Posts: 186
Since: 5/6/2009
Region: Aberdeen
Status: offline
|
Hi Sidpotters. I think you will find there are many threads on this and other forums on advice for buying a 3200. Some searching will be worth while. I think mileage is probably not as important as care and regular use. early cars do not have ODBII diagnostic ports and this makes the ECU lights hard to deal with. I bought a 2001 auto with an ODBII port and it has helped a lot. If you plan to use a good garage and they have the SD-2/3 tester then this is less of an issue. manuals are harder to drive as i understand it and are prone to end float problems. The regular maintenance items you want to see done are cam belt change every 3 years, service every year, chains at 50000 miles. i don't think the front ball joints wear faster than other cars, but can go yes. Check it idles well, it should idle at 1000 rpm when warm, it might vary a bit but if it hunts then you may have throttle body problems (these fail regularly) these can be refurbished with contact-less technology so it wont fail again but its 600+ to get it done. It should have a red key, if not it can be fixed but its a bit of a palaver, and if you get a garage to do it it will cost. check all the electrics work and the windows open a little when opened and shut fully once in the car (press the button after closing the door and see if it goes up a bit) the window motors don't last as long as the rest of the car. should run smoothly to 140 without any shake or wobble be wary if it pulls or shakes. check hoses for cracks and perishing, its gets hot under the bonnet. Brakes may feel odd but as long as they feel reassuring at high speed they are probably ok, again should not pulse or vibrate or pull to one side. Check the bottom of the air conditioning radiator at the front there is a small aluminium post that catches the ground and gets damaged on speed bumps and curbs etc. Some people actually post photos and reg numbers on the forums to see if any one knows the car, this can help. Hope this helps.
_____________________________
keepin it running
|
