I've been lurking about, trying to make a list of things to get done to the car itself. Compression test is a mandatory, especially given that the one I'm looking at has nearly 100k. I don't know how to post the carfax here without just thread crapping it all as a copy paste gif smash, otherwise this would be somewhat easier.

I know I'm going to be looking at the coils, plugs, and wires when I check it out. The carfax gives me some idea that this car has had semi-regular dealer maintenance, and has had it's battery and starter checked multiple times, but never replaced. I guess I'll know when I drive it how well any former owners actually took care of it.

I'm looking for any other advice anyone might have. I know, it's really old in the miles department, but it's a massive mileage improvement from my current ride, and unfortunately it's the only '8 I can find in my price range, which is around 10k. This car would be my daily driver.

Any helpful hints?

 

I don't know where you live, or if in that area they have emissions testing, but if I were looking for a used one here in the Denver area, I would take it to the nearest emissions testing place, and have them run it though the smog test.

This gives you an idea if the cat convertor is working properly, if you're not burning all the fuel properly because the ignition coils have gotten weak or failed, or if there's some other hidden issue with the emissions system that you won't know about until it is time for you to take it to a smog test.

Something to think about.

BC.

 

Advice?

Read, at a minimum, the two threads in my signature...

Gotta run

 

Keep checking craigslist and dealers in your area, eventually you will find the right one. Do not just jump into the first one you find because that can cause you problems. I think the #1 thing to do is get a compression test done, make sure the car is warm when they do it. It is going to cost you about $150 but its better than buying a 10k car and finding out it needs an engine.