|
As I indicated a few threads back, the '94s had a wider timing belt (23mm vs. 21mm, I believe), a five bolt pattern for the wheels, slimmer headlights and redone bumper fascias. There may have been other changes but I'm just not sure. The wider timing belt provides for a longer change interval (70k mi vs. 50k mi). The five bolt wheel pattern makes it a little easier to find spares as only the first two model years used the four bolt pattern. The slimmer headlights and redone bumper fascias give the car a "cleaner" look, by some opinions. The taillights were redone for the '95 model year.
The most serious potential problem areas are with the automatic transmissions and air conditioning systems. In an effort to report lower maintenance costs, the owners manual does not prescribe flushing the ATF at a certain mileage. In fact, it may even say that it never needs to be changed or only under hard use, etc. Turbo cars with their higher torque characteristics are harder on transmissions than naturally aspirated cars. The evaporator coils on the A/C systems are prone to early failure due apparently to small pinhole leaks in the evap which cause the loss of refrigerant and necessitate replacement.
That said, I have had none of these problems and have found this car to be remarkably trouble free. My advice would be to have it checked out by a mechanic familiar with the marque and verify maintenance records for oil changes, timing belt, etc. Good luck.
|
