Depends what you call reasonable, what sort of cost did you think it was going to be? I'm sure you know they get stolen alot? Age, location, driving history all have an affect on your insurance. Also in general insurance has gone up in the last year or two.

Is it the factory immobiliser causing the problem, or starter relay.

Good they found it but not a good start for a new vehicle.

Had another tootle around in the countryside yesterday . Bit of a chilly day but the heater sorted that, eventually. Bit of autumn colour, blue skies and even some snow & ice.

It will need a scanning tool plugged into it to point you in the right direction, unless of course it has its own dedicated fuse? Too new for me.

Groaning noise could be pas pump.

On the bright side atleast your gearbox hasn't got an over heating problem, well as far as you know anyway!

Of course, what sort would you like?

Actually that is a good idea.

Today you need to order a disklok and a proper pedal lock that covers all the pedals. Then get it booked in for an alarm, maybe a bollard if parked on the drive. I think they might be back since they know where you are. Saying that they can't be very good thieves if they can't open the bonnet...

I would think it is egr or related parts issue by the sounds of it. Don't have a F2 so can't advise any further. Google may have some suggestions for you.

It will be interesting to know when you get round to it. Hope you back gets better soon.

Did you get the spring out or are you still at it?

What was it?

Did you get it fixed?

Did you get any further with this?

Any updates?

Well, who would have thought it? I already have the shims in stock, tiny bit of play in one side. Want to put off the inevitable for a while, if there is any shims on the top pin at the moment.

https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/discovery-2-defender-td5-clutch-release-fork-kit/

What are you replacing it with? Good luck with the sale.