Greetings. Next week, I might be purchasing a 2000 Avenger Sport (2.5 auto, of course). It's got 83k on the clock. When I finally drive it, what are some things to look for that would indicate something bad. Ran a carfax and it was clean, two owner car and both owners followed maintenance schedules. I don't think the timing chain has been replaced, so I know that will need to be addressed. Are there certain problems the Avenger is known for? Especially the 2.5's. Not interested in the car for it's performance, or else I wouldn't really be getting it. I think they're sexy as hell. It will be my daily driver so it will be beat on, not too harshly though.

I think eventually, I might wanna add a cold air intake, and some sort of exhaust for better fuel economy. I'll look those threads up later when I finally decide to go through with it.

But anyway. What are some things I could do to it right away to ensure it will be reliable for me, as that's what I need most out of it. If everything is alright I'm lookin forward to spending time on here shootin the **** with you guys.

EDIT: Forgot to mention, girlfriend picked up a 96 ES with 2.5 and auto a couple months ago. It has 112k on the clock and a lot was wrong, but a steal for only 1 grand. Struts are shot, thing creaks like no other...radio didn't work, cigarette lighter didn't work (not a fuse I checked) windows squeak, headliner was peeling back pretty bad. Some other stuff I'm forgetting at the moment. It was owned by a mechanic so I thought it would be pretty good but I guess he was a bad mechanic. I fell in love with it though.