So I test drove a 96 Escudo / Levante and...

[Jett]

I really like it, had previously been looking at a light 4wd vehicle as I do quite a bit of fishing and need something for the occasional beach launch. Compared to a 96 CRV it felt much more raw and it seemed like it would be a lot more fun to drive.

Was actually a 96 Mazda Lavante proceed TJ51W, 130kms, manual, JZ0A 2ltr 4cyl. Interior and exterior condition was good for its age, almost no rust, minimal scratches. Are these chain or belt driven?

It drove well, gearbox was firm when shifting through gears and no scratching. Maybe need a belt replaced which was a bit winey after the test drive.

Issues:

On start up the tappets were noisy, but quietened down once the oil temps got up, is this a common fault and should I be worried about it?

I came across another issue which i thought was more serious, but after a bit of research now I believe its driver error. When we put it into 4H and tried to do a U turn, the drive train started to make some clunking noises and then I stopped driving and put it back into 2wd. Now after the research Ive read that this should not be done, and especially on a tarmac surface and that it will clunk because of the locked diff and the wheels had nowhere to slip on that type of road surface. Am I right? Or is the clunking an issue?

Cheers in advance for your help guys, Im waiting for the dirty dealer to give me a call back about the car, but hoping it all goes well.

[SP450andLE]

Yeah, 4wd will make horrible noises if it is engaged on hard surfaces

[zukmeista]

What you thought was tappet noise probably would have been the timing chain rattling. May indicate poor servicing.

[churchill]

The 2.0l 4 cylinder Vitaras are supposedly desirable. Good engines when compaired to the V6's. I don't think those engines have timing chain issues but running old or wrong grade oil does cause the engine to rattle. Mine use to rattle bad on startup, changed the oil and it quietened down.

Yeah don't engage 4x4 on grippy surfaces like clean concrete and asphalt unless the car has a centre diff, those Vitara's don't. The front wheels have to travel a longer distance than the rear wheels and without a center diff to take up the distance difference either the wheels will skid or something will break.

The J20A uses a timing chain.

[Jett]

Cheers for the info guys pretty much what I wanted to hear.

The noise is definitely from the tappets, used to have the same issue on one of my old mitsi's.

But Jeepers, Ive never came across a dealer thats so slack Im the one chasing him about the sale.....