2000 with 9k miles...what are the risks?

ZMetz

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About to buy a 2000 with only 9k miles on it. Tires are way old (original?!) and will need immediate replacement. What else needs to be addressed right away in this old/new car? Thank you in advance!
 
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ZMetz

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Ok, well, I'll pretend a few people responded. I've spent a lot of time reading through the forums and I've put together a wish list for this car.
  • Tires-Critical
  • Power steering pulley and bracket (IPSCO)
  • 40mm brakes
  • Short-throw shifter
I think that covers the urgent stuff. Here's the fun stuff:
  • Smoke out head and tail lights
  • Chrome logos
  • Replace speakers
  • Chrome strips on headers
  • Get some matchbox cars for the kids who admire her!
I'm thankful for all the other owners who have had questions and been helped so readily by the members here. Looking forward to being an owner and not just an enthusiast.
 

TP_ GTS

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I will chime in with my "OPINION". Assuming the car is BONE STOCK. Assuming this is not your first rodeo with a sports car, there are a few easy quick things you can and will want to do. Oh wait........> let's Assume this IS your first rodeo with a car that has this much torque, get the tires and learn the temperament of the car. NOTE: There is no PC or nanny aids that will save your **** in this car! It's all on the drivers input or lack of. It's amazing how many THINK they can drive when coming from a Vette, Porsche, stang or other until they jump into the snake. They soon realize how the traction controls and other things helped them. Typical initial response is.. "Oh.. I have had cars with more HP, faster, etc"...Yeah..OK. Trust me... It's different and sneaks up on you. It's not the fastest car but it's just DIFFERENT. So take the time to learn the car in it's initial state then start the "upgrades" and or improvements.

...in addition to what you already stated:
Smooth tubes
Air filter
Power steering fluid reservoir vent and DO NOT OVER FILL
High Flow cats (Reduce that cabin, side seal heat)
Change ALL Fluids
SS brake lines and pads.

Before you get the new tires, go into an open parking lot and have some fun! Smoke it up a bit. You will see how easy it is to get sideways in this car.

ENJOY IT!
 

ViperEnvy99

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Have you physically looked at the vehicle? If so, then up on a lift? Did you takes pics of gaskets, mounts, boots, etc. so that you can develop the car's story. Went thru a 10 month process of looking and looking at Gen II's .....

PM me if you'd like - can share more.
 

TP_ GTS

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Ahhhh.. one more thing to check. Check your crankshaft bolt. Chances are it's OK but check to ensure. The crank is not pinned. If the bolts come out.. game over. Although the concern is mainly with modified cars, some non-modified cars have found their crank bolts loose upon inspection. Tighten it, mark it and check periodically or you can just pin it.
 
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ZMetz

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Awesome! Thanks guys. Should have an update this weekend. I’m taking all your recommendations seriously.
 
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ZMetz

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What a day I've had guys. The person I'm trying to buy the 2000 from is flaking out...out of town a "couple" more weeks. Forget it then. Off I go to AutoTrader and Cars.com. Found a beauty! A '99 with a few upgrades, some miles, and it has been taken care of by none other than Tom Sessions. Seller gave me Tom's number and he answered the phone, answered my questions, and gave a great character reference for the seller, who is 800 miles away from Dallas. With that kind of rec, how could I say no. This car is cheaper and better, with a black exterior and an amazing custom red and black interior that's only a year old. This is the answer to my prayers! Literally (I'm a seminary student). Then I ask Tom who I should take the car to in Dallas. He says BSP Motorsports. Guys, it turns out they are less than five miles from my house! I ordered the transport and in a few days I'll have this purring kitty in my garage!
View media item 70117
 

Gen3CoupeTX

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You made the right call, and congrats!! If a car has 'stories', and those stories have holes or them, or elements that don't pass the sniff test, PASS. I've learned that the hard way a couple of times, don't wish it on others.
 

Bonkers

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Congrats! Im looking at your short list and the one thing
I recommend to a new owner is a skip-shift elminator -
only because that 1-4 on a car this high strung can be
dangerious to a newb.

The 99 is a great score, especially if Tom is backing it up.
Good luck, (sorry for the delay in replying, the new board
format sometimes forgets to tell me when a new post is
made) and keep us posted. Youre in for a whole new
experience!
 

steve e

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Awesome car, good luck with it, 99 is the best year, I should know I have one:D
 
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ZMetz

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Thanks steve e. They're loading her up in Indianapolis tomorrrow, arriving here in Dallas Wednesday! I'll post pics, of course.
 
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ZMetz

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So what I ended up with is a '99 Black RT/10 with custom red/black interior shown above ($8k spent a year ago on that). It has about 65k miles, fresh tires, and several upgrades that I'm hoping BSP Motorsports can help me make a list of, at least including an inch lowering, exhaust, possible gearing adjustment. I paid $30k. It had recently been dropped from $35k. The truck picked it up in Indianapolis today, and it'll be here in Dallas Wednesday. Too excited to sleep!
 

Bruce

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Ahhhh.. one more thing to check. Check your crankshaft bolt. Chances are it's OK but check to ensure. The crank is not pinned. If the bolts come out.. game over. Although the concern is mainly with modified cars, some non-modified cars have found their crank bolts loose upon inspection. Tighten it, mark it and check periodically or you can just pin it.
 

Bruce

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Excellent advice on crankshaft bolt. Mine worked loose and kept eating belts. Fortunately no damage. This forum saved me an engine. Mechanic new nothing about crank bolt until I told him. No problem since tightening several years ago.
 

FrankBarba

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I can transport for you. I have a drop off in North Carolina next week. Tom is a good guy. He knows me and
my transporter. give me a shout...frank barba 717 648 5651 [email protected]
 
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