The major one to check!!! If there is any signs of increased boost without proper controllers then walk away. Boost gauges, holes in the dashboard all are signs of tampering with the boost. Ask the owner, if its had anymore than 1bar boost without modification to the pistons etc then you could be looking at pistons on the way out and worst case scenario complete engine rebuild (�3000). Ideally you want forged pistons, these are bulletproof pistons which can take more than 1.4bar boost.
Engine
Listen for pinking ( a metally noise) which means the cars timing is off and the mixture is being sparked to quickly. Listen for detonation (big bang noises) meaning the mixture being sparked too late. Check the colour of the oil, too black and the owner is not changing the oil quick enough. Rattling is quite normal in the engine, especially on the startup while the oil pressure stabilises.
Drivetrain
Clutch - Listen for the squeak. Indicating the pedal box is pulling away from the bulkhead. Means welding and removal of the dashboard. Cltuch fluid should be grey in colour, if black it means the seals have perished. Not that expensive to fix. Rough gearchange can mean a simple change of the clutch fluid or the master cylinder itself.
Gearbox - Gears should enagage smoothly, although the R has a rather notchy gearbox. Look for clutch slip.Also listen for a whinning noise in neutral which dissappears when you push down the clutch. This means the input shaft bearing is buggered.
Bodywork
Tailgate is the main area for concern, prone to rust. Apart from that should be ok, the doors vibrate like anything when at high speed. Check the electrics especially the electric windows because the motors are 40 quid each.
Check the tyres for inside wear. If present means the dampers are knackered or hes just bought a new set of tyres to hide this. Very important. If he claims its got Nismo or GAB dampers check them or demand a receipt, i have seen loads of cars that claim they have this and that but in the end have standard crap which is knackered.
Remember there is a lot of crap out there you can be picky if your gonna buy an import car.
