Date: Fri, 7 Jul 1995 16:17:57 +0200 From: dbeers@eu.wang.com (David Beers) Subject: Mail Order Stockists[...]
I have a 1989 Land Rover 90 Turbodiesel, and there are a few things you need to be aware of. First, the 1988 model you are interested is not a Defender TDi model. These were introduced in 1991. The engine you are looking at is in fact a different engine from the TDi model, as I found out later. They both are 2.5 L turbo, but the old Turbodiesel has 85 horsepower, while the later TDi has 107 horsepower. The TDi engine is a newer design that incorporates an intercooler, which the older one doesn't have. There is now an even newer TDi engine with 117 horsepower as well. The "Defender" name was added at the same time as the TDi engine was introduced (1991).
In summary:
What you are looking at (in official Land Rover terms) is a Land Rover 90 Diesel Turbo. This model has 85 HP and is capable of a top speed of 125 km/hr. "Comfortable" cruising speed is 100-110 km/hr. Anything more is too noisy for me. I have been told that the newer TDi's go up to 140 km/h with less noise.
Things to watch:
- It is VERY, VERY, important that you confirm with the previous owner that he/she changed the oil at the specified intervals. Otherwise, it is likely that the turbo mechanism will not live a full life, as it's bearings are lubricated by the engine oil, and is very sensitive to dirty oil. Otherwise, budget some money for a turbo rebuild for later (mine has already been rebuilt once by the previous owner). Other than this, they say that this engine is as reliable as the non-turbo engine. We shall see...
- Look under the chassis to check for rust and impact damage. As long as the chassis is in good shape, everything else is affordable to repair, especially with an engine with low km's.
- Check the engine and suspension bushes (silent-blocks). If these are worn out after only 56,000 km, then that implies that the vehicle was used heavily off-road.
- When you start the engine cold, you will notice a cloud of white smoke that will go away as soon as you press on the accelerator. This is normal.
- When you press hard on the accelerator to pass or to go up a steep hill, you will notice black smoke blowing out. This is normal.
- Any other kind of smoke activity/color is not normal.
Satisfaction report:
I am very happy with my 90, as I consider it the first Land Rover that you can use for everyday transportation and travel that consumes a reasonable amount of fuel. I average 10-11 L / 100 km., which is pretty good. I would be very happy to give you more detailed information if you want, either here or through E-mail.
Good luck,
David, email: dbeers@eu.wang.com [7/'95]