HI folks, I'm considering parting with my '88 GT 5-speed. It was my childhood dreamcar that I was lucky enough to find here locally in Cincinnati with only 16,000 miles on it. I quickly made it my own and have enjoyed the 4,000 miles I've put on it. The reality is that I have too many vehicles and can't commit the garage space and care to a car I drive so infrequently. So, I'm going to let it go to a new owner.
Details: 1988 GT V6 5-speed 20,000 original miles Black / Tan cloth interior Sunroof Premium Sound
Upgrades (all original parts are included) 17" BBS LM replica wheels with 225/45/17 front / 235/45/17 rear Bridgestone RE-760 Sport tires. The Fiero Store 1" drop springs with new KYB shocks/struts The Fiero Store Polyurethane Swaybar Endlinks
I am offering the car at $14,000.
History: The car sat in a climate-controlled environment since 1992. When it's owner passed, his sons recovered the car to sell it, along with the other 2 Fieros he had. They were very knowledgeable and got the car into proper running condition by draining the tank, cleaning the fuel system, replacing fuel, air, and oil filters, flushing fluids, and replacing the battery. They had the headliner professionally reupholstered and repainted the wing and rocker panels (one of them works at a high end custom body shop). The headlight motors were also replaced. I picked up the car in February 2011.
In my possession, I immediately changed the wheels/tires, suspension and flushed the coolant, engine, transmission, and brake fluids. In the winter of 2012, I changed the alternator and gas tank (rust in the old tank had loosened up). I attended the Fiero 30th Anniversary in Indianapolis this past summer and had a great time.
By my estimation, I think the car is worth about $14k to someone looking for a really good - driveable - example of the best of the factory Fieros.
Here are some pictures. I'll get some more recent ones when I go visit the car at its storage facility.
Well folks, I've become serious about selling my Fiero. If anyone has any questions, please let me know. And of course, please share with anyone you know who might be interested!
Thanks,
------------------ Anthony
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd "barn find" 2012 NASA SpecE30 National Champion www.DriveFasterNow.com
You should consider putting it in the Mecums auction, a similar car to yours only an automatic which is worth less was a no sale at Kansas City at $13000. I have to think yours would bring more but you could put a reserve on it.
If you send it to Mecum it might be more desirable with the original factory rims on it.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
[This message has been edited by Rodney (edited 05-01-2014).]
If you send it to Mecum it might be more desirable with the original factory rims on it.
Thanks for the thought. I do have the original wheels and tires. It would just ruin the look, but I kept all the stock pieces because I understand that originality may be more important to many people.
------------------ Anthony
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd "barn find" 2012 NASA SpecE30 National Champion www.DriveFasterNow.com
You should consider putting it in the Mecums auction, a similar car to yours only an automatic which is worth less was a no sale at Kansas City at $13000. I have to think yours would bring more but you could put a reserve on it.
Will put my worthless automatic against your play stick any day!!!
Will put my worthless automatic against your play stick any day!!!
LOL. He had a space between "worth" and "less". Though some might consider an automatic to be worthless in a car meant for driving enjoyment, that wasn't what he was saying
------------------ Anthony
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd "barn find" 2012 NASA SpecE30 National Champion www.DriveFasterNow.com
LOL. He had a space between "worth" and "less". Though some might consider an automatic to be worthless in a car meant for driving enjoyment, that wasn't what he was saying
LOL My bad!
I need to wake up before posting on here!
Oh your car is nice by the way hope you can get your asking price!
Why are Fiero automatics considered worth less now than when they were new? Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't automatic transmissions more expensive to purchase than standard transmissions when Fiero's were sold new? Is there not more maintenance and repairs involved with standard transmissions? Also, wasn't there an issue with clutch pedals bending? Was that problem resolved by recall or is it still an issue? I prefer the ease of driving and minimal maintenance of an automatic transmission. The novelty of shifting gears wears off as one's years wear on (spoken by a senior pushing 70).
[This message has been edited by canfirst (edited 05-02-2014).]
I think they are (worth less), because of the high rpms the engine turns at todays cruising speeds of 75 or 80 mph versus the 55 mph speed limit. Manual transmissions are extremely reliable if not abused. In a sports car a lot of people prefer a manual transmission. I will admit that I like driving our Mustang V6 automatic, but it is a 4 speed.
I don't think the autos are worth less. In fact, I think they are worth more. I was driving one Fiero in constant stop and go traffic so I bought an auto and loved every minute of it. The auto/manual debate has raged and will rage on and on over time just as the with and without wing and all the other little debates. All a matter of preference with no right or wrong.
Your black Fiero is stunning! Wish you were bringing it up for sale more towards November when I can buy another one. Perhaps you can post a price you would be happy accepting so folks know where you need to be with the sale.
Value/worth is seen differently by different people. If you're talking daily driver then yes automatic all the way , especially in high traffic areas, but for the weekenders like myself it has to be the stick. Just makes it more fun.
Again personal preference.
[This message has been edited by jc8367 (edited 05-02-2014).]
Why are Fiero automatics considered worth less now than when they were new? Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't automatic transmissions more expensive to purchase than standard transmissions when Fiero's were sold new? Is there not more maintenance and repairs involved with standard transmissions? Also, wasn't there an issue with clutch pedals bending? Was that problem resolved by recall or is it still an issue? I prefer the ease of driving and minimal maintenance of an automatic transmission. The novelty of shifting gears wears off as one's years wear on (spoken by a senior pushing 70).
They are worth less than a standard because: (1) Manual transmissions are less maintenance then automatics; (2) Manual transmissions will last longer then automatics; (3) Manual transmissions provide the driver more control over the car; (4) Manual transmissions use less fuel (allow for coasting in gear as just one example); (5) Manual transmissions have a built in theft deterrent, as most people in the US don't know how to drive one; and (6) Manual transmissions can be push started.
FWIW, my Fiero is an automatic. My tdi is a manual.
Such low miles on that car! Kudos to you for enjoying it even with such little miles on such a good looking car. I would be scared to drive a fiero with that little miles on it
If a prestigious auction is your route I agree with rodney with putting the factory wheels on it. Even though it may look better with the wheels you have on it now with unrestored factory cars with low miles people are looking to have the original wheels or atleast the original wheels rolled out with the car for sale.
If your trying to sell it personally I really hope you get the price your asking for. It is well worth it, unfortunately Ive seen alot of fieros not selling right now. But who knows yours is different and RARE!
Anyways Friendly bump goodluck on the sale of the car I would take it off your hands if the money was there
The automatic in a Fiero is worth less because in a Fiero it highlights how pathetic the V-6 really is. With a manual at least you can get some control over the engine and place it easily in an RPM range that, if you're not paying close attention, feels like it has some power.
Having said that, it would not cause me the least hesitation in buying this car.
My personal belief is that all sport cars should be manual Nothing sadness me more then when I walk up to a Vette or Mustang and see that IT IS AN AUTO, I JUST WALK AWAY
But then I have seen some people driving a manual who have no business driving a stick, autos were made for them lol
Nice car, im sure someone will be very lucky do get it
On one of my California Coast Runs a few years ago, a guy showed up in a black 88 GT T-top just like mine. His dad had bought the car new. So, I led the pack on the run. He lined up behind me, so we had both matching T-tops in front. When we got to our stopping place for lunch about 100 miles up the Pacific Coast Highway, he came to check out my car. He looked inside and said "wow! Your cars an automatic. I was having a hard time keeping up with you! I figured you had a 5-speed." I had a similar experience once on the Run For The Hills, being the only 4 cylinder in the bunch, in my 88 T-top coupe. I was holding my own all day long. The only time the V6s could pull away from me was when we got on a stretch of 4 lane. My current Fiero, my 50th, is an 88 GT 5-speed. And after 50 Fieros, I can tell you that there ain't that much difference in stock Fieros. It's all in what people like, and how they drive them.
And a bump for your sale thread.
------------------ 12th Annual California Coast Run October 17-19, 2014 http://www.californiacoastrun.com 1988 Fiero GT - Nashville, TN 37203
