Just got myself a Jeep. 1999 2.5 TD. Miles are highish, but most seem to be.
I haven't picked it up yet, but had a look at it earlier and gave it a drive.

Slight noise from the back, like wheel bearings but probably diff whine. I 'll look at that later.

It will need a new exhaust gasket straightaway as it currently sounds like a tractor. Just one cylinder by the sound of it.

There is the inevitable oil leak, but the owner assures me it's from the top of the engine, probably the cover. The oil pressure sender has failed too, again the owner assures me it is only the sender.

This brings me to the oddest thing. The car has been regularly serviced apparently, the last time was 6 weeks ago. The oil is rather black and tarry though. I am thinking that a bit of a TLC in the fluids department will sort that out, but do diesels normally turn the oil black or has it been in there a long, long time ??

Diesel will turn oil black almost immediately. If you are not sure of when it was changed last, change it.

high heat will make it back instantly. but thats normal for td.

That means the oil is doig it's job. It lubricates, it helps cool the engine, and it carries away the soot. Normal for a diesel to have black oil after only a short time, But I would change it anyway just the peace of mind.

thanks for the replies. I will change it at first opportunity, but glad it's not a bad thing for it to be black.

I would have the owner put a new oil pressure sender on it BEFORE you buy it. Him telling you "Oh its just the sensor" could mean he might be covering up the fact it has low oil pressure,..

I picked it up tonight, so too late now. If it is not just the sender, then he gets the car back with a slap for trying to con me.

I'll get the car checked out anyway, see what needs doing.