Jut

Hey, just wondering if you guys could school me on a 1988 LX 4 cyl N/A auto vert. I came across one I am thinking of buying. All I can list is that it is white, newer top, red interior in poor condition, completely stock, 160k, straight body, decent paint, no rust, and from what I could see a coolant leak from the thermostat housing and an oil leak from the valve cover gasket area. He is asking $1000 for it. I would like to know if there are any other areas I should look into, how reliable these motors are and just anything else you guys advise.

Thanks
Justin

al_ngl

$1000 sounds pretty decent, but I'd try to talk it down. I don't suppose you've test driven it yet? The 2.3 is pretty solid and 160k miles isn't a too much for this engine, but the A4LD auto tranny is pretty weak, if that's the one in it. The biggest complaint most people have is power, though. If you can't tolerate the 88hp (which you won't) from the 1988 2.3, you'll have to sort that out, too. Not to worry, though, you can swap in a turbo 2.3 or otherwise speed it up for pretty cheap.