GST Spyder Buyer Help?

[caseymish]

I'm am looknig at buying a 1997 GST spyder with 160xxx miles on it and its a 5spd. What should I look at specifically and any pointers. Thanks.

 

[assault187]

The top, and everything associated with it. Such as motors, frame, and headliner. thats pretty much it. Everything else would be common with a everyday DSM

 

[97 4G63]

chek the turbo for shaft play and smoke comming fron the tail pipe.

 

[Cs4g63]

Look at the stitching around the back window. Once that starts to go it goes pretty quickly.

 

[DJYoshaBYD]

if you can, compression test the motor... check the spark plugs and do a comp test, and that will give you a very good idea of how good condition that motor is in... and you need to ask when the last time they changed the timing/balance shaft belts... you DO NOT want those to go... and that motor seems about overdue for its second timing belt...

 

[mattans]

The top, and everything associated with it. Such as motors, frame, and headliner. thats pretty much it. Everything else would be common with a everyday DSM

Definatly check EVERYTHING that has to do with the top.

Make sure there are no rips anywhere and the seals aroud the windows are good. also make sure the manual top switch works, It is in the trunk behind the taillight panel.

 

[DJYoshaBYD]

haha.. nova scotia... an ill artist by the name of Buck 65 is from there.. I just saw him at the filmore in sf a lil while back.. with sage francis and alias.. it was dope..

but yeah.. ... make sure there is NO leaks in the roof.. if you have to, spray the car with a hose and check the inside for water... if there are no leaks, then the owner should let you do it.. thats how we found leaks in a convertable camaro....

 

[Geezus_Aach]

fold the top halfway back.
check to see if the "z bars" are unbent. those bars when bent wont let the top go down properly. good luck w/ your spyder!

---btw, i think this person is looking at a N/T ---

 

[caseymish]

Thanks guys for all the help.

I just got bak from checking it out todayand its bad news. All of the convertable componets checked out fine but when i started it up it was all down hill from there. First off there was the all too familiar knocking sound, second, it was smoking even after warming up and it smelled like coolant was burning. I asked him about the timing belt and any records for the car and he had none nor has even touched the timing belt. There is a lot more to list but its too late to get into. So again thanks for your help and when i find another be sure ill be back on here.

 

[chicagoavenger]

Just take your time and find the one you want trust me you will be happy in the long run.