Here's a brief outline of my 4 choices. Please weigh in with your most opinionated rants. Many thanks!

Number 1 is available at a run-down dealership - It's a 2001 SE, all major systems seem good, 90k. Color is tan/tan - dull, but it's teh cheap - $8900. Usual leaks, needs some basic tune-up work.

Number 2 is for sale at a well-known LR dealership that sells only the best used LRs, and their prices reflect that. 2001 HSE, immaculate, 60k miles, unusually there are no leaks. Not converted to coils, but the suspension works perfectly. $18,000.

Number 3 is at the same uber-dealership. It's a '99 HSE with 100k miles, also great shape with the exception of an airbag fault. Converted tocoils. $10,000.

Number 4 is the favorite color - '02 HSE white with tan interior. 85k miles. Best looking inside and out. Everything seems perfect, but when the oil filler cap is opened, you can see the slightest hint of green foaminess. Doesn't look the engine's blown, but could need a new head gasket? Asking $13,900.

I'll get some popcorn...

 

#4...the coolant in the oil is never a good sign. Other than that #4 would be my vote if you can get a compression test done to see whats going on with that head gasket..

 

What do you want to use the truck for and are you also going to buy an extended warranty?

 

Second car for large family, mostly driving in town. Probably be subjected to the usual hauling of kids, junk, and the usual trappings. So, aesthetics should probably come second.

I guess my real question is whether the green foam is always a sign of bad engine. Will just a head gasket job fix the problem, or should a motor replacement be placed into the equation.

Not planning on purchasing an extended warranty, have always maintained my own vehicles, and other than the price for spares, these don't really seem that hard to work on......Appreciate the responses...keep em coming.

 

I agree with WolfPack, go for #4, but with a compression test to see if/where your gasket is leaking.The price isdecent for the condition and milage, plus its YOUR choice color(which is gonna matter alot after you purchased it and you two bond). Go for #4

 

Go for #2 but offer them $14K for it. If you work them hard enough, they'll come down in price. Be tough!

 

#2