I know there's probably much info I need on here if i spend time searching and reading through old threads, but I'm really pushed for time this week and I have a chance to view a Series lll LWB station wagon next weekend and would really appreciate any key pointers/advice for someone who's basically totally 'new' to Land Rover.

It has a Daihatsu diesel engine and some MOT so it's hopefully not too bad but what are a few key points to check or signs or 'deal breakers' that I should know to walk away and look for something else?

My plan for it will be to turn it into a part time camper van, and also for getting out with my mountain bike, rather than an off road vehicle as such, but that's something I'm interested in too.

I've fancied owning a Land Rover for years now and with prices going the way they are I'm probably running out of time!

Thanks in advance.

Daihatsu .. you will upset the purists on here, not sure about Sharia law, but I'm sure by landyzone law ' BlueBeasty ' will decree you are stoned to death for heresy ... Though knowing BB it will be a sentence commuted to a public sponge throwing in the village stocks!

The Daihatsu 2.8 TD is a fairly popular conversion, don't know much about them myself but I'm sure someone will.

Deal breakers are mostly chassis condition, crawl over with a fine tooth comb. Chances are it's had some welding which is fine but tapping can guage whether it's been dealt with properly or whether the metal is thin around repairs and tin worm is spreading.

To a lesser degree the bulkhead, decent ones aren't cheap and replacement is major surgery. Take a magnet to check for filler under paint especially around vents and door pillars.

Anything 2nd row for a SW is expensive, notably doors.

If you decide to go for it get every scrap of info you can on mods for the engine conversion, clutch etc to save grief later trying to identify replacement parts.

Thanks for the responses/pointers.
I know rot in the bulkheads is an issue so good advice about taking a magnet!
I'm not sure how easy it will be to find out much about the engine conversion in advance but I should be able to contact the previous owner if I buy it.
Could you explain a bit more about your comment "Anything 2nd row for a SW is expensive" ?

I think BB is referring to anything to do with the second row of seats/doors which you dont get with a 88 Station Wagon (SW), as parts availability is probably difficult.

Good luck with the viewing.

The youngest it'll be is 31 years old. You should expect to see both a lot of TLC to the chassis bulkhead suspension and general all round maintenance, with the history of bills etc. If not it's largely original and will require work ongoing to keep it on the road.

Ask when the new engine was fitted. It is unlikely anyone would engine swap onto a knackered chassis. So if it was done in last 5 years, it should be ok

Col