Advice and questions

quattro6999 said:

It is actually a 2004 model according to my dvla lookup, auto.

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Its a 1999 model first registered in 2004, so it may be ex Forces, ex Airport or an import etc.

I thought it was weird being 99 model year, but having all the trademarks of a 2004 model with all the face lift bits fitted.

might of even been a landrover development vehicle, a customer of ours got a tdi in 2000, when it was reged it was a W, been kicking around Solihull,
log book said it was a 1998 model,

Guy was away all day so I never got to view it. Got some concerns about it now though. Not totally put off BUT would like to know the complete story before buying. Where would I look or ask to see whats what? Obviously ill check vins against the v5 etc but it does seem to have a clouded history.

Where could it have been for 4 years AND its definately a manual which is worrying as you all say its an auto??? Insurance quotes list it as a variety of specs ( S to XS and ask you to choose) But they have it as a manual.

Just an update ( cause most theads in any forum never reach conclusion). Viewed the car yesterday and first impressions were good. Tidy outside with little or no corrosion. Solid chassis ( The missing 4 years were in the ownership of a forces guy in Cyprus). Only oil leak was a power steering pipe. Starts an ran fine but never took it for a run ( Just mot'd so wasnt worried to be honest) History looked fine. BUT ( theres always a but ) The interior of an 84k car looked like a 180k car and the carpets were all soaking wet. So I bid the guy a grand less than hewas looking for and left it at that. Who knows he may get back to me yet.
Thanks for all the info and replies folks and I'll keep on looking meantimes. I've defo got to get me one.

Worried Windy said:

and the carpets were all soaking wet. So I bid the guy a grand less than hewas looking for and left it at that.

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All the carpets? not just sunroofs - I'd hazard a guess at the aircon breathers being blocked and dumping water in the front footwells.

Wheel bearings (entire hubs including ABS sensor wire) can be bought for about £60 upwards, just not genuine LR ones. Or was the quoted £200 including fitting?

if it 's got sunroofs, easy fix all linning out and re seal, take all seats out and carpet dry off and look at screen and make sure front A posts drain, door seals etc all nearly show up with an hose pipe, spray with waxoyl inside, let it dry and if your sure youve found all sources of ingress, put crpets back in, the enjoy and wait for the next fooking thing too go wrong!!

Well what can I say.
After looking at so many I became disgruntled at the crap I was seeing and gave it a rest. However on Sat I went a round trip of 200 miles to look at an 03 plate with 155K on the clock. I was pleasantly surprised and the condition internally certainly does not back up the mileage ( 2nd hand BCU perhaps??). Car has a few things not working ( theres a surprise) but has had quite a lot of work done in the last 3 years including full new rear airbags, clutch, dmf, slave and master cyls, n/s front wheel bearing and new discs and pads all round.
There are a few dash illumination bulbs to sort, spotlights not working, and a coupe of tyres required. BUT I bought it and its home and never missed a beat. Rear chassis has surface rust but will take care of that and waxoil the whole underside.
Extras include full length roof rails, spot lights, aframe bull bar, multi cd changer,side steps, full set of mint rubber genuine mats full set of seat covers, wder than usual wheels and tyres ( I'm told. 255/65/16 ) and a few bits and pieces that were bought but never required/fitted.
I had reservations about the mileage though and HOPE I've done the right thing. Some pics later on its Grey incolour and light has faded for the day.
I'm sure I will have questions though SOON.