About to take the plunge..

[SolardarityAU]

Hi all, just recently signed up to these forums after reading over them for the past couple of weeks.

I've been in the market for a cheap, sporty project car and the FTO has caught my eye and I can't seem to get around it. I MUST HAVE ONE.

I've been looking and done a lot of research and I think I've found one that I want to work with. 1995 FTO GPX 5spd Manual - MIVEC.

Has 200,000kms (95% chance that there's a lot more than that on the vehicle)

Anyway, my question is: With an FTO that old, what are the key things that I should be concerned about when looking to buy? (mainly on the mechanical side of things) and, if I do end up sinking a few G's into getting this FTO or another FTO, is it possible that the car is beyond restoration? i.e. I won't be able to restore it to its former glory, even if I throw a lot of money into it?

Thanks in advance

SolardarityAU

[Technikhaus]

Regarding what to look for... roof rust....
WTTC and good luck on the search :p

[ZFL45H1]

Engine wise make sure timing belt and water pump have been done (every 100, 000kms) as stated roof rust very common in the early models oil leaks so just the usual after all that but there the big ones I think

[SolardarityAU]

Engine wise make sure timing belt and water pump have been done (every 100, 000kms) as stated roof rust very common in the early models oil leaks so just the usual after all that but there the big ones I think

Timing belt, tensioner pulleys, water pump etc. were all changed in a major service 80,000kms ago so I suspect if I buy this car I'm in for another major service. Luckily I could get it all done in a mate's garage for a fraction of the amount that you'd usually have to pay at a mechanics. (case of beer anyone? )

How much and from where can I purchase a timing belt kit for a 95 FTO GPX?

Thanks.

[Daniel2019]

Timing belt, tensioner pulleys, water pump etc. were all changed in a major service 80,000kms ago so I suspect if I buy this car I'm in for another major service. Luckily I could get it all done in a mate's garage for a fraction of the amount that you'd usually have to pay at a mechanics. (case of beer anyone? )

How much and from where can I purchase a timing belt kit for a 95 FTO GPX?

Thanks.

Like 100 bucks from your local auto store. Could also get it from camskill when I do my order next week, includes timing kit + accessory/p.s belts. From memory about 170 bucks.

[shadowarrior]

Don't buy an FTO, this is the worst car you will ever buy. Things get broken every day and you will spend 50 times more than what you paid for the car. Save the cash and buy a recent model reliable car mate, stay off the FTO.

(Just filling in for Matt guys, don't shoot the messenger!! )

[Daniel2019]

Don't buy an FTO, this is the worst car you will ever buy. Things get broken every day and you will spend 50 times more than what you paid for the car. Save the cash and buy a recent model reliable car mate, stay off the FTO.

(Just filling in for Matt guys, don't shoot the messenger!! )

Please leave. Door is that way ----->

[shadowarrior]

[silverGPX]

I was just gonna say, get a less of a piece of sh*t

[SolardarityAU]

I was just gonna say, get a less of a piece of sh*t

Does less of a piece of sh*t constitute anything that ISN'T an FTO or an FTO in better shape?

[Daniel2019]

Just not Sidds' FTO

[SolardarityAU]

Haha, I'm not really savvy on this forum's members/ cars but I'll try and keep away

Anyway, to be serious. Should I go forward with my desire for an FTO as my next project car or is it not worth my time?

[Daniel2019]

Yes, fun cars to work on and easy enough to get parts for.

You won't regret it, just make sure you don't get a fucked one. Mainly check for roof rust and a straight chassis. Often if the front bar doesn't align properly then it's been in a front ender, same for the rear bar just like with any other car.

Also check for correct headlights.

[SchumieFan]

buy dwaynes silver gpx

[Astron_Boy]

buy dwaynes silver gpx

^

[rock_it]

What's your budget?

And your plans?

Many people have bought cheapies, and spent a lot of $$$ to bring them back..

[dstocks]

Yep, silver one would be good for a project car. In the for sale section if interested.

[destinationtoby]

Anyway, to be serious. Should I go forward with my desire for an FTO as my next project car or is it not worth my time?

Depends what your plans are..

I'd recommend searching and finding the right FTO that's had some cash put into it and has been looked after.
Will save a lot of $$$ in the long run, having to only change a few things to suit your taste, rather then starting from scratch ..

Many people have bought cheapies, and spent a lot of $$$ to bring them back..

This ^

If I could turn back time, I'd have lurked on the forum and eventually bought a modded one from a member one here.

[SolardarityAU]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I've had a mechanically-savvy friend of mine inspect and test drive an FTO for me (The FTO wasn't local and he lived a lot closer). It has quite a few tasteful mods, body kit, custom paint, rims, no roof rust, custom leather interior (near perfect on a visual level)

In terms of the mechanics, it will probably need a new timing belt soon as the last full timing belt service was 80,000kms ago (including tensioners, pulleys, water pump etc. etc.) but other major parts such as suspension, brakes, clutch and gearbox are all in good condition.

I am definitely purchasing this car. I'm taking a roadtrip to go pick it up this weekend.

I look forward to seeing how far I can push the performance mods on this car seeings though visuals are pretty good already. Going to use this car as a good excuse to learn a few things in engine/ performance modding that I've up until this point been too lazy and/ or busy to get a handle on myself

Thanks for the help. When I get the car in and checked out, I might post a few pics for the forums

[dstocks]

Come down to the bonfire with it next April if you arent too far away.....