'I'm thinking of buying a 2005 GTO with 117,000 miles , one owner, from a small dealer. I checked the car fax and no problems reported. But?

Question

'I'm thinking of buying a 2005 GTO with 117,000 miles , one owner, from a small dealer. I checked the car fax and no problems reported. But the High mileage scares me. I drove it and it seemed little sluggish but ran well.Of course I would have it checked out before I bought it. Am I taking a BIG chance with this car??'

Answer 1

Unlike our foreign counterparts, 117k miles onn an American car isn't much. That's not high miles, that's about average...13k per year average.



Also, Joe is wrong. Basic bolt ons like exhaust, intake, short shifter and tune are not "highly modified" that's just getting started. It's also not an indication of being run hard, it's just an indication of someone doing things to their car. Most people start with the exhaust to get a better sound out of it, then do the cold air intake because it's obligatory. On a GTO and most newer cars, a tune is required even for a cold air intake for it to run correctly. And since stock shifters in most cars are like rowboat oars, a short shifter makes driving most cars much more pleasant. Most 79-04 mustangs received aftermarket shifters because the stock shifter was just awful.

Answer 2

Have it looked at

Answer 3

Assuming that this car has the 6.0 LS2 V8, it's a pretty stout engine IF it's well maintained. I'd ask if the dealer has any service records or check the glove box for receipts. If you know the previous owner or the dealer knows the previous owner, call him/her up and ask how often the car was serviced and what's been done to it etc.



If it's got a lot of performance modifications on it, i.e. intake, exhaust system, short throw shifter (if equipped with manual transmission), custom tune etc., then most likely those 117,000 miles were really hard miles and the car had the hell run out of it at times. Which obviously takes a toll on the engine, even with supporting modifications.



Here's my overall recommendation: Drive the car again, on the highway and in town. See how it feels with the braking, acceleration. Make sure the alignment is okay and that the car doesn't veer to the side when you let go of the steering wheel. Roll the windows down and listen for any whining and squealing noises, especially when turning the wheel. Check all electrical functions in the car.



Remember, the car was traded in for a reason. If it's at a cheap price, there's a reason. And with any high mileage car, things are bound to start breaking. It's inevitable. But if you have the budget to buy the car and replace things when the time comes and the car suits your needs, go for it. Otherwise, save your money and look elsewhere. Don't pounce on the first car you see until you do your research, no matter how appealing the deal may be.

Answer 4

If you have a good mechanic check it out, and he says it is OK, then it is probably fine. I've had experience running cars up to 250k so yes you should have a long life out of it.

Answer 5

Your risk depends on what you pay for the car. Go to Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) and enter the information about the car as accurately as possible. kbb.com will tell you the most that you should pay for the car.



Use this to determine if you are getting a deal to determine risk.