Looking into buying a FTO for first car (opinions)

[bertobrah]

Looking at this at the moment:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/homebush ... 1016619726

Can someone tell me why the price is so cheap and is there any specific questions I should be asking the seller. It's pretty local and I don't know much about cars myself but my dad will be there if I go to actually look at it.

Thanks!!

[adzski]

looks like it doesnt come with road and reg, they may be a lot involved (money) to get it there and then theres also the mentioned problems with the AC and CIV joint, but you cant determine that without actually inspecting the car first. there may be not much involved and you may just get alright deal, but that is not ridiculously cheap for a fto quite a lot sell around that price mark

[bertobrah]

looks like it doesnt come with road and reg, they may be a lot involved (money) to get it there, but you cant determine that without actually inspecting the car first

thanks. the seller has advertised it is registered but i'm more worried about past engine blows, reliability and will cause any problems in the future

my dad knows a fair bit about cars so would he be able to see if there are any problems from just inspecting.

[adzski]

looks like it doesnt come with road and reg, they may be a lot involved (money) to get it there, but you cant determine that without actually inspecting the car first

thanks. the seller has advertised it is registered but i'm more worried about past engine blows, reliability and will cause any problems in the future

my dad knows a fair bit about cars so would he be able to see if there are any problems from just inspecting.

as long as he knows what to look for while inspecting and the right questions to ask he will know whether or not to buy, though its always good to get the car professionally inspected also.

best of luck

[bertobrah]

looks like it doesnt come with road and reg, they may be a lot involved (money) to get it there, but you cant determine that without actually inspecting the car first

thanks. the seller has advertised it is registered but i'm more worried about past engine blows, reliability and will cause any problems in the future

my dad knows a fair bit about cars so would he be able to see if there are any problems from just inspecting.

as long as he knows what to look for while inspecting and the right questions to ask he will know whether or not to buy, though its always good to get the car professionally inspected also.

best of luck

does it look shifty? the price seems to good to be true...

thanks for the advice though, really appreciate it!

[silverGPX]

It honestly looks like a piece of sh*t.

[bertobrah]

It honestly looks like a piece of sh*t.

what's wrong with it

[adzski]

to me it doesnt look shifty, if you browse theres plenty for that price range, members on here have paid a similiar price.
but theres is a few problems with it already listed in the add.

i myself purchased my fto $4600 and never really had any dramas.

my advice to you is read up a lot about these cars first, browse gumtree, car sales,ebay and inspect a few before you buy one. this particular one needs work if it were me id look else were try find one that doesnt have any problems, there out there just gotta look.

[bertobrah]

to me it doesnt look shifty, if you browse theres plenty for that price range, members on here have paid a similiar price.
but theres is a few problems with it already listed in the add.

i myself purchased my fto $4600 and never really had any dramas.

my advice to you is read up a lot about these cars first, browse gumtree, car sales,ebay and inspect a few before you buy one. this particular one needs work if it were me id look else were try find one that doesnt have any problems, there out there just gotta look.

alright i'll keep my eyes out for good ones that pop up.

manuel ones with around 100k km~ are roughly $6k-$7k from what i've seen

[adzski]

you can pick them up cheaper than that. my fto is manual picked it up with 121 XXX kms. but what ever the advertised price is you can talk them down. something will pop for around 5k but just keep and eye out and have a look on here members advertise there cars on here.

[bertobrah]

does anyone own a tiptronic FTO?

is it expensive to maintain and expensive to fix and issue if it's an issue regarding tiptronic?

[shadowarrior]

Go for a manual. If needed, wait, but go for a manual instead of the triptonic. Also, MIVEC.... which means, GPvR or GPX... don't look at GR, etc.

[Taz]

Hi Berto! WTTC

Seems like a pretty good deal - but not to the point where its too good to be true. Judging off the ad id say its fairy legit - seems to be upfront about the car and doesnt ramble on about how rare and great the car is which is usually a good sign.
CV joint isnt hard or expensive, neither is the air con. He does have it as registered but it will still need a roadworthy. Doesnt look too bad a car, i would be inspecting it at the very least and if it checks out you got a pretty good deal Im sure your dad will know what to look for.

It honestly looks like a piece of sh*t.

Dont worry about this comment - it comes from a self absorbed c**t who thinks anything but his own opinions are sh*t

i'm more worried about past engine blows, reliability and will cause any problems in the future

This is a fairly debated argument but i find fto's to be as reliable as any other car if maintained properly - and the engines are fairly strong in regards to you most likely wont have any internal problems in its life-time (although dont quote me as none of us know 100% of a cars history or inspect it on that level) The worst youll encounter is probably tappet noise - which is common and not a BIG deal.

FTO's unfortunately do sell for little these days - so dont be surprised too much at this price.
Im probably repeating myself so ill some it up: seems good - go out and inspect and if its legit id say get it
GL!

[bertobrah]

Hi Berto! WTTC

Seems like a pretty good deal - but not to the point where its too good to be true. Judging off the ad id say its fairy legit - seems to be upfront about the car and doesnt ramble on about how rare and great the car is which is usually a good sign.
CV joint isnt hard or expensive, neither is the air con. He does have it as registered but it will still need a roadworthy. Doesnt look too bad a car, i would be inspecting it at the very least and if it checks out you got a pretty good deal Im sure your dad will know what to look for.

It honestly looks like a piece of sh*t.

Dont worry about this comment - it comes from a self absorbed c**t who thinks anything but his own opinions are sh*t

i'm more worried about past engine blows, reliability and will cause any problems in the future

This is a fairly debated argument but i find fto's to be as reliable as any other car if maintained properly - and the engines are fairly strong in regards to you most likely wont have any internal problems in its life-time (although dont quote me as none of us know 100% of a cars history or inspect it on that level) The worst youll encounter is probably tappet noise - which is common and not a BIG deal.

FTO's unfortunately do sell for little these days - so dont be surprised too much at this price.
Im probably repeating myself so ill some it up: seems good - go out and inspect and if its legit id say get it
GL!

Thanks for the welcome and lengthy response.

Are there any advantages when buying manuel in comparison to buying tiptronic? Aside from the fact you actually feel like you're driving.

[Taz]

Aside from the fact you actually feel like you're driving.

Exactly my point with manuals

Yes and no. The 5 speed tips generally have problems, the 4 speeds are fine - the biggest problem with auto's is "limp mode" which can be very frustrating if you encounter it.
At the same time selector cables and brackets on a manual seem to be equally as temperamental so its a mixed bag, id say manual is slightly ahead if that.
With a car like an FTO i would want to actually drive it over just having an auto. *prepares for the flak auto drivers are about to give me*

Short answer - no there are no real advantages of buying auto over manual or vice versa - its purely preference =P

[Astron_Boy]

Lawl.

Had to be this car.

Welcome, good luck with your search.

[Vectose]

Auto is slower than manual.

[Taz]

That too

[silverGPX]

Actually no tylar it looks tired and worn out.

[bertobrah]

Lawl.

Had to be this car.

Welcome, good luck with your search.

What do you mean by "had to be this car"