Have my eye on buying a 03 turbo GT..

[IbeCruiser]

So I have a chance to get a turbo GT Cheap..
guy says it just needs a new computer, he claims to be a mechanic at some shop and is in need of cash to move, he is willing to sell it for 800.00, the int and ext are in great condition

he also stated that it will start but die in a few seconds - Computer..? he says he changed the timing belt and water pump already.

Any input from people that know about turbo pts would be appreciated, need a car for an up and coming teen driver.

[chuzz]

Is he using a chipped key or a valet key to try and start it? If he's using a key without a chip, it won't run more than a couple of seconds. Find out what key he has. It MIGHT be that simple. If not, it sounds like a fuel pump problem to me. BUT, I'm not a mechanic!

[Handy_Cruiser]

Originally Posted by chuzz

Is he using a chipped key or a valet key to try and start it? If he's using a key without a chip, it won't run more than a couple of seconds. Find out what key he has. It MIGHT be that simple. If not, it sounds like a fuel pump problem to me. BUT, I'm not a mechanic!

+1. I suspect a sentry key/skim issue too. I bet the little red sentry light either stays on or keeps blinking when the car is started. If so, that's a good indicator.

[NitroPT]

IMHO if you are asking these questions with soooo much limited information and it appears that you don't really know yourself how to diagnosis the problems , you may really want to reconsider the deal. There are so many good running OPT Cruiser available for the "not so" DIY'rs that why bother with a problem child from the start?

The fact that it is a "mechanic" that can't solve the problem should make you at least think about what I posted?

[chuzz]

Well, now, Nitro, he didn't say the guy IS a mechanic, he just CLAIMS to be one! LOL All I'm saying is if he's close and can check the key situation, he may get a good deal if the idiot actually has the chipped key. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

[quicksilverdon]

See what error codes there are and whether they point to computer...

Error Codes

[IbeCruiser]

Originally Posted by NitroPT

IMHO if you are asking these questions with soooo much limited information and it appears that you don't really know yourself how to diagnosis the problems , you may really want to reconsider the deal. There are so many good running OPT Cruiser available for the "not so" DIY'rs that why bother with a problem child from the start?

The fact that it is a "mechanic" that can't solve the problem should make you at least think about what I posted?

Hello NitroPT...

Yes your right, I have no business looking at Turbo PT's with the limited amount of trouble shooting skills I currently have, No doubt I could easily get taken, I also hate looking a gift horse in the mouth.

[NitroPT]

soooo what you said is that you are around 55+

And my original response still stands!

[rob342]

i just passed on a mint PT with 70k miles for $500. only needed a radiator and a headgasket. my thought was if it needed anything else i'd be out more than just buying a running one....and these cars suck to work on.

i'd take Nitro's advice and keep looking. i mean what would you do, buy it and hope programming the computer fixes it. if it doesn't would you then replace the SKIM module, the steering column, the key, etc? if it needs anything besides something really simple, you'd be $$ ahead buying a running one. what if you get it running and once it's up to temp you find it needing a heater core?

IMO if you're getting a car for your kid that you will be responsible for fixing, get something that's easy for you to fix.

[NitroPT]

Request from edited response of OP and PM sent