Thread: Need help deciding on a GTP!

I have a friend who has a 1998 GTP, supercharged, 3800 3.8 v6 engine 168,000 Miles. I went and test drove it, and it has some serious power, more than expected, rust is not bad at all, replaced the water pump, replaced most gaskets, replaced window motor, replaced fuel regulator, replaced a lot of other parts too many to remember. While test driving it, I put my foot to the floor got to 2nd and it hesitated to shift, got to 3rd then it was fine, did that once and then it was fine the rest of the time, is that a big concern? I know It could use a new strut, and probably a few new sensors, and some misc parts, is $1150 a good deal? Should I wait, or should I take it? I need to know soon, need some input about the car, reliability is the main thing.

It's an auto with too much power behind it, ease off the throttle when you know it wants to shift and let it....

I think you'll find that's pretty normal.


For reference I paid 1000 for a 98 gtp with 129,000 miles. Salvage title though. some damage that had been repaired well.

I'd take that deal fro 1150, but i'd talk them down if possible too...

Also forgot to say this one has a salvage title too, skeptical?

Insurance will total out a car for anything....
Check for huge issues, but if the car drove straight, didn't pull funny and the tire wear looks okay.... who cares. It's too old to bother with full coverage anyway.


Check your kelly price there, but around here that car books around 1400. I always laugh at blue book prices anyway though...


have any photos of it?


I think this engine is super easy to work on... when it actually needs work. If you drive it easy enough it'll live a long time too.

I would definitely recommend looking into the cost of that strut, then multiply it by 2, silly to replace just one, then check what coolant is in it... orange or green....

Originally Posted by BigNelson76

Insurance will total out a car for anything....
Check for huge issues, but if the car drove straight, didn't pull funny and the tire wear looks okay.... who cares. It's too old to bother with full coverage anyway.


Check your kelly price there, but around here that car books around 1400. I always laugh at blue book prices anyway though...


have any photos of it?


I think this engine is super easy to work on... when it actually needs work. If you drive it easy enough it'll live a long time too.

I would definitely recommend looking into the cost of that strut, then multiply it by 2, silly to replace just one, then check what coolant is in it... orange or green....

Orange or green coolant does not matter...a properly maintained cooling system is what matters.

I bought mine with brown coolant

If it's green you can ask how it was flushed, if it's orange - it seems most guys on here will want to flush it.

I think WOT shift hesitation from 2nd to 3rd on a 19 year old car with 160k on it seems normal... with some driving (i'm guessing it's been sitting) it should get better.... if it like... really really didn't want to shift... then taht's an issue but if it hesitated a little, meh.