i'm probably going to look at a 96 5 speed sometime this week. are there any specific things i should look for? the guy said he replaced the clutch and front breaks last year. i've heard that struts go, but is there anything else on 4th gens that are notorious (and expensive)?

this is a 96, 5 speed, 150k miles. pretty good price though.

 

Is the CEL on?

Knock sensor- Perf. sucks
O2 sensors - CEL
Engine Temp Sensor - Stalls
CV Joints - Click while turning
Starter - Makes grinding noise
Check the battery terminals to see if they're doing ok

Prbably needs new brakes if they were done a year ago, how many miles do the brakes have on them?


Struts go too, but it's 9 years old, what did ya expect ?

None of these items I've metnioned are expensive and can be done at home.

 

Also, with the car being in the new england area, you may want to put it up on a lift and check your exhaust components for corrosion. I bought my car, and then two weeks later the hanger on the b pipe broke off. After 9 years, it's probably pretty close to the end of the road for the exhaust unless it has been replaced already. Also, I am starting to hear that wheel bearings are a pretty common issue as the car gets older. Drive at a slow speed and cut the wheel from left to right, you will also be able to hear any issues with the cv if there are any. Good luck!

 

thanks for the replies, i'll make sure i make a list or something

 

Make sure you see the airbag and the cel light when you start the car, they should come on and go off. If either are missing then you know something is up. I got burned once on that don't make my mistake

 

Get receipts for the clutch. NO receipts = not done

Every **** says the clutch is new because they want to sell the car and its nothing you can see for yourself unless you drop the tranny.

I have bought many cars and what i do is just assume the price of a new clutch when I price the car and make the offer. Basically deduct $800 from the book value.

 

Watch out for tranny problems.
-Grinding when in nuetral, funny noises when you let the clutch out while in nuetral. Not so funny after a $1600 tranny/clutch bill.

-leaks from tranny where the axle seals are.

-does the ac make a lot of noise when engaging/disengaging. $700 at the dealer/stealer if it freezes up and fries your belt.

Struts? Ha ha, I WISH that's all there was to fix on mine when I got it. I soon found out the hard way.

 

hey guys thanks for the advice. my dad went and test drove it today, and we picked it up for $2600. i should have it next weekend. the way he described it, it sounds like it needs a little work, but nothing i can't do myself with a little help.