Hi guys,
I have been lurking for a while and have now decided to join as you all could be possible for me buying an RRS
Here we go, I have been to see an 09/58 3.6D HSE priced to sell at £21,450 with 55000 miles on the clock the seller is third owner. The car is in ok condition lots os swirls and scratches on paintwork but can all be removed with porter cable. Has overfinch wheels, think they are a standard size but all need a refurb and have 4 different tyres fitted! I plan in removing the wheels and buying another set.

This is where it gets interesting, service history, the car had its first service at 25000 miles then another at 38000 miles and the last one at around 52000 miles. Non have been done at land rover and the service book is stamped and only has bill for service at 38000. The last service done at 52000 looks to be done by the sellers mechanic who services his cars/vans (builder). I have booked it in with local land rover for inspection tomorrow to see what they find. The only thing I could see under the bonnet of any concern ( I know nothing about mechanics) were the 2 large rubber pipes coming from either side of the engine to the radiator (I think) had oil at the end connected to radiator, is this of any concern?

What do you guys think? I have HPI the car and it's all clear. The car is very cheap as most others are priced easily north of £26k.
All your thoughts/opinions will be valued as this is a lot of money and from reading various threads on this forum you guys are very knowledgeable.

Thanks in advance

SunnyR[/i][/list]

For me, I'd walk away as the service history is poor, the first being way over due.
I'd rather spend a little more and buy a cherished car.

Nik. 2015 Golf R DSG
Gone 2013 Mercedes C220 CDi AMG Sport Plus
Gone 2008 2.7 RRS HSE

Walk away. The service history and the four different tyres scream "unloved". 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Yep. I've only been a TDV8 owner for 12 months so still learning but afraid I agree with previous posters. Oil changes according to service schedule are crucial. The TDV8s clearly have a weakness in the turbos and if they blow take the whole engine with them. We don't know the exact cause yet but it is tempting to speculate it is oil sludge restricting oil flow to the turbo bearings which then overheat carbonising the oil and eventually failing without warning or carbon build up on the variable nozzles causing a condition called 'overboost' or a combination of both. Frequent oil changes using top spec oil and the use of premium fuel may help lessen the chance of such catastrophic failure. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

Pipes with oil are coming from and going to inter cooler and do get oily.... Just before the turbo/turbos let go. Mine were oily when I lifted the bonnet after blow up. Have never been oily before.
As for the history, these cars should be serviced annually or 15000 miles, which ever comes first so 25000 miles is way off. God forbid you have issues, LR would wash hands of car on that alone.
Walk away especially as its due 60000 service and you will be looking at four figures to do it at a dealer. Swirls and odd Tyres kind of show previous owners don't care. The price is good, too good to be true, and done to lure a sucker. I wouldn't even waste the money getting it inspected  2x TDV6. SE and HSE. Both returned to sender with issues👀
TDV8 Sport HSE...... Gone. Loved it but it didn't love me!!
Now rolling in MY10 Fullfat TDV8 Vogue. Slammed it to go round corners🙈
Cruising daily #56 mph in a Volvo V8. 😱
Lots of other toys in the cupboard...😜

Thank you all for your replies.
I have taken your advice and have decided to cancel the inspection and just got off the phone with the seller.
Oh well, £175 out of pocket but I guess it could have been alot more had I bought it.

Thank you all for your help. ..and my search goes in!

Buy the best you can afford and preferably from a LR dealer. Get one with Approved Warranty if at all possible.

Without wishing to sound patronising, if you can't afford to pay proper money to buy it then you can't afford to run it properly either. They have a strong thirst for fuel and the bills for servicing can get large very quickly. A warranty definitely helps but not everything is covered even by LR's warranty. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

In this particular case, I think you have made the right call
Having been through and still going through the nightmare of catastrophic engine failure even though I am original owner and always had vehicle serviced spot on it proves no matter how carefully you buy, there is risk but this can be offset by warrantee. Please don't let my history put you off what is otherwise a fantastic vehicle.
Keep the faith and the right car will eventually appear. Trust your gut  2x TDV6. SE and HSE. Both returned to sender with issues👀
TDV8 Sport HSE...... Gone. Loved it but it didn't love me!!
Now rolling in MY10 Fullfat TDV8 Vogue. Slammed it to go round corners🙈
Cruising daily #56 mph in a Volvo V8. 😱
Lots of other toys in the cupboard...😜

SunnyR wrote:

Thank you all for your replies.
I have taken your advice and have decided to cancel the inspection and just got off the phone with the seller.
Oh well, £175 out of pocket but I guess it could have been alot more had I bought it.

Thank you all for your help. ..and my search goes in!

You would have saved more than that in the long run. You did the right thing mate, Rather be safe than sorry. For what you will spend trying to get the little bits and bobs done, it's well worth paying the extra and buying a decent example with a good service history.

Good luck with your search and hope you find what you are looking for.