What to look for when buying 1st gen?
 

My GF's car just took a big 'ol shit, I found a 94 Pro' 5spd with 137k on it for 1450...
what should I look for when I check it out for her....

Thanks.

Shawn

Maintainance records are very important. Has the clutch been replaced? If it hasnt you can bet it's life is close to an end. That could cost 300-400. Timing belt at 120k? If not another 300-400. Struts all the way around? If not another 500-600. Fuel filter? Check the spark plugs...are they white? Its running hot and lean, are they black, running rich. Check the coolant, is it brown? probably time for a water pump and coolant flush. The CV axles are probably worn out too if theyre original. Replacing both could be another 350. Check the CV boots. Check the dipstick...if its not brown (white type of color) you might be looking at a total rebuild or a new engine. Check the exhaust, is the color blue...probably bad rings and/or valve guides...white, bad head gasket, black running rich fuel system/sensor malfunction. On the test drive, test as many things inside the car, radio and HVAC. Listen very carefully while driving, take your time. You could also do a compression test or have your mechanic do it.

well, thats a start.

Oh yeah, dont forget you might need new rotors and maybe even new drums which could be like another 250. Check for oils leaks, fixing those can be quite expensive. At cruise cruising speed does it pull to one side? possibly bad alignment another 100 bucks.

Thanks man, luckily its a one owner car so it should be easy to figure out whats done and whats not. We've already budgeted for timing belt, plugs, wires, filters and fluids, I get alignments for free from my Sponsor, her Escort has fresh rubber and battery sp we can swap them over to the Pro if need be...I will find out soon..

Check for overspray could be a sign of an accident

Good call...as long as its sound mechanically she doesnt really care how it looks... she'll add her own "custom" work with time anyways....

check the rad support on the lower drivers side....mine rotted out and i work in a garage and we had an escort in that had the tranny crossmember falling out....also seen alot more that have started to rust out.....bad spot in them, make sure you ckeck that out

cool, thanks guys, need to get my girlie a good car, plus its something I can sport out for her...

We bought it last night. Car runs great, needs a header pipe though and new brake fluid as the pedal is a bit soft. Shifts, idles and drives beautifully. Not bad for $1400...

is it a DOHC?

and bty if you can get Racing Beat to produce a header for us, that would be :)

No, its a 16v SOHC.....I dont work for Racing Beat, I have all their parts for the 3rd Gen on mine though..