What should I look for in a DSM?

[se7enband]

I'm going to be buying a Talon AWD TSi pretty soon, and I have my sights on a 1990 and 1991. 1990 is Black, 97K miles, GC, 5 speed, turbo replaced w/ GReddy @ 60K. 1991 is White, 112K miles, EC, 5 speed, mods (not sure what). I like the white one (91) the best. It looks good and has nice wheels/rims, interior, and runs and sounds good. He is asking $2500 for 91, $2000 for 90. 90 needs some interior work (some water damage from leaking door seal). What things in perticular should I look at/for before I purchase.

 

[Spln_Hrd]

i would do a compression test, other than that the cars both seem ok.

 

[dave99gst]

one that runs

 

[Slipstream]

Spln_Hrd is right, do a comp test on it first.
Check for rust
check for turbo shaft play.
pull the plugs and look at them
pull the oil cap and take a big whiff
ask the owners for service reciepts to try and put together a service history.
If they did all the service ask for shop manuals or at least a chiltons or similar book, and the reciepts for parts.
take a look at the coolant, the brake fluid, clutch fluid, etc.
don't forget to run a car fax on them, and call the vins into the dealer to see what, if any recall or warranty work has been done.

 

[black92_tsi_awd]

Check for fluid leaks...the Talon I bought was low on everything. Only had a quart of oil in the trans, rear end was about half full, and transfer case apparently went dry and spun a bearing 2 weeks after I got it. If you see leaks, think about what your getting in to. Normally I would of looked a little closer at the car before I bought it, but I work with the guy and got a little careless.

 

[starr]

one that runs

that seems like a pretty smart alecky remark from a "wiseman" to a guy that wants to get into the dsm community. seriously, are we that elite of a group that we want to try to keep people out of the community?

se7enband, do what the other people that replied to you said, and you should be fine. and welcome to the dsm community. it's fun

 

[totalburnout]

I'm developing a list of things to check for when I check out a 2G Talon TSI at the end of this week. I've been talking with the guy who has the car for a month or two now and had a much longer list, but since then I've forgot some little specifics but here's the list I have thus far.

Compression Test
Condition of turbo, intercooler, and pipes
Strut Tower Rust
Turbo shaft play
Turbo Leak Test
Signs of Crankwalk
Limited Slip Differential (stick should be in driver’s side door jam, or on rear diff)
Transfer Case
Sunroof Leaks

 

[98autogstspyder]

check for any leaks..... whether it be oil, coolant, power stearing , tranny or whatever. I am planning on buying a 1g awd in a week or so... here is my list:

1. check ALL fluids , like it was said earlier, if motor or tranny oil are low.. be wary, i turned down a dsm the other day after seeing the oil level was low... u never know how long it has been that way.

2.recall on the transfer case... completed?

3.check all motor mounts

4.if the car your looking at is running.... always be sure you see that engine spin to 7000 before you buy it and be sure the current owner takes you through every gear if he doesnt allow you to drive it.
(another dsm i was lookin at spun a rod bearing while he was givin some one a test drive.) This i would say is the most important of all... if the car drives good when your in it, chances are you should be okay.

5.as previously stated... ask about maintenance history especially timing belt work. If the owner does not know if this has been done or not, use it as leverage to lower the price... at a dealer its a good 500-600 dollars.

6. tires... check the tread and make sure u got at least %50 left on wheels.

7. put the car on a lift to check for rust under the car or any damage that may have been sustained that is not visible.

8.yes.. check the vehicle history on carfax - accident history, water damage, theft, etc;

9.in my oppinion i would look for a mostly stock dsm.

10. if a 5 speed..... ask about the clutch.

11. as stated earlier... check turbo for play. if it has some play, i wouldnt worry too much.. you can pick up a used turbo for pretty cheap.

12. interior- this is not as important, so just look for what you want your car to be equiped with. in my oppinion, i would rather the car come with full interior. run a hose over the sun roof and windows to check for leaks that way.

13. check kelly blue book and many other sites selling dsms and find out what the average price is for these cars.

14. bring a dsm friend with you when checkin out the car... two sets of eyes are better than one.

well thats my list of stuff im going to run through when buyin my 2nd dsm, i hope this has been helpful. And if you are not comfortable with doin this yourself... pay a dealer to inspect the entire car and give you a report on it... a safe way to go i think. if any of you have anything to add... please do.

MY NUMBER ONE TIP TO YOU. BE PATIENT. THE DSM YOUR LOOKING AT IS NOT THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE FOR SALE. IF YOU HAVE A BAD FEELING ABOUT SOMETHING, ITS FOR A REASON

Tyler

 

[LaserDad91]

Mine came with a shop manual!! :laugh:

 

[totalburnout]

Mine came with a shop manual!! :laugh:

Is a helms manual really that useful for modding? I am a car idiot, but my one for my honda seemed to be confusing as hell just to read and learn from the thing.

I need a big idiot guide. :laugh: