Basically I test drove one today, 4cyl 5 speed, the needle settled perfectly at 1/2. Now I have owned mainly Hondas, with a couple other Toyotas, a Ford, Mazda and a Dodge thrown in, and I never remember a needle settling 1/2 way. Its usually a bit below the center.

Also the guy had just finishing up the water pump as I walked up....so maybe im paranoid

I need to know ASAP, thinking of picking it up, the price is right and its a stick.

 

Perhaps the needle could be a tad lower but still looks OK. I would not be concerned.

Once the engine warms up, the needle should not move even at prolonged idle, going up hills, in stop and go traffic, hot or cold weather, pulling a trailer.

A test of the cooling system would be to let the engine idle until the radiator fans start cycling on and off. This happens when the coolant goes above 199F. The needle should not move from its normal position.

If the needle movers once engine warm, then would be concerned.