FASCINATING FACT

Wheelarches, sills, floorpans, front wings and door bottoms can deteriorate. Pay particular attention to the area on the inner wings, visible under the bonnet, where the MacPherson struts area attached.

Engines are long-lived but check for worn piston rings, camshaft lobes and wear on the shaft. Crankshaft oil seals give up.

If the handling seems flabby, this may be due to worn lever arm dampers or drag links. Springs can sag too.

Try to find a car with a good interior as those details are not easy to reproduce.