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Bodywork |
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Although the bodywork is
aluminium-based you need to check for corrosion wherever the aluminium
is in contact with another metal e.g. where the body bolts onto the chassis,
where wings attached to bulkhead. Check bottom of doors and sides of windows
for rust. |
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Bulkhead |
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Check the lower area and
around the door hinges. If the bulkhead is badly rusted then the body
will probably need to be removed to repair/replace it. |
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Chassis |
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Expect to find areas of the
chassis where rust damage has been repaired or replaced. Check the the
rear cross-member and outriggers especially. Check above the bump stops
since this area is subject to stress if used offroad. Don't forget to
feel on top of the box sections for corrosion weakness (i.e. holes!).
If rust is extensive, don't buy unless the cost of repair is allowed for
in the price. If rust is extensive then a chassis replacement may be necessary
(£1,000+). |
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Differential |
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Drive a short distance on soft ground
to test the 4WD is working and to discover if a non-standard differential
has been fitted in the rear axle to improve economy (a common occurrence)
- the vehicle will behave wildly in 4wd if the front and rear diffs are
not compatible |
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Engine |
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It is common for Land Rover
engines to give continued good service above 100,000 miles. Listen for
even running and for knocking. Low knocking sounds may be due to worn
crankshaft bearings. Higher rapid tapping may just be poorly adjusted
valve clearances ('tappets').
Occasional blue smoke may be just leaking valve stem oil seals but continuous
blue smoke is probably worn piston rings and bores. |
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Gearbox |
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During the test drive check all gears,
including the low ratio ones. Listen for unusual sounds as you drive in
each gear. Check the selectability of each gear. The SIII gearbox is not
as strong as the SII. 1st and 2nd gear show wear and are prone to jump
out of gear as they get older. On the test drive press the accelerator
and release it in each gear to see if the gear selector jumps out. |
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Interior |
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Non Land Rover seats may
have been fitted. Check that they have been fitted securely and both they
and the seat belt mountings will pass MOT inspection. |
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Springs |
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Check for broken or damaged
springs. Individual leaves should be a uniform thickness throughout. The
vehicle should sit level if all springs are healthy. Check around the
spring mountings for cracks or repairs.Any rusting in this area is a road
test failure. |
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Steering |
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A small amount
of steering wheel movement when driving straight on a good road is normal
but if constant correction is needed then major steering component replacement
may be necessary. |
Transmission |
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Check for movement in the propshafts and, if
present, decide if it is a worn universal joint or the differential needs
replacing. Maximum turn allowable is 1/4. |