Well chaps, here's a happy conclusion to my quest.
Markseth emailed details to me yesterday morning of a '99 2.5TD GLS Estate that was up for grabs in Yorkshire.
One owner from new, 91k miles, receipts and FSH. Additionally, it has the 'winter pack', towbar, luggage net (still in it's wrapper) and is in immaculate condition throughout.
So early this morning, we two intrepid souls left the Valleys and ventured north-east. By 2pm this afternoon, the deal was done, and my newly-acquired tractor arrived in pastures new, here in South Wales, a few hours later. It performed absolutely faultlessly on the 225-mile homeward trek, and was as silent as a monastery!
It turns out that the seller, (and I must emphasise, a real gentleman to do business with), is none other than fellow OOFer 'sparkler'. Good on yer John, here's one very happy tractor owner !!!!!!!!
PS: My '98 tractor estate has already been sold too.
After an engine transplant from his present CD saloon, Markseth's looking forward to taking delivery.
Looks like I'm gonna be a busy boy ..........