I'm really grateful for all the answers to questions of mine and others
here, and have now just missed two Discos on sale locally (it has taken
the NFU a long time to tell me how much the insurance would be).
I was looking for a 300 to replace my 200 Defender, but have read a lot
about TD5's, and now think I might, just might, be able to stretch the
budget to an early example.

This raises even more questions regarding the TD5.

I've read that the TD5 engine needs no catalytic converter. Is this
correct, as some on ebay seem to be listed as having these devices.

More importantly, regular readers will be reminded that I drive 100
miles, tow a boat round a field to be craned in or out (any potential
purchasers of the 110 please note that it never goes anywhere near
seawater) and then drive back. For the long drives I really want an auto
box, so the questions are now about the tractor type work at the far end
and how a TD5 Disco might cope.

The 2.5 ton boat is on a 2-wheel unsprung launching trolley-type
trailer. Thus it is prone to rock about its axle, and over larger bumps
the bow has been known to gently caress the back of the Defender's roof.
Not enough to cause any harm, but just a gentle clonk. The Defender's
rear springs cope with the movement of the boat.
So, a Disco has a rear shape that slopes forward, giving more clearance
(I've parked alongside, towbar level with towbar, and compared). But it
has softer springs, so there may be more movement. Then again TD5's seem
to (all?) have some sort of rear air springing with electronic control.
How would this electronic control work with a heavy, oscillating load
fighting it? The more I've read, the more I get confused. Is this set up
for standard road use with variable loads in the back? Does the program
change depending on the gear selected? Would the air components go bang
if suddenly faced with a heavy rocking load? I think, never having
driven an auto Disco, that I would be working in low range first gear
and reverse.

Is there a problem with supply of replacement parts for Discos? I've
been told that with D1's cracked heads do happen and the supply of
replacements is running out, also that D2's heads can't be skimmed, so
replacements for these could become in short supply. Should any of this
bother me? If I can make the Disco work, I'd aim to keep it for a long
time.

I realise, and the declining number of friends tell me, that I'm
becoming a bore on this, but I really do appreciate advice and opinions.