Help/advice on VTS

[ada]

After being caught with what I can only call, a heap, last year, I'm considering buying another VTS. They're becoming a rare car over here in Ireland and a clean one is near impossible to find.
I've been to look at two this week, owned by the same person and the both have their flaws and I'm looking simply for some advice.

They both seem to have oily rocker covers which I've read is gasket seals?
Car 1, has a slipping clutch, not a big deal and I've been talking to mandyslover70 on here and he gave me some advice on which to buy. The engine fan doesn't appear to work, temp gauge went between half way and top and it was only when I turned the heat on full inside the car, it started to drop. Power steering seemed to take notions, again not that big of a deal. Another thing I don't like is the fact it has no history either.
Car 2, seemed to have idling issues, which a slight rev cleared, which may have been caused by the de-cat as the engine management light was on? After a run, the owner decided to open the water bottle and it spewed quite a bit of water, temp gauge seemed to work fine and fan came on just at half way and dropped the temperature gauge. Car has quite a bit of history, old MOT's and some receipts.

Can't think of anything else at the minute. Just looking for some advice on what to do or look out for.

Help much appreciated.

[Cam]

Check for rust... Hpi check them and look for bad repaired crash damage.

[jones91]

Also check the back axle for give and movement, out of the two, in my opinion the second one sounds in better condition.

Ask him to go for a drive with you in, check for any knocking and grinding as that could be a symbol to tell you bits are on the way out, e.g driveshafts, wheel bearings and track rod ends

[ada]

Good call. Forgot to hpi. Car 1, comes up with no DVLA records. Due to being re-registered in Northern Ireland? Car 2 seems clear.

[ada]

I've driven both. Both don't seem to have any knocking or rattling. Also car 1 has had new wishbones and just passed test last week.

[Barry123]

I wouldn't be touching either of them.

[devilsadvocate]

Saxo's are dirt cheap so unless they are sub £300 then keep looking mate

[ada]

Thanks for the advice. Both seem to have a hard life really.

[Prickle]

Axel...