I'm heading to look at an '85 MR2 this afternoon. It's got a bad starter, so I already know I'm going to need to try and push-start it. Pics show what looks to be a fairly clean, straight non-sunroof body with decent interior bits. What out-of-the-ordinary places should I check for damage and/or rust? Any telltale signs that would tell me I should run away? I'm not terribly worried about engine or suspension if I can get it for the right price, as those will be worked over heavily for what I have in mind for it.
Thanks in advance!
Chris
Flynlow
New Reader
8/8/10 2:56 p.m.
Rear fenders (inside and outside of lip, trailing edge heading up into trunk)
Trunk wells on either side
Battery Tray
Frunk Floor
Front fenders (rear/bottom near the doors, under the mudflaps)
... and everywhere else, too. It seems that Toyota tried to build a very accomplished competitor to the X1/9 that could even compete on the rust side of things.
If there is rust in the front fenders near the A-posts, inspect the post as best as you can. Chances are it's shot.
Thanks for the pointers everyone.
I've about come to the conclusion that I'm going to give up on CL. It drives me crazy to no end the way people dodge and omit with pertinent facts. I got there and the car, while pretty much complete, was just nowhere near the shape it was billed to be in. The windshield was cracked all the way across, there were leaves, pine needles and moss in every crevice, and the brake rotors were so rusted I'm not sure how they even got it to roll. In short, nowhere near condition for what they were asking ($1200). To top it all off, the title was 'lost'. We would have to do an affidavit for lost title if I wanted it. They couldn't say this up front when I asked if it had a clear title over the phone? "Oh yeah, it's not a rebuilt or salvage". aaaaaaaarrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhh!!
At least it was only 5min from my house so I didn't waste very long on it. I offered $250 as it sat. They wouldn't budge, so I walked away. What scares me is that they might get someone to buy it who thinks it's safe to drive with just a new starter.