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I'm broke as hell, and enjoy getting good fuel economy, so I just picked up "Rita" to replace my 93 Isuzu Rodeo gas guzzling *****.

Rita's an 87 DX HB. Anything I should watch out for on this particular model mechanically? She seems to run great so far and I checked her out pretty good prior to the purchase. Only 119k miles.

Only thing I've noticed is the clutch slipped a lot when I started from a stop in 2nd once. But no problems as long as I start in 1st. I'll check the clutch adjustment within the next couple of days.

Also the AC doesn't work (compresser sounds good though) and I'm SURE an 87 ran R12, so I'll be looking for a 134 kit come summertime..

Any hints/advice/etc is welcome.

 
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You need to do a good tune up. Check your compression, replace all underhood ground wires. DO NOT run your ac again with no refrigerant in it (if that is what the problem is) since you would possibly be pulling in moist air through a leak. It is only a possibility, not certain but since vehicle ac compressors are usually rotary compressors it is not a good idea to maybe pull non compressable moisture into it. Make sure your carb is clean and check all of your vaccum lines and emissions equipment for optimum mileage. To increase mileage you can use grill blocks but you need to have some way to open them for radiator airflow in the summer and keep an eye on your temp gauge. You can also fab up a new undertray panel in the front for better airflow. In a car this old there are a lot of possibilities for increasing FE.