2.2 petrol

[crashtest]

i've been offered a 2.2 petrol lwb b series as a part ex on one of my other cars. i aint seen it yet but from what i'm told it's tidy and a good runner. i'll be wanting to sell it on as i really like my 2.8 and cant see any reason to sell mine and keep the 2.2 other than it being a b series and a couple of years newer. got to say tho i do like the b series dash and even if mine was a b series it would still have the old style dash with it being a gen 2.8.
but what should i be looking for with the 2.2 i know about the manifold problems and that they are hard to source secondhand, i aslo know about the leaky rocker covers and the top end rattle. any thing else i should look out for and what kind of mpg could i expect should i decide to keep it in favour of my 2.8.
thanks in advance

[Paul A]

Hi,
Head Gaskets..... they frequently go and are a real pain to change and very expensive too.
So look out for any tell tale signs of overheating.
I would say keeping the engine cool is probably the most important area on this car.
4wd "on the fly" system quite often goes wrong (Either can't get into 4wd or can't get out of 4wd) usually down to the vac solenoid seizing up.
Brakes - get through pads quicker than you might think (about 10,000)
Electronics - Dashboard faults (speedo rev counter etc) VERY common fault... in fact almost a standard "feature".
Exhaust system - Bloody difficult to get hold of, and, again, expensive.
Rear wiper motor sometimes play up.
But.... If it's a well looked after vehicle, they are Great!
Expect (realistically) between 20 - 25 mpg.

[neal]

wouldnt bother that are no good

[crashtest]

i've decided against doing a deal with my escort cabriolet & taking the 2.2 petrol frontera in part ex solely with it being petrol and from what i've read on here. it sounds like i could end up being stuck with a car i'm allowing 600 quid for.
thanks for your help yet again guys