buying second hand car privately

[Byatch]

Hey guys.

I'm looking to buy a second hand car, an eg vti civic, and aside from the normal things to look out for, is there anything specific to this model that is a known trouble area?

Also, I'd just like to run a list of things by the forums that i know to look out for, just incase i've missed anything:

overall condition of the body, any mis-matched paint indicating damage/rust, condition of panit - faded / stone chipped, engine noise, brake noise, brake feel, brake wear (check pads), engine response, ease of starting, blowing smoke (blue or black), engine leakages (oil/coolant), tyre condition, unusual suspension noise, suspension leaks, steering feel, steering freeplay, clutch feel, clutch travel, electrics - including any combination of electrics and all electrics simultaneously, general condition of interior, seat stability (driver, passenger and rear). gearbox feel, gearbox leakages.

missed anything huge?

[EuroDude]

Common problems with the EG's are:

CV Joints especially the Drivers side. Check for grease in the inside of the Front right Wheel. Check for tears in the CV boot, ensure its secured properly.

Distributor coil/ignitor/cap. If the car has done over 150,000km, ask if they have replaced any part of the Distributor.

Check for oil leaks around the CAM(s) and rocker cover.

Ask for all servicing records. Ensure the timing belt was changed every 100,000km. Ask when the gearbox was reconditioned.

[Rice_4_life]

only thing that might I can think of that may be of help is rear trailing arm bushes, they tend to split and not the cheapest thing to replace. If it's split really badly you'll hear creaking in the rear especially over speed bumps

[aimre]

check for paint missing of the bolts of front guards, creased manufacturing date plate (on radiator support) and that the slots in the front bar are black and not painted. These are dead giveaways the cars been in a front ender