questions that need to be asked

[nolany87]

I currently have a 1.8L 92 eclipse and was dumb in the fact that i did not research the car before i bought it to find out more about it but ive gotten a little more car smarts since then. I am currently looking at a 1991 Laser RS N/T 2.0L and I was wondering what kind of questions I should ask although I think the guy really knows nothing about it just a car that he never wanted, its a wrecking yard and he traded an old chevy body for the car and has never used it before. If there is anything that I could look at without imposing into the hood or checking every nook and cranny then let me know what are the major details I should pay attention to, I also have not test driven yet but that is only because I have not had the time.

 

[Nt-Eclipse-Dail]

If you are about to lay down your hard earned money for the car, Then I would definitely pop the hood and give it a look...

You can check the oil first. Is there oil on the stick? Does it look milky or black?
Are there any leaks around the engine? Does the guy have antifreeze in the car?
Are the motor mounts trashed?

If you do look under the hood and it's a mess, offer the guy less money...

Don't be shy about checking things out before you drop off your money, The time you spend looking things over will save you money in the long run and may get you the car you wanted a little cheaper than you thought...

P.S. I just rolled 247k on my 1.8l DSM. It ain't the fastest car on the block but the 1.8l can be a very dependable car if maintained properly. The fact that my 1.8l is so dependable and cheap to drive allows me to have money left over to work on other toys!

 

[nolany87]

one of the reasons that i want to switch is because the fact that my 1.8l gets like 18-20 mpg on average because I am a hard driver, kind of hard to do with a 18l though. I need a faster car that can get to speed like i need it to.

 

[Megags]

Listen, I can waste a typical 1.8l, but most cars out today can waste teh mighty 2.0nt If you are going to upgrade, tehn upgrade. But ifyou still want it, I wouldn't buy an auto. Pull off the timing belt upper cover and look for oil. Ask for receipt of last t-belt job. Listen for funny noises, squealing not caused by belts can be bad. Make sure it runs smooth, pulls good and doesn't leak fluids, specialy antifreeze, oil, and clutch. Don't want a screwed motor or trans. It's your money. Oh yeah, I dog mine all the time, still get better gas mileage than you.