Finally ..maybe

My Ma-in-law is selling hers, got a new motor:D (guessing it got less than 20,000k on it)

Dont they blow a headgasket or do a timing belt easy ?? is there a permanent fix for this ?? or how do i know if it has been fixed ??

To answer your first question: TDi's usually sit just under half way on the temp gauge all the time - ie up hills, on the flat, off road. Pre arrange with seller if possible to have a test drive of at least 15-20 mins with some hills ( I'm sure you have them in Tasmania somewhere). If the temp gauge moves even the slightest above halfway - figure that you may have to do some head work in the future.

and

If you are really worried about the timing belt: Pay for a mechanic to remove timing case cover and have a look at timing belt. It may cost $100 and some arranging and time lost - but damage to that area is easy to spot once the cover is off. ( Look at thread -another day another dollar rant).



Basically, Landrovers of that age are good if you can fix them yourself - either learn how or buy something newer. No car ever has a sticker on it 'I am a lemon' - but if you want to buy a particular car and estimate what bad things can happen, then figure the repairs in addition to the purchase price, at least you have planned for it.

If the purchase price + estimated repairs is too much - don't buy it.

Thanks very much langy thats very helpful and everyone for ur replys
Regards Adrian

It appears your brother has the disease that causes taste buds to develop later in life, at least he has seen the light now, better late than never. :D

Have a look at my website- www.landroverace.com click on the link in the menu on the left hand side called tips on buying a used land rover. All the info in there was compiled from the blokes on here, i just added it to the site.

Best advice is look for one with some sort of service history, find out when the timing belt was last changed, 60-80000km is the limit, if you dont know budget 600-800 to have it done. A late 97-early 99 would be best they had the bosch electrics. Matt

Thanks for the info Ace