Can't get this out of my head..

[tashtego]

The difference in price between buying a 2.4 and a 3.0 is so small that you should not even consider the 2.4.

I've owned both (and replaced heads on both) and the difference in performance is so big that I would never consider another 2.4.

If you're prepared to replace the head on either model then do yourself a favour and buy a 3.0. Be prepared to spend around £1200 if you do the head though - It would be false economy not to replace the radiator / water pump/ hoses etc while you're doing it.

Also as Shokenore said factor in the cost of a major service- If you spend around £300 you could probably do all the filters / fluids / belts / balljoints / rod ends / steering idler etc and end up with a sorted truck.

Yardstick, this is the best bit of advice so far. I have had both, the 2.4 and the 3.0 (2nd and now 3rd Gen). With the price difference being what it is wait for a 3.0 L. Regardless of the head problems (the head can go on any surf) it's the performance that sets them apart.
Wait for a well looked after 3.0. . Good Luck!
The 2.8 (3L engine) Surfs are in my opinion the very best of all, even better than the petrol ones. They clock crazy mileages and still have all the nice bits that surfs have( apart from the turbo though)....They are however very rare, shame because they are pretty bomb proof.

[Yardstick]

I wish everyone would get this head nonsense into context.
20yr old truck so what if it needs a 1k head replacement.

Think you've missed the point entirely of why I asked...

It isn't nonsense at all. I'm not an idiot and not expecting that I'm going to buy a surf for £1500 and then it'll live on and not have any problems.

The question was more was it better to have one that's a 3.0 and replace that as and when or a 2.4.

Anyway thanks to Wishbone for some decent advice. I'll try and hold out for a 3.0! Provided I pick one up for around the £1500 mark that should leave me with enough in the 'toys fund' to get the oily bits sorted.

The next most important thing for me will be finding somebody local that knows what they are doing!

[M8WHR]

Touchy. I doubt Brian meant anything by it. I think he was generalising everyone on this forum and other surf keepers. There is a lot of hype around head gasket issues.

I didn't think of it as a 20 year old motor until Brian wrote that post. Put it into perspective for me.

[shokenore]

You could of course just keep asking questions until someone gives you the answer you want, much as seems the done thing these days.
Make your own mind up and get the vehicle you want.

[Yardstick]

Cheers for the advice so far guys.

Please don't mistake me for asking questions and waiting until I get the answer I want. Far from that...

Forums are always hard work when you are 'new' in that people can't get a perception for the tone or expression of your posts...

I'm open to ALL suggestions and advice as I've already said

[gwh200]

Oh I reckon he meant it.

They are all knocking on now. I still consider my original 2.4 to be the best surf i have owned.

[shokenore]

Oh I reckon he meant it.

They are all knocking on now. I still consider my original 2.4 to be the best surf i have owned.

Whose knocking on now?
The Surf's or their owners?

[Diezel Weazel]

I wish everyone would get this head nonsense into context.
20yr old truck so what if it needs a 1k head replacement. I have spent that on four tires.

You won't find a better more reliable truck for the normal £1500 price tag.
Buy it have fun fix it when it breaks have more fun

I'm with you Brian

12+ Years of Surfs ..... n Faultless to a "T" is my Yota, no it's not spotless !!

[Diezel Weazel]

Oh I reckon he meant it.

They are all knocking on now. I still consider my original 2.4 to be the best surf i have owned.

Time for ya to get a 3.0l now then Gra ...

12+ Years of Surfs ..... n Faultless to a "T" is my Yota, no it's not spotless !!

[imotep]

We are selling our 3.0td surf but it's gonna be for more than 1500, the dealer we are getting our A4 Quattro from offered us that lol

[Yardstick]

We are selling our 3.0td surf but it's gonna be for more than 1500, the dealer we are getting our A4 Quattro from offered us that lol

Get an Ad up... you never know I might love it!

[imotep]

Here be a pic for the time being, will get an advert up soon!