965]

Hi Dave thanks for the reply. I have a basic knowledge and only a little space.
It does sound like I might stick looking for the 300 as my budget is only £3k.
I want it for everyday use and for some light off road fun.
again thanks for the quick reply
Steve

[bananahead]

3K is a LOT for pretty much any standard 300 i have ever seen... At the minute i reckon around 2k would get you about the best you will find. Im not talking dealer prices, i would buy private from ebay or something.

[thebiglad]

Hi Dave thanks for the reply. I have a basic knowledge and only a little space.
It does sound like I might stick looking for the 300 as my budget is only £3k.
I want it for everyday use and for some light off road fun.
again thanks for the quick reply
Steve



In that case you ought to be going for a '98 TDi 300. Go for as low mileage as you can find with full service history. Bear in mind that they should be serviced every 6000mls so for a car with 100,000mls it should have about 16 stamps in the book.

You want to see receipts for work done, not just stamps in a book - anyone can buy a stamp !!!!

Rust is the biggest single killer of TDi's so check very carefully - if in doubt ask someone more knowledgable to go with you.

Spend perhaps £1500-2000 on the car leaving back money to do innevitable repairs.

They are great vehicles the TDi 300's - I took one to Morroco that's how much faith I had in mine.

Manual or auto should give 30+mpg in general daily running. The auto's are a very nice drive especially after being modded at a cost of about £50.

There are mods you can do to them at a low cost which improve their performance noticeably. Do bear in mind though, 2100kgs and 111-120bhp does NOT make for a road rocket though !!!!

[Steve1965]

Hi all,
Ive just bought a 1999 TD5 with some service history but it is in spotless condition and has 77k on the clock.
Time will tell if its a good one or not. The first job will be to service it and I think I should change the cam belt.
I will take some pictures and post them soon.
Thanks again for your help and I will now be disco steve hahaha

[andymach23]

Hi Steve

You have a timing chain so you have nothing to change. Good luck with your car mate.

Cheers, Andy

[thebiglad]

Hi all,
Ive just bought a 1999 TD5 with some service history but it is in spotless condition and has 77k on the clock.
Time will tell if its a good one or not. The first job will be to service it and I think I should change the cam belt.
I will take some pictures and post them soon.
Thanks again for your help and I will now be disco steve hahaha


Hi Steve, first of all let me wish you much pleasure with your new purchase.

Give it a good service then you will have established a baseline for future works. This means:

1. Engine oil and the TWO filters;

2. Gearbox oil;

3. Transfer box oil;

4. Both axles oils;

5. Fuel filter;

6. Air filter (v. important!!!)

7. Air suspension (if you have it) filter

8. ACE (if you have it) filter.

9. Serpentine belt.

Before doing the axles you would be wise to get some brass blanking plugs in stock as the original equipment plastic ones are rubbish.

Good luck

Dave

[Steve1965]

Once again I bow to your vast knowledge and again thanks to you for the info that you continue to share with me.
I will follow all your sound advice and i will keep in contact and let you know how its going..
Cheers chaps and have fun
Steve in Newquay

[grieuclarke]

Sorry to hyjack thread but i need to get hold of these Brass filler plugs so the question is where?

[thebiglad]

Sorry to hyjack thread but i need to get hold of these Brass filler plugs so the question is where?



Follow the linky:


http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38.l1313&_nkw=Discovery+diff+plugs&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[grieuclarke]

Perfect thankyou