Purchasing my 1st TI, suggestions and opinions needed!

[Beaz01]

Hello All,
I'm a newbie here and am considering a few TIs and looking to you for suggestions and opinions. I looked at the following and wanted to get your thoughts on options/packages/things to look for/etc. I still am unsure of the different models of TIs. Some I am considering:

97 - Real nice condition- good paint and interior. Recently replaced brakes, shocks, tires, and plugs. Around 100k miles. Automatic, sunroof, no heated seats, cruise, foglights. $4100.

97 - California top, new paint, no rust. 125k miles, not alot of service history. Interior needs TLC. Automatic, cruise, heated seats, foglights missing. $4000.

95 - Good condition inside and out, no rust. Not much service history, 140k miles. 5 speed, no cruise, heated seats, does have a sunroof. $3800.

98 - M package, ok condition, passenger window needs regulator and door panel needs clips. No rust, paint good. 190k miles, small oil leak. Automatic, no heated seats, does have a sunroof. $3000.

Could you give me an idea what models these are and if any of them stand out to you? I can't wait to get a TI, loving the look and the fun factor. Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks, motor on!

[zoner]

Are any of these cars on Craigslist/Auto Trader/eBay etc. where you could provide links to the cars?

Sounds like the first '97 might be the cleanest of the bunch, but a lot of it depends on what options are most important to you (heated seats mean nothing to me in So. Cal., but I hear they're nice in PA winters!) and whether you're looking for a project or something you can get in and drive w/o having to do much/any work on. Based on the descriptions, it doesn't sound like any of them are basket cases and all of them will likely need window regulators at some point (unless they've already been changed).

If the cars were ever serviced at a dealer, sometimes you can get limited service histories from running a Carfax report.

[teen ti]

first one sounds like an active, second might be an active as well, third is a base and the last is a sport. sounds like the first one is in the best condition, but it really depends on what you're looking for. as long as there isn't anything dreadfully wrong with the cars if you care for them properly they'll go forever

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Number one thing to look at above all: Cooling system

Check the records if they have them and see if or when the cooling system has been replaced or had work done to it.

If you can't find records, ask about it. Too many people either have had the fitting in the back of the block blow off or have had issues with overheating in these cars. It's the cars weakest link.

If you can't get any info it's something you might want to consider replacing after you purchase the vehicle.

It doesn't matter where you live, the brittle cooling system fittings break easy and also rot from the inside out, causing leaks or total failure.

[jca]

Rule #1 for buying a used car: buy the best car that you can afford. You never come out financially buying a cheaper car that needs a lot of work. That being said, I would suggest getting the first car if you can afford the asking price. It represents good value because the present owner has already dumped money into replacing worn parts and making repairs.