The usual things come to mind, not that these are necessarily problem areas for that model:

1. Check transmission for smooth up and downshifting and clutch action.

2. Check tires for uneven wear, indicating need for alignment or possible suspension wear.

3. Check oil on dipstick to look for obvious signs of poor maintenance (i.e. really dirty oil, not just discoloration).

4. Make sure stock engine pieces are in place like the factory airbox. I don't know how things are regulated in NJ but in CA the stock airbox helps a lot towards avoiding scrutiny of other aftermarket parts. Sometimes the stock parts can be hard to locate because owners throw them out after replacing them with performance parts.

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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Im looking at buying a 1998 2.5 RS, and I was wondering what sort of things I should look for...Besides condition of oil, how it shifts, and the other basics. I know there is already a thread for the 99-01 RS's, but since the 98 has a different motor I wasnt sure if there was anything specific to look for. Thanks for any info...


Was my topic moved into this one?

 

i dont think the 98 has a different motor... it's just that the 98 lacks a few options that were introduced in 99-01. For example; gauge cluster, interior, rear differential, etc. But the 98's have those Dope rims. I just bought a 98 and I figure what you should look for is overall condition of the motor, the gaskets, any leaking lines (like mine had a leaking power steering line) not a big deal, but if it leaks oil then there may be a problem.