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Look under the lower inner door frame rubber gaskets, just pull them up and look under- expect some rust both sides. Most
owners don't know about that.
Check the windshield for cracks.
Check the front strut towers for "mushrooming" an uneven surface to the top of the strut tower where the top of the shock
bolts in.
Ask about what oil is used and how often it was changed. Stock oil is Castrol Syntec changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
Use better full synthetic oil and change every 5000 to 8000 miles.
When was the air intake filter last cleaned or changed? If unknown then that needs cleaning.
What size reduction pulley is installed? 15% to 19%? If unknow that would be bad. 19% pulley requires smaller drive belt and
should be changed about once a year. 15% pulley uses stock belt and is changed every 3 years.
When was the last time the brake fluid was flushed and filled? Hopefully when the brake pads and rotors were changed but
maybe not. Fresh fluid would be good every 3 years.
When was the radiator fluid flushed and filled? Transmission fluid replaced?
When was interior cabin filter changed?
Any problems with the Xenon lights or with the power windows? Electrical items can go bad.
Any track use? Any drag racing? Any autocrossing? Any high performance driving school?
What tires are on the car? How much tread left? Any flaws in the wheels/the finish?
Original owner or second owner? Any use in snow? Any long cross country trips? What percentage urban vs long commuting
miles?
Any other drivers? Like someone that doesn't drive manual transmission well and could wear out the clutch?
Always check carfax for any information that the car was in a flood or other mishap.
Put a little water on the front and rear windows and use the wipers to wipe it clean. If it streaks the rubber blades need to be
replaced. Try the controls for the front and rear fluid sprays- the rear spray gets clogged.
Check the front and rear shocks- they might be worn out or leaking. Depends on loads carried and how the car was driven.
It's likely the battery is not original. What battery does it have now and how old is it. 2 years old might be weak. (reference
online forums).
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