I did some recearch when looking for my Skyline.
Called my uncle who knows a bloke in tamworth who sells them at a dealership. Asked if there is anything too look out for. He said Skylines are quite sound cars with no major problem to look out for... Basicially stay away from heavely modded 1's that u think have been thrashed or drifted on dirt tracks ect.
Bit of a quick checklist
rust
compliance date
reason for selling
has it got service record in aus
is the body straight
any crash history
tyre condition
scrtches on paintwork
seat ware
proof that km are genuin
weel shaking
tampering with dash skrews(puting back km's)
km numbers arnt alined
air bubbles in water
stained dip stick
put your hand over the muffler see if it stalls ( back pressure )
power steering leeks highpressure leeks from the steering box
windscreen chips
smooth gearbox change
wine noise in geerbox
shoks push down if they bounce they r stuffed
weel alighnment
normal oil pressure
Hears a more detailed checklist:
Examine in daytime
Examine in clear weather
Check for nicks and scratches
Check for thin, worn paint
Check for big defects (costly) and not minor repairs
General look around the outside of the car.
Examine both sides of the car from a distance (both front and back).
Look for ripples, waves, poorly fitted panels and mismatched colors.
Look for dents or rust around the bottom of the doors and fenders.
Check for bubbles along molding or chrome (indicates rust underneath).
Look under the vehicle for rust
Check for welding spots on the frame (serious accident or repairs).
Open and close the doors, hood, trunk or hatchback.
Stand back approximately 10 to 15 feet from the car and see if the car is level.
Check the shocks by pushing down on each corner of the car and letting go.
Check the tires (sidewall cracks, uneven tire wear, brake fluid leakage)
Look under the car for:
oil spots, or
transmission fluid or
power steering fluid or
shock absorber fluid.
Open the hood and check belts and hoses for cracks or wear.
Radiator coolant should be a clean, greenish (or blue or yellow) color.
Pull out the oil dipstick. Oil should not be gummy or grayish or smell burnt.
Check automatic transmission fluid, should be clear and reddish.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder as well.
Look inside the trunk for an inflated spare tire, a jack and a lug wrench.
Back
Interior Checklist
Check the mileage
Compare mileage on service stickers (door jamb/under hood) to the odometer reading.
Check the condition of the seats, belts and carpeting.
Check the windows to see if they open and close easily.
Check the brake, accelerator and clutch -- should work smoothly, no strange noises.
Check all exterior lights and flashers on the car
Start the engine and check the warning lights and gauges
Make certain that the air conditioning blows very cold air.
Check the glove box for the owner's manual.
Do not be afraid to take up the salespersons' time.
Stay in control
Do not let anyone talk you into buying a vehicle you do not want.
Back
Test Drive Checklist
Drive the car on hills, highways and in stop-and-go traffic.
Start the engine and press down on the brake.
Listen for noises which could indicate engine problems.
Put the car in neutral and rev the engine. Check for smoke from rear exhaust.
Punch the gas pedal. Does engine respond without hesitation then return to normal?
Check the lights on the control panels--be sure they all work.
Does automatic transmission shift smoothly?
Manual transmission should shift smoothly between gears without grinding.
Clutch should engage and disengage smoothly without grabbing
Drive in reverse
Does car pull or vibrate when driving on a flat, smooth road?
Do the brakes grab evenly and does the car slow down in a straight line?
Drive at 35 miles per hour and listen for any unusual noises.
Accelerate to 45 miles per hour, does the front end shake or vibrate?
Drive quickly over a rough road and listen for any loud squeaks or rattles.
Does the car bounce or bang over small bumps?
Check the temperature gauge to see if it shows a high reading
Accelerate hard on an empty road, does the car respond immediately?
Try it again.
Accelerate on a hill, does the car respond immediately?
Cut off the engine. Then restart the engine -- does it restart easily?
Check for leaks under the hood and beneath the car.
Check the tailpipe. Are there any black, sooty oil deposits?
Does the odometer mileage seem to match the physical condition of the car?
Check odometer for scratches, misaligned digits, digits that stick.
Or get a mechanical inspection if u got the cash.