Typical lifespan of a Gen 3 SHO?

[arentz]

Lately I've been very interested in getting myself into a SHO. Unfortunately, my current budget would only permit me to get one with a ton of mileage on it (100k+). My question to you guys is, how many miles does a typical Gen 3 SHO last? Would I be throwing my money away investing in such a worn car? Thanks.

 

[Porkchop]

I would say go for it, there are plenty of gen 3 SHO's roaming around some close to 200,000 miles. The biggest problems are the transmission and the cam gears, which you should look for a car that is previously welded or plan on getting it welded as soon as you get it (approx $?)

Im sure other members will chime in with information that I have missed

<small>[ February 05, 2004, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: SHODWN ]</small>

 

[Glue Maker]

Also you may want to consider the gas money. My SHO gets horrible city mileage, 13-15 usually. I even do my best to keep it under 2500 RPM. However, highway is usually above 24

 

[nothingtoseehere]

I have about 167000 on my Gen III. Replaced the trans once, cams are welded, gas mileage is ok, not as good as it should be, but that will be fixed this spring

 

[cartfan76]

13-15 city? umm....something's not right. I drive mine with "spirit" here and there and get 17mpg/city on a bad tank! shrug Typical Highway mileage for me is around 25-26.

 

[Mr. SHO]

cartfan76:
13-15 city? umm....something's not right. I drive mine with "spirit" here and there and get 17mpg/city on a bad tank! shrug Typical Highway mileage for me is around 25-26.

I dunno, some people's definition of "spirit" is different than other people's. Not to mention, there is "around town" mileage, and then there is "sitting in traffic, then flooring it up to 70mph, then jamming the brakes till the ABS kicks in so you can stop before the next light 1/4 mile down the road." I do the latter quite regularly, and I'm happy when I do better than 13mpg. If I behave myself and drive like I'm trying not to spill my martini, it's 15-17mpg in the city. I get 28-30mpg whenever I take road trips on the interstate, cruising at about 80mph.

 

[NECGP]

146,000 miles right now and still runs great. ~40,000 on the engine. First engine had the cam failure. The new one is welded.

<small>[ February 04, 2004, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: NECGP ]</small>

 

[Osiris]

I have 65K on mine and aside from replacing the battery twice in four years there haven't been any serious issues.

I'm loving mine, even though I had to put her up for sale a while back....

 

[Funmart6]

Mine just turned over 100,000 miles last week. I recently changed jobs and have been driving 200 highway miles a day, and averaging an astounding 28 mpg!!!! That is cruising at 70-80 mph also. Not bad for a seven year old car. I have to say this, even after being in the car for nearly two hours non-stop I am not tired at all! These cars have the most comfortable seats ever, they are soft yet supportive as well and I hardly use the lumbar support. I could not forsee this job change a year ago when I bought my SHO, but I am glad that I made this purchase. I will say buy one, you won't be disappointed!!!

 

[Mark B]

I've got 166k on my 96' right now - only thing that I would call a major component to fail was the alternator at 145k. Original Motor original Trans. Trans has been serviced twice (fluid and filter) at the factory recommended interval. Engine has had a strict diet of synthetic oil, changed every 5000 miles since 32k on the clock. Have gone thru lots and lots of front brakes. Always due to rotor warpage - I finally gave up about 2 yrs ago and just live with a little shake during braking. Front tires have also been eaten up at a pretty good clip (severe wear on the extreme inside) despite alignment being good (according to 2 different front end shops). Power steering has developed a small leak recently (not sure from where). I'm happy with my mileage - around 20-22mpg.....all highway.....but always at 70+ mph. I love my SHO........Thats why I just bought another one with 42k miles.

Mark B.

 

[stephen newberg]

Mark, that wear pattern on your tires is likely due to the toe adjustment being at the limit of its ability. This can be extended by having the adjustment slots for the toe ground out to give greater room. I am assuming that you have already had the spot welds removed to allow for a normal alignment. Tarui are known for needing this, but most alignment shops do not seem to pass it on to the owners.

pax, smn

 

[Mark B]

Mark, that wear pattern on your tires is likely due to the toe adjustment being at the limit of its ability. This can be extended by having the adjustment slots for the toe ground out to give greater room. I am assuming that you have already had the spot welds removed to allow for a normal alignment. Tarui are known for needing this, but most alignment shops do not seem to pass it on to the owners.

Thanks Stephen, thats some great info. Unfortunately for me I didn't ask that question here 120K miles and 4 or 5 sets of tires ago. headbang

Mark B.

 

[driven01]

I'm at 93,000 with mine. I am on my second transmission. (1 and a half actually, but it's solid now .. Thanks Doug).

I just "retired" this car to weekend / club meeting only duties so I expect to put about 3000-5000 miles per year on her from now on. thumb

 

[Mac98SHO]

Steve,

Thanks I figured that would fix it, just needed confirmation.

142K original, no major work as of yet (shhhh).. just the standard COP replacement and new IMRC servo, just recently replaced.

Mac

 

[XLSuruaT]

Damn, some of you guys are getting far better milage than my rebuilt v6 headbang


What about struts, etc? Dont those start to wear out at 100k? I know the ford oem ones aren't cheap, but you have to use them if you want to keep the sarc.

 

[V6&V8SHO]

My dads 98 sho has just seen oil changes, and new tires so far. No problems what so ever.

 

[98silversho]

Still looking for an SHO?

Just thought I woudl post to see if you were still looking for an SHO. Let me know if you haven't.

 

[sgs97sho]

gen 3 SHO

My car has 168K on it and i bought it with 156K off a friend that bought it with 50k onit. It got a new tranny 50k ago and had the cams replaced @ 90K. Since the purchase i have put rear springs , rear struts , tie rod ends , rear brakes , front brakes mmmmmmmm let me think i lost count, and a transmission pump shaft seal replaced. The previous owner sunk over 6k into this car and was completly burried. NOw i'm burried i have 4500.00 into a car that is worth maybe 2500.00. i love the car but to be very honest it has been a money pit from day one. If you want to get a car with over 100K and similar performance i would go with a maxima. ( my friends max has the same milage and has only changed his oil and brakes ...he has about 10 grand less invested in his car ) Either that or get a SHO that has been fixed right.

They are however highly underrated and great cars once the issues are resolved.

Use your judgement and be careful.

Scott

97 SHO
Bone stock

 

[mcolgate]

1997. Changed oil and brakes in 88K. Biggest complaint is a "thumping" at low speeds in the front end and a wheel bearing that has gone South. My other car is a 1999 300 M that looks good but won't stay out og the garage. What a piece of JUNK!

 

[chrism3784]

136k on mine, cams welded 2k ago, made to 132 without welding. sprockets were all good to. Transmission seems good to, don't know if its been changed though. Only prob I have is my power steering rack leaks and seems my cats are clogged.