Should I buy this 5ktqa?

[Bernard Littau]

<snip>
> Harsh words- but you guys are the experts.  Couple related Q's:
>
> I live at an altitude of 6000ft, could that contribute to the low boost
> reading?
>
<more snip>
> > > Slight oil leak under the front of the motor
> > > Ingition system idiot light comes on at high boost

Hi Robert,

The check engine light is a problem and you need to know why it is coming
on.  It could be cheap gas, or it could be something else.  Pulling the
fault codes out of the ECU is really easy on the 5ktq.  See Scott Mockry's
site:
http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/ecuf.html#fc5kt

Once you know why the fault code is occuring, you can bargian with the
owner.

1.1 bar is very low boost.  Your altitude should not be a factor at 6000
feet.  The K26 turbo can produce full stock boost easily at that altitude.
You can check Scott's site for hints on why it might have low boost, and get
some idea of what it might take to fix it.

You say the turbo was replaced.  How many miles are on this car?  Turbos
usually last the life of the car -- find out why it failed.

When was the timing belt last replaced?  The belt, water pump and front seal
should be replaced every 60000 miles.  Was the front seal replaced with the
timing belt?  This could be the source of your oil leak at the front.

Your purchase price of the car will depend on what you wish to spend in
total for the car.  If it needs timing belt and water pump replaced, new
shocks, some boost related parts and perhaps some additional suspension
parts replaced to the tune of $2000, a $1800 purchase price would yield a
$3800 car.  Can you bring the car in to the dealer where it was serviced for
a pre-purchase inspection?  Have them also give you an estimate to fit the
boost, shocks, etc.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq