buying a 1995 fto

bryan · Post by **bryan** » Mon May 27, 2013 5:36 pm

Hi guys,

Just looking to buy a 1995 GPX fto with abt 150k. Juat wandering what are the reviews of the car? Are they reliable? Any issues?

Many many thanks all.

Daniel2019 · Post by **Daniel2019** » Mon May 27, 2013 5:49 pm

Issues can arise with any car. FTOs generally arent too bad, but you have to watch out for past body/chassis damage that has been repaired and roof rust. Most pre-1997 FTOs will have roof rust or have had it. Steer clear if possible, its a good few grand to fix properly.

Cracked centre consoles are another thing, about 400 to replace both centre and floor console. Also the sunroofs are unreliable (due to age probably) and very expensive to replace if somethings busted. Opt for a non sunroof model if you can, or one with an aftermarket sunroof. You can tell that the sunroof is aftermarket if it still has the grooves on the roof. If it is just a flat roof then its a factory sunroof.

Astron_Boy · Post by **Astron_Boy** » Mon May 27, 2013 5:53 pm

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=8085

c3rbera · Post by **c3rbera** » Mon May 27, 2013 6:34 pm

An FTO almost isn't an FTO without a cracked centre console haha...and yes, roof rust you need to check for. My sunroof is still fine but it rattles from age. Window rattle is pretty much standard with these too (easily fixed though!). If my buy teaches anyone something, test the A/C to see if that works too...I didn't.
Be prepared for alternator/stepper motor replacement at some point if it hasn't already been done. Stepper motor causes weird idling, and even complete engine cut outs in neutral.
But yes, just bare in mind these cars aren't getting any younger.

Also don't go for 5spd auto if that's what you're looking at, 4 is fine but 5 has issues.

Anyone feel free to correct me haha.

Technikhaus · Post by **Technikhaus** » Mon May 27, 2013 7:12 pm

Daniel2019 wrote:Issues can arise with any car. FTOs generally arent too bad, but you have to watch out for past body/chassis damage that has been repaired and roof rust. Most pre-1997 FTOs will have roof rust or have had it. Steer clear if possible, its a good few grand to fix properly.

Cracked centre consoles are another thing, about 400 to replace both centre and floor console. Also the sunroofs are unreliable (due to age probably) and very expensive to replace if somethings busted. Opt for a non sunroof model if you can, or one with an aftermarket sunroof. You can tell that the sunroof is aftermarket if it still has the grooves on the roof. If it is just a flat roof then its a factory sunroof.

Just wanted to pitch in here, The sunroof on my '96 has had no issues at all

no leaking or mechanical problems, for the time being

bryan · Post by **bryan** » Mon May 27, 2013 10:05 pm

Ok thanks guys ill definitely look at into that. Any other features I should take note of?

shadowarrior · Post by **shadowarrior** » Mon May 27, 2013 11:25 pm

Buy a manual instead of an auto if you can.... and make sure you buy a GPX or GPvR....you will thank me for the Mivec roar someday.

And welcome to the club!!

ObsidianRadio · Post by **ObsidianRadio** » Mon May 27, 2013 11:57 pm

c3rbera wrote:An FTO almost isn't an FTO without a cracked centre console haha...and yes, roof rust you need to check for. My sunroof is still fine but it rattles from age. Window rattle is pretty much standard with these too (easily fixed though!). If my buy teaches anyone something, test the A/C to see if that works too...I didn't.
Be prepared for alternator/stepper motor replacement at some point if it hasn't already been done. Stepper motor causes weird idling, and even complete engine cut outs in neutral.
But yes, just bare in mind these cars aren't getting any younger.

Also don't go for 5spd auto if that's what you're looking at, 4 is fine but 5 has issues.

Anyone feel free to correct me haha.

Conveniently, your status is changed from Newbie to Apprentice.

c3rbera · Post by **c3rbera** » Tue May 28, 2013 2:59 am

ObsidianRadio wrote:
c3rbera wrote:An FTO almost isn't an FTO without a cracked centre console haha...and yes, roof rust you need to check for. My sunroof is still fine but it rattles from age. Window rattle is pretty much standard with these too (easily fixed though!). If my buy teaches anyone something, test the A/C to see if that works too...I didn't.
Be prepared for alternator/stepper motor replacement at some point if it hasn't already been done. Stepper motor causes weird idling, and even complete engine cut outs in neutral.
But yes, just bare in mind these cars aren't getting any younger.

Also don't go for 5spd auto if that's what you're looking at, 4 is fine but 5 has issues.

Anyone feel free to correct me haha.
Conveniently, your status is changed from Newbie to Apprentice.

Haha dude I still feel pretty awkward posting here actually. Ought to chat about nothing in particular just to raise ranks...

XenaP · Post by **XenaP** » Tue May 28, 2013 4:33 am

Daniel2019 wrote: Most pre-1997 FTOs will have roof rust or have had it. Steer clear if possible, its a good few grand to fix properly.

Depends on your repairer really. Mine is getting done - rust cut out, new plates welded in and a complete roof respray - for $600.

One thing you'll find with an FTO, we have an awesome community here that is very friendly and willing to help out.

Sahin · Post by **Sahin** » Tue May 28, 2013 7:51 am

XenaP wrote:
Daniel2019 wrote: Most pre-1997 FTOs will have roof rust or have had it. Steer clear if possible, its a good few grand to fix properly.
Depends on your repairer really. Mine is getting done - rust cut out, new plates welded in and a complete roof respray - for $600.

One thing you'll find with an FTO, we have an awesome community here that is very friendly and willing to help out.

Where are you getting that done? I know you live a fair whack away but that's cheaper then the quotes I've been given by miles

XenaP · Post by **XenaP** » Tue May 28, 2013 8:02 am

Just down the road

And fair whack is only about 3 hours away

phunkydude · Post by **phunkydude** » Tue May 28, 2013 11:45 am

XenaP wrote:
Daniel2019 wrote: Most pre-1997 FTOs will have roof rust or have had it. Steer clear if possible, its a good few grand to fix properly.
Depends on your repairer really. Mine is getting done - rust cut out, new plates welded in and a complete roof respray - for $600.

PM contacts please!!!

How long you had to leave your car there?

Thanks!

XenaP · Post by **XenaP** » Tue May 28, 2013 4:42 pm

I can't PM you his contact details as I don't know them. I just drove down to his shop and asked

I will, however, go down there tomorrow and ask him for them. Another panel beater here gave me the same quote, but their work has a bit of a reputation for not being 'top notch'. Not dodgy ... I'd have taken any other car to them, but not perfect either. And the FTO has to be perfect LOL

He said I would have to leave my car from Monday morning through to Thursday afternoon (he doesn't work Fridays).

shadowarrior · Post by **shadowarrior** » Tue May 28, 2013 4:47 pm

So that means we are crashing at your place for four days while the roof rust gets fixed, right?

XenaP · Post by **XenaP** » Tue May 28, 2013 4:51 pm

bryan · Post by **bryan** » Tue May 28, 2013 7:28 pm

Thanks for all the replies guys... cheers hopefully my FTO will serve me well

shadowarrior · Post by **shadowarrior** » Tue May 28, 2013 7:34 pm

bryan wrote:Thanks for all the replies guys... cheers hopefully my FTO will serve me well

It's not about how well the FTO will serve you...it's all about how well you serve the FTO....

silverGPX · Post by **silverGPX** » Tue May 28, 2013 10:35 pm

$600 yeah for the first one then realises what a shitcunt of a job it is.

That is if he does a good job.

Paying for the paint and clear,remove the roof liner, cut the roof rust out, weld new plates in, smooth the surface, prep the surface, paint the roof and at the same time blend it with the pillars.

Anyone else after Xena is gonna pay $1000 - $1200 to do that.

Alone its $150-$200 for the paint.

So assuming mechanics rates of $70/ hour that's really not much for him to make a profit on it.

Post by **Vectose** » Tue May 28, 2013 10:38 pm

You should also pop in to the shop while it is being done, to make sure he is actually doing it properly and not just filling the holes with bog.

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