one is the plain jane version and the toher is the fancy car, yellow fogs, power windows and sunroof. both are automatics. the plain car is faster than the fancy. the plain one is as fast as a 5 cyl na mb. no one can explain why. you don't list a location in your name but if its a cold weather site make sure the block heater works or install one. here is a list of things to look for and do before and after taking possession of your car. it has been put together thru experience
not foresight.
stuff to look for in a used car
1. Hoodpad still attached? about 80 bucks.
2. Are the panels around the front jack points still there?
3. Is that front fender loose? it may be rusted underneath.
4. Pull the cover off the spare and pull the tire. can you see sunlight?
5. Pull the cover on the other side where the jack and emergency kit are. same question.
6. Are the outside lips of the wheel arch rusted thru?
7. You really need to drive the car. does it track straight?
8. Rock the front fenders. do the shocks squeak? when you look at them is there fluid leaking from them?
9. Does the motor have oil all over it? is the bottom covered in oil? bad leak somewhere. usually the turbo return line from under the air cleaner.
10. Speaking of the air cleaner does it rock? broken mounts. cheep.
11. Is there rust around the rear window?
12. Does the rear hatch stay up w/o using a broom handle? nabout 30 bucks each.
13. Does the car have a sunroof? get a couple gallons of water and pour one over the front corners. if water comes into the car the drains need work. this involves taking the headliner apart. i did it. my wife was very helpful.
14. Pull the battery. is the tray in one piece?
15. Is the bulkhead under the battery tray still one piece or has a hole opened up? expensive weld job for a trained person.
16. Clean out under the hood springs. you can stand up the hood. is the area under the accumulated debris still in one piece? more welding.
17. Just for snicks, does the radio work? does the antenna go up and down. its electric.
18. Do the heater controls work? it might just be a connection issue like on mine or it might be the complicated controls. i don't know. mine is horizontal. the complicated one is vertical. a new one is expensive.
4 and 5 are pertinent to the wagon so if you are looking at a sedan get crazy and pull the mat in the trunk. look at the spare well for rust. pull the plastic inner fenders and look for sunlight or rust.
Stuff to change
1. The oil
2. The oil filter
3. The primary fuel filter
4. The secondary fuel filter
5. The air cleaner
6. The power steering fluid
7. The ps filter-You may have the original wooden one.
8. The trans fluid
9. The trans filter
10. The rear diff fluid.
11. The glow plugs
12. The battery.
13. The coolant
14. Change the wipers
Lubricants should be changed to a synthetic. Lucas additives are also highly thought of.
hey, enjoy the hunt and welcome to the madness.