Cooling system: has it had a new waterpump (metal impeller type)? does the
viscous fan coupling work ok? Any sign of overheating? Any smell of coolant
iside the car when heater is switched on or evidence of wet carpets in
footwells?
Gearbox: If manual box, check clutch slave cyl for leaks and ensure clutch
itself is ok; If auto, check fluid colour/smell (burnt toast smell!), also
ensure it shifts smoothly up and down the box. Check also condition of
rubber coupling between gearbox and prop ('Guibo').
Suspension: Check front struts for oil leakage and all track control arm
bushes/balljoints. Check rear subframe mounting bushes for damage (tearing);
Check rear suspension for leaks **especially** if self-levelling type.(any
leaks here, walk away!). Are tyres wearing evenly?
Check condition of brake discs and ensure handbrake operates correctly on
both wheels.
Check aircon works if fitted.
Check functionality of all electrics especially double sunroof (if fitted)
as these can be especially troublesome. Check condition of all wiring near
hinges on tailgate.
Check for evidence of front wipers striking edge of bonnet. This is due to
wear in bushes of drive pivots and can be quite expensive to remedy.
Check for stored fault codes.
This is all in addition to the usual checking of the service records and of
course cosmetic condition of the car.
If all is in good nick and all checks out, expect to pay ?1400(average
cond)-?2000(mint) .
cheers,
JB