ok, so ive eventually narrowed it down to a FF Supercharged 4.2 (seems to be the best option for my budget of £25-£28k). should be able to get a 2005/2006 for that kind of money i think, theres a SLIM possibility that I can get my hands on an 07 for £28k but im currently working on negotiations with that one (so fingers crossed, but im not holding my breath).

Anyway...

Now that I know the one I want, can anyone give any good advice on the things I should be checking/looking for when buying a used RR (first time buyer here) and anything specifically with the petrol I should be wary of.

Any advice would be a great help - dont want to buy a lemon!

The usual buying advice, check everything work ok, all electrics etc as these can be costly to diagnose and fix. On the test drive make sure its smooth, doesn't drift, gearchanges are smooth and not lumpy, no vibration from steering or wheels, you'll know if it feels right or not. Discovery 4 HSE
1998 110 TUM HS FFR Hard Top XD WOLF
1982 Series 3 Hard Top

*Gone:L462 D5 HSE LUX, L663 Defender 110 HSE, Discovery 3 HSE, 2014MY Range Rover Sport 5.0 Supercharged AB Dynamic; L405 Exec Vogue SE 4.4, 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography, Defender TDCi XS CSW, Defender TD5 HT, Vogue SE TDV8, Vogue TD6, RRSport SC 4.2V8, Classic 3.9 Vogue Auto, Land Rover Series 3 SWB

as Adam says really and make sure all its warranty issues have been carried out, and the most important thing make sure the fuel gauge works

Plus if you go for the SC with rear screens jump in the back to make sure they are working properly as some are known to have wiring issue's .....

Costly to fault find sometimes .......

yup - I agree with all of that.

Some of the stuff is hard to spot too - here's my current list since buying my car from a LR main dealer (most is sorted, some is still not, but all under warranty)

Rear Screen Heater bars - some not working but looked perfect on the glass (new screen fitted)
Auto-dimming wing mirror not working (new glass fitted)
Bluetooth not pairing correctly (will need new module, LR investigating, not a SW issue)
Handbrake not working well enough (adjustment)
Windscreen vibration at 70mph when there is a head-wind (investigating in 2 weeks time)
Both rear light clusters misting/water droplets inside (to be replaced in 2 weeks time)
Air Suspension packed up for 2 days then started again (steering angle sensor needed re-calibrating)
Park Heating fuel burining heater wouldn't store time to come on automatically (needed full car software update)

so - just make you check everything you can!

If I remember correctly the SC ones came with auto-dimming wing mirrors too, so sit in the car and put you hand BEHIND the interior mirror in the day-time and you'll see it dim - look in the door mirrors too and they should dim as well (if it has them).

You can check door mirror heating elements by starting the car and putting the rear screen heater on, the use the back of your hand (more sensitive than the palm) on each mirror glass - that will tell you if they're working.

Only way to test heater bars in back screen if not frozen/misted is to put a boiled kettle in the boot, shut to boot up and leave for 5 mins, then switch rear window heater on.

Be especially cautious if it's got aftermarket window tinting film on because depending on how this has been applied it can cause issues with the bars. FFRR TD6 06MY. Cairns Blue, Blue Hide. LR 7 Spoke 20" Wheels, S/C Grill and Vents. Privacy Glass and Side Steps

itguy "Windscreen vibration at 70mph when there is a head-wind (investigating in 2 weeks time)"

I had this problem and it turned out to be a badly fitted scuttle panel (to go with the badly fitted windscreen)below the windscreen, they only cost £20 to buy a new one and are worth every penny  '09 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Auto for the Mrs

Using the works Fiesta 1.6 TDCI Sport Van - CHROME FREE THOUGH

Searching for a nice E63 AMG or S8 V10 to replace my "wonky" TDV8

Interesting - is there a way of diagnosing this being the actual problem? Clips/trim etc? FFRR TD6 06MY. Cairns Blue, Blue Hide. LR 7 Spoke 20" Wheels, S/C Grill and Vents. Privacy Glass and Side Steps

I replaced the scuttle and all clips.

The dealer paid for them but I did it myself as I wanted it done once! (LR CONWY )

The scuttle has a sticky section in the middel that has to adhere to the bottom of the glass.

Tap your scuttle around the sides to see if its secure  '09 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Auto for the Mrs

Using the works Fiesta 1.6 TDCI Sport Van - CHROME FREE THOUGH

Searching for a nice E63 AMG or S8 V10 to replace my "wonky" TDV8

Was the noise like a hum? Variable in pitch in line with the wind resistance against the front?

My scuttle does seem to be a bit 'loose' to the degree where if I tap it there is movement FFRR TD6 06MY. Cairns Blue, Blue Hide. LR 7 Spoke 20" Wheels, S/C Grill and Vents. Privacy Glass and Side Steps

sounds the same hummmmmm and it changed pitch too

There should be no movement when its fitted correctly  '09 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Auto for the Mrs

Using the works Fiesta 1.6 TDCI Sport Van - CHROME FREE THOUGH

Searching for a nice E63 AMG or S8 V10 to replace my "wonky" TDV8

This scuttle noise is interesting,

At around 70-80 mph on the motorway mines started an annoying rattle noise which sounds like it could be the scuttle. Almost sounds like the winds catching it and lifting it so it vibrates.

I'll check this later. TDV8 HST Sport **Current**

4.4 V8 Autobiography and 22" wheels **Gone**

Oh and it does that "hummmmmmmmm" too ! TDV8 HST Sport **Current**

4.4 V8 Autobiography and 22" wheels **Gone**

Could admin please cut our "rattling scuttle" diversion out and put it into its own, useful thread please as I feel I've hyjacked this tread sorry  '09 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Auto for the Mrs

Using the works Fiesta 1.6 TDCI Sport Van - CHROME FREE THOUGH

Searching for a nice E63 AMG or S8 V10 to replace my "wonky" TDV8