Check condition of clutch - peddle free play, take up - cruise along at a consistant speed, then put the clutch in till engine revs a good 2k more than current rpm, drop clutch and car should lurch... if not dodgy clutch. Listen carefully for any sounds of rattling in the steering - do a couple of circles from stand still one turn back from full lock... if the cvs are shit you'll hear it pretty quickly. Look for grease spray on the firewall, it'll tell you if any boots have been ripped. Check radiator hoses for condition/colour and see if it has a maintaince history. If it's done 250,000 plus without any documentation of major service be sus, consider also if the heads have been re done - bonus if they have as you'll get a couple hundred more out of them. Drive with the windows down and radio off, let the revs raise when driving a bit, about 4.5-5k and listen for any pinging or strange sounds.
If buying from a dealer ask for the road worthy certificate and at least a 6 month warrenty. My lib radiator tank cracked in the first few weeks and the dealer gave me $400 toward a new radiator... good bloke actually. I heard you can also call vicroads and see if it's been in any accidents by giving the rego number - anyone confirm this?
Check tyre wear - if it's uneven the alignment might be out or cambur/toe in might be wrong.
Check for grease stains or dirty spots around p/s pump and where the p/s lines entre the steering rack. Check bottom of timing covers for oil/grease as may indicate leaking camshaft or front oil seals. Look at the sump and tranny bolts to check for any rounding, look on steering rack and bottom of tranny for any oil trips - could indicate leaking rear seal. Unless it's been used offroad, the engine bay should be fairly clean.
Dump the oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs and leads within the first few weeks of purchase. The condition of those things will tell you a fair bit about the condition of the engine overall. You'll get little improvements in power with the NAs, i find that good quality oil and filters changed/cleaned regularly - especially air - along with decent spark plugs and leads, along with decent fuel - will generally keep these engines running well. Help it breath and run smooth and you'll get it going pretty well!
Unless you're used to a v8 or v6, the 2.2s really aren't that sluggish imo. enjoy the awd as you cane anyone off in the wet for the first 50m or around corners
, just drive it in the dirt like it was supposed to. Or, just drive around the 3 - 5 thou rpm mark, plenty of torque and power around that range in my experience, enough to get somewhere in a hurry. If you want more fun, just get the turboh, maaaaaate.
Owen.
. Lifted, bars, exhausts... View