Lets compile a list of what to look for on a Z when you're going to kick the tires...

These are some things that I though of but I’m sure there are more…add to it.

I assume that everyone will be able to determine what is good or bad and make there own decision on if it will effect there purchase, so I didnt include answers to most of these...

Exterior:
1. Paint/dent condition
2. Fade issues
3. Swirls?
4. Is the paint surface smooth/rough?
5. Are the head lights fogged?
6. Are the side skirt under rails clean? –indication of how clean they kept it or if it was hand washed or taken thru machines as machines wont get under there very well.
7. Is the rubber molding in good condition or is it deteriorating? –how much its out in the sun.
8. Are the door handles scratched?
9. Is the rear truck lid scratched from closing?
10. Are the door jams filthy?
11. Are the kick rails scratched?
12. Is the windshield pitted?
13. Is the exhaust clean? Polished?
14. Is the tint good? No track marks or anything?
15. Check inside the gas door to see how meticulous they cared for and cleaned.
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Tires/wheels:
1. How clean are the rims? Do they show signs of corrosion from brake dust being neglected? Are the nooks and cranny’s clean of brake dust?
2. Are they curbed?
3. Is the inner rim clean?
4. Are the tires worn evenly?
5. Are they a descent brand of tire?
6. Are there signs of gunk in the letters from tire shine?
7. Are the sidewalls in mint condition? No scratches ect..
8. Are the tires off set? Larger rears than fronts.
9. Any indication of wear tracking up the side wall will give away if its been tracked or cornered hard recently.
10. Chucks out of tread might indicate wheel spin.
11. Eyeball the brake pads to see if there is considerable amount left. The rears are tough as they are concealed by the metal shield. Might want to pull a tire off for full inspection.
12. Rotors should be smooth on both sides.
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Engine:
1. Is the idle smooth?
2. What octane fuel did the previous owner use? Receipts?
3. Are the belts new or cracking?
4. Dip you finger in the power steering fluid…is it red?
5. The radiator cap should be snug and secure. Rated to 15psi I believe.
6. Is there a healthy amount of coolant in the overflow reservoir? Does it look fresh?
7. Is the engine compartment clean, or is there dust everywhere?
8. Are the battery terminals clean, secured?
9. Check the oil…the back of the dipstick in our case. Pull it out slowly after the car has sat for at least 10 min. The discrepancy between Low and Full is about 1.5 quarts or so. Low = not good for our cars. Shouldn’t smell or look bad. Synthetic or regular? Oil pan spacer?
10. Brake Fluid should be a clear maybe slight goldish color and at the full mark.
11. Are all the plastic clips in place holding the battery and brake covers on.
12. Are all the bolts on the strut tower bar?
13. Is the intake clean and secure?
14. If you blip the throttle it should be a continuous smooth rev up and down.
15. Is there a plenum spacer? –tough to notice if your not looking for it.
16. Are there any noticeable vibrations?
17. Are the hoses fresh and in good condition?
18. Are there receipts for every oil change with no gaps in time of more than 5Kmi?
19. Get a compression test done by a mechanic. (I think, don’t quote me, 160-180 is healthy)
20. If you can, pull a coil and check that no oil is in the spark plug cylinder. –job for mechanic probably.
21. Check anything else that looks like it needs checkin and don’t be afraid to raise a question about the small things.
22. Get receipts for the last tranny and diff fluid changes.
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Interior:
1. Is it clean? Not just a quick glance, but I mean clean….Check the nooks and crannys for dust and dirt. Up near the windshield, under the seats-move them forward and back, the top of the shoulders of the seats, the sills of the rear windows…all the tough spots to clean.
2. Is the carpet worn?
3. Does everything function and light up properly?
4. Does the windshield wipers work? Front and back?
5. Are the seats in good shape? Head rest doesn’t have head residue on them?
6. Are the doors clean on the inside? Kick marks?
7. Do the mirror motors work?
8. Do the windows roll up at the same speed? Is there oil coming out of the bottom of the doors?
9. Do the temp, fan and mode dials function smoothly?
10. Does the cup holder work, is it clean?
11. Does the shift *** appear worn?
12. Does the hatch area seem clean?
13. Do the doors close without any rattles?
14. Does the door open-window auto lowering and sealing system work?
15. Does the homelink rearview mirror work?
16. Hows the stereo?
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Test Drive:
1. Clutch should be relatively easy to operate. Should be pretty quiet. High engagement point is normal for this car.
2. Does reverse engage easily? (push down shift ***)
3. Do the lights and blinkers work?
4. Does the seatbelt retract?
5. Does the car shift properly?
6. Is the steering tight? No play in the wheel.
7. There shouldn’t be any noises, clunks, whistles etc.
8. When braking there shouldn’t be a vibration of any sort.
9. Does it accelerate smoothly?
10. Does the traction control engage properly. Does the switch work to turn it off?
11. Does the air conditioner work? Heater?
12. Does the heater work at idle?
13. Is the oil pressure gauge between 15-30 psi at idle and 60 or so once its warmed up and under load?
14. Does the gas gauge work properly? Will it register a full tank?
15. Does the tire pressure sensors work? What psi are the tires at?
16. Do you have a smile on your face?
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