200TDI vs. 300TDI Probably beating a dead horse

TexasD-90

Well-known member
I've posted a few questions lately as I'm about to purchase a 110. I have been looking forever (since I sold my NAS 90 10 years ago) and it is finally time. Through my search I've landed on two trucks currently. One is a 200TDI/LT77 and the other is a 300TDI/R380. The 300 has 225,000 miles and the 200 has 150,000 miles. Both are, for the most part, rust free. What I'm not clear on is wether or not the 300/R380 is that much better. This truck will be used as the family adventure and camping wagon here in the mountains of CO. We live at nearly 9,000 feet. I'm looking for feedback on power, reliability, comfort, noise, etc. The 300TDI truck is 5 years newer but $15,000 more money.

Thank you for your feedback, and I apologize if this has been covered. I did search a bit first.
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
Both will be grossly underpowered considering the mountain road upgrades and thinner air.
If the slowness doesn't annoy everyone in your family, the smell and the loud excessive noise will.
 

TexasD-90

Well-known member
Sounds perfect!

Can't be as underpowered as the 3.5l V8! At least as far as torque goes for getting up the mountains. We like to go slow.
 

erover82

Well-known member
Tdi will take you anywhere, slowly, and with a clatter. If that's your thing, and your family's, you'll be a happy bunch. If not, look at other options. There are pros and cons to 200 and 300. I'd consider overall condition of the vehicle to be more important.
 

DBrands

Member
Sounds perfect!

Can't be as underpowered as the 3.5l V8! At least as far as torque goes for getting up the mountains. We like to go slow.
Just keep George Carlin's Stuff stand-up routine in mind when you pack up the 110.

The 200/300 engines in 90s and lightly loaded 110s are in my opinion more than adequate for any situation; highway or off-road.
In loaded 110s, I think you'll find they struggle on hills or open highway.

If you want the driving experience to be a big part of the family memory, get the 110. If you just want the adventure/camping to be the memory, get an LR3/4.
 

TexasD-90

Well-known member
Good advice! We already have an LR3. I'm sold on the defender, and I'm aware of what I'm getting into (at least somewhat!). I've had a herd of land rovers over the years, and the newest one I've ever owned is the 2009 LR3.

The 110 will rarely see roads that require 65+ mph. We live 40 miles from the nearest speed limit above 55mph.

I'm really looking for the differences in the setups. Is the 300 quieter? Are parts more readily available for one over the other? Things like that.
 

DBrands

Member
Comparing new to new, I think the 300 is slightly quieter (my only experience being stood next to them on the trail).
Parts supply for the 300 will be better as time goes on (newer engine). Some 200 parts are becoming NLA, thought that may be the case for 300 variants as well.
I think R380s are stronger than most LT77s. The more knowledgeable folks can comment on this.
200s and 300s are both right at home sub 55mph.
 

rocky

NAS-ROW Addict
Back to your question.... I know someone will say the C word, but parts availability eg heads is to me something to factor in.
 

meatblanket

Well-known member
If I had to choose between the two I would rather have a 300tdi as it probably has more advantages than disadvantages over the 200tdi, and also for parts availability (although as a 200tdi owner that has not been an issue at all for me yet).

On the other hand, the difference between the two isn't worth anything near $15k in my book.
 

blueboy

Well-known member
Just keep George Carlin's Stuff stand-up routine in mind when you pack up the 110.

The 200/300 engines in 90s and lightly loaded 110s are in my opinion more than adequate for any situation; highway or off-road.
In loaded 110s, I think you'll find they struggle on hills or open highway.
While we had the 2.8 International engine in ours, it had no problem on hills or open highways fully loaded.
7EF5EFA1-B68F-4E0C-88AA-3B09C4893967.jpeg
 

TexasD-90

Well-known member
The $15,000 isn't just the motor/trans. That truck is fully up to date on service including a fresh timing belt. It's an import from a reputable importer on this board. It'll come ready to go. If I buy the 200 I'll have to do all the service after purchase. Just trying to weigh the options.

1996 300TDI
will cost $43-45,000 after import/title/etc

223k miles
fully serviced (engine, transmission, diffs, drivelines, axles)
body has dents and scratches
no rust at all
new headliner
new wheels and tires
new door seals
new seatbelts
new rubber mat set
mantec rear tire carrier


1991 200TDI
will cost $30,000

153miles
needs full service
body has dents and scratches
minor corrosion on door bottoms, frame and bulkhead are good
no headliner
needs tires
 

RDavisinVA

Technical Excellence Contributor
Can't be as underpowered as the 3.5l V8! At least as far as torque goes for getting up the mountains.
Oh yes it can be just as slow!

We like to go slow.
Well then there is nothing left holding you back from making the right purchase for you and your family.

I drove the small grossly underpowered diesels for over 15 years before throwing the towel in.
 

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
I drove a 300Tdi powered truck from Phoenix to Fairbanks and back in 32 days. It was a joy and I loved the clackity clack of the diesel. Personally I think it adds to any adventure. Anybody can do 80 down the highway in a modern truck as the world passes by. Going slow you get to take it all in and be part of the scenery.
 

JimC

Super Moderator
Staff member
I’ve got 125k+ miles on 300tdi trucks in 90, 110, and 130 lengths. They’re totally adequate even on the Autobahn in Germany. The motor being healthy is important, as is the correct gearing. The VNT kit I just installed in the 110 is amazing. A 200 can be made to perform almost identically with the turbo upgrade, but you’re stuck with the annoying LT77 trans which perpetually vex you with first and reverse mid-selection.

Go with the nicer truck anyway.
 

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
The $15,000 isn't just the motor/trans. That truck is fully up to date on service including a fresh timing belt. It's an import from a reputable importer on this board. It'll come ready to go. If I buy the 200 I'll have to do all the service after purchase. Just trying to weigh the options.

1996 300TDI
will cost $43-45,000 after import/title/etc

223k miles
fully serviced (engine, transmission, diffs, drivelines, axles)
body has dents and scratches
no rust at all
new headliner
new wheels and tires
new door seals
new seatbelts
new rubber mat set
mantec rear tire carrier


1991 200TDI
will cost $30,000

153miles
needs full service
body has dents and scratches
minor corrosion on door bottoms, frame and bulkhead are good
no headliner
needs tires


the 300 is the better buy here just because of the lack of corrosion. Engines are essentially the same in power output. the 300 has some better designed and more easily available components. Mileage doesn't really matter with either just the condition of the truck matters.

id take a diesel over a lame gas engine any day, just way more fun.
 

DBrands

Member
While we had the 2.8 International engine in ours, it had no problem on hills or open highways fully loaded.
View attachment 16857
Agreed, the 2.8 pushes power up significantly.

Stock numbers (googled, don't hate me if they aren't perfect):

300TDi (111HP/195ft-lb)

International HS 2.8L (135HP/277ft-lb; 22% more HP, 42% more torque than 300TDi)
The Cummins 2.8L (161HP/310ft-lb)
Isuzu 4BD1T 3.9L (121HP/231ft-lb)
OM606 3.0L (174HP/243ft-lb)

Tune them up to your hearts content!
 

DBrands

Member
The $15,000 isn't just the motor/trans. That truck is fully up to date on service including a fresh timing belt. It's an import from a reputable importer on this board. It'll come ready to go. If I buy the 200 I'll have to do all the service after purchase. Just trying to weigh the options.

1996 300TDI
will cost $43-45,000 after import/title/etc

223k miles
fully serviced (engine, transmission, diffs, drivelines, axles)
body has dents and scratches
no rust at all
new headliner
new wheels and tires
new door seals
new seatbelts
new rubber mat set
mantec rear tire carrier


1991 200TDI
will cost $30,000

153miles
needs full service
body has dents and scratches
minor corrosion on door bottoms, frame and bulkhead are good
no headliner
needs tires

I would consider the cost differential less than $15,000 with this info. Add the below costs to the 200Tdi:
New wheels - $500 (necessary for the 200tdi? Your call)
New tires - $1000
Headliner - $500?
Full Service - $300? (parts alone, labour extra; filters, belts, fluids)
Are new seatbelts, door seals, rubber mats needed on the 200tdi?
Tire carrier needed?

Decide which truck is in better condition cosmetically. Does that matter to you? Does it have a value?

Now, with what remains, is the 300Tdi/R380 worth the extra coin from what everyone else comments regarding parts, performance, etc
 

hillstrubl

Founding Member
If I had to choose between the two I would rather have a 300tdi as it probably has more advantages than disadvantages over the 200tdi, and also for parts availability (although as a 200tdi owner that has not been an issue at all for me yet).

On the other hand, the difference between the two isn't worth anything near $15k in my book.
I'm on my 3rd 300tdi (90, D1 now 110) and I would always go back to it. I've driven several 200tdis, but honestly they're kinda that same from a power/noise perspective. The 300 (to me) wins more due to the R380 fitted by default and parts availability. However I would have no issue getting a 200tdi/LT77, I've had good luck with my 300s. I agree with above, overall condition is the bigger factor. But a well maintained 300tdi at that mileage shouldn't scare you IMO. Good luck with the purchase (post some pics!)
 
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