For my $0.02c you should be looking at all three if not far more before making a decision based on the headlights.

Which one ticks? Which one is rusty underneath at the back? invest in an ultra gauge at this stage, take it and see which one doesn't shoot up to 225. Which owner do you trust, and the others you wouldn't accept a free drink from?

I could go on. But at this stage everything else is moot, until you know what's good and bad, by looking.

 

Having owned many LR's including a 2000 V8 (near new) and a 2003 TD5 (new) IMO there is nothing wrong with the 2003 which has cost me less than any other vehicle in servicing and parts (including main dealer work) in 12 years but what I wouldn't want to own even for free now is a 4.0 or 4.6 V8 Rover engine as the TD5 and my RRS V6 diesels are far superior for length of service and reliability. IMO at the stately age of 20 years the old 2.8TD diesel Mitzy Pajero tops both my LR's for all in running costs (less than £2K in 8 years). IMO most issues experienced in the US seem to emanate from the Rover V8 engine and/or previous owner sub-standard or poor maintenance but that's the risk when buying a used 12 to 17 year old multi owner truck. Just my thoughts and observations - no real gems in that.

 

X1 agreed, a dunger is a dunger no matter how shiny it looks.

 

I still say the hookers and blow option should be kept on the table.........just for the summer.

 

We'd all have TD5's here in the states Offroadfrance if we could get them...That would be the ultimate for me. It's only money...

 

Motorhead1, I can supply you all the TD5's and all you need now is to beat up on the US DoT to accept them

I'm in the process of rebuilding a freebie TD5 at present and amazingly it's in excellent condition but the previous owner didn't understand or want to understand the minor issues and nor did the main LR dealership

Don't get me wrong, the Rover V8 is a great truck engine ................. until it starts going 'pear shaped' and then it's a real PITA. It's like women ............. high maintenance

 

Seeing that no one wants to accept my hookers and blow suggestion, let's play what if. What would be required to perform such a conversion, because my state only rule for inspection must be the CEL must be working and off. And I'll run a turbo 5 all day rather than cringe every time it turn the key on my V8.

. Tank
. Pump
. Complete Engine with uncut harness and ECU.
. Cluster ( maybe, possibly?)
. A test book to get everyone communicating and happy.
. TD5 badge for the trunk.

Missing anything?

 

Letter to the DoT informing them of the change of fuel type?

Is it at that point they write back and say, "I don't think so, sunshine."

Dunno. What have they got against Deisel over here?

 

Let's leave the DoT out of this .....

 

So from everything I've gathered here I should just get a diesel, hookers and blow.

Honestly, that sounds pretty good.

I wonder if doing a diesel conversion would be easy in some states, then they can be brought into California registered as an altered vehicle. I know some states have a much more relaxed view on car alterations.