1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
1. The 9k gearbox is stronger than the 900 and should be able to take more power. The 94+ gearbox is even more robust. That said, they still aren't the greatest tranny in the world. A big problem, IMHO, is that the 1st and 2nd gear synchros tend to crap out. The boxes can cetainly go over 300k and handle some descent power if not abused too often. I think if the car you like has a good feeling gearbox and you don't abuse it too badly then it will serve you well.
2. As ACP mentioned, the bottom of the doors are a problem area. Some have even removed the rubber strip along the bottom inside of the door to prevent this. Watch for clogged drain holes too, that's how my car developed rust in the quarter panel.
3. TCS works via a "drive by wire" throttle system, so if any of the components gives a error the car switches to "limp home mode" were the throttle is actuated by a back up cable. Some people say the system works well and if the contacts are kept clean and water kept out it won't cause very many problems. Unfotunatly, there are some horror stories and the system is hard to defeat. There is a switch available (standard in some years) but that won't keep you out of limp home mode. It can also be hell to trouble shoot (though some remedies, like dirty contacts or the safety valve are actually quite cheap) and if the throttle body goes bad it will set you back around $700 and they're back ordered. Don't let this deter you from a TCS car, just be aware of potential problems.
4. I'm not familiar with any con rod problems. The timing chain and balance shaft chains can be somewhat problamatic in that they might have to replaced at some point unlike on many 2.0l cars. Some very early '90s modles did not have a hardended chain sprocket at the crank and these can give out somewhat early. The replacement part is much stronger.
5. Sometimes head gaskets fail, but it's not common, especially if the cooling system is flushed every couple of years and over heating is avoided.
Hope this helps,
Craig
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