What to look for in a used KA?

[syrupninja]

I'm going to look at a 92 SE today, and I need to know what are the particualr areas of concern as far as the engine goes, what to check, etc.

[Dousan_PG]

well
first you want to makesure it runs when you turn it on
does it take long to start?
listen to it, how does the engine sound?
any clanking or clicking?
when you rev, how is response, do RPMS drop too low and idle funky?
where does it idle at?
where does temp stay at after its warmed up completely?


visual inspection:

of hoses and wires
cracks? breakage? crap on them?
everything held in well?
if you can, pull the spark plugs. what condition are they in?
pull the oil dipstick, how is oil looking?

general maintenance: inquire w/ owner/seller (unless its dealer, if it is dealer you are wasting yoru time, they'll BS you all day)

driving it:
how does clutch feel?
any slippage?
any noises when accellerating?
any noises when BACKING UP? (pads might grind if improperly set)
how is braking response?
how does ebrake feel when stopped? too loose? too snug? no ebrake working?

compression test is the BEST thing you can do though.

that's all i can think of right now..
just a few things to watch

good luck

[s13rookie]

well, what to look for depends on what your paying. if youre paying a few grand, yeah, inspect everything, but if its like 50 bucks, you cant( or wont) be so picky