Hello all
Here is some info I pulled some time ago regarding this. I think It came from this site but im not sure. Anyhow viewers may be interested in it......experinced heads I'm lookin for ye to add to it
hi m8, the recalls arent a problem, once your m8 has bought one a quick visit to a dealer will get him a printout with the security codes, if lost and all info on that vehicles recalls and if they were completed. If they werent you can still get them done foc. Mine has done a fair bit of off roading, but is still on good condition, more important is if it was cleaned afterwards and not driven off road like its a defender
D2's go through brakes quickly, so a check of discs and pads is a must. Steering boxes tend to leak, mine does, but only dampness on the bottom so no problem for a long time yet. Tell yr m8 to have a long test drive, check high/low works properly, get the car up to temp, needle should go to just over half way mark after about 4 miles normal driving, if left to tick over it takes forever to reach operating temps.. check the air con blows cold and heater blows hot.. drive off a curb at an angle to make the car rock from side to side, this will show up any problems with the watts linkage and bushes by producing a donk donk sound as it rocks side to side. check oil filler for white gunk as per usual, this should show up if there is any head gasket problems..
electric windows, check the front ones go up and down smoothly, this is a classic problem area it seems, although mine are ok atm I can tell the motors or something in there is tired allready.. door locks, make sure the central locking works all round, back door mechanism needs regular lubrication.
D2 alpine lights are bonded and mine is perfectly dry, no sign of any leaks from them or the twin sunroofs, worth checking tho..
people tend to slide over the edge of the seat getting into them and this has caused the side of the drivers seat to tear, worth a look.. the rear wheel arch is partly covered by the rear door bottom, check the paint on the lip of the sill, as dust and crap has worn away the paint and is showing early signs of rust setting in, must sort mine out soon, bought the paint, just waiting on a few dry days in a row..
make sure all electrics and warning lights, lights etc work as they should...
mine doesnt have ace and it handles very well, minimal roll on fast corners, in fact it feels well planted.. ace can give you a false sense of security, as when the tyres do let go, you'll be right on the edge of the envelope and a messy situation is likely to follow. Also no ace means less to break/go wrong.
In general 7 seaters have rear airbags, 5 seaters have springs. Both have advantages and disadvantages. you cant add extra seats to a 5 seater legally due to type specification and air suspension is more expensive to fix if it goes wrong. you lose good storage space in the 7 seater, however there is still plenty of room in the back with the seats folded away.
cant think of any more specific to the d2, will post if I think of anything else
