Originally Posted by ericgr

Get into the engine and transmission. New timing chain? How does it shift? Idle? Exhaust-- have it run through an emissions analyzer in test mode at a gas station during inspection, get CO, HC, NOX ratings-- even if you don't have to pass emissions (I don't know your state) it will give you insight into the running of the engine. You have to dig into this to own one of these cars in the long haul. A timing chain breaking on these cars is a huge event. If it needs a new timing chain and tensioners, that's OK just factor in about $1500 and get it done right away (some people do it cheaper, but in my area that's what they charge). that would be a tougher first DIY job.