Thread: Am I mad?

Yes, completely mad!
I got mine, 95 300tdi hcpu for $15k, 330000 Kms with rebuilt engine at 250000. Still not sure why it was rebuilt, I get the impression someone fiddled with it too much perhaps.
Heaps of threads on hear on what to look for. Just search it. There are suggestions of these engines running for a million kms in some installations! Suspect it depends on how you look after it.
Biggest thing I found with mine was the wiring giving trouble. A few shorts, time consuming but easy fixes. I ended up replacing all the wiring running from the bulkhead plugs to the back.
I'm not guru but I love mine, fun to work on, easy mechanically for the most part, learnt lots. Good luck.

in order

No,

Yes, well maybe ,is $15k the total you want to spend all told OR what you want to pay for the base vehicle?

A specimen that has just received major work in terms of routine mainenance

the intervals are 80K for the timing belt 250K for the head gasket and an overhaul inpsection at 500K.

Aim for an example that is just about due for the timing belt as it gives you the opportunity to inspect and sort a number of minor things in one hit. OR aim for one that is about 1/4 of the way past one of the more major services (say 300K km with a head done at 250K km.)