Buyers guide... (Please)

[Dynamics]

I wonder, If I asked nicely...

If someone could take pictures of all the areas to check for rust on the T2, also create a list of anything else to check (Mechanical etc) that would be a great help for a prospective buyer like me, and possibly a good item for the download section. :bow

:thumb2

 

[makeitfit]

RUST, front cross member behind the bumper. Rear seat belt mounts.
Bulkhead to inner wings (Walk away). Rear of sills. Body mounts.
Wings under the plastic trims.

 

[fridgman]

RUST, front cross member behind the bumper. Rear seat belt mounts.
Bulkhead to inner wings (Walk away). Rear of sills. Body mounts.
Wings under the plastic trims.

I had a Discovery (sorry shouldn't swear!) with that list on its mot failure sheet about a year ago! Never done so much welding on one vehicle!

 

[Dynamics]

I really got the hot's for a Defender, (V8 too) that vehicle is what made me start researching to purchase a 4x4.

Travelled quite a few hundred miles in the back of them, and that was what I wanted. Joined a few Land Rover forums and started doing other research too.

Enough to put you off the things for life. They sound like a right money pit.

(Still would like one though)

 

[fridgman]

Defenders are great but the Discovery is easier with the wife unless she's into off-roading too. I find land rover more flexible for 'mods' and very good off road but I find my maverick comes pretty close for what I need. Cheaper on the pocket too!

 

[lacroupade]

I really got the hot's for a Defender, (V8 too) that vehicle is what made me start researching to purchase a 4x4.

Travelled quite a few hundred miles in the back of them, and that was what I wanted. Joined a few Land Rover forums and started doing other research too.

Enough to put you off the things for life. They sound like a right money pit.

(Still would like one though)

Yes, I remember my neighbour cursing over his for a week after it blew the head gasket (melting the head between two valves) on the Severn Bridge, then having to cut out the entire boot floor before it fell out....:doh

 

[fridgman]

I was rather shocked when the head gasket showed up on the routine service schedule parts list! Not a tough job. Boot floor is a bit messy though but plenty of room for access.

 

[lacroupade]

I was rather shocked when the head gasket showed up on the routine service schedule parts list! Not a tough job. Boot floor is a bit messy though but plenty of room for access.

but what a PITA job.....even though it was rusted badly he had to drill out dozens of spot welds to get the panel out, then remove part of one of the crossmembers that had also rusted through!

 

[rustic]

I had a Discovery (sorry shouldn't swear!) with that list on its mot failure sheet about a year ago! Never done so much welding on one vehicle!

A lot of my friends used to swear by them....:nenau


******* thing....... :lol:lol:lol

 

[harlowmaverick]

run the car upto temperature and make sure it doesnt overheat.
before it gets hot open up the header tank and keep an eye for any muck in there or bubbles.
check the oil for any signs of milkyness as well

 

[Fez_uk]

I nearly got a discovery, all over priced piles of rust.

 

[rustic]

Some things to look for:

Check if 4 wheel drive is working, front Autohubs can be problematic.
Can be a cheap fix, or may need new ones.

Wet carpets passenger and driver's foot well. also around rear door seal.

Rock the car side to side from the open driver's roof side, listen for clicks and clunks. Could be drop links on antiroll bar, cheap to fix.

Oil leaks check bottom of bell housing, prop shaft seals engine around the oil filter and down the back of the rocker box cover.

Look at rear brake backing plates for signs of either brake fluid or diff oil.

Check braking, is it pulling to one side, is one disc or drum hotter than the other side after a run?
Wet a finger first just in case or you may burn yourself

Coolant fluid leaks especially around the water pump.

Check for smoke on start up, and whilst reving, note the colour..
White Could be air getting into the fuel system,some cheap fuel filters leak or fuel lines corroded.
Blue Oil burning.....
Black Might need new glow plugs, new air filter, or a damn good service.



Note: not all these issues are found on every vehicle, but are some of the common issues you would find on any car with age and mileage.


My Mav I have had 16+ years and has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. That's why I keep it. :thumb2

 

[spudd]

My discovery never let me down.certainly had less rust than my terrano had.none of the issues my terrano had.but my 96 terrano has little or no rust and cost nothing in repairs.