General shed buying advice + a bit of Mondeo specifics?

[AbarthChris]

My housemate has just changed jobs so is looking to get a cheap (£1000ish) Mk3 Mondeo estate to run around in once he gives his company car back.

He's found one which doesnt have much info on the advert, so what questions should he be asking of the trade seller when he rings up? I've got a list that I would ask but I just want to compare it to what you guys would ask?

Also, any glaring things to watch out for on a 2001 Mondeo 1.8 Zetec? 130kmiles, dont know about SH or anything. Its going for about £800 i think.

Cheers all!

Mods - please dont move this to Ford as I want general 2nd hand advice as well as Ford specific , ta

[HellDiver]

Check for rattling from the intake manifold on idle, the swirl valves wear on cars before 2003, and can be injested by the engine. If it's an estate it won't suffer the rear subframe bushes issue. Check gear selection - if it's stickky and difficult then the bottom gearbox mount is shot - simple fix but a good bargaining tool.

[AbarthChris]

Cheers mate.

Nothing else then...

Anyone?

[Gruber]

With sheds, I always start off with "How much MOT and were there any advisories?" and the "when was it last serviced and what was done to it?". Then check the expensive serviceable items (tyres etc) and known faults with the particular model.

In my view, this is the best way (short of paying for an inspection) to get some comfort that you're not likely to be facing big bills too soon.

But in truth, shed buying is a gamble. Some you win, some you loose.

[HellDiver]

Oh yeah, and check if the clutch has been done. The slave cylinders are weak on the Mk3, and you're looking £350-400 for clutch and slave cylinder replacement.