[Shinsplintz 101]

+1 to most of the above. The amount of work required will depend on the previous keepers of the car - if they've kept ontop normal regular maintenance then your life will be a whole lot easier (and cheaper)

Let assume yours is a basket case and over 100k miles, therefore:

1. STAGE 0. Replace ALL ignition and PCV parts along with full flush and replacement of ALL fluids inc transmission, and new filters for oil, fuel and air (intake and cabin). Both belts, inc tensioners and idlers. Waterpump is considered bulletproof, so normally can be left alone. New battery. Check alternator output.
2. Turbo - new CHRA ( mellett), new VAC hoses, new TCV. Check recerc valve and actuator are operating properly ( mitivac pressure tester required). Replace defective/suspect components.
2. Brakes - new calipers, discs and pads all around, inc handbrake shoes, replace flexible hoses front and rear, full flush with lovely clean dot 4. Probably best to do handbrake cables whilst your at it.
3. Suspension. Droplinks, track rod end, front lower arms and front& rear top mounts are a must - unless you like sounding like a cheap busker.clanking along. Shocks and springs as well would be wise. Keep nivomats. Expensive, but worth every penny.
4. Rust. Inner wings, all wheel arches, rear bumper hangers etc... find, deal with and blitz with new underseal/waxoil.
5. Exhaust. Front half should be fine ( DP and cat) rear half will most likely be holy....replace and get new rubber hangers.
6.Heating/AC. Replace heater matrix and condenser behind the dash. Do the heater fan and Resistor at the same time, save yourself the hassle later. Replace AC dryer at front of car. Shim ac compressor clutch. Fill with gas. It might work then....no promises.
6. Interior. Rear boot cover, new clips will be required. De bobble alcantara on drivers seat. Feed/recolour leather elsewhere. Track down various squeeks and eliminate with new clips & or tape.

God knows.what else you'll find. But I promise it'll be a lovely feeling when you get through it all and end up with a 27 year old daily that is fast, reliable, comfortable and considerably more stylish than most modern tat on the roads!!

Shame your selling the saloon, but they are limited in terms of space, so understand your reasoning- think you might miss the manual though, Autos are sooo boring 😴 😉


Cheers, Morgan