new car help.

[nov0606]

I curently drive a 1995 420a and i want to upgrade to a gst or gsx. i found one for sale localy its a 1997-1999 gst or gsx with 130*** miles on it. Im going to test drive it this afternoon. My questions is ' Are there any simple things i can look for to tell if there is any major problems with the car and What are the usual problems with turbo DSM with this many miles? Your help is much apreciated

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

At 130k miles I would take the upper timing cover off and check the timing belt. Look at the gears and see if you can see light between the teeth and cam gears. That will indicate wear and it needs replace. If he let's you get real in depth take off either the IC piping or the intake and cheap for oil/shaft play. That will let you know how well the car has been taken care of. Look for obvious things under the hood. Torn plug wires, vacuum hoses...things of that nature.

 

[brute]

Good advice, Adam. Definitely check for shaft play in the turbo. Maybe even a compression check if the seller's alright with it. He should be, unless he has something to hide.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

Yeah those two ^^^ sumed it up pretty well, also drive the car a little hard, dont be affrair to go 6k rpm's, this is to see of any heating problems. Also take the plugs out to see for...cant think of the word
EDIT: See there you go again Derek, helping me out with the SBR wg and now this, yes carbon deposits was what i was looking for. Oh yeah and if he's fine with a compression test then do a pressure test on the cooling system.

Dustin

 

[brute]

Carbon deposits?

 

[nov0606]

thanks for the advice i couldnt drive the car today because the owner had to work but i should drive it by the end of the week. One more question How exactly do you check for shaft play will it be that noticable that you can wiggle it with you hands?