HI everyone. Im new to this forum. My family IS A HUGE FORD FAMILY. I have 08 F450 and looking for car to drive on the off days. I have the opportunity to buy a 97 SHO with 106k. Motor aprantly been rebuilt 1000k miles ago and cams been welded. Needs the cats and exhaust as they were stolen and cut out aparantly. Car is ok and asking 700 bucks...whats everyone think? No leaks, starts runs and drives.
Newby buying a 97
- Thread starter rmv42158
- Start date
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kevinspann
Don't take my advice.
Depends - who did the engine work?
I believe it is this car: http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/3176753612.html. Had seen it some time ago on CL.
Liquid_force
SHO Member
Woah, buckets in the back??
Oh, wait...looks like they're just storing some extra seats.
In my experience, both reading here, and driving one - these cars are only as reliable as the a4xn - which, to me, says they're pretty reliable.
You're not going to get Toyota longevity out of it, but with proper maintenance it seems like 180-200k isn't unreasonable.
Expect the usual front end issues -- ball joints, tie rods, end links etc, but nothing any other front wheel drive won't need from time to time.
Sub-frame bushings can be a common replacement item as well.
A/C work? That's another common problem.
I bought mine off a low rent car lot for 1600 with 91k, welded the cams, put on 4 new coils and it's been very reliable up until 129k when the torque converter sprung a leak. Hopefully that will be a weekend job and it will be back on the road problem free again.
No exhaust?? That's almost a bonus assuming the thing runs well. A good excuse to make it sound spectacular.
Oh, wait...looks like they're just storing some extra seats.
In my experience, both reading here, and driving one - these cars are only as reliable as the a4xn - which, to me, says they're pretty reliable.
You're not going to get Toyota longevity out of it, but with proper maintenance it seems like 180-200k isn't unreasonable.
Expect the usual front end issues -- ball joints, tie rods, end links etc, but nothing any other front wheel drive won't need from time to time.
Sub-frame bushings can be a common replacement item as well.
A/C work? That's another common problem.
I bought mine off a low rent car lot for 1600 with 91k, welded the cams, put on 4 new coils and it's been very reliable up until 129k when the torque converter sprung a leak. Hopefully that will be a weekend job and it will be back on the road problem free again.
No exhaust?? That's almost a bonus assuming the thing runs well. A good excuse to make it sound spectacular.
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Liquid_force
SHO Member
Don't know personally, the stock exhaust is so durable I'll probably never get around to replacing mine, but it's been discussed hundreds of times.
http://www.shoforum.com/search.php?searchid=2268188
http://www.shoforum.com/search.php?searchid=2268188
stephen newberg
SHO Member
That is all pretty good advice for you above. The price is certainly good for a newly rebuilt motor and welded cams. As indicated, there are tons of ways to deal with the exhaust, and if you want to get back close to stock but without the OEM price, Magnaflow sells a good Y with the cats for considerably less than Ford.
So, pick her up and hopefully, welcome to the owners group.
pax, smn
So, pick her up and hopefully, welcome to the owners group.
pax, smn
That looks like a good car and and the price seems real fair. He likes FORDS. I see a convertible mustang in the street. Looks like you have spare seats to repair the torn drivers one. Whatever you decide there is a lot of expertise on this forum.
Welcome
We welcome you with open arms because misery loves company!
All joking aside, many of us on this forum have an attachment to our Gen3 SHO that defies logic. 99% of problems you'll have with your car have been discussed to some degree on here. There's also v8sho.com. Someone will reply here saying not to even bother with it, but it does have some good information (diagrams, how-to's, etc.). Just keep in mind that most of it was submitted years ago.
If your car ends up being a boondoggle, you can always part it out and turn a good profit, possibly to be put toward a Gen 4!
We welcome you with open arms because misery loves company!
All joking aside, many of us on this forum have an attachment to our Gen3 SHO that defies logic. 99% of problems you'll have with your car have been discussed to some degree on here. There's also v8sho.com. Someone will reply here saying not to even bother with it, but it does have some good information (diagrams, how-to's, etc.). Just keep in mind that most of it was submitted years ago.
If your car ends up being a boondoggle, you can always part it out and turn a good profit, possibly to be put toward a Gen 4!
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fourofdiamonds
Member
Might be a good parts car for someone....
i just got a 99 sho for practicaly nothing i dont now much about the 3.4l v8 but i am a good mechanic would like to talk to some one about cam failure and now wat they are talking about before i start tearing into this car
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My_Silver_SHO
Member
I am considering moving on...after a rebuilt tranny, low mile welded cam engine, tons of new parts. But then I drive it and have a stupid grin.
yes, stupid grin and no car payment!
I can relate to that! I'd put in "lots" instead of "tons" of new parts, but other than that, our outlook on the car is the same. Also, I couldn't handle another car payment right now. I'm sure it's no big deal if it's not your daily driver; then you have time to troubleshoot on your own time. I do have an attachment to her though.
I can relate to that! I'd put in "lots" instead of "tons" of new parts, but other than that, our outlook on the car is the same. Also, I couldn't handle another car payment right now. I'm sure it's no big deal if it's not your daily driver; then you have time to troubleshoot on your own time. I do have an attachment to her though.
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