by guyd_15 » Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:46 am
+1 on checking the "freeze plugs" generally they rust on the back side of the engine near the fire wall, so check for coolant leak at the rear of the engine.
As with most cars this old there may be electrical problems. Most problems can be easily corrected by checking and cleaning the ground connections and electrical connectors.
Check the usual items:
remove the oil fill cap with the engine warmed up and running and place your hand over the hole to check for excessive crankcase pressure (could indicate worn piston rings, damaged pistons or possible problem with the crankcase ventilation system) crankcase ventilation system repair cheap, rings or pistons not so cheap.
remove spark plugs should be chocolate colored not oil fouled or white.
automatic transmission check the fluid, should be red, nor brown and smelling burnt
manual transmission check condition of cables and pivot points, a sloppy shifter indicates bad cable bushings, stretched cables or worn pivot points
Check the radiator and coolant reservoir, is the coolant low and what condition, is there oil in the radiator or reservoir bottle? Are there air bubbles in the coolant? these could all indicate a defective cylinder head gasket.
When you test drive it have someone follow you to check for exhaust smoke blue indicates encine wear, after the car is warmed up white indicates coolant problems and black smoke indicates a rich condition (unburned fuel).
Check for rust...no rust repair is ever an easy job!!!!
Hopefully, it's got a turbocharged 2.2 liter engine with 4 wheel disc brakes!!! If so you've have a chance to get a car that'll be fast without spending a bunch of Euros or whatever you guys spend.
Hope this helps,
Guy