Hi I'm new here and looking for guidance on what to look for when buying an LSE.

I know the rear cross member and top/bottom tailgate's rust for a past time and that the head liner might be saggy but what else should I be looking for?

The car in question has already been put on springs so that's one less thing to worry about, and its running on GAS

I read somewhere that the 4.2 is a porous engine what does that mean?

Thanks in advance

Craig

Make sure the wheelbase measures 108"

v8mad0 said:

Hi I'm new here and looking for guidance on what to look for when buying an LSE.

I know the rear cross member and top/bottom tailgate's rust for a past time and that the head liner might be saggy but what else should I be looking for?
I read somewhere that the 4.2 is a porous engine what does that mean?
Craig

Click to expand...

#1 All 'Classics' are extremely prone to corrosion (everywhere) & I'm given to understand that the all-important sills are no longer available for the LSE. Headliners do sag with age unless it's got the later one-piece rigid item.
#2 All Rover 94mm bore V8's (3.9/4.2/4.0/4.6) are prone to block problems. The 4.2 is effectively a long stroke 3.9

Look at the sills. They are a common place, rear crossmember - get under it, and look up the space behind the rear bumper. Pull up the boot carpet and inspect the boot floor - prone to rusting too!

Look at electric issues. There are LOADS of things in an LSE. Heated screen, electric/heated seats, auto dimming rear mirror, central locking. ABS

Other than that - they are a great car. I'm in the process of taking the air springs off mine now. I think coils give a nicer ride anyway!!

There's nothing particular to the LSE that doesn't effect other classics except that there is more of it - everything is electrical. Seat heating and cruise often don't work.
Put the suspension on high (assuming its still on air) and flick the switch under the drivers seat to lock it and then you have loads of space to examine the underside.
If it has a Brooklands kit make sure the kit is well attached. I've been told the kit is quite good for protecting the chassis but the mounting brackets rust!
Get your hands onto the carpet in the front as they let water in alot - again a classic issue not just LSE. Then a pain to find and fix. I know!
Check it runs and idles ok on gas and petrol.

I like mine but it has a few issues.

Thanks for the info.