Dear Evpraxia,

Hope you're well. I've learned from this Board's bona-fide 960 experts, that 960s are far less tolerant of inadequate maintenance, than are 940s. Thus, I'd not acquire any 960, unless the owner had maintenance records, which show timely oil changes, etc.

Especially - critically - important is to have documentary proof (receipt, with date, mileage and part numbers) for timing belt changes. A timing belt break on a 960 ruins the head and possibly the entire engine. A head re-build, if done by a shop, will cost upwards of $2,000.

The things that are wrong - though not many or major - suggest the owner has been negligent. Few would want to drive a car with an intermittent speedometer or fuel gauge. If these malfunctions have been present for months, then the owner is negligent. You should seek another vehicle.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook