Interested in owning an SHO

[TurboBlew]

A cheap price on one has piqued my interest, but now Im ready to buy one. Most the more inexpensive priced ones are ratty. Helpful hints on what to look for??
Saw a 91 with 145k and its original owner. Engine bay was dirty, looks like an oil cooler (lower right front) was leaking?? Im thinking of offering $1000 on his $2200 asking price.
What else should I be wary of?? If there is a FAQ on this, Im sorry I missed it. Please let me know if there are some clean SHOs around the North Florida area. Thanks
Email: [email protected]

 

[jthomas68]

I`m sure you`ll get some personal responses too,but here`s a good FAQ:www.shotimes.com
Welcome to the group,i hope you`ll hang around when you find a nice SHO.

 

[KYSHO]

I would concider running a car fax report. They can be pretty helpful. You can tell how many people have owned it by the number of times it has had a title issured. Looks for accidents and salvageed titles and so on.

You should also see if it has had the 60 or 120K done. If not expect to spend another 1200 or so for that sometime soon. Also make sure the clutch is in good shape.

Then just concider common since stuff. Tires, Brakes, check for oil in the water and water in the oil--both are bad, paint condition, interior conditon, and adjust the price accordingly. I bought a '92 in excellect condition with 121,000 miles for $2500

 

[philw349]

The Oil cooler looking thing is the Power steering cooler. It goes out sometimes because of rocks or other debri hitting it at high speeds (not because of neglect). The part can be had for $40 and an hour to put it in or so, it may not much of a bargaining chip.

 

[fredhurderjr]

Check the classifieds here! The ones here are more likely to have been well maintained. With a few exceptions, you get what you pay for.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[Blue-By-U]

I just bought my 1989 SHO 4 months ago and this is what I looked at and should have looked at: First and foremost, make sure the proper 60k and 120k's have been done. Check the clutch and make sure it is strong. Ask if it is the original one also. Take all the SHO's you look at for a spin around the block. Shift hard and release the clutch quickly, does the engine "knock?" If so there might be a failed motor mount. You can also tell if a motor mount has failed if there is a shiny spot on one of the intake butterflies. Make sure the belt subsystem is healthy. Other than that just normal stuff with any other car.
GOOD LUCK!

 

[TurboBlew]

Thanks for all the advice!! Ive got a couple of inquiries out now. I think Im starting to lean towards the 92s and newer.
I agree with "you get what you pay for". I just figured the price was good for a running project. What Ive noticed is local sellers tend to be very defensive about their cars. I understand where they are coming from, but when I ask has the 60 & 100k service been done, they answer "Yes, its been serviced". I even challenged one guy, who I felt had no clue, to back his claim up with receipts. He replied with "Ill have to find them.." Typical of a *non-enthusiest*. One guy even claimed that:

...Because the car is DOHC it will last forever, the motor doesnt need adjustment!

Another owner with 143k on the car told me this

...Yeah, I think this car has another 40k in it tops. Its well maintained. Just look at the beautiful interior...

(the drivers seat was duct taped to ****, console was "well worn", and the steering wheel looked as if it were nibbled on during rush hour traffic)
BTW this particular car had an asking price of $3800..lol
Now I remember why I havent *shopped* seriously for a vehicle in the past 7 years. Lots of "excellent shape", "old lady owned", "Im the original owner, after my brothers 3 friends and some guy in Georgia"...lol.
Last time I shopped for a Grand National...ugh forget it. All I can say is next time Im bringing a flame thrower and when the sellers start backpeddling about all the things described...****...their pants will be on fire! wink

 

[noSHO]

I'll sell you mine . It's got 83,600 miles on her, 92 green w/ full black leather, no moonroof. I JUST did the FULL (EVERYTHING, replaced water pump & timing belt which were less than 30k old that were put on as part of a half-assed 60k, shims, plug wires, etc) 60k, it's got reinforced motor mounts ($500 dollar job), a new starter, new front brakes (done during 60k), and tinted windows. Everything else the car has I would take off. Anything is for sale for the right price...

 

[90 white sho]

hey "nosho", if you could possibly get a hold of me on AIM, i might be intrested in your car if the price is right, what state and city are you located at?
steve (st302)

 

[93SHOCOOL]

noSHO I see how it is....You like the performance of my ATX now you are ditching that MTX and getting a real race car !!! Why are you looking to get rid of it?? Just the other night you seemed pleased with it and how it performs.

 

[noSHO]

93SHOCOOL:
noSHO I see how it is....You like the performance of my ATX now you are ditching that MTX and getting a real race car !!! Why are you looking to get rid of it?? Just the other night you seemed pleased with it and how it performs.

Ha! Real race car my a$$. I'm not looking to get rid of it, but like I said, for the right amount of money anything is for sale. I'm very pleased with how it performs, but if someone makes me an offer I can't refuse, well...say bye bye .