Looking at a GTO - help!
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Looking at a GTO - help! So, this weekend I went and looked at an '04 GTO with 64k miles and a 6-speed. The car seems mechanically sound, other than a small radiator leak (cheap fix) and what I assume is just pulley squeal (unless there is something else it could be?) Is there anything in specific I need to look for when I go back again; like any problems that the '04s are prone having? Also, just out of curiosity, what rear-end and gearing do they have? I'm new to these GTO's so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Chad
-Chad
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04's are the best!!! Bought mine for 16k out the door almost a year ago with 28k miles on it. Almost 20k miles added and I am happy to report not a single problem. Just trying to fight the urge to mod it...
Last edited by nemanracing; Nov 9, 2008 at 05:56 PM.
wow that is a lot of miles. Check the inside of the tires for any strut rub, get a carfax, just give the car its paces on a test drive and make sure it is all what you want. Not sure of any specific issues besides the strut rub, but don't think that was even much of an issue in 04. I have a few friends with higher mileage 04's and they are still running strong.
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: on the edge
Check the strut rub as mentioned above. Also check the strut tops and radius rod bushing for wear. Belt squeal.? Does it have UD pulley? Probably not a big deal once you find the right size belt if it does. Hows the clutch feel,where does it start to grab?
No major problems but if it's been moded or demodded it's most likely been beat on so check it out good. Take it to a shop and get it up on a lift to get a good look underneath. Not all wrecked cars show up on a carfax...
No major problems but if it's been moded or demodded it's most likely been beat on so check it out good. Take it to a shop and get it up on a lift to get a good look underneath. Not all wrecked cars show up on a carfax...
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Check the strut rub as mentioned above. Also check the strut tops and radius rod bushing for wear. Belt squeal.? Does it have UD pulley? Probably not a big deal once you find the right size belt if it does. Hows the clutch feel,where does it start to grab?
No major problems but if it's been moded or demodded it's most likely been beat on so check it out good. Take it to a shop and get it up on a lift to get a good look underneath. Not all wrecked cars show up on a carfax...
No major problems but if it's been moded or demodded it's most likely been beat on so check it out good. Take it to a shop and get it up on a lift to get a good look underneath. Not all wrecked cars show up on a carfax...
the strut rub is really useually a problem with 18's. make sure they alighn the rear cradle for you is all i have to say. if they just do a 4wheel alignment, tell them it MUST be the full rear cradle alignment. i belive they have to have a special tool. My 2004 gto had a bad problem with inside rear tire wear. the inside of the rear tires would be bald with in 10K miles and the outsides of that same tire would be like new. good luck tho.
The gearing is 3.46.
There is nothing "wrong" with the 04's, it's just they have the LS1 vs. LS2 and smaller brakes (aside from exterior differences).
You will have suspension problems. Not necessarily strut rub, but bad inner tire wear due to collapsed bushings, springs and shocks/struts.
There is nothing "wrong" with the 04's, it's just they have the LS1 vs. LS2 and smaller brakes (aside from exterior differences).
You will have suspension problems. Not necessarily strut rub, but bad inner tire wear due to collapsed bushings, springs and shocks/struts.
Thread Starter
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From: Harrisonburg, Virginia
The gearing is 3.46.
There is nothing "wrong" with the 04's, it's just they have the LS1 vs. LS2 and smaller brakes (aside from exterior differences).
You will have suspension problems. Not necessarily strut rub, but bad inner tire wear due to collapsed bushings, springs and shocks/struts.
There is nothing "wrong" with the 04's, it's just they have the LS1 vs. LS2 and smaller brakes (aside from exterior differences).
You will have suspension problems. Not necessarily strut rub, but bad inner tire wear due to collapsed bushings, springs and shocks/struts.
Just take a look at the inside tread of the tires. If you stand at the rear of the car, you will also see there is a slight camber in. Moving up front under the hood you'll notice that the strut towers will have some wear from the bearing/busing assembly bouncing off of the top of the towers.
Most places will simply try to convince you it needs an alignment. It is more than that. I'd suggest perusing the suspension section of ls1gto.com to get a full grasp of what is really going on. I personally dislike my GTO more because of the suspension than anything else.
Most places will simply try to convince you it needs an alignment. It is more than that. I'd suggest perusing the suspension section of ls1gto.com to get a full grasp of what is really going on. I personally dislike my GTO more because of the suspension than anything else.
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: on the edge
The clutch should grab around the middle of the pedal travel. If it doesn't grab till it's up high the clutch is worn. As far as the suspension, as Demon said search the other forum The tire wear seams to be the biggest consern. That and it's more of a touring susp then a sport susp. Nothing a little moding can't fix.
Not every single GTO has suspension issues, just a lot of them. It is an easy upgrade/fix so do not let it deter you from making a purchase. The 04's are unique and I prefer the way they look, brakes are not bad for a DD but the upgrade to 05-06 brakes is incredibly easy. You cannot beat the LS1 and a lot of the 05-06 LS2 cars had oil consumption issues. Just do some research there are ups and downs to both but I'm 100% happy I bought an LS1 car and would not trade it for any LS2 GTO.
Thread Starter
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From: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Alright, thanks guys. I feel like I'm ready to figure out this car. I also went to the bank out of curiosity and got loan information and actually got a discount because the national average for these cars is 67,XXX miles, ha! That was a shock. Anyway, thanks for your help and by the end of the week, I'll either be back to the classifieds or posting pics of the GTO.
-Chad
-Chad
