I currently maintain a '97 l model wagon for my girlfriend with approximately 200k miles on it, so I'm aware of some things, but she has only had the car for a year so I am asking for assistance in checking out this sweet wagon.

 

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/5474620232.html

 

This is the ad I'm looking at. The owner says there's a check engine light, and an oil leak. The CEL I can read and post here, and the oil leak I can take pictures of. I plan on taking a look at it this weekend and jacking it up, driving it, etc. and posting my notes here. If there is anything that someone can warn me of ahead of time I will write it down and check it. Thanks guys!

Also I am new to this forum, so take it easy if I posted something wrong, and if my post is closed then please explain why.

These are great little cars. Drive tight circles and feel for torque bind.

 

Check engine light is generally nothing scary. Knock sensors etc. are frequent issues as they get up there in miles.

 

Oil leaks are also common as they get higher miles. Usually cam and crank seals a o rings. valve covers etc.

Sounds like exactly what I was thinking, except the torque bind is something I wouldn't have thought of, what will I feel/hear of its messed up? And is that why some are converted to fwd, the 97 automatic I have is fwd. the one I'm looking at is manual, do they both fail? Thanks a lot.

Manual wont have torque bind till warm. Just drive in tight circles and you'll feel it if its there. But its not that common in manuals

SLow tight circles feel for lurching/shuttering/binding. Like driving a truck in 4wd on pavement. It's pretty obvious.

interference engine so ideally the belt and pulleys are replaced soon.  even with a new belt, the pulleys are often never replaced.

 

why it's being sold, is always a premier answer to find out.  notice i say answer, not question.  because how people answer that to a potentional buyer isn't always clear.

 

both torque bind.  good advice to test after warmed up though manuals can bind when cold as well.

 

it'll be obvious - if you can't tell, you don't have it.  with steering wheel in full lock on drive pavement drive in circles - it'll either bind or not - binding will make it feel like it's braking.

and make sure you can  drive it up to 60MPH and listen for that telling hum...of rear wheel bearings.

 

CEL is on for 'emissions'. which could be O2 sensor or some of the more difficult to diagnose issues related to the Evap system.

 

GL,

TD

The one I have now needs 02 sensors also, I'm betting on that one.

Going look at the car tomorrow, thanks for the help guys.