200 or 300 TDi?

[burble]

I am about to buy a Disco and can afford a late 200 or early 300, but am confused. I have often seen the 300 described as 'much improved' yet the power and torque are the same as that for the 200. And the 300 has problems with cam belts unless modified, and apparently suffers more damage when it breaks than the 200.

The question really is; is it worth stretching the budget to buy 300 or am I better off looking for a 200 in good condition?

Also what else changed when the 300 was fitted was it just the engine and the headlights /grille or were the changes more comprehensive?

Any advice will be gratefully received

[OldFart]

I looked at both too and came to the conclusion that the early 300's were not as reliable as the late 200's, so i looked around for a good 200 with low mileage and history and found her.
That was just over a year ago, in that time between now and then i've had one fanbelt go (wear and tear) and nothing else except normal servicing.
It had 67,000 on the clock when we bought it and has 93,493 now......and it pulls our caravan and goes off road.
If you really want the 300 get a later one ...after 98 say :)

[DiscoveryV8]

Hi Burble,

The main changes are as you say, the engine which has a bit more power, Most of which have had the timing mods done.(look for the yellow paint on the timing cover) and the next change is the gearbox. The 300 has the R380 box which is said to be better.
The next biggest change is the interior which has a revamp on the dash and consul. You will also find that the 300 has anti roll bars fitted, which do make for better road holding in the bends.

On all 200 and 300 watch out for poor gearboxes ie lots of noise and clunks.

I have a 200 and now a 300 and the main thing I notice when driving is, in the 200 you seem to sit higher due to the dash being lower. I also prefer the 200 steering wheel,but that ia only personal taste.

If you can find a good, low milage 200, then go for that. I would drive both types and as many as you can to see what you like.

Hope this is of some use but hands on is much better.

Cheers,

[burble]

Sorry not to have replied earlier, but thanks for the responses.

Old Fart, yours seems to be a superb example and proves that I just need to keep looking.

Discovery V8, I think you are right in that I need to look at as many examples as possible, having just seen a couple of truly dreadful ones at well over book prices. But I am not in any great hurry so I am not under any pressure to buy. After initially looking at Range Rovers (most completely rotten and over-priced) I am now convinced the Discovery is the one we need. it's just a matter of finding a decent one at a sensible price.

Cheers.