View Single Post
  #10  
Old 09-03-2009, 07:56 AM
Helge71 Helge71 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Posts: 156
Default

Very nice and solid cars that are an absolute pleasure to drive comfort and performance wise. The price seems really low for a good car.

However, as the car is quite advanced from the engineering side for its time (even though 1990 is a late model) it is helpful to check for a really good and complete maintenance record. Otherwise it could become quite expensive really fast.

The transmission should shift really smooth and firm through all gears (including reverse). Harsh shifting or slipping gears are a sure sign for expensive repairs.

Check the body for corrosion on all ususal areas and additionally look from the trunk to the area below the rear window (a bit difficult to look at but really worth the effort as it is a chronic rust area that is difficult to repair).

Check that all electric equipment is working, especially the air condition - the automatic temperature control tends to fail and then again - expensive repairs...

Check the cold motor for noises after starting. If there is a ticking that vanishes after a short wile, you have one or more damaged hydraulic lifters. If the ticking does not vanish you might have damaged camshafts - a not so unususal problem.

Check for excessive play or oil leakage from the steering gear...

All rubber parts on the front and rear axle should be carefully examined. Some of them tend to wear out and not all are easy to replace.


All in all the cars are good for many many miles. So a high mileage with good and proven maintenance could be no problem at all. However even cars with low miles were a previous owner was saving on maintenance costs can become a very expensive toy...

Hope this helps...

Helge