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looking to buy a gtp

S

stook

New member
im in the market to buy a gtp. is there anything i should look out for with higher mileage gtps (100k plus). transmission issues, engine issues.

how reliable are these cars. ive been trying to decide between a gtp and 5th gen honda prelude. i like the prelude for its reliabilty, handling and styling. and i like the the gtp for its aggresive looks, sleeper status, and performance.

ive been leaning towards the gtp.
anything i should really be on the look out for when buying one? any problems or parts should i be expecting to replace in the future?
 


Maintanance history check on the car.
It just so happend that the owner I got my car from (2000GTP) logged all the maintance the was performed on the car in the back of the owners manual, turned our they took good care of it. With that being said, there are still issues that needed attention like the LIM gaskets, they had not failed, but needed to be changed out.

Along with the normal things to look out for when buying a used car, there are some particular things to watch for on the Gran Prix's/GTP's,

1)Replace intake manifold gaskets when in doubt.
2)Check for leaking from front valve cover gasket (fire hazard)
3)check for water in pass. floor, (weatherstrip under cowl cover falls off)
4) check northern cars for body/frame and brake line rust
5) check for broken from sway bar ends/endlinks
6) supercharger coupler
7) any past transmission repairs/upgrades, it would be good if these have already been taken care of like valvebody upgrade on the 98-03's, and 4th hub splines, ect.
8)front wheel hubs
9) delaminating tail light housings
10) HVAC problems
There are probably some more, I just can't think of them, or don't know of them, I am sure other can add to the list. Not saying the cars are bad, because they are NOT, my car has been very reliable. One thing though, when buying a used car, you HAVE to expect to make repairs somewhere to get it up to your own personal standards, at least I do. Right now my car could use a new windshield because with 156,xxx miles, there are some pitting from normal road debris that makes it had to drive into the sun, and at night in heavy rain. That is something that someone else might not ever notice, but I have high standard for my vehicals.
I drove some Honda's, they were all so slow, they are on my "not even considerd" list now.
Hope this helps!
 
oh i definately expect to make repairs on a higher mileage vehicle. i work as a mechanic and i think i have seen one grand prix in the last year i believe it was for a window reg.

i was just wondering if there was something really catastrophic that was getting past me

for example what i see on a regular basis
hyundais timing belts snap between 50-60k miles
late 90s early 00s jettas and beetle plastic water pumps go kaput, and all the cheap plastic cooling system parts begin to crack and leak
88-98 chevy pickup transmissions usually go around 100k

u get my drift, just tryin to make sure its not gonna leave me stranded and forking out a ton of money for and engine or trans
 
the lower intake manifold gasket failure is the most common issue, Theres revised gaskets that that are much better
 
I hear the two coolant elbows by the alternator tend to crack and leak. A stock GTP usually will have 3-5 degrees of KR at WOT, which can make it chip the front 3 pistons. A good tune will fix that.
 
rare to hear of a stock GTP chipping a piston. There's not much heat and cylinder pressures. It when you drop pulleys it can become a issue if your not smart about it. Coolant elbows are like 3 dollars lol
 


They are good cars, and can take some abuse. As long as you take care of them, the'll run forever.

Plan on (if you get a GTP)
Intake Manifold gasket -$55
Supercharger Gasket -$9-15
Supercharger Coupler $15-30
Coolant Elbows - $10 for both
Spark Plugs -$12-20
All new fluids/filters - Price depending on what filters/fluids you do use.
To include:
Oil & oil filter
Trans. fluid & Trans. filter
Fuel filter
Air filter
Supercharger Oil

Then anything else that needs replacing, like brake pads and rotors, windshield wipers, etc...
 
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