What is this car worth / Is this car a good deal?

Devilsfutbol17 · Mar 5, 2008

I found a 1996 Spyder GST for $4900. It is a 5-speed, 91,000 miles on it, white with black top, 17 inch rims. There is 80% tread left on the tires but the guy has a brand new never used set of tires for the car that is included in the price. He says the top doesn't leak, but it had a rip and was repaired, but he didn't like it, so he bought a brand new oem top that isn't installed and is included with the car. He says the interior is really nice, everything inside works, but you have to help the top up a little bit. He doesn't know if the timing belt has been replaced or not. It has a 3 inch cat back exhaust, 16G turbo, apexi intake and a greddy bov. He says it runs great and has no issues. He says he just wants to get rid of it because he doesn't drive it and its taking up space in his garage, which sounds good to me because he kept it garaged at least. he also said that the paint is good on it, no clear coat coming off, no body damage or dents. I'm going to check for crankwalk be looking at the clutch pedal when I turn left. I have been talking to the guy over the phone and I'm suppose to go drive for 4 hours to go and buy it if it checks out on Thursday. Does it sound good? Should I ask him or check for other things on it?

4G63_fiend · Jan 7, 2015

I recently ran into an issue with my car not running hardly at all, then died once I came to a stop. I tried to pop start, but it simply would not run. It came down to my battery! I knew it was shot, but had NO idea it was that bad. What did it do when you tried to pop start? Do you know if the battery is good? Why did he say he is selling it? A car with that much power took a lot to build and throws a little red flag as to why he would not get it running before selling it if it does in fact just need a starter. I picked mine up for $1,800 after it would not start for the po once he completed his rebuild (had receipts for engine rebuild). Turned out it was a missing clutch pedal grommet for the neutral safety switch not allowing power to reach the starter. So that .02 piece was what turned it into a good buy.

Note: I did get my car started before I bought it by jumping a starter wire from the battery to the starter (po idea not mine). I would definitely not buy it without seeing it run!

Jiggalude · Jan 7, 2015

We attempted to pop it in second gear and it tried to start but then just died. I would say it barely got above 1000 rpms. To me it did seem a bit like the batter but the windows rolled down and all the interior lights came on and the seatbelt went back. It really did seem like a dead battery aside from all the other electrical parts seeming to work fine. He said he's selling it because he's on disability and his wife lost her job. He is an older guy, maybe mid 30s or so. I was going to go back and look at it again tomorrow and test the voltage on the battery.

GSLENK · Jan 7, 2015

Get a detailed mod list backed up by receipts/dyno sheets. Probably overkill but cannot be too careful with the cheapest performance cars and the crowd they attract. Cars don't need batteries to run. They need alternators. Sounds like something else is up. A small 4-banger should have no problem using a "host" car with a v8 big battery/alternator feeding it through nice thick jumper cables.

PS. 30 years old is not too old to be a dreamer/BS-er. Don't give him 3800 because you feel bad for him. Price/situation seems a bit off.

91AwdBigRed · Jan 8, 2015

I would definitely bring another friend or mechanic to check out the car with you. You don't want to buy someone else's headache. Also if he's pushing close to 500hp what's the turbo setup? stock engine? fuel Injector size? make sure to ask as many questions as possible.

Freddyk79 · Mar 27, 2015

I found a 95 gst spyder with 130k l. Auto. bone stock. The guy says it.runs but poorly. Needs fuses. I know after speaking with him that he knows ZERO bout cars. Can't even pull a spark plug wire. The car is super clean.

What are the main things to look at to ensure no major engine damage?

What would u pay for it?

Thanks in advance!

Kdouglas89 · Mar 27, 2015

Bring a compression tester and just check the usuals. Leaks, rust, suspension. No way to tell you how much id pay for it, with nothing to go off of. Post some pictures or something :ohdamn:

Freddyk79 · Mar 27, 2015

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gofer · Mar 27, 2015

Not a '95, it's a 97-99.

Looks like it might have a new radiator, owner might have/had overheating problems so I'd be leery of a blown head gasket.

Freddyk79 · Mar 27, 2015

I see. The ad said '95. Being a '97-99 is good news to me tho.

Thanks for the input! I was also told it has a new timing belt. I asked the guy if its modified he replies with "not by me, I know it has a turbo tho" wo

gofer · Mar 27, 2015

Yea, all that oil soak on the exhaust manifold might be cause for concern too, just like any used car purchase I recommend going over it as thoroughly as possible or else you might be kicking yourself later if you buy it.

The owner should have no problems letting you give it a compression check and look it over, if they give you an attitude then odds are they're hiding something. Bring a DSM buddy and your tool bag along...

This is a THOROUGH inspection but necessary to know what you're getting yourself into.

DSM Used Car Buyer's Guide

bo0st · Mar 27, 2015

I wouldn't buy it for more than $1,500 considering it's stock, high mileage and it's a convertible. Those tops will need replacing every so often and the fact that it's a auto doesn't appeal to me.

As gofer said bring a buddy and do a compression test. Drive it for longer than 15 minutes. If he tells you some shit about wasting gas or something offer to fill up the tank, if he is acting shady in any way or says it's not worth his time to go with you on a 15 minute drive he might be trying to hide something about the car.

A lot of times people act dumb but they arn't that dumb.

Plan on that transmission going out soon if it is the original transmission. Also plan on a lot of regular maintenance like timing belt, water pump, battery, etc

You could easily dump in $1,500+ in maintenance before the car even runs right.

And last but not least, the "needs fuses" thing is hilarious. If the car really just needed fuses he would have put in some fuses.

If he isn't mechanically inclined enough to put in fuses or ask a friend to do so, that's bullshit.

He's trying to sell you a messed up car.

Do not buy this car unless you drive it for 15+ minutes and you enjoy every single second of that drive.

When you leave with the car, it's all yours!

CrackedDSM · Mar 27, 2015

Also, invest in door handles. Lots and lots of door handles.

Freddyk79 · Mar 27, 2015

The guy is either a great actor, young dude, or truly ignorant. I def get that vibe.

I'm looking to trade cars. I have an '03 eclipse GS 2.4 auto that was pronounced dead and sikd to me at $350. $900 in parts later itnruns and drives fairly well. Diiiiiiirty car tho. Could prolly sell my 3g for $2000+ now.

I want a turbo and love convertibles.

Auto = lame tho.

What would that 2g auto gts stock spydet be worth in good order u think??

gofer · Mar 27, 2015

130k miles isn't "high mileage", even the '99 are 16yrs old so that's <12k/yr average.

A/T's aren't lame, trust me. You'll appreciate the A/T after all the reading around here you do, you can enjoy driving it in traffic and won't break nearly as many drivetrain parts if you do ever decide to track the car.

A 2g A/T GS-T Spyder is worth as much as whatever someone will pay for it, the better the condition the more you'll get and unfortunately, there's no return investment on mods.

bo0st · Mar 27, 2015

Freddyk79 said:
The guy is either a great actor, young dude, or truly ignorant. I def get that vibe.

I'm looking to trade cars. I have an '03 eclipse GS 2.4 auto that was pronounced dead and sikd to me at $350. $900 in parts later itnruns and drives fairly well. Diiiiiiirty car tho. Could prolly sell my 3g for $2000+ now.

I want a turbo and love convertibles.

Auto = lame tho.

What would that 2g auto gts stock spydet be worth in good order u think??

The value will vary a little depending on your local market I recommend checking your Kelly Blue Book prices & local dealer prices around your area.

See what people are asking for on Craigslist in your area. Chances are, they are selling for $500 - $1,500 less than asking price.

Bruce Schultze · Apr 10, 2015

Looking to get some expert opinions about a '95 GSX in my local area. What do you guys think it's worth? There's a local DSM shop that would fix the clutch issue for about $900.

Here's the link to the Craigslist ad - http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/4943818384.html

Thanks for any inputs!

TalonSway · Apr 10, 2015

If your new to DSM's you minght be getting in over your head. That looks like a very clean DSM, i would say its worth what he is asking.

Tiki2777 · Apr 10, 2015

Bruce Schultze said:
Looking to get some expert opinions about a '95 GSX in my local area. What do you guys think it's worth? There's a local DSM shop that would fix the clutch issue for about $900.

Here's the link to the Craigslist ad - http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/4943818384.html

Thanks for any inputs!

I don't know for that price, everything else is fine (great actually) other than the clutch, which for that power level is easily a 600 dollar clutch plus flywheel cost, not to mention installation. Also, be leery of that orange (cayenne red) gsx/talon floating around on craiglist... that thing I believe has passed multiples hands in a very short amount of time, the one with the door smashed in I believe. Good to see somebody out there again trying to get into the dsm game in good ole' Nebraska LOL

Bruce Schultze · Apr 10, 2015

Thanks, TalonSway. Do you say I would be getting in over my head because of how modded it is?

Tiki2777 - I thought the price was a little high myself. Especially because of the uncertainty if there is a bigger issue than just a bad clutch (only got to drive in 1st and 2nd gear when I went to see it). Gotta love Nebraska! Even if it did flurry yesterday LOL

.

Tiki2777 · Apr 10, 2015

Bruce Schultze said:
Thanks, TalonSway. Do you say I would be getting in over my head because of how modded it is?

Tiki2777 - I thought the price was a little high myself. Especially because of the uncertainty if there is a bigger issue than just a bad clutch (only got to drive in 1st and 2nd gear when I went to see it). Gotta love Nebraska! Even if it did flurry yesterday .

I really can't blame the guy for wanting that much, because if he had a properly working clutch, its easily feasable to get like 8... yea freaking flurries and Nebraska weather I swear...anyway back on topic. So how did it drive? sounds, vibrations, quirks, etc? did it seem shady

Bruce Schultze · Apr 10, 2015

It didn't give me the best feeling in the world. Idled a little weird (was a little cold outside), vibrated in first gear (he said he needed new spark plugs), had the battery rigged up/unconnected because if it stays connected it drains the battery. Interior was alright, the usual rips in the leather.

Tiki2777 · Apr 10, 2015

Bruce Schultze said:
It didn't give me the best feeling in the world. Idled a little weird (was a little cold outside), vibrated in first gear (he said he needed new spark plugs), had the battery rigged up/unconnected because if it stays connected it drains the battery. Interior was alright, the usual rips in the leather.

unfortunately there good be a number of good or bad reasons for those aforementioned items. I mean he has Brian Crower 280s, which is a pretty nasty aggressive cam, but like he said about the plugs, there may be spark blowout or bad wires...etc. My best suggestion is to wait for a more basic power upgrade/bolt on dsm or one way less modified/ almost stock so you will know how the car should feel and you can put your work into it from there. Patience is a virtue needed to find a great dsm platform. GL and if you want to see a huge dsm overhaul in the summer (early to mid may) I'm putting my engine back together and putting it all back into the car, so if you wanted to see any of that, hit me up.

TalonSway · Apr 10, 2015

yeah jumping into a dsm that modified can be a challenge. Especially if you didnt install or dont know much about what he all did. I think the car is worth it. Just like you said TIKI, if it had a good clutch its a 8k car.

Boomdeeze · Apr 10, 2015

Looks like a good car but I wouldn't pay that much for a DSM that I can drive home. I would talk him down and bring someone that knows cars when you go to look at it. It's easy to talk someone down on a vehicle that needs something like a clutch. Nice car though.

bo0st · Apr 27, 2015

If it just needs a clutch I'm sure he would have installed a clutch then raised the asking price.

I'd look elsewhere.

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What is this car worth / Is this car a good deal?

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