Im looking to buy a small hatchback at the moment and almost have my heart set on a Ford Festiva WA 1992 model from a car yard here in Adelaide. Unfortunately i dont know anyone that knows enough about cars to have a look at it before I buy it, and my knowledge of cars comes from knowing how to maintain a car, not what to look for when purchasing one.

Ive had a look at the simple things like checking for oil in the radiator, having a feel of all the pipes under the hood, checking the body and interior thoroughly, checking lights and blinkers, etc etc, but ... does anyone know of some common problems with these types of cars and how i can check for them before buying?

ANY help would be GREAT! :)

Before parting with any cash have the car inspected by an authorised inspection station. Here in QLD I use RACQ. Not sure who you have in SA but it's basically the same deal in every state. It might cost a few dollars to have it done but it will give y