$1,250 & Sore Thumb

[partssmann]

Went to buy a FGT. Thought I had done all my homework. Photos, video and maintenance history sent to me. Car described as a 9 out of 10 car. Had a PPI done by dealer (worthless) and consulted with Rich of Kingman. I owe Rich a big favor for his phone time. Unfortunatley the car was a 7 cosmetically. PPI identified transaxle output shaft weeping oil, bad tires but nothing about all the cosmetic issues. Mechanically the car may have been a 9 but I did hear an odd noise out of the transaxle that carried out through the exhaust. It was a dull clunking sound with the car at idle. Ford dealer tech thought the sound was twin disc clutch. The car did have the Ford racing headers and muffler. I have heard of the muffler baffle plate breaks but this sound was different. Would appreciate any thoughts on the transaxle sound I heard?

Now to explain thread title. Trip and PPI cost $1,250 but better to walk then end up with a car I would not be happy with. Tried to negotiate on cosmetic repairs required but seller would not budge. I did get to take a piece of the car with me in the form of a carbon fiber splinter in my thumb when I touched the rear lower diffuser that had been curbed. The only positive on this expierence is I learned alot about these cars that I can use in the future.

 

[1434gt]

Keep looking it has to be a car that u like out there.i looked at 7 cars before I got mine lots of money spend on trips one dealer was going to put me on a test drive with a axle shaft hanging on by 2 bolts half way out some dealers are nuts.

 

[soroush]

the transaxle noise is normal you will hear clattering back there from time to time.

 

[FBA]

Might have also been the famous rattle that many think is dash, but is actually transmission related. My GT and every other GT I have driven all exhibit the same stupid rattling noise. That said, why not call the two leading vendors on this board and speak to them? I bought 2 GT's from Shelby sight unseen, and both were exactly as described. I'd do it again without a thought.

 

[Xcentric]

the transaxle noise is normal you will hear clattering back there from time to time.

+1. This is even mentioned in the owner's manual. Rattle/clatter, but nothing I would describe as dull clunking. You can hear normal rattle at idle in this video. I like to think of it as part of the coolness of having a race car transmission. Or...at least a transmission built by people who build race car transmissions.

[video=youtube_share;umGfXN4uXwE]http://youtu.be/umGfXN4uXwE[/video]

 

[DakotaGT]

Might have also been the famous rattle that many think is dash, but is actually transmission related. My GT and every other GT I have driven all exhibit the same stupid rattling noise. That said, why not call the two leading vendors on this board and speak to them? I bought 2 GT's from Shelby sight unseen, and both were exactly as described. I'd do it again without a thought.

+1

If Shelby at Elite has the color, etc. of GT you are interested in, you can feel good about the purchase, and save your money on another PPI (unnecessary with Shelby, imo). That's the route I went.

 

[roketman]

What about the the white blue stripe that Billy is selling?
We all know thats a good car

 

[partssmann]

Thanks for the responses. Now I understand the transaxle noise and got a little more educated for my expences. I purchased a 2003 Lightning truck last year with only 9000 miles. Truck was described as 9 out of 10 condition. Flew out to see truck and was exactly as described and I now own the truck. Wish the FGT was as described. Cosmetic issues all could have been rectified, curbed front lower spoiler, curbed wheel, curbed rear lower diffuser, minor paint scratches/chips, driver's seat leather scratches, interior scuff plate scratches both sides, marked up foot wells both sides, steering wheel Ford emblem delamination and not even washed. Maybe I was being too picky.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Maybe I was being too picky.

Judging from your description of the car - NO...you weren't.

'Sounds to me like it wasn't really cared for at all.

 

[Xcentric]

Pickiness depends on the price. You list thousands of dollars of flaws. There's no way that car is a 9. The false description would have me backing away too.

 

[shelbyelite]

We have cars that we can make "private party sales".
We also just got a 9k mile, 2006, white/blue GT in that's priced at $205,980

 

[nota4re]

If the transaxle (clutch) noise is there with the clutch out (car in neutral) and then disappears when you simply put the clutch pedal in, then most likely it is normal. Otherwise you may have something else going on. I can't stress enough the importance of a PPI. Ryan just flew back in last night after flying across the country to do an inspection. I don't want to jinx the deal but I think we'll have a very happy new owner very soon - with essentially a brand new car.

 

[Fubar]

Front splitter should be plastic not Carbon Fiber. The CF bits look sexy but they can add up quick $$. I have heard the transmission noise described as 'neutral rollover' whatever that means. The shift into second has a tendency to grind just a tad until the trans oil is properly circulated throughout the transaxle, so expect that sound as well. Always check that the guages are working. Their is a know problem with the gauge cluster that can cause gauges to quit working from time to time. The Ford replacement gauges are, uh not cheap. It can be a purchase factor.

I would personally recomend Shelby if you are shopping GTs. I bought my second GT from him and I felt like he did right by me. I have never heard of a disgruntled Shelby customer and I know a lot of them. Good luck on your search, posts some pictures when you find your soulmate.

 

[GKW05GT]

curbed front lower spoiler, curbed wheel, curbed rear lower diffuser,

Anyone who has a car with that much curb damage has on business owning a FGT. Things happen but really all that.

 

[Mullet]

curbed front lower spoiler, curbed wheel, curbed rear lower diffuser,

Anyone who has a car with that much curb damage has on business owning a FGT. Things happen but really all that.

lol at no business owning a FGT because they drive it and scrape things. It's just a car.

 

[mmlcobra]

Absolutely agree.
Shelby is the way to go.
Saves time and money.
All the members on this site, who have from Elite, would agree.
Best of luck finding your GT.
Mark

+1

If Shelby at Elite has the color, etc. of GT you are interested in, you can feel good about the purchase, and save your money on another PPI (unnecessary with Shelby, imo). That's the route I went.

 

[PL510*Jeff]

lol at no business owning a FGT because they drive it and scrape things. It's just a car.

:agree:

 

[GT Tech]

The noise coming from the back of the car is called gear rollover. (I didn't name it LOL) One of the things I had to do during the 25 mile quality audit test drives was, part way through the drive, stop and let the car idle, while listening at the rear of the car. It was a subjective test. I recall only one transaxle gear noise excessively loud, requiring a replacement box.

Partssman, just keep looking. I'm glad you decided not to get the Canadian car. You would have hated yourself in the morning. You may also want to check with Marv Rose, at Fordgtforsale.com (forum advertiser) I've done a couple of PPI's at his place, and can verify that he has only first class cars. I think he also has anything ever written, or related to GTs. A real stand up guy. Call if you find something.

 

[w. mitty]

Partssman,

I will sound like a broken record, but sometimes repetition makes the point:

1) Keep looking. I am DEEPLY suspicious of any car the is represented one way and then appears another on inspection. If the seller thought curb rash was not worth mentioning, what else did he conveniently omit? There are some really clean cars out there and you will find them. Come to Prescott and I will show you a perfect GT, but its NOT for sale

2) Buy from Shelby. He knows detail, and if he says a car is clean, its flawless. I speak from experience. I've been to his shop a couple of times and bought from him as well.

 

[Ed Sims]

Partssman - call Shelby & save yourself worries & hassles.

Ed