FTO Drivers Club, Western Australia

[DertyHairy]

Hello everyone,

I am about to be in the market for a tiptronic FTO GPX, just want to know what should I look out for? I have usually been in the turbo's so this is my first Mivec!!! bit scared haha

[RichardH]

I'm trying to think of any FTO-specific stuff to look out for here...

- Some vehicles had probs with moisture-absorbing glue stuff between the roof lining and the metal. Black ones, in particular, I think. Bubbles of rust could appear on the top of the roof.

- The cam seals (D-seals?) tend to leak a bit on the GPX model. It's not imperative to get it fixed unless it's a big leak, but it can be irritating. It's quite a job to fix, apparently.

- MIVEC engines like to have their valve clearances adjusted very 40,000km or so. It's a fiddly job - 24 valves, all by hand (no hydraulic lifters in the GPX). Failure to do it can make the engine sound like a tractor at low rpm. It's not as serious as the sound makes out - the engine isn't about to fail or anything - but it's another expense lining up to lighten your wallet.

- You sure you want a tiptronic? The manual's very nice indeed...


General stuff...

Make sure the engine warning light comes on when you first turn the ignition - that shows the globe is fitted. Then it should go off, and not come on again, hehe. Ditto for the SRS light if the airbag is still in place.

Any clunks from the suspension as you drive point to worn bushes, etc.


There are lots of good buyer's guide pages around the traps. Google till you just can't google no more...

Have fun car shopping!

- Rich

[blameless]

DH...there's a nice version R, manual going to be up for sale in Rockingham quite soon. I was very tempted to buy it and give The wife my GR!