Problematic areas on S30's

[Guest autoMOTIVE]

Hi, if I'm looking at an S30 I am considering buying, what are some areas that are usually problematic? I'd like to know where I should pay close attention to when I am looking for an S30. Thanks!

[dr_hunt]

 

Try this

[JSM]

In my opinion, in this order:

1. Frame rails

2. Floors (underneath the drivers and passangers feet)

3. Under the rear hatch above the tail lights (Kinda like a 3-4" space runs above rear lights)

4. Under Battery Tray

5. Under Rear Fender lips

6. Rear Quarters

7. Around Windshield

8. Front Fenders

9. Underneath Doors

10. Anywhere else, just look real good, you will find it.

[chrism]

I believe JSM is talking about rust. These cars are rust buckets.

I have rust on the frame rails. The firewall on passanger side also.

Another thing is that there are many connections in the wire harness that can fail. Make sure it doesn't have intermittent problems with the lights, wipers and most important, starting.

[Guest autoMOTIVE]

Sweet. Rust isn't really an issue in AZ. Thanks for filling me in.

[blue72]

I purchased my '72 while in Arizona, but still had rust in one of the doglegs. I had to cut it out, and repair the damage behind it, then weld in the external patch panel. Other than that I have been lucky to only discover surface rust under the battery tray. Just look it over very carefully, underneath, inside the engine bay, under the hatch, carpets, everywhere you can.