Greetings compatriots,

I am considering buying a used 2002 Verada Ei, Series 2. It seems to have been well kept, and has less than 200k km's on it.

Anyone have any ideas of what I should be on the look out for? How about any reliability issues down the road?

Thanks, looking forward to joining you ranks soon!

-Olle

well just double check if the transmission has been serviced, all fluids done. Cooling system flushed or needs to be flushed.
Ummmm.... Timing belt if its at about 180-190,000kms, and serpentine belts to. All oils and fluids are up to level and if need replaced get it done :). Other then that see if the bushes on front and rear control arms have cracked or not. Elsewise thats bout it :)

Check that the rear bank rocker cover gasket isn't leaking, as its a intake plenum-off job to replace both it and the rear bank of spark plugs.

As above + never hurts to double check the service history to see if it's been looked after, also recommend if you buy it to put aside a bit extra $$ to do some TLC preventitive maintenance (maybe auto flush if it needs it, coolant flush & check hoses, change oil & filter, timing belt & other belts etc) and the end result should be that you have a car thats nice to drive and will keep you going for years if maintenance is kept up.

Thanks for the insightful replies everyone!

I will surely write this stuff down and take it into account when I go check out the car again.

One concern I had was, the car itself has a well-detailed logbook and I trust it's service history... however last year the engine broke (didn't quite understand why) and so they replaced the engine with one with lower KMs. I do not think that this engine came with any logbooks or service history... so I am a bit worried.

Is engine replacement a common thing? Should I be worried? Or just more vigilant? The only issue I noticed was a very slight, very very slight, rumbling vibration when at idle. Any ideas?

Other than that the car is in terrific condition and I am looking forward to buying it as the reviews have been solid and it drives perfectly.

Thanks!

Another thing to check is the integrity of the drive shaft boots and steering rack boots. They tend to split and spray grease at that age and km, and let dirt in to do damage. Cheap fix if caught early. Look under the car at the drive shafts and down behind the engine from above to see.
Looked after these engines go for 350,000 km or more, so engine replacement is not too common. May have run it out of oil, or broke a timing belt.
They all vibrate a bit at idle, so it's not a problem.

Another thing to check is the integrity of the drive shaft boots and steering rack boots.

thats a good thing to look at as well

currently mine drinks fluid and its expected to cost $700 from mistu for a new rack fitted.

Only because mitsu will rip you a new one for any servicing. Any local mechanic can beat that price.

A good check to do is to turn the steering wheel to each lock and make sure that there is no clunking noise. That can indicate damage to the cv joints which can be expensive. Also check the front struts as this is a pricey job if they need to be replaced

thats a good thing to look at as well

currently mine drinks fluid and its expected to cost $700 from mistu for a new rack fitted.

A $15 can of "power steering stop leak" will probably stop the leak. I've used it many times in different cars and always it has stopped the leak. It can do no harm and can last for years.

They all vibrate a bit at idle, so it's not a problem.

they say it might be just a worn engine mount... could this be an issue down the line or is it just a aesthetic issue to get used to?

may i ask how much you are paying for the rada?