what to look for when test-driving a used DSM?

[Kookykrispy]

I'm going to pick up my 98 gs-t tomorrow... and unless there's something bad, It's pretty much a done deal... but I havn't given any $ yet, so I'd like to hear a couple things I should check and look at specifically before I finally commit to this car. Such as, how can I check if the engine may be going bad (is there any warning sign of impending crankwalk before total destruction)? This car has 109k on it. Thanks everyone...

 

[rowlex]

spend the 70 bucks and have it inspected, it's worth it.

 

[98RedGs]

Bring it to a mechanic shop and tell them your about to buy it and you want a rundown on the car if possible.

Check the following
1 - Remove the intake pipe from the turbo and inspect that small "wheel" inside of the turbo. If it moves very much then you will want to take into consideration that the turbo may need to be replaced soon depending on how much movement you have.

2 - Remove the small upper timing belt cover and inspect the timing belt. Does it look to be in good condition? If it looks to be in good condition with not alot of wear on it ask the owner to see the receipt for the TIMING BELT INSTALL with all the OEM parts that were to be replaced for this install. http://www.vfaq.com/mods/Tbelt-checklist-pre.html

3 - Engine wise... Get a compression gauge and check the compression in the engine and make sure that it's up to par and nothing is going on "leakwise" in the engine itself.
http://www.dsmgrrrl.com/FAQs/compression.htm

4 - Suspension - Go drive the car, now that you have the major things out of the way and make sure that you don't hear any unusual thuds or loud squeaks that would drive you up a wall during your everyday driving. Here if you can find a road with some bumps on it and take the car down this road. See how the suspension takes it and make sure that it seems to do well and not have you all over the road. Once this is done then when you get another chance to park look at the insides of the tires and see if it's wearning unevenly....

5 - Transmission - This is going to be something you want to kinda listen for and abuse the car a little bit and make sure it dosen't GRIND or FORCE itself back out of gear. Also make sure to ask the owner if the transmission fluid has ever been changed. Think about (if you haven't already) getting some information about what fluid was used or did the OEM clutch get replaced anytime recently or anytime in the cars life at all?

If you need anything else or if there's anything else that comes to "mind" I'll post back in this thread.

Goodluck.

 

[BUCK]

You mean there ARE DSM's you can drive BEFORE you buy them? You don't ALWAYS need a tow truck? WOW! - What a concept...

 

[Kookykrispy]

98RedGs: Thank you so much for this information... your knowledge and help was very valuable... I took my tools and did my own inspection... the car passed all three of these tests, although compression was right about the low end of being acceptable... but I didn't expect a new car... this one has 109k miles but the engine ran very well and it certainly hauls serious ass and was a blast to drive. No leaks whatsoever, newer timing belt.. the clutch and trans all worked good and felt great...

So we made the deal, and now I own a 5 speed turbo spyder