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I wish to buy a 2litre 6 cylinder Levante and when i drove it on tarseal at approximately 50 km/hr a thump noise happened and then in mid flight it switched from 4 wheel drive high to 2 wheel drive. I know nothing about 4 wheel drive operation and wonder if I've made a new fault or rather I was just going too fast and everything will be fine. Nb the seller also knows nothing about 4 wheel drives. I wish to use this vehicle at steep boat ramps towing a small 16 foot sail boat. This car has done 130 000km. Also is this cam or chain drive ? Finally what are the common faults of this 1995 car ?

The 4wd mode should only be used when going bush (off-road) and not on the tar surface. A part time 4wd vehicle with a selectable high and low ratio isn't designed for use on good grip surfaces - this puts unnecessary strain on the differential, transfer case and gearbox, especially when cornering. The thump noise could be from the transfer box changing from 4wd high ratio to 2wd (or a mechanical part failing). I believe this engine has a cambelt - might be time to replace it. We are not aware of any major problems on this vehicle type. You should have a mechanic check the vehicle over, to ensure the 4wd is working correctly, before you consider purchasing the vehicle.

You might want to consider an AWD vehicle if you need a permanent all wheel drive system.