What to look for?

Hi
I'm looking at a couple of 300tdi's on Saturday. If all is well, I'll be bringing one home with me. Apart from the usually rust/bodywork issues, what should I be looking out for mechanically? Any common faults or problems with these?

Thanks

It is very preferable to have full service history, my 127, 000 mile Disco puts a 20, 000 one to shame because of the full service history. It really does make a difference.

Rust everywhere.
A sweet changing gearbox with a transfer box that changes easily and has a working difflock.
Rust
An engine that runs smoothly, starts first time, doesn't smoke or breathe too much
Rust
Electrical equipment should all work.
And check for rust.

Thanks for that. So, just basic stuff then. Rust, good running engine, smooth gearbox, and rust. I know I've got expect oil leaks, too, but are there any in particular that are a real issue?

If there are no oil leaks check the oil levels.
Rust (but I think someone mentioned that)
If you have the choice take a look under the car for offroad damage

Oil leak from bell-housing wading plug hole probably means rear crank seal gone which is a box out job but I believe the 300's are less prone than earlier 200's. Worth looking for though.

get the boot carpet up and check the floor

Where abouts on the bell housing is the wading plug hole?

On the lowest point of the bell housing. There is a hole.

Thanks. One more thing, unless there is reliable history, I'm going to assume that the timing belt needs doing. How much is this likely to cost to get done at a garage?

I wouldnt worry too much about oil leaks from the diffs and so on as they are just seals that need doing but the rear crank seal is a pain in the ass.

and as has been mentioned many many times rust oh and some rust and maybe some rust but you should check for rust whilst you are checking for that rust have a look for the other rust because it may be hiding behind some rust and you may be blinded by the first rust and miss the second rust or the third rust or maybe even the fourth rust.

did i mention the rust?

I have looked at a few rust buckets, but they can't all be rotten.......can they? I've given up in trying to find a good, cheap disco. The two I'm looking at tomorrow are quite expensive in comparison to most others I've seen and are supposed to be in good nick.

Got one! 1997 300tdi SE. Went through MOT yesterday and only advisories were both rear seat belt mount have corrosion, but not considered excessive. Drives very nice and all the electrics work!!