Thinking of buying a 1988 Fiero Formula ????? (Page 1/2)
coolink13 OCT 03, 04:37 PM
Hello Everyone , This is my first post. I came across a V8 powered Formula . It has 214K on it.. A early nineties Corvette 350 with a TPI set up. BBK throttle body. Factory manifolds. new lower end. Has AC installed but not charged . so could not test that.. Has a speed manual . stock clutch. Power windows , rear defrost , auto Trunk release. Paint is excellent all rubber seals look excellent. All glass looks excellent. Could use a drivers seat cover. Has after market cd and amp installed. All gauges worked . Factory wheels look new. tires are so so? I don't Have Photos to post.. I was wondering what a fair price would be? They are asking 10K Any input would be helpful. Thank you
Patrick OCT 03, 06:07 PM
I think you're going to find that prices can be all over the place, largely depending on supply and demand in the particular area.

I'll also add that no matter how good a Fiero might look and/or run, you've got to check for rust in the problem areas... before you buy.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 10-03-2020).]

olejoedad OCT 03, 07:57 PM
If you're not mechanically inclined, a drivetrain swapped automobile of any type may not be for you.

Most shops won't touch them for repairs or even simple tuneups.

The stock clutch is a ticking bomb.

Did you ask the owner why they are selling?
Does the car come with complete documentation?

Ten grand will buy a lot of decent cars of many kinds - but it is very high for Fiero unless it is very, very exceptional.
fierofrenzy OCT 03, 08:27 PM
hey Coollink.... I own an 88 Formula. I think its awesome. But as far as your first Fiero being one with a swapped in V8.... well, unless your very very mechanically inclined , I'd stay away from that car. The Fireo your looking at was not designed for a 350 V8, so Im sure problems will arise, if they havent already. Why this fellow selling it anyway ? If your set on buying a Formula then I'd advise finding a basically stock one. And if you have 10 grand to invest, you'll definately find a gem. Just my opinion of coarse, but I wouldnt do it.
formulaWA OCT 03, 08:47 PM
You could buy my Formula for 10K. Not a swap but it is a "new" factory original Formula with 2,000 original miles and the original tires.
coolink13 OCT 03, 09:29 PM
Thank you to everyone for the responses . I am Very Mechanically inclined being a 30 year master tech. But a good thing to point out.. I think i can get get the car for about 7500 -8000. I wanted something with some power.. Although I don't like the 4 speed in it.. he has a racing clutch . I don't remember the brand. As far as rust I didn't see anything in the visual areas. I asked about the frame areas behind the plastic. he confidently said no rust. being around cars in new England I do realize there could be surprises. He is selling it because of bad knees and is older now. The car does come with a spare radiator AC compressor spare sunroof. and some things I may be forgetting. I don't want a stock Fiero. Thanks again for all the valued input.
Patrick OCT 03, 09:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by coolink13:

As far as rust I didn't see anything in the visual areas. I asked about the frame areas behind the plastic. he confidently said no rust.



That's what most sellers say, no matter if they themselves know or not.
pmbrunelle OCT 03, 10:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by coolink13:
I am Very Mechanically inclined being a 30 year master tech.



Well, you'll probably need to rely on those skills. It's rare that auto modifications are performed with the care and quality of the original factory parts.

If I wanted a swapped Fiero, I'd buy a stock one and swap it myself.

Too much probability of bullshit and corner-cutting with a modified car. Just my two cents...
coolink13 OCT 04, 07:49 AM
Thanks again for the continued replies. I have Decided to walk away from this one. Going to look at another today. Not modified . low miles 1988 formula automatic. Has crank windows. I think in the 60K range, was told needs a engine. That one is 3200. I am not interested in it for that Price.
ltlfrari OCT 04, 10:21 AM
People (sellers out to make a buck or three) seem to think (or at least say) that Fieros 'will soon be a collector car' and want an arm an a leg for non running pieces of scrap.
In my opinion, anything that 'needs an engine' is little more than a non running but rolling chassis and should be priced as such, given that scrap price for a chassis might be a couple of hundred dollars.
That said, proces do seem to be going up (slowly) with some VERY NICE examples asking and sometime commanding 10k but most are nothing special, except to the seller, and should be priced accordingly.
The secret, especially for a swap, is to find a good solid donor chassis. Everything else is fixable and pretty much EVERY problem ever encountered on a Fiero has been posted about and solved on here so it's not like you are alone, which is why I still have, even though I am 'old' and 'have bad knees'!

Good look with your search and welcome to the madness.