Quote:
Originally Posted by Stockton2007
hey guys, my name is rj and i just registered for the forum. i am really considering a gto in the next 6 months or so. i am just looking to get some info on what to look for when buying one of these cars? what are major issues or problems that people are having? i am leaning towards an 05-06 for the 6.0, hood, and dual exit exhaust. my buddy, a mach 1 owner, drove one and said it was "too smooth" for him and didnt feel that much like a sports car. but other then that he said it was very fast and drove great. plus he said there is a lot more room in the back seat for my little guy's car seat.
im just hear to learn as much as i can....
thanks in advance..
rj
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Welcome to the herd.
When you find a candidate....
1. Get a car fax.
2. Record the VIN and take it to a Pontiac dealer and let them run a history of service report for you. If there was any warranty work performed on the car, it will be documented.
3. If purchasing from a dealer, ask them if they know the name of the previous owner and if they say they do, ask them to contact that person and ask if you may talk to him/her about the car.
4. Ask to have the car lifted overhead so you, or someone who knows mechanics can inspect the struts for leakage, or signs of tire rub on them. Inspect the inside of the tires for groves cut into the rubber, this will indicate a possible problem with rub (17" tires) Check for leaks as well.
5. Ask for a complimentary alignment.
6. Take a CD with you and put it in the stereo and see if it plays and ejects ok.
7. The transferable warranty is good for 3 years from the day the car was first put into service, to 36K miles. If the car is in warranty you'll want to know what day the warranty was first activated.
8. If possible, request the car be given the once over by a Pontiac dealer.
9. Check the tries for the rating. The tires should be Z,ZR,W, or Y for higher speeds. Not that this is a big issue, but you will want to know the tire's limitations. Also take notice to wear on the tires, very worn tread on the back could indicate smoking of the tires, and worn spots could indicate the tires were not rotated. Pay particular attention to the inside tread for uneven wear. This could indicate alignment problems.
10. Check for engine modifications. If you notice lots of modifications it could indicate the car was driven hard. Not that this is a bad thing, but it could void an existing factory warranty.
11. Check the oil. Look for the oil level and look for any kind of sludge that may be clinging to the dip stick. Look for an oil change window clingy on the top left window shield. If it was serviced there may be a date an mileage due. This will indicate the car was serviced. Also, if the car is stick, check the clutch fluid for level and any kind of gunk in it.
12. If the car is automatic, check the fluid level and color. The color should be red. If you see brownish oil it can indicate the transmission fluid was HOT and burned and possibly the transmission was abused.
13. When taking the car for a test drive get the car to 45-60 mph and listen for whinnying. Let off the gas pedal and see if it stops. If you hear loud whinnying the rear may be a candidate for warranty replacement.
14. While test driving..... take notice to any clunking or growling. If you are hearing this, request rear differential oil be replaced with synthetic oil with a modifier then test drive it again.
15. Check the A/C even if it is not hot enough outside, you'll want to know if it's functioning properly. You may hear some noise at start up but many of us have that going on.
16. Check the door handles for paint chipping. There was an adhesion problem on some cars and paint may be chipping, this is a warranty issue.
17. Check the gap on the front bumper where it meets the fenders under the headlights. If you see the bumper protruding outward the clips are broken. This is a poor design from factory and it does not take much force to break them.
Don't let the check list alarm you. It is a routine check list that can be easily overlooked as you get excited about getting a car like this. The more research you do on the car, the better off you'll be. You will want as much history on a car as you can get, and this includes as much paperwork on the car as you can get. If you are purchasing a GTO on a used car lot, expect the salesperson to snowball you into thinking he knows all about the car. Chances are he/she won't. It would also be in your best interest if you can, take someone with you who knows GTO's.
Good Luck on your search.
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