Hi Lads, I'm going to look at a GT4 CS at the weekend, its advertised here....what sort of things should i be looking out for? http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4516228

I'd have akeen eye for stuff but wouldnt have a lot of experience looking at GT4's.....any tips??

Buying a GT4 isn't really different to buying any car
Keep an eye out for smoke when starting, banging nd crashing when driving etc etc

Try to get underneath it to check for the dreaded ROT. Sills are a good place to start looking

Something about the combination of apparently spending a lot of money on resprays then selling it very soon afterwards always sets alarm bells ringing for me but there can always be real life reasons for this

Car specific issues to look for. (obviously check for all other issues common to all cars)

Sunroof drains go into the sills and rot them from the inside.
All 185's use paper headgaskets which are prone to failure when running above standard boost. Check for signs of leaking headgasket - 'rusty smell' and brown appearance of coolant. Coolant level low. Rusty marks at outlet from expansion bottle.

Otherwise, IMO this is the best version of GT4 with many of the better parts of the 205 but without the hassles of superstrut.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Thanks lads, Yea I had that on my mind aswell about the respiratory why would a lad spend all that money and then sell, maybe was damaged and repaired not sure until have a look at it. . I'll be sure to keep an eye on the sills..

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René - Carlos Sainz 2433•5000
Turbocelica.nl | ST185 CS restoration and full rebuild

If it ain't broken.. it soon will be

Thanks lads should be well up on the cs model now. . .I'm caught away in brussel's with work this weekend but will be back next weekend to take a look at the car. .

That red CS sold when I was away lads ragin!! However one st165 popped up which looks in great shape . . http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4065289

The side strips are white so I'd say she got a respiratory some time but wouldn't mind too much once it's in good shape and wasn't because of damage or bad rust will be bringing my little magnet with me to check all the panels! The st165 weren't as quick as the later st185's but I'm keen on the older models aswell and wouldn't mind pullin out the engine and doing a few bits with it to bump it up well over 200hp what options is there out there for this early 3sge and would it be worth or or would ye reckon to wait for a nice CS to crop up again. . ?? Thanks. .

The 165's are a great car, much more character than the later ones IMO. I've also heard it said they make a better base for a competition car as they're lighter. Never looked at facts & figures to back this up though.

3 points of caution.

1. Rust.
2. Parts are hard to get hold of as they're getting very rare.
3. Rust.

There are many dirt / moisture traps behind the plastic bolt ons. Very often when you take them off to inspect a little paint bubble poking out from behind, you find gaping holes lurking.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

I think rust should probably be mentioned too

I loved my 162 but that was suffering the worm 15 years ago

Note, the side strips and body kit are factory colour coded on the UK and Euro ST165. So that car could well have original paint. Looks really nice. Not seen one in ages, even my own

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ST165 turbo 4WD
ST185 GT-FOUR RC Carlos Sainz Limited Edition 825•5000
ST185 turbo 4WD Carlos Sainz Limited Edition 2541•5000