ADVICE PLEASE !!

Author
Discussion

the kowalski

Original Poster:

129 posts

236 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
I'm going to look at a 1999 HSV GTS. It's probably going to be my first Holden. What areas of the car should i look closly at ? Should i be aware of any general problems ? Any advice would be greatfully appreciated.
Thanks
Chris.

H8 HSV

53 posts

218 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
Hi mate, cant really be much help as nothings ever gone wrong wiv mine! (touch wood).check to make sure the HSV pressure gauge, torch and pen knife are still in centre consol, a small thing i know but would imagine these would be hard to replace! regular servicing always a deffo bonus! i think you will just know if its the car for you dude!!!

ringram

14,700 posts

250 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
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Yep, check the oil. Some were known to use a lot of oil. So look for the colour and the level.
Check service history as already discussed.

Check rear tyres, they are known to chew the inside edges out. Not much you can do there, except pump them up to around 36psi and rotate them. But check they arnt too far gone.

Check how the brakes work. They get gummed up with dirt and dust and bind sometimes.

The shifter may feel like crap.. thats normal. As long as it goes into gears and feels ok, it will be notchy and heavy, but again thats normal. There shouldnt be much slop, it should be tight and heavy.

Check all the electrics, including if you can rear window and aircond. With tint the rear demister can die.

Otherwise look for leaks under the engine, especially power steering stuff.

Plus your normal body check for rust around boot lid and rim.

Engine may tick a little on startup, thats normal again, though it should quiet down after a few minutes.

Check the display isnt showing the check engine light, could be a dodgy o2 sensor or other issue. Servicing just shows on the digital display and no lit icons should show.

Turn traction control off and throw it into a 50m tail slide and see how it feels. Actually you better do that after you have bought it

009

193 posts

227 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
Front wheel bearings
Heavy clutch
Rusty exhaust
Worn discs + pads
Fluids under floor pan
door seals
Oil leaks
Drive shafts
Bushes
( most are expensive, i should know!! )

Check History of bills etc
Have car inspected on a lift ( a must )

island boy hsv

726 posts

241 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
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Welcome I hope the GTS lives up to you expectations, I am sure it will.

Here are the extra things I would look at in particular

1) Check that the steering rack boots are intact; there can be an issue with these.
2) Also check the steering rack cooler on the front of the radiator, these tend to rust through and leak.
3) When looking at the breaks check that the eyes at the top of the pads are round. The wholes on my care were oval because the pads had been hammered in by an "expert".
4) As others has said check the underside for rust, also when you are down there look at the jacking points.
5) Not too sure what 009 ment by rusty exhaust, the grade of stainless that is used will tend to tarnish I would not say rust though.


>> Edited by island boy hsv on Thursday 20th April 08:52

jagsy

1,462 posts

253 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
quotequote all
Hi Mr Kowalski
Check out my HSV GTS for sale. Its got:
- new brakes discs,
- refurbed callipes brand new bands 3 weeks ago
- new rear tyres 5 weeks ago
- a new drive shaft rubber bushing
- serviced about 1,000 miles ago
- door seals like new, siliconed every 6 months
- a full power steering radiator
- all service details are there in the file.

Its an excellent cherished car, the only reason I'm selling is is 'cos I've moved to where they are made.

The details are on pistonheads classified or email me for mor info richard.jagger@hotmail.com


Cheers

009

193 posts

227 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
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I agree, Jagsy's car is a minter & has a ripshifter fitted!!

the kowalski

Original Poster:

129 posts

236 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll make sum notes to take to the viewing.
As for you JAGSY, we've met a few times. Once at a SWACC meet, and again at Wayne Croots wedding. I'm Chris, and I used to have the VX220 Turbo. How's OZ, and how are you.
p.s. If you can drop the price 4 grand I might be interested !!!!

jagsy

1,462 posts

253 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
the kowalski said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll make sum notes to take to the viewing.
As for you JAGSY, we've met a few times. Once at a SWACC meet, and again at Wayne Croots wedding. I'm Chris, and I used to have the VX220 Turbo. How's OZ, and how are you.
p.s. If you can drop the price 4 grand I might be interested !!!!


hehehhe

Chris you should have said. Oz is great - have a look at the pics on "flavour of new home" you'll get the idea. So you know my car and you kn ow where it came from. Not sure about £4k but I can negotiate - I have emailed you, have a think and come back to me.

Richard