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Newbie about to buy an FTO
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:15 pm
by funkysmurf
Hi all,
As you can tell I'm new here

. After multiple web searches and several kms of walking up and down Parramatta Rd. I have decided to get an FTO. I must admit that my research hasn't been extremely thorough, but what can I say...when you see a car that you like...
Onto my situation: there are two versions I can pick from. One is a gpx and the other a gr if I remember it right. The gr has just over 63 000 kms on it and the gpx just over 79 000 kms. Both are manual.
From my conversations with the dealer, it seems I can get the gr for $14 000 and the gpx for $15 000. I'm just basically wondering if this is a rip off? Both cars are in immaculate condition aesthetically. Is getting the more expensive gpx worth it over the gr?
I'm pretty much set on getting one tomorrow or on Tuesday.
Thanks guys.
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:21 pm
by maggsy
basically the GPX has a better engine with MIVEC, and a few other upgraded things that the GR doesn't have.
i would personally choose the GPX over the GR any day.
just try and get the price down a bit.
or you could always have a look on the forum for cars for sale as some people have some good cars to offer.
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:37 pm
by khunjeng
using car sales as a guide, you can get a better deal than that. However stock, the GPX is the better choice.
Manual, good choice.
However have a look in the for sale section here and car sales, a few mods wouldnt be a bad thing.
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:28 am
by petervien
Those prices are quite high, more so if it's just a stock gpx. I've been looking for a FTO as well, I've noticed a few dodgey dealers on parramatta road, so watch out. Personally i'm more inclined to private sales, if ya end up down that route then make sure you get the car mechanically inspected, eg. state roads, or maybe one of the gurus on this site.
Definitely check out carsales for a price guide.
If i had the money i'll get the 14k 97' model in the forums, pretty good condition with some nice mods...
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:04 pm
by funkysmurf
Thanks guys. I should have mentioned that both cars come with what seem like new 17" rims and tyres, non-standard exhaust and cd player.
I didn't get into haggling or anything like that - I was more just checking things out, so hopefully those prices should come down substantially.
There are also some nice examples of private sales around here so I'll make some calls.
Thanks again

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:38 pm
by funkysmurf
Alrighty then...I went a bit further with negotiations.
The car in question is a black gpx, new 17" mags and tyres, lowered with adjustable suspension, cat back exhaust, near new cd player with just over 73 000 Ks.
With registration and 2yr warranty for $17 000 (with a bit of room to move I feel).
What do you guys think?
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 5:15 pm
by maggsy
i personally think that that is a bit overpriced.

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:17 pm
by FTO99R
What year model is it? Makes a big difference to the price.
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:46 pm
by funkysmurf
Sorry, it's a 1995 model.
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 7:33 pm
by FTO99R
Yeh thats way too expensive for a 95, even with 2 years warranty. I payed 18k (and got a very good trade in) for a 99 Version R with some good upgrades. That was nearly a year ago. Have a good look around before you decide.

Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 12:21 am
by funkysmurf
I appreciate your help guys. I found a 1998 white gpx with 69000Ks, fresh off the boat. Just hope it's not sold yet. Apparently perfect condition with 12 months warranty and rego for 14 990

Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:24 pm
by funkysmurf
Just put a deposit on that black gpx I mentioned earlier. Should be picking it up this Thursday.
1995 gpx, 79 000 kms
18" rims
Tein adjustable coilovers
Cat back exhaust
Near new Pioneer cd player
12 months rego
2yrs (40 000 kms) warranty
Extremely clean
Paying $13 500 after my old bomb trade in
What do you guys think? I must say I am a bit excited

Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:30 pm
by MissxFTO
Good buy

mate WTTC !!
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:32 pm
by FtoSam
Swap my king springs for your coils??? hehehe
Nice couple of mods on the car... not a bad price either...
2 yrs warranty is great too...
doesnt sound too bad..
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:02 pm
by maggsy
sounds like u got a good buy, GL with it.
Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:18 pm
by funkysmurf
Hi again.
I actually picked up the car today. It's a nice step up from my excel

I have a question though...with the coilovers...are you supposed to be able to hear it when you go over bumps and such or is the suspension meant to be dead silent?
Edit: and here she is

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:08 pm
by RallyMad
maybe your droplinks worn out if it is like a clunk especially over speed bumps.
Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:50 pm
by funkysmurf
Yes that's what it sounds like. Is it costly to fix?
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:26 pm
by funkysmurf
You were right RallyMad. Took it to a suspension specialist. $200 to replace all four.
Thanks dude.
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 6:31 pm
by rock_it
Looks nice ... Think you could have got a better deal though .. What was the trade in ???