Aren't you a bit old for one of these?

First thing to check is the condition of the turbo, actuator, bearings and hoses. I think it uses a TD04 so not a big issue if it is buggered.

Next to check is that semi-automatic gearbox. Make sure it is leak free and the lag between gear changes must be fairly similar else you'll be in for some expensive repairs.

Remember driving one of these in Australia, better be good friends with the petrol station operator as you'll be visiting fairly often

AIRTREK is famous for kuat makan petrol. Even the NA model also same

Can be a sleeper car. Your real challenge is to find one that is worth buying.

Watch the gearbox, presumably you won't be buying a manual? Had an earlier iteration of that gearbox in my previous FTO back in the day when I did not find it an issue to climb into tight spaces and the lowest profile tyres on the largest sized rims that would fit were the best.

dont know bout the car you're looking at but, stock, theres quite alot of differences if you really compare it to the evo

Ok, make sure the actuators are in good condition, difficult to come by these days.

A gravity defying car, never thought a jacked up hatchback could handle so well for something built in that era.

What does one cost these days?