Newbie

[slug-bug]

Hi everyone. Im a bit new to all this and looking for a bit of advice. I have been interested in getting into a bit of off roading and have always liked the look of the Frontera. I have been offered a '97 (R) LWB 2.5TDS for about £600. No T&T but looks very straight and no rust and seems to run ok. Is this a good base to start from? and what should I look out for?
Thanks in advance for all help.

[jmc]

Hello and welcome.I just wanted to say hello but can't offer any offroad advice as the nearest I get to it myself is a track in the woods near me occasionally. There are members here with 2.5 diesels,and I'm sure somebody will give you some advice.Since I've joined I've had nothing but support and encouragement its a great site.

[Roo]

Hi Just wanted to you to the site
Hope you enjoy the world of FOG
Regards Roo

[Frontycustoms]

Hello n welcome to the mad house.

Any Fronty is a good base to start from coz its not a L*******R

[perfectprincess]

Good evening just wanted to say hi and welcome to the group.

And Mark go wash your mouth with soap for even thinking that word on her

xxpp

[Alchamist]

Providing the engine was running ok, I would be jumping at that fronty ...

[alex]

The 2.5 is the most powerful A they did. Its fairly economical and ribust.

It is a strong engine, but requies some unique tools and parts arent as easy to find as say a 2.0 .

Those with solid 2.5's that keep the engine serviced all swear by them, so you really do need to have a good look aroud the engine first. The rest of the car is a Fronty and pretty robust and easy to repair. Just remember when testing it should have plenty of go in it, I test drove one that was flat.... I didnt buy it.

[Rifleman]

Hi mate and welcome to our mad mad world.

I have owned my 2.5TD Sandiego LWB R reg 97 since last february and i swear by it.
I keep the beast serviced and greased up and apart from having to clean out the EGR valve and intercooler, its given me no problems at all. I cover a lot of miles with it and i can honestly say that i never worry about it not starting.
£600 for one of these is a steal. Have a good look at it and if its ok, take the guys hand off.
hope this helps you make up your mind.

[tom]

Hi and to the family

[slug-bug]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I was looking at a lwb landrover V8 but I do like heating and decent fuel ecomony and a/c and a cd player etc etc.

Is there any particular things I should check or just go with the "If it feels right It is right"?

[Rifleman]

Hi again
Check for any leaks from engine and underneath the car before you take it for a test run.
Check all the levels are at the correct settings.
When testing, listen for any unusual noises such as rumbling from engine, transmission and axles. Whines from anywhere too.
Make sure the clutch feels good and responsive.
Check that the brakes operate well and without noise or pulling to one side.
Make sure the engine pulls well and doesnt smoke too much. (You will get some especially if engine is cold)
The 2.5 is a really good pulling machine and should climb hills etc without problems.
Ask how often it has been offroad, and if you can take it somewhere where you can try the 4WD out just to make sure it works. The front hubs are automatic, but when disengaging, put it in 2WD and reverse the car foe a couple of yards to free the hubs.
You are basically looking to see if the car has been abused much.
Ask to see any service history, if it has any this is a good sign.

[slug-bug]

Thanks for the info. I went back for a proper test drive in it today. It starts up first time no smoke 4x4 system works great but it doesnt seem very quick. It does seem to have plenty of torque when pulling up hill. I would say it feels sluggish on accelation. Any ideas?

[Sir-Doris]

Could just need an oil change and a good run to clear out the cobwebs, as previously mentioned cleaning out the intercooler and possibly a new air filter. Turbo engines are prone to losing power with a blocked air filter.

[Rifleman]

Hi, sorry i took time to get back again.
As sir doris says the intercooler does clog up. I cleaned mine out and the difference in my fronty was tremendous. Also cleaned out all the connecting pipework.

[slug-bug]

Thanks again for all the help. I will take the plunge and get it. I will keep you all posted and maybe a picture or two. And I'm sue I will have a few more questions.

[Rifleman]

Good for you mate. Where in jock land are you?

[slug-bug]

Ayrshire, South West. Not too far from Drumclog so once I get the bus going properly I will be paying a visit.

[Rifleman]