Hey guys - my daughter's been offered a 1 owner maintained 97 magna for $1000.

Done I guess just under 300k. Reco auto in WA about 20k's ago, receipted for about $3500 and a little later a new RH Outer CV.

She wants me to have a look at it, any specifics to be aware of with this model? I told her she couldn't go too far wrong for the price for this one.

I figure $1k with a near new tranny sounds pretty good. Even the engine probably wouldn't cost too much to revamp, but evidently showing no probs. Owners are now semi retired and need to go back to one car.

Exhaust needs attention for RWC and possibly steering rack, also has near new tyres.

Any input appreciated

Pretty much check the brakes, suspension, body all over for damage etc but by the sounds of it that should be ok. Listen to the motors for any odd noises ticking pinging etc and see how the tranny is changing gears properly no flaring between gears etc, just because it has recently been reco'd doesn't mean all is good I've seen a mates reco tranny stuff up 6 months down the track. Auto Trannys in the early 3rd gens did have a few dramas so always best to watch them.
Don't forget the radiator check the fluids etc and the whole unit as it may be getting on depending if it has been changed.

Check the belts and find out when the timming belt & pullies were last replaced.
Check the oil and radiator caps for any scum this will indicate head gasket.
Trany oil if a light brown or rough feel in the fingers will indicate it hadn't been serviced a long time.

Thanks guys, will follow up on that.