All the usual checks apply, but add the following.... Take for a good run up a hill, the engine should pull cleanly and evenly, listen for clunks as drive is taken up from rest. Go back down the hill in neutral and listen for any whines or rumbles from the drive train. Check it does not pull to one side on both acceleration and overrun. Find an empty car park. Turn in full lock and circle around, listening for grinding wheel bearings, creaking joints. The turn into the opposite lock and do the same. Crawl under, check for propshaft play. While your under there, have a look at the rear leafs, shackles and bushes. Look at the X members for excessive rust/welds/overspray that may indicate it's had a bang. Another good tip is to remove the oil filler cap when idling and place your hand over the hole. You should feel a slight suction which indicates the gaskets are all in good order. And have a look at the coolant expansion bottle for any traces of oil in the coolant.

After that, you pays yer money and takes yer choice.....it's only detail differences between the post and pre 94 models, except for the single rear leaf setup on the later ones, so hang on for a clean one. Most were bought as shopping trolleys/second cars initially, and it's not hard to spot looked after examples. There were some limited edition 'Midnight' models made to shore up the sales from 96 onward and are certainly not worth the extra premium for the cosmetic enhancements.

Oh, and go along with CASH....It's surprising how many sellers (even dealers) will fall into line with your thinking when they see the moolah.