Right in the feels

 

If I was buying today, my advice for an s2k would be (assuming the obvious like the engine isn't ****ed)

1. Seized geo bolts - £1k+ to sort
2. Rust - arches / sills - ££££+ to sort.

 

And for a car with no issues like 1 and 2, be prepared to put your hand in your pocket.

As for 1 and 2 ....

If they are seized but straight, 1 is less of an issue and with 2 ... there are plenty of written off cars for getting a nice rear quarter to cut in.

A shagged engine will cost you 3500+ labour and even then you never know the history of the new one.

1 and 2 can be sorted for a couple of grand max - far cheaper than a replacement engine.

So .. has it had a clutch, do the brakes work, does it drive nice and are there any rattles and does the AC work. Cosmetics are just that, broken oily bits are a nightmare.