If going coil sprung (90) - the one to avoid is the 90 Turbo from around 1986. You need either the non-turbo (1985 ish or earlier) or the Tdi 300 (1994 onwards).
Also - if looking at a vehicle that has had chassis repairs, make sure they have been done properly. I have seen some very dodgy welding on rear cross members - nasty if you plan to tow anything heavy.
The pre 1986 2286cc Diesel is also not one of their best engines - worn ones emit huge clouds of smoke on start up.
Nothing wrong with the 200Tdi...
But I am slightly biased!
Yes, we have a TM member who's SII emits huge clouds of smoke on startup (just spotted your post Tim)! Little difference in economy between petrol and diesel with the 2286, but the petrol version goes much better... Even the low compression "export" version which was in my very first SIIa.
