ok well i didnt know what i should look for. any years better than others? i was thinkin of a 1997. any certian things to look out for when inspecting a car? stuff that commonly goes wrong? any help appreciated. thanks in advance

 

check the belts, the pick up of the car (Throttle body), the window switches...the motors for the windows, any leaks in the exhaust...power steering hose..make sure it not leaking...no damamge to the body (obviously)...if it has sunroof check the controls, the windshield wiper motors, also the air conditioning..nd if it has sunroof the run-off tube things that help keep the sunroof from flooding...there are some other stuff..but those alla re important..

 

Common failures on all 4th Gens (given that they are 8-10yrsold) include: o2 sensors, knock sensors, evap cansiters and valves, ignition coils (on 99 model year), EGR system gets clogged, automatic tranny (depending on how it was previously driven), alternators, starters.

I've probably missed a bunch of other stuff, but covers most of the big things (I think).

97-99 looked different from the 95/96s -> if that matters to ou.

Don't get a 99 cali-spec unless you have no choice - just more tedious to maintain, more emissions components (in the 99s).

Other than that, I would recommend a 99 if you can afford it. It's been on the road less, which means there is just less overall wear/tear, on bushings, suspension, steering, etc. Obviously it all boils down to who owned it, how it was driven and how it was maintained. Only buy a car if you can ascertain the exact maintenance history.

Cheers and hopefully you'll join the 4th Gen club soon!

 

There are exterior differences between the 95-96 and 97-99 such as the updated front end and back end.