Thread: TD5 the search begins - advice required

Well I'm in the market for a TD5 and went to look at the first one today, a 2002 (03MY), black, 200 Km.

I plan to have a vehicle inspected before purchase it. I am looking for some advise as to which TD5 to get inspected as well as gaining some knowladge about them.

Todays TD5

Good points:
well deatailed (or well maintained hard to tell), no sign of rust, Fluids all new and clean, no sign of oil in injector loom, no sign of soot at engine block/ exhaust manifold, started well, ran (it was my first drive so I can not say if it was smooth), auto box changed gear smoothly, no drivetrain backlash when putting into drive or revers, as new rotors, all dash lights came on and then went off

Interesting points:
Front driveshaft was greasable and had a double uni joint at the transfercase end - it also looked new.
Rear driveshaft was greasable and looked new.
Was an S with 7 seats and rear air suspention but no ACE.
New Pedder shocks and the ride flet bumpy for air springs.

Bad points:
coolant was low and there was dried coolant from a leek on the passenger side of the transmition box by the firewall.
Evidence of oil leek (minor) on drivers side of engine about the midle of the block around the welch plugs - could not see source which could have been higher up.
Oil leak somewhere high up on transfer case - enough for the lowest bolts to have drips on them.
There was quite a vibration at the stearing wheel with the engine running, car in drive, stationary and foot on the brake. This vibration became less noticable after 15 min of driving (ie when waiting at a junction).

Any suggestions what the cause of some of the bad points could be?

There is only 1 tow pack in this market, unless it's aftermarket, all should be rated to 3500kg. I'd be suspect if it minced a torque converter, get the trans checked out.

Cheers
Will