Engine (petrol)
Engine should tick over quietly and evenly with no smoke. Should cruise at 80 Km/h comfortably and have about 15 - 20 Km/h more if you thrash it. Should pull well in all gears and off-road be capable of pulling up a steep incline with five passengers. Vibration is normal but should not be a major issue. Various rattles around the car are normal. Small oil leaks are not unusual but should not be heavy. Temperature should be low (80 degrees) unless the engine is worked hard with the radiator louvres shut. No oil in water or vice versa. Water will not be right up to the top of the radiator when you look in the cap as it expands out the overflow and ends up at a level below the top element.
Suspension
Car should sit level on flat ground with a good clearance between the tyres and the inner wing. No clonking or knocking. Squeaking from the springs and bushes is not unusual if the vehicle hasn't been used for a while. Ride is firm and a bit bouncy but more forgiving than a Series LR. Steering should not pull to the side but may wobble when hitting a bump at speed but not feel out of control.
Transmission
Gearbox will need double declutching from 1st to 2nd at least and definitely coming down the box. Selection should be good with no jumping out of gear. Selecting gears when stationary may need the vehicle to roll a little to go in. 4wd/2wd and high/low levers may need the same treatment to go in. Reverse a short way if struggling. This is normal. Transmission should be fairly noise free and definitely quieter than the engine at all speeds apart from in 4wd where there is a noticeable whine from the front axle.
Brakes
Power of brakes will depend on the type of system installed. Early ones were single circuit with no servo. Later ones had a dual circuit and then a servo. Even the early ones should be capable of locking the wheels on tarmac but you will have to push hard. Vehicle should stop straight and not pull to the side when braking. Braking power will be less when the drums are wet or when going in reverse. Handbrake should be strong enough to hold on a steep slope.
Electrics
All electrics should work but headlights will be weak at 35 watts. Check the wiring loom wherever you can for signs of perished or rubbed wires. Look up under the dash to see if the wiring is tidy and undamaged. Original horn gives a comical honk. Gauges may be a bit sticky in movement if the vehicle has stood for a while and need tapping.
Rust:
Worst affected places are: tops of front wings; bottoms of doors; sills where the door steps are.
