munkymush Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 first of all hi to ya all .. ive had a few landrovers but not a disco yet im looking to buy one any time now im looking up to 4k seems 97-98 ish are going for up to that amount .. whats the main things to look at apart from the obvious.? is there anything to watch on the electronics side... or am i better off going older to avoid this .. many thanks in anticipation glenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Attryde Posted December 21, 2007 Share Posted December 21, 2007 Electronics wise the 300TDi auto's have EDC (Electronic Diesel Control) which has been known to give a few problems although it is possible to replace the system with the conventional mechanical one. The Alarm spider can cause starting issues but this is also fixable. Other than that, rust in the sills, boot floor, front footwells, Inner wings etc. Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeagent Posted December 21, 2007 Share Posted December 21, 2007 I'd go for a lower spec 300Tdi model, in very good physical condition, with full service history... The lower spec versions have a lot less to go wrong (no electric seats, airbags, etc) and as rust is your biggest enemy, look at things like sills and boot floor. 4k is probably too mch to spend on a 300Tdi unless you want absolute showroom condition... and if you plan to off-road it you might be wasting your money.. spend 3k on the nicest one you can find, and save a grand for servicing, maintenance and a few mods.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comical Engineer Posted December 21, 2007 Share Posted December 21, 2007 300tdi has a nicer interior than the 200tdi (which had the old style Mondeo dials). If you go for the top spec 300tdi remember that the more toys you have, the less likely they are to work! I'd agree that the mechanical fuel injection is more reliable than the electronic, but the 300tdi does suit the auto box. Sunroofs tend to leak. Look for water stains on the roof lining. Electric windows should all work smoothly. As mentioned before rust - sills, boot floor, rear cross member and inner front wheelarches. Also, sagging doors lots of slack in the gearbox. Has the cambelt been changed? Is the auxiliary drive belt good? Water in oil, oil in water, emulsion under oil filler cap (head gasket problems), overheating (tdi is over-cooled so overheating may mean a corroded and clogged engine block and radiator). Leaks from PAS (not critical but usually an MOT fail and awkward to replace steering box). 3k should buy a decent base spec, but at over 10 years old there might not be much history. Buy on condition and a decent test drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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