Dreaming for awhile, but how to avoid a lemon?

[Twizz]

So,
As my first post here I would like a slight introduction.
I'm 16 years old, I have some automotive experience, Rebuilding transmissions for chrysler.
but thats about it, so forgive me for sounding stupid on occasion (Ha, maybe even often)
Currently own a 95 Saturn sc1 (Lemon) at least once a week something new breaks in this car.
I fell in love with the Mx 3 about 6 months ago, and have been vigorously reading ever sense, a mind now full of KLZE, Body kits, and awesome audio.
So now the time has come to sell my saturn and start looking for a Mx 3.

Now my question, how do I avoid another lemon? this is my first time really buying a car.
is there any tell tail signs of another POS?
This is a very very general question but I would like to avoid it at all costs.
ANY advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kyle.

[wytbishop]

The obvious things...ask for receipts for any work that's been done. Look for cheap cover ups. Seat covers over ripped up seats, steering wheel cover...junk like that.

Check the body. If it looks like work has been done then it was probably done poorly. Well done bodywork is invisible. A car with a lot of "Ricey" mods is usually a big red flag for me. I guy who would put a big old fart can muffler on his car and think it was cool is probably not the guy you want to buy a car from...generall speaking. I'm sure there are exceptions (on this forum).

Check the oil and air filter. Easy to do and a good indication if regular maintenance has been done. Drive it and see how it runs. Don't flog it...listen for sounds you can't identify.

Look at the guys place. His garage, his yard. Does he take good care of his stuff? If he does there's a good chance he took good care of the car too.

[Twizz]

Wow,
Thanks for the quick response, all is noted =)
I see your from Edmonton as well, theres not a whole lot of local mx 3 selection =S
I'm a little concerned that the vehicles I'm looking at have been begged
as most of the listings have things like "Very fun to drive" "Custom taillights and gauges"
"Includes short shifter"
Is that typically the way it goes or dose the average mx3er take care and pride in there vehicle?
Basically, should I be avoiding such things?

[wytbishop]

I personally always look for the best stock example I can find. A short shifter or custom lights are a fairly small thing, but I would avoid that stuff as much as possible. It is getting harder and harder to find a nice clean unmolested MX-3. I'm away for the next week, but if you find something and you want to take a look send me a PM and I'll see if I can make it out to give you a hand.

[Evo_Spec]

if possible get the person to drive you around, see how they drive, (of course it'll be dulled down from normal but maybe you'll see if they bag it or not)
from there you'll want to check the actual car itself, look for obvious things like rust, some points i notice where rust usually show on our cars are the rear wheel wells, the under side by the doors, but really you'll want to check everywhere.
check under the hood, is it really dirty and dusty? they probably don't look after it too much.
go to a parking lot and do slow sharp turns and listen to see if it makes click/clunking sounds

like wyt said, ask for paperwork for maintenance done.

oh yeah, buy a manual, the auto's don't have a great reputation

[Flyer]

...
It is getting harder and harder to find a nice clean unmolested MX-3.
...

Try finding an unmolested CR-X, Civic, or 240SX

[wytbishop]

...
It is getting harder and harder to find a nice clean unmolested MX-3.
...

Try finding an unmolested CR-X, Civic, or 240SX

Why on earth would I do that???

[Flyer]

...
It is getting harder and harder to find a nice clean unmolested MX-3.
...

Try finding an unmolested CR-X, Civic, or 240SX

Why on earth would I do that???

Because someone is paying you $50 to do the impossible