I'm looking to buy a 4x4 sapp. Always had RST's. Not sure on what problems to be looking for when buying. Common areas of rust on the underside? Diff. problems? just any common faults to look for? I'd appreciate any help. Cheers

 

Rear beam mounting points (large rubber doughtnuts) can be a point for rot around the captive nut inside the chassis rail - you can just about visually see around that chassis area though, so check it best you can. Rear arches bubble also, but don't think there are any other problem areas body-wise. Make usual checks at door/boot/bonnet gaps for indications of damage repair and check for original front wings (Ford stamp on wing edge).

Drivetrain is good too, gearchange can get notchy with age. Higher boost cars can take toll on gearbox though so i'd check for any obvious whining/unusual noises when driving it.

Apart from that just check over the usual you'd expect with a turbo car - blue smoke etc...any unwelcome engine noises. Not pretending to know everything about them - still learning about mine, so get advice from others too.

Hope this helps, good luck!

 

cheers bud, greatful of any help. i don't wanna but a dog, that costs a fortune to put right

 

Know what you mean - have had more than a few probs with mine since i've owned it - can be a steep learning curve! Saying that, little teething probs can and do occur, and quite easily put right - as long as you check the basics before buying you'll be fine.

Also, i'd try testing more than one car before spending the hard-earned. That way you'll be able to compare and quickly get a feel for a good car.