[PsYcHe]

The gear repair is a bit long-winded, but do-able even as an amateur from what I've read. It's a common enough issue out there, but not so common as to be worried about it.

If you're after economy, then a 3.0TDi is fine, but the 4.2 petrol is a good engine to go for too, and probably better chance of getting a well-specced one.