what to look for?

[p7r4e7y]

i found an 86, but im not sure exactly what to look for before i go buy it.
i know the car is old, so i dont know where to start examining it

[Corolla Dx]

i would look underneath the car it it is all rusted out i would be careful i had a buddy buy an older car and i was rusted out underneath and when we put it on a life it started to crumble and the car never really ran the same. Thats just on thing i would look for. that and pop the hood.

[mr_sinister]

it depends on how much you are willing to put into the car after you've bought it.. if you're on a budget, then look at EVERYTHIHNG.. rust, leaks, compression numbers, condition of the rad, brakes, wheel bearings, gas tank, tires, electronics, synchros, etc etc etc..

if though, you're willing to work through all the little "bugs and glitches" this car may have, your main concern is rust.. check the trunk area, the engine bay, especially on the driver's side shock tower, down where it meets the frame rail, look under the car at the floor pans, on the roof along the top of the windsheild, etc..

rust is very expensive to fix correctly..