1. Under the front on each side are box shape chassis rails that run through the engine compartment to the underneath of the car. These should be solid.
2. Check the seals each side under the car, use a hammer in case they covered with underseal giving the impression that there ok.
3. Remove the spare wheel in the boot & check the floor is solid. Also while in the boot check the suspension turrets.
4. Check inside the car for damp & wet carpets. Lift them in the foot wells & once again check the floor pans are solid & not full of holes. Check inside bottoms of doors.
5. See if there's any history & a current MOT. Check mileage with any old MOT's & History the lower & genuine the better. Cars without a current MOT are worth £400 Max.
6. Take it for a test drive, check the brakes work (Tii's have servos these are not cheap to replace). Make sure you get it upto Temp & it doesn't over heat.
7. Check the oil isn't milky, this means the head gasket has blown.
8. Chrome trim & interior should also be a sign of bad abuse & wear.
9. Lux models came with wood trim, velour seats, tinted windows, delay wash wipe & a few other goodies.

All cars are prone to rust, most of the mechanics & cosmetics are cheaper to replace than the structure. Trust me I've been there.

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