can anyone recommend a rover specialist mechanic in the Toronto area that will come check out the car with me? dont mind paying a small fee

 

also if selling has been using regular octane fuel... should that be a red flag?

 

Some have ran regular in their rovers successfully for years. I do not recommend it though... I would pull the spark plugs and check for excessive deposits. If the engine runs nicely, it was well looked after and had lots of service records. I would be willing to overlook the fact and make my decision based on it's present condition and of course what the mechanic said. If you can, have an oil test done to see how the engine is aging.

 

checked out the car today...looked and drove great. air suspension still works, new breaks, pirelli tires.

but the owner won't allow a mechanic to check the car. a little concerning... but is selling it e-tested and certified

i got a carproof, and there were 2 micell. claims and 1 partial loss claim, all under $3k.. in 2002, 2005, 2007 respectively. the biggest problem seems to me that it's had a number of owners in multiple provinces

i think i might have to pull the trigger... nothing really strikes me as a big red flag... gonna bring a more knowledgable friend with me for a 2nd look on thurs... hopefully its not sold by then!

anyone wanna chime in w some advice?

i should say that, Im gonna be driving the car for a move from Toronto to Winnipeg in August.

 

How much are they asking and what kind of mileage is on it? The fact they won't let you take it to a mechanic makes me a bit concerned.

 

128 000 miles

$ 3 750

 

That is a pretty good price. If it doesn't overheat (verify it with an OBD scanner if you can, the gauge is not always accurate) and you can't spot anything obvious, then you should be ok.

One other thing I would do, is test the coolant. I know you can't bring it to the mechanic, but a quick test can be done without needing to take it anywhere. It will just ensure there are no exhaust gases in the coolant. If there are, you might want to reevaluate the purchase with the added knowledge that it needs new head gaskets.

 

that sounds like some key advice LRSCOTT, i'll definitely take those precautions.