posted 09-14-2009 09:33 PM                  

Speaking from experience (got mine in June), run both windows up and down several times, listen for any noises and make sure they go all the way up. Factory window regulators are so poor that an (excellent) aftermarket unit has been brought to market - cheaper and better than the original.

Watch for leaky shocks, dry rot on the tires. C'mon guys, what else that wouldn't be cosmetic or otherwise immediately obvious?

posted 09-14-2009 10:23 PM                  

When turning the ignition key to the run position, look to verify all the "idiot" lights come on then go off.
These cars are equipped with run flat tires and have pressure sensors in the valve stems, if the low tire pressure light does not come on then go off, there could be an issue here although it is highly unlikely there would be a problem here.

Look at the rubber bushings on the suspension especially where the shocks may have leaked on them as the fluid could cause accelerated deterioration of the rubber.

When running the windows up, pay attention not only to how it sounds but to how smoothly it goes up, if they rattle or hesitate there could be a problem.
I have made it a habit of opening my passenger door and pulling up gently on the back of the glass while putting it up. This also eliminates any additional stress that may be caused by the weatherstrip on the top.
Put your windows down or open the doors while putting the top up has also been suggested by some people.

Look at the inside of the wheels and look for signs of bubbling and or flaking chrome. While you are at it wiggle the center caps on all four wheels. If they have much movement, it is possible that one or more of the clips are in some way damaged. There is a fix for damaged center caps. I would suggest if any of the caps have broken tabs that you immediately have the fix done before they get damaged or lost.

Take a CD or two with you. The car has a 6 CD changer in it. Put one or more CD's in the changer and make sure they play. If you get a "No Disc" reading, there may be a problem with the unit or possibly just dust on the lens that reads the disc. I had this issue with mine and a CD cleaner after several attempts succeeded in allowing the player to operate.

Look on the deck lid to make sure that it does not have any "Dimples" in it near the latch holes. If it does it is from what I have been told, a result of someone attempting to put the top down before opening the deck lid (trunk).
Another thing to look at are the plastic secondary tabs that you depress in order to release the top. These can break but can still be found without much trouble.

Look for signs of wear on the top in the center toward the front.
When the top is put down the latch on the deck lid can possibly come in contact with the fabric on the top and potentially push it toward the latch area. This could result in a hole in the top from what I have heard.

Most of these issues can be dealt with and if I am mis-informing you of anything, someone will point it out.

The people here are always willing to help resolve issues that may arise. You will like it here.

Look in Event Discussions for upcoming events that you may be able to attend.
You will meet some great people at these events just as I have.

posted 09-14-2009 10:25 PM                  

Peeling Chrome rims?is this outside, inside or both? all years?

Windows up/down

Cd changer

Leaking Shocks?how do you tell if they leak? all years?

Ball Joint recall?if not done.... is this free at any dealer?

Check Engine Light

posted 09-14-2009 10:30 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by alrtg:
Welcome Andy,

When turning the ignition key to the run position, look to verify all the "idiot" lights come on then go off.
These cars are equipped with run flat tires and have pressure sensors in the valve stems, if the low tire pressure light does not come on then go off, there could be an issue here although it is highly unlikely there would be a problem here.

Look at the rubber bushings on the suspension especially where the shocks may have leaked on them as the fluid could cause accelerated deterioration of the rubber.

When running the windows up, pay attention not only to how it sounds but to how smoothly it goes up, if they rattle or hesitate there could be a problem.
I have made it a habit of opening my passenger door and pulling up gently on the back of the glass while putting it up. This also eliminates any additional stress that may be caused by the weatherstrip on the top.
Put your windows down or open the doors while putting the top up has also been suggested by some people.

Look at the inside of the wheels and look for signs of bubbling and or flaking chrome. While you are at it wiggle the center caps on all four wheels. If they have much movement, it is possible that one or more of the clips are in some way damaged. There is a fix for damaged center caps. I would suggest if any of the caps have broken tabs that you immediately have the fix done before they get damaged or lost.

Take a CD or two with you. The car has a 6 CD changer in it. Put one or more CD's in the changer and make sure they play. If you get a "No Disc" reading, there may be a problem with the unit or possibly just dust on the lens that reads the disc. I had this issue with mine and a CD cleaner after several attempts succeeded in allowing the player to operate.

Look on the deck lid to make sure that it does not have any "Dimples" in it near the latch holes. If it does it is from what I have been told, a result of someone attempting to put the top down before opening the deck lid (trunk).
Another thing to look at are the plastic secondary tabs that you depress in order to release the top. These can break but can still be found without much trouble.

Look for signs of wear on the top in the center toward the front.
When the top is put down the latch on the deck lid can possibly come in contact with the fabric on the top and potentially push it toward the latch area. This could result in a hole in the top from what I have heard.

Most of these issues can be dealt with and if I am mis-informing you of anything, someone will point it out.

The people here are always willing to help resolve issues that may arise. You will like it here.

Look in Event Discussions for upcoming events that you may be able to attend.
You will meet some great people at these events just as I have.

---

posted 09-15-2009 01:47 AM                  

quote:

---

Originally posted by SNAKE BITE:
Thanks. I will start a check list to take with me. The owner did tell me the car has some scratches under the nose. I understand those though since I own a viper.
Here's my list so far.

Peeling Chrome rims?[B]is this outside, inside or both? all years? inside

Windows up/down

Cd changer make sure it has a cd cartridge

Leaking Shocks?how do you tell if they leak? all years? If top of shock says KONI you're good

Ball Joint recall?if not done.... is this free at any dealer? yes. get VIN# ahead of time and just call any dealer service dept and give them the VIN to look up open recalls

Check Engine Light Be sure to start the car, not just turn the key

anything else appreciated[/B]

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The usual check... oil, etc. More specific things may depend on lower mileage/has it sat long periods. Run it thru the gears with foot on the brake when you FIRST start it up. Make sure when putting it in reverse and in drive that the car actually moves without hitting gas. (In manual mode, I don't think it goes into 4th while sitting still.) Open the trunk and see how it closes. Look at back bottom of trunklid for rub marks. Check for outside tear when top is up at passenger side below rear window. Open hood & see if it stays up. Leave it up while you check everything on the car. Careful it doesn't fall while you have your head or hand under it (weak hood shocks). Are you driving it or hauling it back? (Long drive, possible rain, take a couple bath towels for between each seat and door and a hand towel). Ask for owners manual/any paperwork. Take a camera, sunglasses, and tan lotion. TEST DRIVE IT! Once out of first gear, drop it into manual mode and shift manually to make sure it goes from 2nd to 3rd. Most of all the listed issues are minor. If he cries as you drive away with it, DON'T TURN BACK!