Having had a good look through classified ads, I notice the price of these cars seem to be all the over place at the moment, seen a few rough looking examples priced over the £5k mark.
Ideally I am looking for one with as many of the common issues resolved as possible.
That is the kind of car that fetches a premium, which not many people are prepared to pay for.
The list of common issues doesn't stop at the engine either. They are now at the age where the chassis components are in need of replacement to keep them driving nicely. Steering racks for example, not cheap. Seized rear control arms. Console bush bolts snapping when upgrading to a WALK. Etc etc. It's not mileage that kills cars, it's age.
There is no service interval for the chain, or the gearbox oil (manual), so you can't expect to see evidence of it if the maker doesn't even have a service schedule on it. Only the fastidious enthusiast owners will have it done. But you can profit from a car that does have a knackered chain as a bartering point, as it's not a difficult job.
Worse than common stuff not being done is bodging barstewardss covering stuff up and not disclosing it, leaving numerous 'treats' for you to find 18 months later, so be vigilant and put your best Sherlock Holmes outfit on.
