[DeTomaso] 3 newbie questions

[Mike Greene]

As soon as I can sell my Unique Motorcars 289FIA Cobra replica I will be 
seriously in the market for  a Pantera. I have three questions:

1. Why does it seem nearly all cars for sale need "air conditioner 
recharged"? Are they that poorly designed? Leaky?
2. What is the problem with the windshield wiper system? Seems lots do 
not work and often have the wiper arms completely removed.
3. How do you access the front of the engine (to check timing, etc.)? Is 
there access from the cockpit area?