Pre-Purchase Advice 2018 GT350

[badwolfe]

It's logged in the ECU. You'll need to ask them about it. It's how many times the car has been turned on/off for the given mileage. A low key cycle count on a car with 33.5k miles is a bad sign.

Thanks - I found some information that says (at least on the 2018 mustang) there is a way to put car into engineering mode and see it on the dash otherwise OBD tool should read it. I'm having the car inspected tomorrow by a 3rd part shop and they will be reading diagnostic and fault codes and I've already sent them a text asking them to check this... thx again!

Sponsored

 

[badwolfe]

I'd say a 2018 Mustang GT350 at $50K is a great deal if the carfax is good. You still need to inspect it.

Carfax shows a minor accident that was repaired at a Ford Facility and includes inspection report for repair. I am also having a 3rd part shop do an inspection and will receive report prior to me driving up on Thursday to see car in person....

 

[mabcim]

In the end, you just have to go with your gut.

First car you looked at or not, if it’s what you want, get it.

Some of us, including myself, bought sight unseen. I had videos (running and such) and pictures sent. I talked with owner and had a great rapport. Went with my gut, am very happy.

One thing I recommend, is to watch the gauge cluster lights go through their thing at start up. For example, want to see the airbag light come On and then go Off.

If still worried about anything, get a Ford ESP.

 

[sk47]

to not start car at all so that I can see it and start it myself

Hello; I prefer to be outside of the car and some to the side where I can see the exhaust and hear during the first few engine rotations. Don't think you will get the same information inside.
I like to smell the first bit of exhaust. On older cars (50's, 60's & 70's) a strong rich smell is common at cold start up with some smoke. Same for newer cars to a reduced degree as even computer run cars are a little rich at cold startup. The rich smell should clear up soon.
An oil burning smell might be a thing of concern especially if it lasts very long.

Some of the "smoke" will be water vapor/steam which gets into the exhaust as an engine cools down overnight. Not a worry.

while cold before starting pull the dip stick. Look at the oil. is it at all milky? Odds are the dealer will have done an oil change so the oil will be in good condition but if it is not clean smell it and rub it between your fingers.
While cold open the radiator cap and look for any sign of oil at the top of the coolant. I get that newer cars have plastic tanks and you can see the coolant level. Stick a finger in the coolant if you can reach it and feel for oil. Bring a rag with you.

Look at the tail pipes to see what sort of residue is left on the inside.

Good luck

 

[docskibum]

What would be normal for key cycles and how would a tune effect? Does anybody have pictures of tail pipes being normal?

 

[OldbutNew]

I bought my 2018 (NOT a GT350!) long distance. First time for me! Yes, it was a little scary. My B.I.L. lives about 30 minutes away. So I had him go take a look. He noted some paint issues that didn't show up in Carfax OR in the photos. Ironically, the paint is one of the features that attracted me to the car.
It was at a Toyota dealer who had put the car through their standard used car inspection. With under 6K miles, it had better be is awesome condition! With that, they threw 4 new OE Pirellis on it!! They still had the paint stripes on them. Had to be a date code issue.
Lots of good advice here. You're performing due diligence. You want the car?? Inspection comes back clean?? GO FOR IT!!

 

[Sajin]

What would be normal for key cycles and how would a tune effect?

A tune would reset key cycles back to 0, so the cycle count would start over again.

 

[sk47]

What would be normal for key cycles and how would a tune effect? Does anybody have pictures of tail pipes being normal?

Hello; Took these pictures today. My 2004 Silverado with 74K miles & 2001 Sentra with 148 K miles. I rubbed the inside of the pipes with my finger.

 

[docskibum]

Thanks

Sponsored