Subframes are known to have a weak area around the rear part of the wishbones' fixings. They split in high milage cars and this can cause the car to feel 'wishy-washy'. It can aslo be seen in the condition of the tyres (uneven ware) and the wheel leans at the top. This is a relatively easy fix, but when I did mine I used an aditional 3mm steel plate to bridge the top of the weak areas. Well worth doing.
The window motors become very slow and tired on older models, they just need to have the brushes changed.
The steering can feel very vague (more than usual for these cars) This is usualy fixed by getting under the car and adjusting the steering box.
BUT MOST CRITICALLY, THE BRAKES! Not cheap!, the brakes and suspension ar part of the same system. They should feel light on the foot but sharp on the bite. If not, the hydrauliv accumulators need re-gassing or replacing, the flexi pipes are prone to collapse, AND THE CORRECT FUIDS MUST BE USED (Castrol RR363), if in boubt, have it checked!
Panhard bushes on the front subframe can corrode and 'fall out' leaving nothing. And the rear subframe bushes are also known to squash and lose their shape.
Answers & Comments
Subframes are known to have a weak area around the rear part of the wishbones' fixings. They split in high milage cars and this can cause the car to feel 'wishy-washy'. It can aslo be seen in the condition of the tyres (uneven ware) and the wheel leans at the top. This is a relatively easy fix, but when I did mine I used an aditional 3mm steel plate to bridge the top of the weak areas. Well worth doing.
The window motors become very slow and tired on older models, they just need to have the brushes changed.
The steering can feel very vague (more than usual for these cars) This is usualy fixed by getting under the car and adjusting the steering box.
BUT MOST CRITICALLY, THE BRAKES! Not cheap!, the brakes and suspension ar part of the same system. They should feel light on the foot but sharp on the bite. If not, the hydrauliv accumulators need re-gassing or replacing, the flexi pipes are prone to collapse, AND THE CORRECT FUIDS MUST BE USED (Castrol RR363), if in boubt, have it checked!
Panhard bushes on the front subframe can corrode and 'fall out' leaving nothing. And the rear subframe bushes are also known to squash and lose their shape.