want to buy an s13 what to look for?

[rb25crazy]

hey guys

sorry to bug you guys! but, i'm pressed for time and i was wondering what things should i be looking at. as in major problems for the s13, this one is a 91 i think le model or something since it has leather seats, but, i'm not to sure either.

any kinks that are common issues for this car? please let me know so i can see if it's worth it or not! plus it's a stick =D. car looks pretty much bone stock as far as i can tell. ummm, as for pics i don't have any at the moment. just saw the car on a sidewalk and talked to the guy a little bit before i went to work.

so, wanna be prepared when i see him the following day!

thanks all!

[TanaMU]

Make sure the brakes are good, tires, look for rust, check the engine for oil leaks, smoke out the exhaust, etc.

[S13SilviaGirl]

check the frame, and make sure all power items are in working order...brakes, lights, ect.

[1slowS13]

see where its parked, are there oil stain spots? make sure when you first start the car up, its cold, not warm. let the car warm up to full operating temp, then drive it hard. check fluids, make sure they are not abnormally low

[Om1kron]

was the car owned by a regular old joe or an import "enthusiast"

[projectRDM]

Same things you look for on any car, rust, abuse, properly functioning accessories and power options, leaks, noise. An S13 is no different from any other used car you might buy.

[awesomenick]

Things my friends' cars have had that you DON'T want.

Crushed frame rails.
Excessive body filler.
Crushed quarter panels, then repaired, noticeable through spare tire well.

I'd rather have worn out factory paint, than a good (ish) looking, but poorly done paint job.

[ManoNegra]

I'd rather have worn out factory paint, than a good (ish) looking, but poorly done paint job.

Same here, repainted 240s with high mileage are always suspect in my book.

[s13drob]

rust and straight chassis

[kaking]

make sure all the electrical is in order(lights,gauges,ect) bought my coupe w/ a new motor, but it was from a guy who could do a swap in 4hrs. the wiring shows(poor grounds, loose wires, no reverse lights)...now im paying for it. id rather deal w/ anything but electrical

[imnotmatt1189]

make sure the clutch master cylinder isn't leaking... check the inside of the car under the clutch pedal. if there is a big oily stain then its the clutch master cylinder. mine was like that but it was a very slow leak. then after awhile, i had to fill it up like twice a week with brake fluid. got pretty annoying.

[gippy87]

Make sure when looking for rust you do a really good job i thought i bought a rust free shell untill i started working on the car i found some rott in the wierdest spots.