My new GT? Maybe

[Superu264]

I found a 97 GT that I can't stop looking at:
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2006/8/23/206/344/871861366.206344522.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2006/8/23/206/344/871861368.206344522.IM1.04.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

I'm going away for a few days, but if it's still for sale when I come back, I'm going to look at it ASAP

Here are the facts:
$3995
2.5 GT
5MT
154,100 miles

Assuming they're not hiding anything in the pictures (I'm fine with the bumper, I can accept little chips from a 10 year old car) and a Carfax comes back ok, what should I look out for? I already know about head gaskets on the 2.5s, but what else?

[Wiscon_Mark]

At that mileage, I'm guessing the Headgaskets have already been done. Look at CV boots, listen for odd sounds, take it for a drive. 154,000 miles isn't bad for that price. Actually, that's a steal unless something is seriously wrong with it.

[Superu264]

Actually, that's a steal unless something is seriously wrong with it.

That's what I'm thinking! There's a few mechanics near the dealer, I'm thinking of setting up an appointment with them when I know when I'll be taking it for a spin to check everything out.

[Superu264]

Is there any way to see if the headgaskets were done? Or see if they're on their way out?

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2006/8/23/206/344/871861374.206344522.IM1.02.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

That's a lot of stones hittin that front end :-?
Headlights look like crap too, but I'll be putting in my JDM projectors

[Wiscon_Mark]

Is there any way to see if the headgaskets were done? Or see if they're on their way out?

Shouldn't carfax tell you that? Or look through any existing records? Otherwise you'd have to tear the engine down to check the gaskets, and then you might as well replace them.

[Huffer]

Carfax won't tell you crapola Mark...all it tells you is if there are any outstanding recalls and how many times the car was registered, and where.

The only way to tell if the HG's were replaced is to check service records - providing you know where it was serviced to begin with.

That's an excellent price - walk in with cash and knock them down another $500. I paid $4000 cash for mine, 98 GT BD, black granite pearl, 4EAT (should have waited for MT), 160k. But mine did have some unforeseen rust issues - the roof was replaced on mine. :(

[Superu264]

Carfax won't tell you crapola Mark...all it tells you is if there are any outstanding recalls and how many times the car was registered, and where.

+1



That's an excellent price - walk in with cash and knock them down another $500. I paid $4000 cash for mine, 98 GT BD, black granite pearl, 4EAT (should have waited for MT), 160k. But mine did have some unforeseen rust issues - the roof was replaced on mine. :(

It will definitely be paid with cash, does it have that much of an effect over the price?

[Wiscon_Mark]

okay, I've never used carfax before, I didn't know that. Their advertisments are pretty misleading, in that case.

Cash makes you look more like a serious buyer.

[Superu264]

They are misleading, and almost not worth the price.

Sure they tell you about any major accidents, salvage titles.. etc. but no service history.

but anyway, if I end up wanting it, I gotta figure out a way to sell my car.. fast

[Huffer]

It will definitely be paid with cash, does it have that much of an effect over the price?

HUGE. If you walk in with a wad of cash, and say "here - this is what I'm prepared to spend" - you just watch the salesmen start jumping around. A cash sale is the best sale they could ever want - no extra costs, no paperwork, and they'll be willing to cut a better deal becaust of that.

At that price, I wouldn't expect that car to sit there too long.

[SHOfast]

It will definitely be paid with cash, does it have that much of an effect over the price?

HUGE. If you walk in with a wad of cash, and say "here - this is what I'm prepared to spend" - you just watch the salesmen start jumping around. A cash sale is the best sale they could ever want - no extra costs, no paperwork, and they'll be willing to cut a better deal becaust of that.

At that price, I wouldn't expect that car to sit there too long.

Thats only true for used cars, or places that don't do their own financing. Lots of new car dealers get extra incentives to have their cars financed in house, since they make more money with the loan... But on a used car you always do better if you can assure them that you can take it with you right now. Lots of people use the "I'll go get my money" or "Let me go to my bank" and never come back.

Really no way to check the head gaskets, need the receipts, also check the clutch at that mileage. Are you going to be a new stick shift driver or do you already have many years experience? That can quickly kill a clutch that still feels great but has a few miles on it.

Look for rust, the only true killer or cars besides accidents!!!!

[Wiscon_Mark]

I learned stick on my car...clutch is still going @ 184k w/ a bit of noise :grin:

[Superu264]

I will be new to the awesomeness of a 5MT

and now I'm leaving... and praying its still around on saturday :twisted:

[Huffer]

Call the dealer, ask to put a deposit to hold it until Saturday?

[badbasser98]

Call the dealer, ask to put a deposit to hold it until Saturday?
Ding,Ding...We have a winner! Tell him what he wins Johnny! :lol:

[bubaru21]

ha great minds do think alike. i was looking at this car as well.

[Superu264]

ha great minds do think alike. i was looking at this car as well.

did you go look at it?? :razz:

[bubaru21]

nope to far away and to busy with school and work.

[phi11]

I will be new to the awesomeness of a 5MT

and now I'm leaving... and praying its still around on saturday :twisted:

It's Saturday!

[Superu264]

It's Saturday!

I know! Ernesto wont let me leave my neighborhood! :mad:

[scottzg]

It's Saturday!

I know! Ernesto wont let me leave my neighborhood! :mad:

is Ernesto your pimp?

[phi11]

It's Saturday!

I know! Ernesto wont let me leave my neighborhood! :mad:

He would if you were AWD!!!!!!!!!! :twisted: