Had the '87 212k 5kcstq inspected

[Wallace White <whitew@leland.Stanford.EDU>]

This afternoon was spent meeting Scott Oliver, a very generous 5kcstq
lister who offered to show me his car and look at the one I might buy, and
over at D&M Motors in Palo Alto, having the car inspected. This is the
second inspection I've paid for now, so I hope to not do (m)any more.

Scott's car, with QLCC chip and Eibach springs and more, is certainly
quicker and stiffer than the 212k car's stock setup, but otherwise I'd say
they compared fairly well. Nothing against Scott's car and its 150k miles,
of course, it's just that the high mileage car doesn't show its age too
badly. We did notice that Scott's fuel pump is almost silent, while "mine"
is noticeable, to say the least. D&M said it was fine, however.

During the inspection at D&M, they seemed pretty impressed with the car's
condition for its mileage--which, by the way, may not be quite accurate.
It hit 214,000 today right when I arrived at the shop, which made them
sure that it had been on that number for a while. I know it hadn't, but it
did seem to have a hard time getting going again. The mechanic and I drove
it around and we covered ~1 mile before it showed 0.1. Hmm. I'll ask my
friend the seller if he's noticed anything.

The results of the inspection:

- leaky exhaust manifold gaskets, pistons 1 and 2
  You can hear the leak. He gave it half a year before requiring
  replacement. $500, probably less if no studs break, he says.

- bad left front wheel bearing
  I though one of them was bad but didn't know which. Not very noisy, but
  you can feel it in the steering. How much is the special tool you need
  to replace one yourself, and how tough a job is it?

- air conditioning isn't working
  The seller is having it checked out next week. We'll see.

There were a few other minor items. The earlier-style oil filter, for
separate turbo filter, was used instead of the correct filter--and it was
a Fram, which is a little disappointing. There's a very slight leak from
the rear differential, which the mechanic wasn't bothered by. No other
significant leaks, he said.

Any opinions? Thanks again.

- Wallace White
  seeking 5kcstq, Bay Area