[dcw]

Sounds interesting...!

As has been said if 1989 it will be a 1.7, either ES or Turbo (what does it say on the back?). Edit - sorry just seen you say it's a 1.7ES...

If the rear arches are good that's a definite plus - check up inside them, under the boot floor, and up behind the bumper as far as you can see. Also try to get a good look at the engine sub-frame.

If the paint/bodywork is original there will be a shaped piece of clear plastic stuck on the side below the rubbing strip in front of the rear wheel arches. Often when the arches are repaired/repainted this is not replaced, so if it is missing it is usually a sign the arches have been done, in which case check for metal/filler and examine how well they have been done...

Water is another problem as has been said. Is the car dry under the boot carpet? Are there signs that it has been wet under there? The underside of the carpet is foam and acts as a sponge, so check carefully. Also lift out any mats (front and back) and check that when pressed hard all the carpets are bone dry.

As has been said parts are getting hard to find but the situation isn't yet disastrous, so don't let that put you off.

Electrics - check carefully that everything works. That includes the info centre with all its functions as well as all the electrical items like lights, wipers, indicators etc. All these functions run through a CEM (radical in its day) and those can suffer problems...

Otherwise, you'll need to allow for the usual things when a car has just been sitting for years, as has already been said.

Good luck and keep us posted!

David