Does it take any special equipment to run a compression test on a Loyale? Or any special type of extensions? I have a standard compression guage. Think I will run a test on this Loyale before I buy it and make sure its gross lack of power is just a Loyale auto tranny weakness, and not an engine problem.

Shouldn't take anything special. Mine has a separate hose that screws into the plughole, rather than just pushing the rubber tip into the hole, but I don't know that that is necessary, just convenient.

if you find odd compression readings across the cylinders please check the timing belt alignment before you rule the engine as bad or with a blown head gasket. how is the temp gauge when driving?

i think it's typically done at operating temperature and remove all the spark plugs (engine will turn easier) and hold the throttle plate open (eases air passage into the combustion chamber. then go to town.