1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
At 242k miles, I can't complain, considering the minimal amount of trouble my '94 SET has had. However... I guarantee that your AC evaporator core is (eventually) going to leak, as well as a few other AC components. This is big ticket stuff, especially the core. And it's winter, so you're not going to really find out until the first warm days of summer. The leaks are often quite slow, so a recent refrigerant charge can last quite a while before your compressor blows warm. Maybe the AC has at this point had a lot of stuff replaced, so you might be in the clear for a while. Other things to look for... torn upper strut mounts, though you said that there was suspension work done.
How's the body? Check for rust under the lip of the trunk/hatchback. Check for water/condensation in the trunk/spare tire well. Apparently the rear window seal can leak.
Also, road test and be aware of any shimmies in the front end which can indicate either worn suspension parts, bad tire balance, but often bent alloys. The 205-50-16's are VERY unforgiving of potholes. Assuming they're not cracked, it costs about $75-100 to have one straightened.
Test drive/run the vehicle for a half hour or so, then park and put a sheet of cardboard under the engine/transaxle for an hour. Check for tell-tale fluid leaks. Rear engine seals and trans input shaft seals can be a problem area.
Check the engine for tell-tale coolant leaks. Check all hoses/connections, front and back of the engine. Look at the front of the head where it joins the block. If you see a wet/black/gungy/dusty mess at the seam, you might have an external head gasket leak.
Listen for raspy noises or whines when the engine is idling. These could indicate bad idler pullies or worn water pump/power steering pump/alternator bearings, etc.
I don't want to scare you with all this stuff. It's only to help you make an informed decision. The only things I've ever replaced are AC stuff, strut mounts, fuel pump, a few coolant hoses, and brakes (2nd set all the way round). This has been a GREAT CAR! And is still as fast and exciting as the day I bought it! Would I do it all over again??? YOU BET!
posted by 152.163.18...
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