The D2s are a completely different beast when it comes to body rust - they don't. If you find anything with body rust, it'll be down to accident damage so check it thoroughly.
The chassis is also the opposite of the D1. The D1 has a pretty solid chassis generally... The D2 more often than not has chassis rot from the rear axle back, and sometimes its quite serious. Look for holes and also splitting seams - if you can see this it means the metal has been weakened and it'll need repairs sections asap.
Air suspension if fitted is usually pretty reliable, but the airbags do leak sometimes. Its important to get them changed if this happens because the compressor runs flat out trying to keep the airbags inflated... so burns out.
ACE if fitted is a pain. The high pressure hoses leak, the hydraulic rams leak, the valve block corrodes around the pipes, and the pump can fail. Its great when it works, but once you start chasing leaks you have to have a sense of humour or else a box of matches can be very appealing...
Brakes are excellent even left completely standard. ABS is standard as is braking stability control which helps prevent fishtailing when braking towing a trailer.
I can't comment on the V8 as I run a Td5, but with hindsight I probably should have risked the V8. The Td5 is great, don't get me wrong, but if you put LPG on the V8 your running costs won't be that far adrift of a std auto Td5. I went for the Td5 as I was afraid of dropped liners... however having been in the D2 community for about 2.5 years I've only heard first hand of one suffering that way, so the problem may be somewhat over estimated? best to keep well on top of any cooling issues though!
Parts costs do seem to be quite a bit cheaper on the D1 than on the D2. For example you can't get a front wheel bearing for a D2 - you have to renew the hub at £170+++ each. Check your prospective D2 carefully and cost any likely repairs to make sure you're not caught out
Oh yes, I'd recommend that you get some kind of diagnostics reader - they're very very useful on a D2, if not essential. You can read fault codes, clear faults, program the various functions (enable the heated screen and electric seats for example) and read live data which help with diagnosis. I prefer the hawkeye but many prefer the nanocom. Have a go with both if you can before you buy.
HTH
