how to buy a decent frontera

[fronteraorg]

first of all decide which model you want

you have a good choice either in A series pre 1998 or B series post 1998

4 diesel engined 2.2 Dtis 2.3 TD 2.5 2.8 TDI

4 petrol engines 2.0 ( C20) 2.0 (X20) 2.2 (X & Y 22) 3.2 V6

The next step is decide SWB or LWB

Then Coil Sprung or Leaf Sprung Rear

Early SWB to 1995 are Leaf sprung rear and only in 2.0 form

Early LWB to 1995 are Leaf sprung rear and in 2.3 Diesel or 2.4 CIH petrol

Face lift 1995 to 1998 Coil sprung rear available in 2.2 petrol 2.8 diesel and 2.5 diesel

B series 1998-2004 2.2dti (X&Y series engine ) 2.2 Petrol (X&Y series engine ) 3.2 V6 (isuzu petrol).


The next thing is checking it out check springs and shocks

drive it make sure it changes gear correctly

make sure it does not overheat 2.2 and 2.0 petrol popular for this as is the 2.5 diesel

listen to the transmission noise should be reasonably quiet

shine a torch at brake disc's check brakes are OK on pre 1995 they had drums on rear

look at clutch and brake fluid should be clean

crawl under chassis look for damage any damage look closer

check prop shaft joints greased if not test drive listen for clunks

with it being a 4wd shocks and springs get wear its normal so check operation bounce test

pay particular attention to pre 1995 leaf shackles should not move left right in hanger evidence of play .

now check everything works lights indicators tow bar ( is it detachable if so does it still fit)

other things to note 2.8s run cool about 1/4 on gauge

check exhaust they are quite cheap but its your money

on front suspension listen for knocks while waggling steering pre 1998 could be ball joint or steering idler


look for service history bills etc

2.2 dti pay attention to the coolant bottle should be pinkish fluid if dark or blue col reject could be heat exchanger gone