Buying guide

Used car checklist

Before you buy, check these known problems on the car. Each line comes from our Problems page.

A/C cuts out while driving
Look for: A/C stops cooling for a while in traffic or on long drives, then comes back
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Radiator fan does not run: fan controller failure
Look for: Temperature rises in traffic; the radiator fan does not run or runs only at one speed
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1.3 needs throttle to start when cold
Look for: Hard cold start; the engine only starts with some throttle
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Engine noise and vibration in Drive
Look for: Rattle or vibration with the gear in D, worse at idle
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XLi engine noisy above 3,000 rpm
Look for: Loud engine sound at higher rpm
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XLi brakes feel weaker than GLi
Look for: Braking feels weaker than on a GLi with ABS
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Also: have the engine scanned with a scanner that works on this car, look at every warning light at key-on, and check the service record. Scanner guide · Warning lights