Looking at 84 wagon, what to look for?

[danbennett2u]

Hi everyone,

 

I am going to go look at an 84 wagon today,

 

Other than CV joints, what are common problems for these vehicles? I am in Colorado so rust shouldnt be a huge issue.

 

I am unsure of the mileage but am told it is pretty high.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

[seattlelegacy]

I'm a noob, but I just bought an 84, and I can tell you from my experience what to look at that was wrong with mine...

 

You already know about axles - they all need em, so don't let that be a deal breaker.

 

Bushings, bushings, bushings. These cars are old, and rubber just doesn't last that long so take a good look at them. My steering rack bushings were GONE. Made for some sloppy and unsafe driving.

 

Radiator - mine has a "seepage", and will probably need to be replaced. Let the car warm up, and look for this little steam stream.

 

The engines and trannys are pretty bulletproof, just make sure they function well.

 

Look for rust under the carpets up front and or moisture.

 

Get under the car and shake things like the rear driveline, rear axles, etc.

 

An excessively oily front end is going to mean new seals, and the mains can be a pain, from what I have heard.

 

Check the heater core lines for corrosion at the metal/rubber joints. A little is OK, but a lot might mean you're due for a core.

 

Just drive it around for a while, and listen closely to what the car is telling you. Loud clunks, screeches, grinding can all be signs that something is about to go wrong.

 

If possible, pull an oil sample. Is it filthy, or clean?

 

How the coolant look?

 

Do the brakes respond well if stopped hard?

 

How's the clutch feel?

 

Other will give you more, but those are a few things to start with. HAve fun, and if it runs, stops and isn't rusted to hell, its worth at least a couple hundred. I paid 350 for mine, and it needed an axle, those bushings, some tuning work, a good carb cleaning, and possibly a radiator.

 

Jordan