I would avoid a TD42 that has been opened if you can. I have seen plenty of examples that have just not held up once opened and put back together.

If you can find a nice factory unit in a series 1 or 2 that you xam then add to would be nice ans inside your budget. Don't expect a big turbo and pump inside $25k though. I assume you are chasing a wagon yeah? Why do you want a TD mate?

I reckon the real draw back with a conversion is short cuts and home jobs mate. And promises that the kms are legit ans you can't prove any of it.

Note that GQs are renowned for having crap odometers that stop turning so if so guy has found a silver top out of a GQ with no real history, dropped kt into a GU to flip for coin and covid Tax. Follow the trail.

If I was willing to buy a converted car it would probably be an LS to be honest.