Newbie about to buy an FTO

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:15 pm

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.

maggsy · Post by **maggsy** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:21 pm

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.

khunjeng · Post by **khunjeng** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:37 pm

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.

petervien · Post by **petervien** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:28 am

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...

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:04 pm

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

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:38 pm

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?

maggsy · Post by **maggsy** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 5:15 pm

i personally think that that is a bit overpriced.

FTO99R · Post by **FTO99R** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:17 pm

What year model is it? Makes a big difference to the price.

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:46 pm

Sorry, it's a 1995 model.

FTO99R · Post by **FTO99R** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 7:33 pm

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.

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 12:21 am

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

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:24 pm

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

MissxFTO · Post by **MissxFTO** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:30 pm

Good buy

mate WTTC !!

FtoSam · Post by **FtoSam** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:32 pm

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..

maggsy · Post by **maggsy** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:02 pm

sounds like u got a good buy, GL with it.

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:18 pm

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

RallyMad · Post by **RallyMad** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:08 pm

maybe your droplinks worn out if it is like a clunk especially over speed bumps.

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:50 pm

Yes that's what it sounds like. Is it costly to fix?

funkysmurf · Post by **funkysmurf** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:26 pm

You were right RallyMad. Took it to a suspension specialist. $200 to replace all four.

Thanks dude.

rock_it · Post by **rock_it** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 6:31 pm

Looks nice ... Think you could have got a better deal though .. What was the trade in ???