Lack of boost may be caused by one or more faulty vacuum transducers, but around here nobody diagnoses, they just rip out the plumbing and install a vacuum operated wastegate. Or it may be caused by a plugged Alda port, which is the most common problem in older turbo diesels, easily corrected.


Pinging or nailing is not ok in a 2.5, even when cold, even under heavy load. If it has any such sound stay away. Look for oil leaks around the base of the head.



I'd be most concerned about the HVAC systems: the usual "it only needs a freon recharge is the telltale symptom of a $2000 problem. Also the "sometimes slips a little going into 4th" is a hole in your pocket. If it's a wagon, the self leveling hydraulics are simpler than reputed, but parts are hugely expensive. And I'd be concerned with rust ("just a little around the jack points, like they all have"), which is the way these cars die.