Hey everyone, new to the fiero world. Just spotted a 1986 Fiero GT v-6 automatic with a brand new black mate black and new tires. engine has 78k on it. Of course the lights are a little sticky going up and a few chips but other than, its in beautiful shape. The thing that has me concerned is the guy is asking only $2000 for it. The engine runs ok, but the radiator fan wont go when the car first starts up, is that normal? Sounds like a few sticky valves when running. Interior is amazing. Apparently the guy is getting divorced and he originally bought it for his daughter and she didnt like it so he has to sell it?
Should there be a red flag for only $2000 asking price?
The radiator fan can by checked by running the AC. The fan doesn't come on unless the engine gers hot or the AC is on. Did you check for rust in the trunk?
[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 04-19-2015).]
no i did not remove the wheel wells. There isnt a single flake of rust on the outside of the car, however i will get a better look underneath it sometime this week.
Originally posted by pickerbenny: There isnt a single flake of rust on the outside of the car, however i will get a better look underneath it sometime this week.
There isn't a single visible body part that will rust, unless you're underneath. Shine a flashlight up behind the rear wheel wells to see the bottom of the side shelves of the trunk. Or, pull the carpet away from above to have a look. Not a big deal to fix but may be an indication of the frame rail condition.
no i did not remove the wheel wells. There isnt a single flake of rust on the outside of the car, however i will get a better look underneath it sometime this week.
That's because it's plastic! Look at places like the trunk corners BEHIND the carpet, frame area under the batter box area etc. Basically, anywhere you can see metal! If what you can see looks bad you can bet what you cannot see is worse!
------------------ Anything I might say is probably worth what you paid for it, so treat it accordingly!
Pull the left and right side of the trunk carpets back to reveal the sheetmetal underneath. Those areas are prone to rust out. Also look under the car in the rocker panel area. It will becovered with a plastic rocker cover but you will see the coolant transfer tubes and the underbody of the car. Also look at the battery mount on the passenger side of the car in the engine compartment. That area is prone to corrosion as well. To check the fan turn on the AC, the fan should kick on. Even if it does be aware that the fan switch on the engine sometimes fails and the fan will not come on when the engine gets to temprature. As long as you can kick it on with the ac you will be fine until the fan switch is replaced. That is of course if its bad. One more thing to look for is damaged coolant transfer tubes. shops are notorious for lifting the car and using those tubes as lift points, therefore damaging them.Most coolant tube damage happens just forward of the rear wheels. Check for sticking calipers 84-87 original calipers had phenolic piston that would swell in the bores when sitting for long periods.