buying mk3

[viktorpiktor]

hello,
i'm going to buy a mk3 lwb high roof transit, diesel without turbocharger.
what should i look for when checking the vehicle?
there are different engines available rated at 51 to 59 kW,
what is the difference between them? is 59kW non-turbo?
thanks for your advices
viktor

[rover]

What year is the van?

The difference between the two engine outputs is down to the type of inlet manifold and fuel system used, both the ones you mention are NON turbo.

[viktorpiktor]

i want a non turbo transit, and i have no idea what certain year.
I'm looking for year 1988-1994, and most transits i have found are 1992-1994.
transits 1995-2000 aren't as reliable as their predecessor, am i right?

[rover]

I would say they are all equally reliable if serviced properly and run on the correct fuel and oil etc

If you are wanting to run on anything other than diesel then I'm not the person to talk to, as a mechanic I get fed up of stripping clogged up fuel systems

Just for reference. 86-91 Mk3, 91-94/ Mk4, 95-2000 Mk5

[viktorpiktor]

no, i don't plan to look for deals on vegetable oil all the time:)
and here (czech republic) the oil costs almost the same as diesel.
i just think non turbo engine has at least one less part to broke down.
so the first thing i have to check is the smell?

[rover]

Smell?

[viktorpiktor]

i meant the smell of fast food restaurant:)
so to be serious, what should i check on, lets say, a 1994 transit?

[rover]

There are so many things to check, the main one being rust! The mechanicals are really quite simple.

If you go to view one then you need to be prepared to crawl around underneath and have a good poke at the chassis and front and rear crossmembers.

Engine wise, make sure you see it from cold, start up and make sure there are no nasty noises or fuel/oil leaks, look out for a smooth tickover and make sure there isn't clouds of smoke under acceleration.

Bodywork is almost always an issue, but panels are readily available so if you are any good with a mig welder or you know someone that is you should have too much of an issue.

[viktorpiktor]

thank you!
when i will go to see a vehicle
i will take my friend who knows cars with me,
but i dont want to just hang around there.
poking the chassis and crossmembers, i imagine it like a dentist checking the teeth:)