For 5k I would expect that you will get an excellent example of a rev3
I wrote this little guide a while ago.
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Make sure of the service, check it's using decent oil and has been changed regulary.
The service scedule for an oil change is 6k if i remember but most owners drop the oil every 3k.
make sure its had the cambelt changed at the correct times.
60k or every 5 years which ever comes first.
It should be using Toyota's own red
"Forlife" coolant and this is worth changing every couple of years.
For the 3SGE engine, reccomended spark plugs are NGK platinum, which are expensive at around
£60, but only need changing every 60k.
Accident damage; it's worth looking in the front and rear boots at the weld seams to make sure there original and the paint is too.
Panel gaps obviously should be even too.
When test driving it listen for knoking in the suspension, this is usually the drop links, quite cheap to get replacements, but can be a pain to take the old ones off.
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Binding calipers are also common, so check for any dragging whilst braking and make sure its not pulling from side to side.
Also look for mayo in the oil cap
- possible head gasket, oil leaks around the rocker cover.
Syncro's on the gearbox usually go, but this is pretty obvious to find as it will be chrunching when changing gear.
these MR2's are pretty good regarding rust, but make sure the arches are good, check for mud build up behind the arch.
if there is mud there, remove it properly and make sure the metals sound and you should be OK
Oh and if it's a T-Bar it will probably leak
HTH
