things to watch out for in a used gst

[98gsx]

I am looking at a 96 gst for my first car. The one i am looking at has 86K miles, manual tranny, 3" apexi exhaust, and an autometer boost gauge. What are some things to watch out for on a turbo car such as this? I plan on using this car through college for about 6 years and then i'll buy another one, so i don't want a car that'll blow up on me after 2 weeks of having it and then having to buy another block or somethign like that...i sure hope i can get this car

 

[larryd]

do a compression test, check for oil leaks, and basically just drive it like you stole it and make sure it runs ok

 

[boostineklipz]

serioulsy, get on the thing...floor it ever gear to make sure everything is good...read up on crankwalk

 

[98gsx]

aight i'll do that, thanks for the info, later

 

[Bohrn]

also drive it very slowly, radio off, windows down next to a tall wall. And then slowly in tight circles in a quiet parking lot.

The really slow stuff exposes stuff that the fast parts can't. Light clunking, grinding etc will be masked by exaust noise etc. Also, alot of people will forgive slight seeming defects because of the rush of a powerful car.

use both methods in combination with each other.

and use www.carfax.com Good use of $14.95 or whatever it is.

don't get one that is held togeather by duct tape and a prayer. Look for hasty repairs. And stay away from cars that "only do that once in a while" or "always have done that" Or from guys that are full of crap.

and last but not least, trust your gut. Think on it. Its your money, and a buyers market.

there is alot to this buying a used car thing, just go carefully. I am a professional in the car business, and we still get bent over the back of a couch once in a while.

best of luck

 

[98gsx]

well if i get this car, i'll have to change my member name from 98gsx to 96gst ...i was reading up on crankwalk, lets just say i buy the car, and then next month the car starts showing signs of crankwalk, what all would i have to replace and about how much would it cost?? could i replace them with aftermarket parts that may last longer?? thanks

 

[larryd]

you could do the bandaid fix which I dont know what that is but Ive heard of it before and it doesnt cost alot and suppsedly fixes the problem for a month or so.. but to completely remedy the situation you have to put all new bearings in the block assuming you catch it before its to bad at which point you'd have to replace the block..

most people who actually mod their cars put in a 6 bolt block to replace the 7 bolt when crankwalk occurs.. you can be like me and drop in a 6 bolt with forged internals.. make it a race block so yes it can be upgraded .. but mine wasnt due to crankwalk..

 

[98gsx]

thanks for your advice guys, i'll be looking at and test driving it some time next week probably, i'll keep you all posted on the new car...