Advice on buying an FTO

[ebmp19]

I am looking at buying an automatic 1995 FTO GR. The car I am looking at has done 130,000KM. I was just wondering if there is anything in specific to watch out for when buying an FTO and also how much will services and things like that cost?

[phunkydude]

http://ftoaustralia.com/v3/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=8085

Have a read through on the thread above.


Standard servicing costs are pretty much the same as other cars and very much dependent on the mechanic who charges you.
(spark plugs might costs more due to 6x of them and the rear plugs will took a while to change)

[ebmp19]

What's the effective difference between the 4 speed tip and the 5 speed. The one I am looking at has a 4 speed which is meant to be worse. Does 6K seems like a good price to you? I think it's stock except the rims and the head unit.

[Taz]

4speed is the better, 5 speed has too many problems.
imo 6k is too much for an auto GR with average km - you can get something much better for that price. Keep shopping - will be able to get a manual mivec if you look hard enough

[ebmp19]

What do you think would be a good price for it? It's my first car so I don't mind too much if it's a mivec or not (obviously it would be nice if it was). My parents are not too keen on my getting a manual because it will 'distract me from driving'... so it might be better for me to get a cheaper auto GR and have more money for mods/repairs. I did go and have a look at a manual GR but it was a sh*t box. The engine sounded terrible, the clutch was pretty much dead, there was rust underneath the body kit and the window seals were ruined etc etc.

[spency]

get a manual straight up, don't f**k around with driving an auto for a year or two. you'll be able to pick up a looked after gpx for around 5k these days, just MAKE sure you have it checked out by an FTO aus recommended mechanic first.

[ebmp19]

Anyone know of one for sale? I can't seem to find any good ones. I'm willing to pick one up from somewhere within about 700KM of Canberra (like Melbourne or Sydney).

[spency]

carsales.com.au
quicksales.com.au
carpoint.com.au
gumtree.com.au

our for sale forum may have something.

[ebmp19]

Looked at all of them... There are quite a few for sale but most have near 200,000KM or sound really dodgy like - Might need new suspension to pass road worthy... How much difference does the mivec actually make?

[shadowarrior]

A lot of 'enjoyment' factor if you really want to enjoy your car. Once you drive a mivec, you won't go back
Seriously, do not buy an auto, just get a manual. Fun to drive, has more power, and you are much more in control of the vehicle. Look around, don't rush when buying an FTO, and you should be able to get a looked after 95-96 GPX Manual around your budget.

[Daniel2019]

As aza told me the other day - you drive a manual. You just steer in an automatic

[Astron_Boy]

As aza told me the other day - you drive a manual. You just steer in an automatic

Aza would say that.

[aza013]

As aza told me the other day - you drive a manual. You just steer in an automatic

Aza would say that.

I do, as it is true! .

[Astron_Boy]

Perhaps.
But most people here would never know...

Meanwhile, I use the tip for braking and overtaking on a daily basis (daily currently as I'm driving it)

[dstocks]

Meanwhile, I use the tip for braking and overtaking on a daily basis

and a blouse......

[Astron_Boy]

Meanwhile, I use the tip for braking and overtaking on a daily basis

and a blouse......

[Daniel2019]

Tiptronics are for women?


I think that's where dstocks was going with that one haha.

[Vectose]

Women can't drive tip, only full auto.

[Astron_Boy]

Women can't drive tip, only full auto.

^^^
My wife is testament to this.

[ObsidianRadio]

Women can't drive tip, only full auto.

^^^
My wife is testament to this.

As is my girlfriend.