Thinking Of A 08gt, Any Advice Is Appreicated

Blue911

Active User
Feb 8, 2016
11
3
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Hi,

I posted this question in the new members area. I'm glad i found a group of motorheads to share this journey with. I'm hoping some of you in this subforum have some advice for me.

I've found a 2008 GT Premium on my local CL and I'm hesitating on a few points.
88k miles.

1) CarFax shows clean title but no maintenance done by Dealer or other shops. That's got me hung up.He doesnt have any records at all. He's the 3rd owner and only for a few months. He recently had the oil changed.
2) Check charging system light comes on intermittently. Seller says he recently replaced the battery.

Car drove strong and shifted within spec.

We have a deal at 10,500.00

It needs new tires, and whatever can be done to fix the charging system issue.

I did check the SJB and passenger floorboards for wetness and found none apparent.

I'd appreciate any advice you may have.
 
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You'd probably need to replace the alternator as well as the tires so that's two big ticket items right there. Without any service records, you have no way of knowing how well the car was maintained and you could end up buying a can of worms.
 
Check engine light is a serious stuff, and seller surely knows it. He may be trying to blame the battery which may not be the case at all. I suggest you to take the car to your local shop to check the code and have a technician check the rest of components, it's definitely worth it...because from what it sounds like right now you may need to spend some $ on maintenance.
2 months sounds fishy.

Even if the car is not bad it will help you to get a better deal with the seller.
 
Few things, if he'll let you take it to a reputable mechanic for an inspection, that would help, or bring the mechanic with you, that would help on the mechanical stuff.

For the body, as a detailer, I like to take a good look at the paint, look for any inconsistencies, I use a Flex light and a DeFelsko PosiTest Paint Thickness gauge. I take readings of door jambs (where I know it's thin, to get a benchmark) then I start taking readings all over the car. Paint should be between 2 & 4 mils. I try to get consistent readings over the entire car. If it's higher in some spots, that means those spots have been repainted, perhaps due to an accident.

The flip side is, for an 08 88K miles is very low and that 4.6 engine, if maintained could easily run to 300K miles. Just make sure you get it checked out, and ask the seller to make sure it can pass your states inspection prior to purchase.