1990 coupe - to buy or not to buy?

[Kent McLean]

tom winter wrote:
> Hi all - I may have found a nice 1990 coupe to purchase. The miles are high
> (150,000) and the price sits at $2000. ...
> 
> The car would be replacing a 1989 100q that is starting to show her age.

At that age, a lot of problems are age related, not mileage related.
For example, rubber seals, rubber hoses, electrical connections,
brittle wires in the door jambs and trunk all cause won't-start or
runs-poorly issues. Going from 1989 to 1990 buys you only one year
of newer.

Aside from typical used-car issues (brakes, tires, etc.), look at
all the things that are wrong on your 100. :-)  Make sure all the
electrical things work(lights, switches, lights on switches, radio,
ABS). Does it have manual or automatic climate control? Does the
AC work? Does the engine make unusual noises? Is there unusual wear
on the tires, indicating alignment (or accident damage) issues?
Does it look well cared for?

If you are tired of your 100 and want a coupe, and it looks no
worse than your 100, go for it. But don't expect it to be less
trouble than your 100.

Kent
'94 100 S Avant
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" needs a new home