92 Starlet GT Buying tips?

[Shads]

Hey there guys / chicks / others that dont fall into any of the above.
Currently looking into purchasing a 92 Starlet GT, Pretty much factory standard (its an auto :/)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 399691.htm

Just wondering if theres anything in particular that i should be looking for when im checking it over etc (done a search and hadda look and there doesnt seem to be anything mentioned?)

Cheers for the help in advance

[Adydas]

Check out www.starletcentral.co.nz those guys are the Starlet Experts

From when i sold mine tho id suggest checking the basics like for any car.

Cam Belt
Wheel bearings
Shocks
CV Boots
Radiator

etc

If there gone or going gives you room to negotiate, there not over expensive items to replace etc but its still some $$ as well as time to do it or get it done.

[Elmendorf]

Timing belt, should have been replaced by now
Quality of the oil, ask what shes been using in it, if its cheap and nasty oil be careful
Any leaks in the engine
Any sign of smoke
If possible check the inside of the pipes on the intercooler for signs for oil
Check exhaust for holes
Check wheel bearings and cv's
Check theres no strange noises on startup (make sure engine is cold)
Check engine mounts

Cars getting on in years, however being auto you can view that as an advantage. Alot of the autos havent been thrashed like the manuals

Good luck

[FrEsH]

leave it idling for a few minutes make sure u dont get blue smoke coming out teh back after a while, turbo seals = very common problem...

other than taht and waht they said above tehy're fairly problem free...oh also check manifold for cracks its common too

[Elmendorf]

Can only check outside of mani for cracks, but yes they tend to crack very easily. Its much harder to check the inside. Mine looked fine from the outside but when we took it off it had a couple of huge cracks on the inside, but didnt impare performance, not that the stock manis are great performers

[peas]

leave it idling for a few minutes make sure u dont get blue smoke coming out teh back after a while, turbo seals = very common problem...

Wouldn't it be white smoke if the turbo is on its way out. I had one guy come into work wanting some "magical fluid" to fix his smokey car. It left in a cloud GT Starlet too as it happens.

[Elmendorf]

Yep white smoke if its turbo, blue smoke can indicate PCV valve or valve stem seals need replacing. Been down that road with my old 4E-FTE and recently with my new 4E-fte, needed to replace the PCV as the trip over in the boat caused the valve to seize. Cheap as to replace tho, but valve stem seals on their own arent, can get a whole gasket set for a 4E for less than a set of valve stem seals. Go figure

[tubby]

Yep white smoke if its turbo, blue smoke can indicate PCV valve or valve stem seals need replacing. Been down that road with my old 4E-FTE and recently with my new 4E-fte, needed to replace the PCV as the trip over in the boat caused the valve to seize. Cheap as to replace tho, but valve stem seals on their own arent, can get a whole gasket set for a 4E for less than a set of valve stem seals. Go figure

i don't suppose u know how much that would cost for either. i got blue smoke sometimes and just thought 'oh well' its the turbo wearing out...and thought i couldn't afford to fix it....

[Elmendorf]

PCV's are relatively cheap (under $50)and I would definately start there before going valve stem seals. Speak to Mr Revhead I'm sure he can help you out with pricing for both, I got mine on a great deal because my partner was working for toyota at the time but I do know the complete 4E gasket set is hell cheaper than just the valve stem seals on their own regardless of the discount or hookups.

PCV can be replaced by you but valve stem seals need a professional. Just make sure when you replace the PCV that you get all the bits out of the rocker cover.