Fiero - Good first car? (Page 1/4)
Wonders SEP 28, 11:52 AM
I'm thinking of buying one, but I'd like to ask a few questions first.

1. Which engine should I try and get?

2. Are there any big problems with the engines?

3. Old bodystyle or the "new" bodystyle?


First thread, please don't gun me down.
Gall757 SEP 28, 12:35 PM
Welcome to the Forum!

Is your first car a daily driver or a hobby? Fieros are too old to be relied on every day.
ltlfrari SEP 28, 01:04 PM
Great hobby car, lousy as a daily driver unless you spend a lot of $ to fix all the 'just keep it running/on the road' so called 'maintenance' that it's had for the last 30 odd years. That said, I'm sure people will pipe up and say they use theirs as a daily driver, I used to use mine that way but now it's just a hobby car, don't need it for day to day use. One the plus side, you'll become a great mechanic though because you'll probably ave to work on pretty much everything on the car!

4 cyl automatic is pretty gutless, personally i'd avoid although that's what I got for my son as a first car and he still managed to crash it on a wet road!. My first Fiero was a 4 cyl/5 speed manual and it was a blast to drive.

Body style is just personal preference.Me, I like 'notchies'.

Bear in mind these are 30 plus year old cars with all the problems associated with that which means that unless you buy from an enthusiast, pretty much everything will be worn out! Also rust of the upper frame rails (which you cannot easily see) is a car killer, rust in the trunk area is a pain but fixable if you can weld (so is upper frame rail but it's a pain to do!). Search on here for trunk/frame rust, plenty of horror stories!

If you are short of $ or need it as a daily driver, I'd say no, not a good first car otherwise go for it.


Hope you find something.

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Anything I might say is probably worth what you paid for it, so treat it accordingly!

Dave

www.ltlfrari.com

Shho13 SEP 28, 02:44 PM
These cars are so easy to fall in love with, they look great and they drive great, if properly maintained. I the hell outta mine!

With that in mind, and realistically speaking, the newest Fiero is 30+ years old at this point... If you were to buy one as a first car, you would want one that was maintained very well. Even with proper maintenance, though, age is a factor; I wouldn't feel confident in using one as a daily driver at this point (with certain exceptions of course, many people still do daily theirs!)... As for me, I've been slowly restoring mine over the last five years, and don't drive it daily; meanwhile things still like to break, even with limited use; for example, the clutch master cylinder last week started leaking out the back and I lost pressure. I know any car you may buy may have problems, but realistically, a Fiero should'nt be asked to be a daily that you will rely on as your primary transportation. The same money will get you a car 10+ years newer that any shop will be willing to work on... Many shops don't know a thing about fixing them and it's not out of the question for them to turn you away... One thing is for sure, if you have a Fiero, you will learn your way around fixing a car, lol.

Good luck in your search and welcome to the forum! 😁

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"Discord"
Red 1988 GT under restoration!

Let's Go Mets!

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

arbakken SEP 28, 04:10 PM
Goodness it's a terrible first car, unless you've grown up fixing cars and your parents are going to help you fix it. I mean, you might find one that someone has already been through and fixed everything, but those are a few bucks. That leaves the old ones that have been sitting, and the ones beat within an inch of their lives. They are fun though and although I haven't had mine long and I've spent most of that time fixing it, I love mine dearly.

That said:
1. There are 2 options, a slower and arguably more reliable 4 cyl, and a faster 6 cyl
2. They're 30 year old engines, with 30 year old technology. No OBDII to help you out
3. They were produced concurrently, although the notch was available 2 years before the fastback. I like the notch better, but seems like most like the fastback better
Jake_Dragon SEP 28, 07:33 PM
If you don't mind working on cars and you don't drive far each trip then yes it can be.

The Fiero is a safe car even for todays standards.
The V6 is the best engine option to look for.
I personally prefer a standard shift and look for 5 speed cars but the V6 automatic is not a bad combination, they are just not as fun to drive.
Look for an 86/87 as they will be better price wise. Avoid the 84 as its never a good idea to buy the first year car especially when its 30 years old (plus they only came with the 4 cylinders)
The 88 are the best year but you will pay more for it and you can have just as much fun in an 86/87 (someone will correct me in a minute)
As for the body style that is just what you would like. I have had every style except the formula and I like the 86/87 SE the best.
But if I get another one I hope its a formula.

Now expect things to break, its going to happen. If you get frustrated easy when things go wrong then you should not get one for a DD car
But if you like to figure things out and improve when you fix something then the Fiero is for you!!

Good luck and welcome to the forum.
Notorio SEP 28, 08:18 PM
Whatever type you decide you like, try to get it from someone that has kept up with the maintenance. All three 5-spds I bought had been sitting for a while so they all quickly developed leaky clutch slave cylinders and brake master cylinders with a return to frequent use (heating up, cooling down cycles.) You won't pay too much more to get a car that has been taken care of. If possible, drive it rather then buying long distance. Check the Carfax for scary items. Someone on the Forum has a nice 'check list' they take when looking at Fieros.
Patrick SEP 28, 08:34 PM

quote
Originally posted by arbakken:

There are 2 options, a slower and arguably more reliable 4 cyl, and a faster 6 cyl



"Arguably" for sure! What makes you believe the ol' duke rattle-trap is any more reliable than the 2.8 V6?
Pinecoon SEP 28, 09:53 PM
Fiero makes a really good "Fun car" They dont have much storage space and if you have two passengers then things are going to get very personal. Also as mentioned they are 30+ year old cars and need upkeep as issues will arise from time to time. Very good starter car for an enthusiast tho so if you have a daily driver then a Fiero would make a great first project car.
fierofrenzy SEP 29, 07:26 AM
I sold my 97 T-Bird to get my 87 Fiero " daily driver" about 3 months ago. A guy in work been offering to by the Bird, so when a Fiero popped up on the internet that I wanred to buy, I made the switch.
I love Fieros so much that I think its great to have one as a daily driver. I get a real lot of pleasure out of driving this car, so why not do it every day?
The first big factor is that the car does run excellent and its in great shape. I put a few hundred into it to get it in the best shape I can, Its a 4 cyl. automatic. With all the traffic around Atlanta, I didn't want a stick. So with a used car, you'll probably end up having to do the same thing,
I also own an 88 Formula. This car is a munual, Drove that to Georgia from N.J., and also ran it down to Florida, so they"ll go the distance as long as their in good condition.
So if you want one for your first car, go for it. Just don't go cheep. Take your time and find one that's super dependaple. ( Super dependable Fiero, hahaha to all us regulars here : )
You'll have a real fun car to drive, and most likely get a lot of attention and comments abut it. If your just gonna "putz" around, in my opinion the 4 cylinder should be fine, all though their low on power. The V6 adds a lot more excitement to your driving experience.
Are you a " car guy " ? Because you will be working on this car. Keep that in mind.
Welcome to the forum. Need help just ask. Were all here to help each other and welcome you to the craze.