Looking at a 94 GT... suggestions?

[TazerRE]

Hey, I'm wondering if I could get some advice from you folks. I owned a classic a while ago, but I don't know much about anything after 73 for these cars.

Anyway, I'm looking at a 94 GT 5spd manual. Hardtop, dark green with gold-ish accents (not ricey or anything) Everything that I can SEE looks stock, even the wheels, though I haven't contacted the owner to really go through it yet. Advertises "custom exhaust", but that could be anything, I know. Very clean body and interior, a couple small scratches on the paint on rear quarters, but I had to LOOK to find them. Tires are in good shape. No body damage to speak of.

All in all, a very nice stock looking car. While I realize my "knowledge" of it is limited until I get in and take it for a ride, I'm wondering what you guys can tell me generally about things to look for on this car. Problems specifically to keep in mind? is there a "magic miliage" like there are on some cars, after which stuff just KEEPS breaking?

the price listed is 3800, which seems low to me, so I'm a bit suspicious.

What do you think? Things to watch for when I go check it out?

EDIT: As a side note, the 3800 might not be AS suspicious as it initially seems. I'm at college, it could be somebody graduating and leaving the area, trying to get rid of the car. You see pretty surprisingly low prices for private sales out here sometimes, for just that reason.

 

[blksn955.o]

The same as any other auto...its all in how it was maintained.

The 5.0 is a preaty tough setup in stock near stock form before any power starts causing an issue to cause closer looking.

I would on top of the basics look at the harm. ball. to see if any rubber is sticking out as that is a common issue for the 94-95's, a bad harmonic ball.

 

[TazerRE]

thanks, any more?


And if anybody has a decent stock engine pic that they could point some stuff out on so I know what I'm looking for, I'd be VERY grateful.

 

[Swarzkopf]

My opinion on potential problems:

1. Take it for a drive. Listen for pinging while driving uphill at part throttle and at WOT. Mild to moderate detonation is real common with 94-95 GTs. Ask what octane is in it. If it's really stock (timing and all) it shoudl run fine on 87. If it pings, the engine may have some accelerated wear. The actual pinging is an easy fix, it's the potential for existing engine damage that would keep me away.

2. Check to make sure it isn't leaking oil. 5.0s are notorious for leaking rear main seals. Pain in the ass to fix in my opinion. If the oil pan is leaking, it's an even bigger pain in the ass. Both of these can be issues on all year 5.0s.

3. Balljoints tend to go on these cars. An easy fix, but you may not want to do it. Listen for squeaks and creaks while turning and while mounting bumps at low speed.

4. Make sure it isn't overheating. If it's overheating now, it may have accelerated engine wear from a history of overheating. Overheating often seems to be related to a lean combustion condition with 94-95 GTs.

Don't get the wrong impression- these are fine automobiles, tough, and will take a beating. These are just the problems to look for with these cars.

 

[sage2k]

check a/c, check belt make sure its not overly worn, check spark plugs and wires if possible, check air filter. This helps see if they kept car maintained.
maintence receipts would be great..

 

[The Green GT]

Like someone said earlier, check the harmonic balancer. Mine went bad and they do often of these cars. They arent that hard to change though.