99 gtp questions/advice

[99gtpguy]

Hello All!
I'm new to the forum because I'm leaning towards buying a 99 GTP sedan. I want some opinions/advice on what to look for and pro/cons of ownership. Let me give you what I know about the car. It is a 99 GTP 1 owner. Red in color. It has 110,000 miles, but only 10,000 on the last 6 years! It has leather and sunroof for sure and I believe HUD, Bose. It obviously has all power options. He said it has one tiny rust bubble on the rocker panel. The guy selling it is friends of my in-laws so I know it's coming from a good owner. He's retired and takes good care of it. I don't know what he wants yet. My father-in-law found out about the car and all he said was the KBB was $3900. That sounds a little steep but the car sounds like it has been babied. I think I can probably get it for low 3's. As far as I know it is completely stock.

I have done a lot of research the past couple days and the car overall seems to have good ratings but I have a few concerns.
-I see the intake manifold gasket is a somewhat common issue. Should I be concerned?

-I see that premium fuel is recommended but is it really required?
-I was originally considering this for my son who will be 16 soon but after reading I thing it might be a little too much car for him? I might put him in my 06 Sonata GLS instead. It only has 5 less HP but much less torque!
-What MPG should I expect? I only drive about 20% hwy, relatively flat area, easy driver. I see between 16-18 city/25-28 hwy depending on where I look for the supercharged 3800.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am going to look a it tomorrow. Knowing what to ask and look for on this specific car would be a big help.

Thanks!

[BillBoost37]

Take a good luck underneath at the rockers. They are known for rusting easily. Also take a look in the trunk at the strut towers. Those are the major rust areas.

Run the car past your insurance carrier as to which is good for your son.

On the mileage, the numbers you came up with are about right depending on driving style.

Premium fuel or pistons chip when it's beat on. That's unfortunately all too common.

Intake gaskets, when you look at the car, look for the updated metal gaskets by the thermostat housing where the intake manifold meets the head. If it's black..you will want to do it as preventative maintenance.

[99gtpguy]

Thanks for the info. Keep it coming! I have looked around a little on the forum and see you guys are crazy for these cars. I know there's lots of knowledge out there!!

[99gtpguy]

I found out a little more on the car. The first 100,000 miles was 80-90% hwy. The HUD only works sometimes, clock on the radio doesn't work. It had a new exhaust in 2005. and Michelin tires shortly after that but he has only put 10000 miles on the car since he retired in 2006. All service done at GM dealers since new. The more I find out the more I think I might be a gtp owner tomorrow!!