T-5 used car buying tips

[willpick]

I am looking to buy an 850 t-5 in the near future and all of the available cars in my price range have well over 100k miles on them. Specifically, I am going to check out a'95 t-5 with 136k miles on it. The listing says the car has a new timing belt , p-rings and headgasket. I don't have the money to dump thousands in maintenance into this car, should I stay away from 850s and get a civic (boring)? Also, anything I should specifically ask about when checking out the vehicle (aside from the obvious). Thanks in advance for the help.

[robert213]

You will love owning a turbo 850 T5, providing it doesn't have any major pre-existing problems.

Whenever, I purchase a used car -- I always have...

Engine Compression Test -- must be consistant 140-150 psi between all cylinders.

Pull the necessary fuses to kill ECU and fuel pump. Pull all spark plugs. Hold throttle wide open.

First, take a dry reading. Repeat again, taking a wet reading -- after squirting a small amount of oil into each cylinder. If the readings change dramatically, then you have a piston ring problem.

Cooling System Leakdown Test -- must hold without leaking at 18 psi. I performed my test at Coolant Overflow Tank, because I couldn't find any place for the radiator cap.

[White850Turbo]

Make sure the rear main seal has been replaced at that mileage and also inquire about the evaporator.