Hi folks

Recent new member here. Previously owned a mint 85 ex-RAF 90 before kids came along many moons go and its my one and only car sale regret. Have always hankered for another one.

I'd an old relative (who didn't have any children) pass a few months ago who owned a badly looked after 2009 90 pickup. His wife is selling up the farm equipment which includes this yoke.

I'm considering buying it (would love to keep it in the family) so I went to have a look at at.
Chassis didn't look terrible apart from the rear bulkhead (but didn't get fully underneath so I'm gonna guess that not really enough of a look)
Puma engine has the injector blow by issue (certainly has those symptoms)
Paintwork is pretty terrible (never mind the panel damage) ... the lacquer peel is shocking
Vehicle has been SORNED for a year ... didn't drive it.

I don't intend on offering anywhere close to dangerous money given all the knowns (and more so the unknowns) but If I was comfortable setting aside 10K (doing some of the work myself and have a mechanic friend to call on as well as cheap car sprayer) to get it back to reasonable condition is it worth taking a punt on it? Maybe there's just to many unknowns at this stage? Any thoughts?

Injectors can be costly if they need replacing, and need to be coded to the engine management system using Land Rover software. Gear box output shafts wear on the Puma, so budget for replacement of the shaft. Brakes might need attention judging by the brick under the front wheel. Condition of the chassis needs a thorough inspection, as does the front bulkhead, chassis likely to be full of mud and manure. I am a big fan of the Puma engine (not everybody will agree), plenty of power - ECU limits the top speed to 90mph and it will do that speed with ease. Plenty of room in the back for your pet pig too. At the right price it is a viable project. (In my opinion).

There is a lot of work there to get it back looking pretty but may not be that much to get it to run and pass an MOT.
The chassis would need a good looking at, cleaned up (steam clean) and then treated as will the bulkhead and bottoms of the doors etc.

On the engine the timing chain is an issue, the turbo can be problematic, lots of plastic on the fuel lines front of the engine etc, injectors are a problem and they sound like a transit.

Brakes axles and gearboxes are pretty robust and easy to work on.
I personally think £10k is a bit high ... maybe 1/2 that would be about right.

Does this have carpet inside the cab?
If so you will need to remove all of it to see what you are getting into.
Look where door sill is attached to bulkhead look underneath at the pillar that is what the door attaches to.

Door sills on my 84 were welded to bulkhead, also a farm PU but older.
Get underneath with rubber mallet & a good flashlight.

It is not a rubber mallet that is needed, a small metal hammer, often called toffy hammer much like an MOT man has is what is needed. There is a big sound difference between a solid bit of steel an a well rotted one.
As @miktdish about 5k.

Wow ... thanks fellas for the quick feedback

Now that I think about it, it did look as if the chassis did get a steam clean ....can't remember seeing any dirt ..only metal with surface rust spots. But I knew myself I didn't give it a good going over underneath (too much muck and clabber on the floor). Didn't check the interior or sills
On the engine ..... it started on the button from cold and ran very nice (no hunting and didn't hear any chain rattling when revving it up like I do on my N57 high mileage 5 series) .... but no doubt more than just a few copper washers/seals/gaskets will be needed.
Yeah the back end does need a fair bit of attention

Regarding the price I'm considering, @miktdish is pretty close to what was in my head so good to hear I'm in and around the right ball park.

Agree, £10k is too steep. It’s also someone with a family connection so I’m sure you can get it for much less. As Mick says, an MoT shouldn’t be too much of an issue to start with.

And it’s got farmers wing syndrome!

His wife is sadly now in a care home, so people on her family side are looking after things. I appreciate they need to consider her best interests so I don't intend playing the 'we're family' card as they've no real allegiance to me. @miktdish is pretty much on the money in terms of what I was going to offer. Will see how it goes