What should I be looking for during inspection??

[Big Gags]

Hey guys. I am hopefully going to check out a 2010 3.0L Diesel Manual Patrol this weekend and was wondering if there was anything in particular that I should be looking out for when I am inspecting it? My thoughts would be to get down underneath it to look for any obvious signs of damaged components and check for any obvious fluid leaks. I would also plan to check in the engine bay for any evidence of leaks and/or wear but I'm wondering if there are any items that I should be particularly checking?? Also is there anything that I should be doing during a test drive to help spot any potential problems?

When buying previous cars privately I have had an RACV check done and I'm interested to see what peoples' thoughts are on whether this is worth doing or not.

Thanks in advance for any advice/tips.

Gags

[Wine_maker]

Sorry pal, but in the case of ZD30, this guy said right!

74550

[Plasnart]

I don't know anything about ZD30s but there's heaps of guys here who do who may help out with engine specifics. All I can say is if the car's come from interstate do the internal chassis lick test (wet finger, swipe inside chassis and taste). If it tastes like salt walk away no matter how good the car seems. Also if it's been in the mines walk away don't think twice.

Not much but all I could give you in general.

[Avo]

I have a 2010 auto,went over it even climbed underneath and tried to get some dirt out from the springs to see what colour(ier-red dirt from mines)then went into the caryard when it was open and checked the log books prior owner and service history,country car and big km at the time 4 yrs old and 120 thou on it...now it's got 240 thou.
anyway the only 2 things mine has lewt me down has been an idler pulley for the belts and just been in for the second time for a warped manifold,doesn'r make a sound till it gets hot,not city driving..
hope that's helps a little

[Plasnart]

I have a 2010 auto,went over it even climbed underneath and tried to get some dirt out from the springs to see what colour(ier-red dirt from mines)then went into the caryard when it was open and checked the log books prior owner and service history,country car and big km at the time 4 yrs old and 120 thou on it...now it's got 240 thou.
anyway the only 2 things mine has lewt me down has been an idler pulley for the belts and just been in for the second time for a warped manifold,doesn'r make a sound till it gets hot,not city driving..
hope that's helps a little

Could also be a good idea to torch down the vents to check for coloured dirt. Mines very bad for abusive driving (i.e. no care factor) and dust in everything that attracts moisture behind the dash/inside doors etc.

Check the air box, especially on the engine side of the filter as someone here recently found lots of dust engine side of filter. Dusting is definitely not good.

Avoid ex emergency vehicles as they are prone to long idle times.

Just brainstorming but these things I'd check before outlaying $$$.

The bones much more important than any accessories bolted on.

[threedogs]

remove engine cover and check for an oily Intercooler.if oily its leaking they all do.
some tend to leak coolant from the front, Hodge maybe able to pin point
it better. Service history is a good idea.