Looking for a GT (2005-6), first time buyer would like to know a bit more.

[Antigravity]

Hi all,

New to the forum and serious prospective buyer. I know these question have been asked before, sorry if I'm asking similar questions, but just need a bit of assistance from you GT owners in making sure I'm understanding the market, understanding whom to contact in case I need someone to look at the cars, and what is the most important things to look for. I've already spent several hours reviewing threads over the last week and learned a lot, but now just refining my understanding so I can come into this with open eyes and maybe start to interact with some of you knowledgeable people on here.

Background is my name is Scott, I own a 2016 Porsche GT3RS, and I own a company called Antigravity Batteries that sells Lithium Batteries for Motorsports/Powersports. My issue is though I love the Porsche, and it really is a great Car I am finding my self continually drawn to the Ford GT (2005-06s) as I have been since it came out, and due to growing up with Hot Wheels, Slot Cars, Can-Am racing and building some cars I find I want something that I can see the Motor again and just spend time looking at as part of the owner experience. So I'm finding the Porsche is an epic performer but I'm always left with a slight feeling of dismay of not being able to open a hood and see a motor and geek out on just looking at a car overall. So I keep having that nagging mental stab that I am really drawn to the GTs, the heritage, the styling that just triggers my emotions. So I going to move on from the Porsche and start to move toward finding a GT, and oddly I find it odd because I though killer performance alone would do it for me... but I want more and car a little less about only performance.

So anyway have some questions and statements below, any input is appreciated.

1- Looking for 2005-6 models. Want stock to mostly stock and not significantly modified.
2- Figuring I'm can go up to about the $300k mark if its a stunner for me... but prefer to stay in the 260-270 range.
3- Prefer Red color since that is our company color also an it will be taken to Tradeshows we attend, but any color is fine if its in great condition.
3- While I prefer in the upto 6k mileage range.... I would be willing to go upto 15k miles if car is in great shape and price is reasonable for the miles.

4- Main questions are if I find a potential Car outside of California are there specialist to check it out from other states and would some of you know who those are? I am not familiar with the GT or what to look for yet, but do understand buying Car in this price range so want to do my due diligence.
5- My main question is what to look for that would be the deal breakers for these Cars. I have read that there are some earlier builds and numbers I should consider and not being built as well a slightly later runs, don't know how significant this is. I have also read about how to determine previous damage if A-arms are changed but I assume the specialist I hire would catch such things.
6- Any other things I should consider, or look for as the deal breakers?

Thanks for any info.

 

[spartan]

Welcome to the forum. You will get the best advice from the members on this forum. The best person to do your PPI is Rich Brooks 734.658.9498

 

[GTinTN]

Welcome Antigravity! All of us on this forum understand your being drawn to the GT, it is an amazing car that to me is a work of automotive art that I get to enjoy driving and sharing at car shows and charity events. Most of us on the forum also have other cars that we enjoy and admire so we understand your being pulled by other makes and features.
Like you, I was always drawn to the GT and finally bit the bullet a year ago and totally love my car! I also wanted a stock, lower mileage car (mine is 7K), and was drawn to a red 2005 with all four options. I think your pricing expectations are reasonable.
If you would like to discuss other specific questions, the process I used for a PPI, etc - PM me and we can exchange info to talk.
Good luck!

 

[Art138]

There is a check list for first time buyers on what to look for in a post. Maybe someone can find the link for you. I can’t remember the post title. Good luck on your search. Try this title in the search feature “ MORE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO GT EXPERTS ON SEARCHING OF FGT”

 

[Specracer]

Welcome to the forum, and your quest for a GT. Dont worry, all of your Porsche buds will love the GT, everyone does. Its very unique to have a car so universally liked, from muscle, JDM, to exotics and beyond.

Pull up a chair, and dig around here. Every one of your questions has been answered countless times, and many recently.

Car's history is I think the most important. Knowing who, where, etc. Even if crashed, knowing who fixed it (like the GT guys) the car might still be OK.

search @digman1 he just posted his blue 2 owner, 8xxx miles for $275k Also @racelance posted a red w 500 miles for $310k,

In addition to Rich Brooks (mentioned above) for a PPI, there is also Kendall in CA, and Rich Roback in AZ. All have lots of experience with PPI's

Good luck.

 

[partssmann]

Good luck with your search. I spent 6 months searching before I found my GT. Kendall at CoolTechLLC can help you with a PPI in Southern CA and Rich Roback 586-292-2788 here in AZ can also do a PPI for you. I have attached my PPI form for your reference.

 

[centerpunch]

Fyi red is the most common color, a good thing for you!

 

[Antigravity]

Well darn you guys are darn quick to answer my post, thanks for taking the time and the warm welcome.

I'll reach out over the next day so to a few of you and do alot more reading. The PPI contacts help a lot since my biggest concern was just having someone look at the Car who is knowledgeable when I ready to pull the trigger which I hope is soon.

I do have another question. It appears that some Dealers are asking well over what seems to be street pricing. Is it best to stay away from Dealers? I much prefer private parties always, but often like with the higher end Car they will be given to dealers for consignment type sales. Are those Dealer best to stay away from? I am debating this because if I want to act soon I should immediately try to sell the Porsche, or Trade it on a GT, or just get the GT, then look into selling the Porsche. Alot of ways to skin this cat.

 

[HighHP]

I have purchased from dealers as well as private. An as-is car is yours once the money passes hands, no going back in either case. As long as you have done your research, where you buy should not matter. What does matter regardless of who you buy from, is completing a proper inspection. Inspection includes the car mechanical as well as history. Good car, good price, proper inspection, pull the trigger before someone else does. With proper prior research, as it appears you are doing, pulling the trigger on the car right for you is easy. IMO
Best of luck.

 

[KJD]

All sage advice above and this board is the very best.

Your timing is good, FGT prices seem to have dipped a bit and we all know what P-car prices have done lately.

You will have little trouble finding a red car with your specs/$.

Good luck, enjoy the hunt!

 

[2112]

I think a lot of states credit trade-in value against the new purchase sales tax.

That $25-$30,000 tax credit may go a long way in helping make a dealer purchase palatable.

For the right car and the right pricing of course.

 

[texas mongrel]

The best advice I can give to potential buyers is not to get hung up on mileage. These cars are now 15years old, so a low mileage car has essentially been sitting in a garage, and this is not good for them. These cars are basically bulletproof so if you see one you like with ”high” mileage go for it, as in reality the mileage won’t be high for such an old car. I’ve got 50k miles on mine with zero problems. That equates to about 3500 miles per year - not a lot is it?

 

[centerpunch]

I think a lot of states credit trade-in value against the new purchase sales tax.

In Ohio at least, the trade-in sales tax credit only works when you purchase a new car.

 

[doug5m5]

Red car for sale in S Cal at West Coast Exotics 844-488-9232 (Erics Curran cell number 413-478-7560)

 

[HighHP]

Red car for sale in S Cal at West Coast Exotics 844-488-9232 (Erics Curran cell number 413-478-7560)

This car seems to be priced right with excellent carfax. It was on my list of 4 cars to look at on my car inspection tour last May. I ended up buying one of the cars prior to getting to this one. I cannot figure why it has not sold. I am curious, has anyone seen this car or is anyone familiar with it??????

 

[ByeEnzo]

Keep the 3RS and get a FGT. The big trunk and daily drivability of the Porsche is a nice complement. I have a CGT and a ‘19 3RS. Closet Porsche guy.

Good advice by all above. Happy hunting! My 05 FGT has 56k miles and is rock solid.

 

[Specracer]

There are 2 members here with well over 100k miles, like 130k, and still rolling, with out any major issues.

 

[doug5m5]

This car seems to be priced right with excellent carfax. It was on my list of 4 cars to look at on my car inspection tour last May. I ended up buying one of the cars prior to getting to this one. I cannot figure why it has not sold. I am curious, has anyone seen this car or is anyone familiar with it??????

FYI Car SOLD

 

[HighHP]

Antigravity the lucky buyer?
1-1/2 hour drive from his office to the dealer, timing seems right given the above posts.

 

[Antigravity]

Antigravity the lucky buyer?
1-1/2 hour drive from his office to the dealer, timing seems right given the above posts.

Wasn't me... I just was going to look at the listing now as I read the recent posts.... and it appears someone bought it.

I've been talking to a few people from the forum behind the scenes, one might want to trade plus some cash which is something to look at. But I have not made any moves because I didn't have much time this week, and there is consideration on which way to go, be it a Driver Car or lower miles semi Collector Car. So I figured take a day sometime next week or on the weekend to go check some out in the flesh and get a better feel by looking at some in person. My issue is also with a Trade-in I can speed up the purchase of a FGT, because I wont have to go through putting the GT3RS for sale. But the ball is moving and I'm excited and hopeful, but not in a massive rush, though my irrational side is trying to rush me.

I don't think I'll keep the RS being its really a track car, and I"m not tracking it being its a very pretty Tradeshow Car/Marketing Car we take to SEMA and stuff. It was originally going to be my track car and tradeshow car.. but I'm not in that bracket and came to my senses when I was thinking I could get a killer track only Car for $50k and the RS cost me $250k.... so decided the RS would best be for the Garage and shows.