Mate Wants A Gt4

[pizza boy]

My god after postin two threads, 1 on general about whether he should get a Supra or GT4 (he decides on a Supra). and a further thread on the Supra board(for info from the supra peeps) he nows doesnt want one simply cos the have far too little room in the back(after I already told him about this 100 times :ffs: GRRRRR!!)

So then...good news is that hes 100% DEFINATELY going for an ST205

I take it the GT4 is identical in its habits in eating the HT system as the mr2 (same engine as my rev4 tubby)?

Anything we should look out for on test drives except the usual(ill smell turbo/engine probs a mile off as its the same engine) so basically..just want to ask is there any specific niggles on this car regarding gearbox and the 4wd side of things which I know jack all about.

Does it eat clutch/gearbox? (I have a feeling this will be the key thing to look out for)

The chargecooler...due to its position does it have a short life?

How about the super strut. Ive heard these get knackered around 60k...true?

Any help off ST205 owners will be much appreciated

(cue Leeky in salesman guise )

[Leeky]

It all depends on how much care is taken with these cars.

(cue Leeky in salesman guise  )

Actually i got 3people after it now so i may put the price up

The gearbox's are rock solid and so are the clutches.

I'd say there are 3 things which you definately need to check.

1. Start the car from cold and check to see if there is lots of white or black smoke which would indicate a worn engine or turbo.

2. Drive along in 4th and keep it at 2500rpm then floor it, if the revs rise but the car doesnt accelerate much the clutch it screwed.

3. Listen for clunks or knocks from the drive when moving as this will tell you if the diff is on its way out.

I've never had a problem with my one, the only thing i had was when i bought it the engine light came on because i was low on coolant but that was a 5min job to top up.

Generally they are as sound as a pound

[Sirius]

It all depends on how much care is taken with these cars.

(cue Leeky in salesman guise  )

Actually i got 3people after it now so i may put the price up

The gearbox's are rock solid and so are the clutches.

3. Listen for clunks or knocks from the drive when moving as this will tell you if the diff is on its way out.

Have a look at www.ST205.net

There is a buyer's guide containing useful information.

The gearboxes are very strong there are some very powerful 205's out there using standard boxes. The clutch however I would not consider to be 'rock-solid' its better than the clutch from the earlier GT-Fours but being 4WD it is essentially disposable part. In fact due to the 4WD system providing so much grip the clutch is designed to slip in certain circumstances - the alternative would be a broken driveshaft or gearbox.

It is highly unlikely that the diff will fail - however the rear diff cushion does wear and is about £100 to replace, clunking/knocking from the back of the car on pull away could well be this.

The superstrut suspension can/will be a problem at around 60/80k miles and can cost upto £500 per side in parts alone to have fixed. Turning the car at full lock at fairly low speed should reveal this.

Check for error codes - if a code 54 comes up this is quite common and is solved usually by topping up the chargecooler fluid.

Its not really considered that the 205 is particually harsh on the HT system (at least within the GT4OC).

The charge cooler is essentially a metal box - its not subect to any real wear at all - wouldnt worry about that.

Hope thats useful - be sure to check out that link above I found it very useful. :)

[pizza boy]

Thats brilliant info guys much appreciated including that link ..was exactly what I was lookin for. GT4s are quite rare to come by might have to gettin it imported in.

what would he be looking at for around 8£k (he wont spend anymore than 9k on a 205).

[Leeky]

In fact due to the 4WD system providing so much grip the clutch is designed to slip in certain circumstances - the alternative would be a broken driveshaft or gearbox.

Never heard of a clutch that is designed to slip. I would say slipping clutch = bad clutch.

[Leeky]

what would he be looking at for around 8£k

For 8k you'd be looking at something along the lines of a 95/96 stock gt4 with approx 50-60k on the clock.

[Monster-Mat]

as a direct import you can pick up GT4 WRC from japan for as low as £3000

[Leeky]

as a direct import you can pick up GT4 WRC from japan for as low as £3000

Yeah there is that, but most wrc's are the very early 94 models.