Old COE car buying checklist (mechanical)

[Liquidh]

Hi,

 

I couldn't find any extremely relevant links on old car buying list, so I'd like to invite all users to contribute to this link. If it's helpful enough, maybe it can become sticky and be of help to all future mycarforumers!

 

Qn: From 1 - 5, list the 5 most important mechanical issues to lookout for when getting an old car...

 

E.g.

 

1. Thoroughly worn out engines (and how to detect)

2. Cold start problems,

3. Aircon,

4. Suspension,

5. Major accidents affecting chassis of car

 

If you also own an old car (i.e. more than 10 years of age, you're welcomed to name them)

[Hoppe]

check alarm system or central locking also.

[Route88]

1.No power,white smoke

2.Worn spark plugs,distributor,ignition cables

3.Not cold,leak somewhere

4.Rebound damping to soft

5.New pain/welding inside chasis

 

You might wanna check the car cooling system

[Liquidh]

Cool, looks like alot to check! but thanks!

[Route88]

Transmission too.

Sometimes fault cannot be detected when u test drive. Problem arise after a week or 2

[Route88]

delete,double post

Edited July 6, 2008 by Route88

[So_nice]

i'm driving an old car. toyota starlet. i seen ur thread..u interested in getting one huh? if u really want old cars u should keep ur eyes on starlet, corolla, swift and perhaps nissan march k11.

[So_nice]

1. Thoroughly worn out engines (and how to detect) ---> got white smoke, oil leakage?

2. Cold start problems, ---> if u're talking abt carb driven cars, some diffculty in cold start is expected3. Aircon,

4. Suspension, ---> shake the car and see! hehe. see got oil leakage bo

5. Major accidents affecting chassis of car ---> look for unusual welding marks, paint work and best is to drive it ard

[Qr25vet]

get GTI la...starlet so many running arnd...u dont need any new bros

[Liquidh]

Ya, I'd like to stick to those that are "safe" and "proven"... (i.e. many old ones still on the road...)

 

I think you missed out the Nissan Sunny... (police car). lol

 

Btw, I think Starlet is the prettiest of all... That's why I'm most interested in that one.

[So_nice]

never include tat cuz they say sunny is a drinker. lol.

 

there is a very nice swift gti on sgcarmart. can consider!

[Liquidh]

nah, i'm not a heavy footer. Just like something pretty and reliable.

[Liquidh]

Well i figured transmission isn't too much of a problem if its a manual. correct me if i'm wrong...

[Route88]

Manual shoudn't cause so much prob.,but best to check for unusual sound(worn/broken gear teeth),gear stick bushing etc