Used Mitsubishi FTO advice

poppett

Hi
I am considering buying a used 1999 Mistsubishi FTO V6 Jap Import. Not overly familiar with these types of cars. Does anyone have any advice on what I should be looking out for as trouble indicators. I have noticed from the picture the the front head lamps would seem quite old and unclear. I think they will need replacing. Does anyone know how easily available these are and what I can expect cost wise? All advice much appreciated.

101sean

Moved from 4x4, Tractors, Diggers and Plant

Jumpy

The headlamp peeling is easily fixed. I cleaned up mine in about 45 minutes.
The center section always goes on the exhausts, and the hydraulic lifters (tappets) wear out and can be noisy.
GPX tappets can be adjusted, GR's need to be replaced.
They are great cars, but can cost a lot to keep running well.
They can fail the NCT on emissions unless the engine is running clean.

Jumpy

Fixing the peeling

http://www.myfto.co.uk/peeling.htm

Best site for FTO parts

www.camskill.co.uk

Good FTO group in Ireland.

www.fto-ireland.com

STForSale

All FTO's are jap imports so don't let that put you off.
Had one for a couple of years and they are very under rated IMO.
Tappets can be noisy, especially when engine is cold.

Any link to the car so we can better advise?

B00MSTICK

I'd try go for a Mivec model if you can, the insurance costs between the V6 and V6 Mivec are often minimal. Is it a manual or auto box?

Technically there were some UK Ralliart FTOs from 00-02 I think

A link would definitely be helpful so we can advise with regards to model specific issues. On the whole they don't have any major shortcomings though.

Insurance can be an issue but if you're considering it you've probably checked up on it?

STForSale

Forgot to say, avoid the 16V, gotta be the V6 and yes, the gpx (mivec) if possible. Ralliart did bring in some to the UK but that was more them importing directly, they where still cars made for the jap market AFAIK.

colm_mcm

I've had a few of them, the market for these has changed a good bit in the last few years. here's what I'd be looking out for:

Model; on the V6 models, there are 3 different power outputs, the GR model has 170hp, the GX model (only available on the post 97 facelift models) has 180hp and the GPX and GPVR models have 197hp.

Given that the tax and insurance are around the same for all I'd be aiming for a 197hp model, but if you can find a minter of a GX I wouldn't rule that out.
It's also worth remembering that even a 99 is over 10 years old, so don't pay twice as much as you would for a 96 for example.

Buy the car on condition rather than on year or mileage. I'd much prefer a 95 that has been maintained properly, has 4 new tyres, cambelt done, suspension good, new NCT etc than a 99 that has no evidence of maintainance.

The headlights can be sorted using wet&dry paper and polish.

Stuff to look for:
Uneven idling is usually caused by the idle controol valve/stepper motor
Rattling from cold usually caused by tappets (adjustable on 197hp models, need replacing on others)
Check underneath for rust, particularly rear chassis legs and front suspension turrets
Check that climate control works correctly
Clunking on suspension is usually down to front droplinks (cheap)
clutch is usually very light, watch for slipping etc though.

If you're looking at any specific cars, give me a shout. I'd stick to owners club cars from fto-ireland if I were you.


Here's a lovely 98 GP Version R manual for sale for 4500.
This car has some nice modifications done to it and would be worth a look.

http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=11685&sid=0201d5d7e22e6301bdee4b9db81592da