Ok, I had a lengthy conversation with the owner about the vehicle. Let me know if anything really sticks out as a deal breaker.
- The owner is actually the second owner. He bought it from the original owner's son last November.
- He's selling it because he has another vehicle and doesn't need two cars. He just uses it for commuting now.
- Response to known problems: slow leak at the pinion seal (?), when he bought the car the shop that checked it out said the front struts could be replaced in the future.
- Cooling system: the radiator had developed a hole, and was promptly replaced. He said it's never had any trouble with operating temperature. Mainly driven on the highway in his ownership.
- Oil leaks: small, slow leak at the turbo. No noticeable oil consumption.
- A/C: blows ice cubes, couldn't give a definitive answer if it was still R12 (I would assume so, as he said it works surprisingly well).
- Sunroof: previous owner said it didn't work. His son tried it and they had to close it manually.
- Front power windows work, rear do not (shop said it was the actuator arms that needed replacing).
- Power seats work flawlessly. Drivers seat has wear (expected). Says the interior is in surprisingly good condition.
- No smoke in exhaust. He said there might be a little if your really stomped on it. He also said there was a little bluish smoke while starting before he had the glow plugs replaced, now, none (is that regular?).
- Trap oxidizer: no clue, said he doesn't recall seeing it.
- Suspension: had rear control arm and rear bushings replaced.
- Major services: transmission was rebuilt by previous owner, unknown time, he says it shifts solidly but smoothly.
- Any rust: says there is absolutely none. He believes that the car was garaged by the previous owner (VA car all it's life). Paint is excellent.
- Service records: all from his ownership.
- Recent work: new battery and alternator, tires and brakes.
If he doesn't sell it, he says he'll just keep driving it on his 30 mile commute.