Good news everyone, the seller of the 850 T-5R and I have settled on a price of 9.5k AUD. At that price, he has agreed to have the 195 000 km service done, which I am happy with.

The car is about 2400 km from where I live (also separated by a 450km stretch of water), so I'm planning on getting the car transported to a closer location on the mainland where I can pick it up, take it across to Tasmania on a ferry, and then drive it the rest of the way. The other option is to fly up and drive it down, but I don't have too much time for that at the moment, which is why the other option is more attractive. This map gives a good indication of the distances involved.

With luck, I'll have the car in 10 days or so. I can't wait!

 

Glad to hear you've found the machine you sought.

Make sure to go over it once again upon arrival at your door. If the car comes with a full service record, I would compare it with the owner's manual and attack whatever have been neglected. Genially, coolant, brake fluid & fuel filter are neglected items.

Follow scheduled maintenance to get your money's worth.


JPN

 

Good work man! You've just gone and made me incredibly jealous. I'm still keepin' an eye out for my ideal R to come along.

Make sure you take some photos for us!