GTV 2003

[Jono]

I'm hoping that someone can help me with a little advice........
I have found a 2003 GTV for $14000. It has done 105000km. I have heard a lot of negatives surrounding the GTV in terms of reliability.
I understand that the cambelt is an issue, also suspension bushes. Do you have any idea how much these would cost to replace?
Any information that you may have would be greatly received.
Cheers

[spieret]

Hi Jono,

I have a 1998 GTV and as far as reliability goes, i have friends with crummydoors who break down more often than I do. As long as it is serviced every 10k and the cambelts changed every 60k they are a fantastic car. I recently had mine in for the pedders "suspension check" aka "pedders want more money" because i thought i might need new shocks. And after 120k on the car, they couldn't find anything wrong with the suspension. The steering rack needed tightening but that was about it.

The only problems i have had thus far have been,

Heater Hoses (they were the orginals so they lasted 10 years and only cost about $400 to fix)
The alternator just went (12 years, not bad, that cost about $900, labour was the killer)
The radiator has a crack, not bad but and still drivable. Costs $920 for a new one, but ebspares in the uk can send a new one to me for 205 pound which is about $420au(we'll have to sort that out in the new year cam/chris)

Regular servicing is about $300-500 depending on the service.

Make sure the cambelt has been changed before you buy it cause it's a job that costs about 900-1000 if it hasn't and you still buy the car, change it immediately. Now you haven't mentioned if it's the twin spark or the V6. Personally I prefer the V6. But either way, they are a fantastic car.

As my signature says, It's a GTV, if i have to explain it you wouldn't understand.

Cheers

Tony

[Jono]

Cheers Tony.

Good information. Going to take another look at it tomorrow. Its a twin spark

Ta

Jono

[John Hanslow]

I fully agree with above comments.

All I can say is get a prepurchase inspection with one of the Dealers or club specialists.  That way you have the facts re RWC and estimate of any repairs may help in price negatiation. 

Cheers.