digit

I'm going to look at two cars this weekend from the brief email exchanges that I have had with both sellers it seems that none of them have any idea of the maintenance history on their vehicles. One has 75 000 KM and the other has 135 000 km. So I'm assuming that both cars have seen at least a timing belt and water cooler change in its life time. I don't have very high hopes for either of these cars but they are both quite cheap and I'm hoping to get lucky.

If I check the cars over and decide that they look good enough for me to take do you think it would be worthwhile changing the timing belt, water pump and the rollers just due to the fact that the service interval is so murky? If there any other kind of maintenance that I should consider doing even if everything looks ok? With the lack of history is it advisable to simply run?

V2Rocket

You should change the timing+balance belts and water pump, first thing.
Good time to do front-engine seals too.

Everything else is secondary...check brake pad thickness, clutch thickness, etc.

2mAn

x2

If they have no records of the timing belt/ water pump job, assume it will need it and factor that into the purchase price. Good luck!

911lnv87

and the fuel lines and the return line...

digit

Thanks man! I was going to run through the clarks garage check list and make sure that it is in semi-reasonable shape. I'm mechanically inclined (I used to be a bike mechanic which is way different i know but I think a similar skillset) but I don't have much experience outside of changing my oil and swaping my tires every spring/fall so I really don't want to take it if it looks I have to tear the whole thing down. I think I could handle most of what you outlined in a weekend. Really appreciate the reply!

Van

They're at the mileage/age where they'll need clutches, if it hasn't been done...