CDC5.0

I'm going to check out a 2001 GT tomorrow, 5 speed manual.
I am in the market for a 99 - 04 GT coupe to use as a summer DD.

The car is all stock aside from a muffler delete done by the previous owner.
Also the clutch was replaced 30,000km ago.
Body is apparently straight with a few minor rust spots....I'm going to be looking at the under body very closely so no worries, if it's rusty I'll be walking away.
Interior is in extremely good shape.
The issue is the car is high mileage, about 180,000km (113k miles). I'm told it runs and drives like new (as all sellers will tell you).

Is this a smart buy if the price is right?
Is there anything I should be looking out for in particular?
I know the intake manifold on the 2V 4.6L had a tendency to crack and was re-designed with an aluminum cross over.
I'm open to any and all advice, I don't want to over pay or buy a lemon.

Thanks in advance!

Camster

The redesigned manifolds crack too.
What's the price?
Really no way to tell if it's a lemon.A nice car can have stuff go bad on day 2.It's still 15 years old.How many owners? Maintenance records?

Z28KLR

If it's in good shape - well maintained, cared for etc then I don't see 113K miles as being a problem. My '01 has 118K and runs every bit as good as it did when I bought it 9 years ago at 57K. Lots of others at this forum and elsewhere have significantly higher mileage and rarely if ever experience any issues beyond maintenance and moving/wearing parts.

CDC5.0

The seller is the third owner, they are asking $7500 which I think is a bit steep considering the mileage. Apparently it's been well looked after.

fastbackford351

The best thing that ever happened to my car was that my manifold cracked and my daughter continued to drive it until it absolutely seized up tighter than a goats ***.

I obviously needed an engine so I went out and bought a nice "low mileage" (130k) DOHC out of a 98 Mark VIII that runs like a dream. Best upgrade the car has ever known.
I still have a bit of an issue on cranking. Crank the first time to a quick count of three. Let off of it then crank again for a couple seconds and she'll fire right off and purr like a kitten. I haven't been able to noodle that one out yet. The fuel pressure is fine, all the sensors check out, etc. But, I have other fish to fry so as far as I'm concerned, it's a mouse turd that I have to leap over.

cominus

^You ever thought of a high torque starter?

Camster

I suppose that $7500 Can is now valued at about $6000 US?
$7500 US is about what I could get for my completely original,clean,original owner,rust free 04 GT Vert with 77k miles here in the US.

fastbackford351

...no. I haven't.

It turns over with no problems or dragging so how would a HT starter improve my situation?

cominus

^it's taking forever to start, three seconds for it to start...i mean my mustang does the same thing which really annoys me which is why i wanna upgrade, the american muscle reviews of a high tq converter say it makes the car start alot sooner. I miss my old trans am, that thing would start as soon as you turn the key, it was beautiful.

fastbackford351

hmm...now I'm curious.

Anybody have any recommendations?