Hi everyone,

I'm soon going to buy a GP, and there are a few candidates. Can anyone tip me on what to look for while inspecting? Are there any items to check specific to the GP? Thanks a lot.

 

Make sure all the unique GP parts are on the car or will be provided to you if swapped with different aftermarket parts. The GP is a JCW car with many unique GP parts.
GPs have all the same problems as any 06 MCS. Such as; thermostat housing leaks, engine mount leaks, lower control arm bushings wear out fast, clutch noises, interior rattles, and 02 sensors.
The only engine difference between a GP and JCW is the larger intercooler and ECU tune which should not be a problem area.
My dealer says the low instrumentation light level of the HVAC panel, at low dimness levels, is unique to GPs.

 

Thanks for the quick reply quikmni.

 

The GP unique parts that I can think of off the top of my head are:
Larger Intercooler, ECU Tune, Rear Seat Delete, Rear Insulation Delete, GP Aero Kit, GP Wing, Third Brake Light Reposition, Rear Wiper Delete, Rear Speaker Delete, Underbody Panels, GP Wheels, Alum Rear Trailing Arm, Thunder Blue Paint, Red Mirrors, Dark Gray Guage Faces, Rear Luggage Bar, GP Floor Mats, and GP Badging (dash, roof, rear).
GP come with JCW engine package, JCW Brakes, and JCW Suspension.

 

Also make sure you are not looking at GP 0448 as this car was totalled and then rebuilt. When rebuilt some non GP parts were used to get it running, for example the IC and cover were MCS not GP. Title on this vehicle may or may not indicate it is salvaged.

 

Be extra careful with the wheels, there are some copycat wheels which you have to avoid! The black is shiny on them, matt on the real wheels.

Also, I'd say check the owner list, my feeling is if the owner found GPMINI.net then they are more of a fanatic which might mean more careful
http://gpmini.net/wp/introduction/

Finally check the forum here and on GPMINI to see if anyone has discussed a car you're looking at, it might give clues to history.

 

Make sure it has the decorative rear "cargo restraint bar." That is an awesome feature. It does not stiffen the chassis and is not strong enough to be a harness attachment point. In fact, it may not be able to actually restrain cargo. But it kind of fills in the space that would otherwise be occupied by a rear seat. And who needs that?

 

Which GPs are you looking at? Where are they?

 

Thank you all for the great help. The ones I'm looking at are here in Turkey, so I don't think anyone in NAM would know them, but I'll keep in mind what you've suggested. Thanks again.