If it's going to be your primary mode of commuting transport I'd suggest doing a full inspection before buying. Your main criteria is going to be reliability so it's worth spending the time and applying due dilligence. There's a handy guide on here somewhere in the FAQ's I think. Hopefully someone will be along to post a link. Common things to look out for are oil leaks and any strange noises.
Get hold of an OBD reader and agree with the seller for you to be able to scan it on inspection to see if it throws up any scary error codes but make sure you get to scan and drive from cold. Codes can be reset and then stay hidden for a while.
Check everything works including the hood, heated seats etc. If it has the airbag warning light on it could be a tricky and never-ending search for a fix. if it's the airbag module it could get complex and expensive.
Camcover gaskets will fail and I suspect at 111k miles yours will have been done but check around the back of the engine between the head and block when the engine is cold and with your fingers to see if there's any oil seepage. If you smell/see any smoke coming from around the exhaust manifold then this will be oil leaking onto the manifold from the camcover and burning off. Replacing is easy.
CCV systems will fail and on failure you will notice immediately as a drop in power and smoking. Replace with a cold-climate version as it has thicker insulation which can help prevent condensation buildup in the system.
Check the intake boot (after MAF, before intake manifold) as these fail at the elbow. You'll see a hole there or a chirruping noise when idling.
Get underneath with a torch and have a good look for any suspension damage/weirdness.
Waterpumps and thermostats are a failure item so make sure it's cooling properly with the needle resting bang in the middle of the gauge at all times.
CHeck the hifi works as Carver amps if it has the multi speaker system are hard to find/replace.
Check it pulls strongly. If not it may need a Vanos overhaul.
Swap in a new DISA valve if it hasn't had one already. The hinge pins for the butterfly valve fail and can be ingested into the engine and then it will be 'goodnight vienna'.
Then if you're happy with the inspection and agree on a price just use it during a shakedown period before you start using it for long commuting distances to make sure everything is tip top and you can rely on it for commuting duty.
A full service history is nice to have and if it's been owned by an enthusiast who's lavished love, attention and money on it then all the better. If it's been someone's school-run, shopper, drift-machine, trackday beater then walk away.
It's an auto box which would personally put me off but as theyre more popular in the US and as you will be using it to commute then maybe it's a wise choice for you, just make sure there's no weird noises or slushiness on gear changes.
Any pics?
