buying an fto

[gino]

Hi guys,
Iv just joined the forum, im in the process of trying to buy my first FTO, iv seen about six or seven, but no good one yet, im looking for a manual gpx, my brother is after looking at the one thats for sale in the online autotrader, its a 95 silver gpx manual, the guy is looking for 7500 euro, i was wondering do any of you guys know the car? has anyone looked at it already? and what kind of things should i be looking for when i go to see it?
Thanks for any information.
Gino

[CJ]

Welcome on board gino, if you have seen the Buying Guide on the main site, check it out. Manual GPX's tend to be more expensive the Tiptronic models, in saying that, I wouldn't pay any more than 6.8k for a '95 in good condition.
I'm not familiar with the autotrader car, but look out for things like noisy tappets (hydraulic lifters in the engine - ~€200 to be adjusted), rattling interior, strange suspension noises over uneven ground (droplinks and ARB bushes - anything up to €150 to replace) and the usual things you would look for when buying a car. Look for some servicing record, ideally the belts (esp. cambelt) should have been changed in the recent past. Let the engine heat up before you hit the MIVEC zone (+5500rpm) and take the car for a good spin. If you need any more info, just ask

CJ

[gino]

Hi CJ,
Thanks for that, i had a read of the buyers guide, i think im good now.
The guy selling the car said it doesnt go into 1st gear without the car being stopped, is this normal for an FTO, he said it is. Do you think it would be a good idea to bring a mechanic to see it, iv bought other cars without one before, i guess an FTO wont throw up too many surprises??
Gino.

[RobJ]

From recent experience buying a manual GPX...let the engine idle for a bit, make sure the rev counter stays at idle. The problem I had was the aircon clutch assembly/belts/idler tensioner needed replacing at a cost of £500 sterling from a Mitsi dealer (Camskill/CMS price about £270)

Also make sure the clutch is in good working order. When stationary put it in third and put the accelerator down. It should bite and cut out or judder depending on clutch depression. If it revs and gives no movement or power then it's slipping. £627 from Mitsi or £300 from Camskill/CMS.

If it has traction control, check the light when it's running. Mine sometimes flashes and means the TCL is off. Pain in the ar$e and even Mitsi here couldn't figure it out on the diagnostics.

Other than that, look for what CJ has mentioned and use your head like buying any other car. Unfortunately I got a bit ahead of myself and got stuck with a few big bills.

As for it not going into 1st gear without it being stopped is crap, i frequently roll mine up to the gate and drop it into first as she's rolling and i'm getting the buzzer out. Synchromesh springs to mind and if that's the case give it a wide berth.

Still, it's not a car to be sniffed at. A 2.0l V6 is a beast in anyones reckoning Just get a good one

[gino]

Thanks RobJ,
Ill keep all that in mind, im going to see it tomorrow, going to bring a mechanic with me to have a look at her. Hopefully all will be ok.
Thanks again.
Gino.

[Kace]

Hi CJ,
The guy selling the car said it doesnt go into 1st gear without the car being stopped, is this normal for an FTO, he said it is.

Not the case in my manual GPX ??

[Viper]

Mine also does not go into first until the car stops... so if it's a problem I'd like to know!

[soc]

Mine also does not go into first until the car stops... so if it's a problem I'd like to know!

Ferrari F355 won't let you drop to 1st or 2nd unless you are under a certain speed - never got to see if this is the same for 3rd-6th cause road was too narrow and I didn't get over 80.

[Speedyboy]

Thats strange becuase in a tip box (4 Gears I know) If you kickdown at 50 kmph ish it will kickdown into first so the car is using first for a lot more than just taking off i presume the manual would be designed that you could drop into first in the same kinda situation

I had a 1.3 civic (vv slow) and i regularly used 1st for overtaking tractors,grannys, farmers in jettas, and the like

[Daz]

Mine will go into first gear with out any issue thou i don't do it that often and if i do i'm usually around or under 10mph, but if this one won't let you i'd stay clear of it.

Daz...