What to look out for when buying?

[oliverbigal]

Hi, I'm looking to buy my son his first car and he tells me he doesn't want a boring old Corsa or Fiesta and I agree. He's been talking about a ZR which I think is a great choice as I have always personally liked the Z cars. I guess its a classic question for somebody wanting to buy a car but I would value some advice on what to look out for to make sure I get a good car? Think it would be a 1.4 (105BHP) 3 door phase one or two that I would go for?

Thanks in advance!

[JOHNDQ]

Most common problems on ZR are rust on front wings and rear wheel arches and of course the well known HG problems but thats easily sorted now as long as you do the job right and dont cut corners trying to do it on the cheap. As for the MK1/2 i prefer the MK2. I know the earlier MK1's pre "project drive" are built a bit better but in all fairness missing stickers, sound deadening etc dont make must odds on a 15 year old car. The other problem you may find on the MK2 is failed relays in the BCU
(i.e dead central locking, windows) but again thats a cheap fix