And check that rust. You're right that it may have to be expected but welding my sills and putting in a new radiator cross member cost me around £500.
many thanks for the helpful responses. I have checked the rust and though there is a bit it's just surface pitting really. is that anything to be ...

thanks Geoff, v helpful

anything to watch out for? dealer says that new head is a *good thing* but also suggests to me that something has clearly gone quite wrong with the engine in the past to necessitate such a major replacement ;-)

anything in particular I should look out for?

mileage on it seems low (76K) for the ...