Would you buy a <1988 19J in a well preserved Ninety?

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bjp

New Member
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5
Location
Cologne
Hi Zone

LR fan sine the eighties, I am now ready to get one. Have looked at the market since about two years and most likely I will go for a Land Rover Ninety from the late 1980s.

Recently, I found one with an early 19J engine <1988 of about 100,000 km. Unfortunately, the car did not have ANY rust and almost looks as new. This brings up some kind of dilemma to me:

Would it be crazy to buy the 90, i.e. would it almost be for certain the engine will blow soon?

I know some folks might say a well preserved chassis is the thing to go for and engine can always be replaced. Basically, I can do some work on the car, but would not be able to replace the engine.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
 
If it’s food and the numbers match and it’s genuine and genuinely rust free then I would go for it. Keep up the servicing.

Engine swap for a later 200tdi is literally old out and new in. Not hard tbh
 
I would certainly buy it. My 19j served me well for thousands of miles and when it finally blew the head gasket I swapped it for a 200tdi.
 
agree with others if it is rust free and price is good engine does not matter, 19J not my favourite but can do big mileage if looked after. Personally would fit a 200 or 300 tdi while they can still be found reasonably cheaply. Bear in mind donor cars for 200 tdi are starting to become scarce (buy one now!!). If you cannot swap engine etc yourself there are companies offering conversions at around 2k with warranty.(try Glencoyne in Norfolk he gets good reviews and can "modernise" your 90 to make it driver friendly too if you want it that way.
 
I wouldn't think twice, my 19j has a good 250k on it and it runs beautifully, just don't put synthetic oil in it.
 
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