Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Mate is looking at a 96 disco, 140,000km's TDI for $15G.
He asked me if there are any probs with them and what too look for.
He wont be using it for any hardcore off roading, unless I convince him otherwise, so things like axles snapping shouldn't be a problem.
He has heard about a 100,000k timing belt change, and that it cost a fair bit to get done. Any addvice on this.

the unit is on the money for the mileage if it is manual with a decent service history. from what i have seen of late

the timing belt should be done every 70000-80000k and can be done in about 4 hours if doing it yourself. getting a good landrover shop to do it will set you back between $400 and $600 odd dollars depending on the parts needed.

hope it helps

For a 300 Tdi (which it will have) the timing belt should be changed at 70000km - so it is due for another one. Check that the first one was done at the right time. Also check that the appropriate timing belt update kit was fitted at that time (some of the 300Tdi's left the factory with misalignments in the pulleys or timing casing - there was a 3 stage retrofit kit from the factory to fix the problem - vehicles needed stage 1-3 depending on vin). If in doubt check with a dealer, by 1996 the engines may have left the factory with all fixes fitted already.

Timing belts are fine to do yourself but you need a few tools to lock the flywheel, pump and cam in position (the timing belt and gasket kit is about $130). Otherwise it will cost an average of $500 at a mechanic.

There was a small batch of heads where which warped and needed replacing, but that happened long before 140000km.

Check for clonks in the drivetrain with the centre diff locked - should be none. Check that the turbo doesn't have too much oil passing it (take a pipe off and have a look).

Ben's reply is a fair summary.

By 140,000 km most of the chronic issues should have been dealt with and the truck should be due for a new timing belt. This is the first thing that I would see to unless the service records suggest otherwise.

The installation of a low level coolant alarm is good (and cheap) insurance.

The rest resembles great driving at $15k. I would have thought $18k with this mileage.