Forum:
I've been offered what looks like a F20 / F50 which I only quess at following some investigation on the web. It's a soft top without the covers. The doors are half framed with no windows. It has a roll bar, two seats none to the rear. IT'S DIESEL, has chunky road tyres. Red, no mot, tax etc and possibly wouldn't pass anyway. Al I want to use it for is towing a boat from my caravan to the beach on a private road. The guy wants £300-£350.
My questions are,
1. does it sound like a F20/50 (I'll post a picture next week).
2. is he diesl engine a good'n
3. how does £300 sound
4. what should I look out for when I take it for a spin this weekend
5. how are they for parts if and when needed 
In hopefull anticipation of your assistance with the above - thanks,
Graeme.
F50
It will be an F50 rather than an F20. The diesel engine is a 2.5 litre normally aspirated lump. These were a popular engine to stick in Land Rovers over the years so the answer is yes, its a good'n, provided yours starts and runs OK. Check the oil, jet black is normal for a diesel but feel it between your fingers for any hint of particulate matter. Check for leaks, oil, diesel and water too.
I have dismantled three of these over the years and never found any serious corrosion in any part of the chassis. However shake 'em hard enough and the bodies usually crumble. Check bulkhead, inner wings, floor pan (there are two body mountings here on each side), rear floor (two more mounts), rear wheel arches, in fact look everywhere. I had one where the roof rusted through! Check ball joints and steering swivel bearings, when these are all loose the steering becomes a "point it and see where you go" affair. Worn prop shaft U-joints are common too. Springs will probably be saggy if its carried any sort of load or towed a trailer.
If its already been used for launching boats then the rear brakes will be well past it. You can get most of the parts to fix the mechanicals but its not always cheap. You'd be surprised to see what parts from a 1995 model still fit.
These do have a reputation for being as tough as nails and in my experience that is true.
I have seen these sell on e-bay for anything between £120 with out MOT up to £500 with MOT remaining. From your brief description and your intended purpose I wouldn't want to pay more than £150 - although to some people the engine alone would be worth that.
Go and see it, drive it and you'll probably decide you can't live without it. They are that sort of car.
Thanks
AJCAINE, what a super answer, thanks a million, I'll do my best and take your advice. £150 sounds like a better price than £300 plus however, it's supply and demand - this is right on my doorstep so for the hassle of finding another, transporting it to North Wales etc etc it's prob not worth the hassle. 'll just do my best to beat the seller down.
Anyway, thanks for your advice, I'll view it this weekend and report back.
Cheers, Graeme.
Way Hey..