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Does the odometer work, do the numbers increase? Speedo works even if odo fails. Very common to fail in which case you don't know if it is really 161k or 261k miles.
The color of fluids is a great indicator of how it was maintained and your
future repairs:
Coolant: bright [green or pink depending] not cloudy or rust colored. EZ to drain, change.
Trans fluid: pinkish, not gray-brown. Transfusion is simple
Power steering fluid: clearer the better. Turkey baster to suck out old.
All can be changed easily but costly to do if you don't like to or can't do it yourself. That is the key to owning a 240 series, most things are easy to work on IF you can do them yourself. If you must pay others, it is expensive and finding a mechanic that can diagnose problems is harder than it should be.
Do you think it will pass your state's inspection?
Does it accelerate smoothly, no stumble? [injectors or vacuum leaks]
Do rear center brake light, license plate light, wiper, rear defroster work? [If not one or both of the wiring harness that runs through hinges on both sides needs replacement.]
Parked,at idle get into the cargo area and listen for the hum of the fuel pre-pump. [Car is fine when tank is full, as it gets low, there is loss of power]
Get down on your hands and knees by the left passenger door and listen for the hum of the main fuel pump. [If car runs as you said, unlikely a problem now]
Emissions: Will it pass as is? Sometimes worth it to pay for a smog test before you buy than to find you need a new catalytic converter, O2 sensor or both before it will pass.
Does it track straight, does it pull when you apply the brakes? Does it grind? Squeaky brakes are common in 240's
Does it have any vibrations at various speeds? All this is best determined using a light foot on the accelerator and a good ear. Stomping on it just masks problems,
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