What to look for in a box?

[killgore]

Alright thanks guys. Got some knowledge. I love people that list everything works in their ads. You know, except 2/4 windows

[DerekTheGreat]

^^^ Hahaha.

Everyone pretty much nailed it. Make sure the vin number on the door matches the one on the vin tag. If seller claims less than 100k miles or something the steering should be tight, with no slop at all. Feel/examine the door edges for rust. Pull back the carpet in the trunk where the spare tire sits or behind the wheel wells, if it's crusty there walk away. Excessive squeaks and rattles mean it's been molested a lot. I tend to buy things that don't look molested so if I see dumb wires running all over the hood or bolts and stuff jammed in vacuum lines I walk away. Walk away from a car with an oil cap that looks worn too. Only wears out when used a lot which probably means excessive oil consumption. On that note, check the fluids. If it's cold open up the radiator first and peer in there. Then check the coolant overflow bottle. If there's nothing in the bottle and the radiator is low, walk away. If the coolant overflow bottle/radiator is all rusty looking or has evidence of prior rusty coolant (You'll see scabby red crap all over the walls) walk away. Walk away if the coolant is brownish or has oily residue in it. Radiator, thermostat, heater core and/or water pump will probably fail in short order. Check the power steering fluid and surrounding areas for leaks. They like to leak right at the pump so check along the bottom & the lines. They also can leak around the steering box if that seal has failed. Also, extremely low or high fluid or fluid color other than red indicated that system has been messed with. Pump should be quiet unless it was ran low or the steering wheel held at lock for extended periods of time. Check the trans fluid & smell it. Burned smelling stuff indicates near death or worn out clutches. Check this when hot, should be within the cross hatch, if not, been tampered with. Lastly, check da oil. Should be between black & brown. If it's sludgy black I'd walk away. If it looks like a chocolate shake, walk away.

[mitymerc]

All good info ^^
When driving it, does it pull to either side, wander from side to side? Does it pull or shudder when braking? Is idle steady? Smoke on startup or heavy acceleration? Is the engine filthy? Signs of leakage?

[Bobcat]

Does the car have a smell of balls? Or a slight lingering smell? Of balls.

[gadget73]

is that a selling point for you?

[Toploader]

My '86 Tudor does not have one.

Pretty sure 86 was a rod setup.

[tjc78]

Ok, I just knew it was different in some way to the 87+

[Bobcat]

My car had that rod garbage stock, with the CFI. I still have it, don't know why.

[knucklehead0202]

All sound advice. Also, beware of cars that have hauled a ton of drywall or been excessively "fucked in". If you're looking at a car with a vinyl top, make sure the top is in good shape, as they can be pricey to replace and deteriorate quickly when they start going. If you're looking at a car with power seats, make sure all functions are working properly, as this can be fun stuff to fix. Ask me how I know...

[Toploader]

The 86 is a different TV cable that doesn't have the bushing problem.

If the bushing is still mostly there and the trans seems to work OK, its probably OK. Its a simple job to swap it and keep things happy. If the bushing is just gone, you ought to be as well

So my '86 MGM Tudor has no bushing?

[gadget73]

correct