Thinking about defecting (Page 2/4)
Dylpro MAR 22, 03:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by rogergarrison:

Check for rust under those quarter panel rubber deflectors. They hide more than they protect, but to the good side, even a rough repair is hidden when you put them back on over it. They seem to hold dirt and water there making it rust. You want to fix it before it spreads past the rubber.



Thanks everyone!

Yes Roger I noticed that as the passenger didn't have one and there's clearly more rust on that spot than there is any where else on the car. I'll have to find how to remove them to check out the drivers side and I'll also need to find a replacement for the passenger side.

After about 4 days of ownership here's what I've found.
-It's a cop magnet. Well I was just being stupid I guess. Nailed for 52 in a 35. First speeding ticket in a few years
-It drives pretty nicely. It has a high idle when you first start it up after letting it cool. After it warms up though the idle goes back down and the transmission shifts much smoother.
-Gas mileage is good. Filled up for less than 15 dollars for a full tank and I'm still above half a tank after lots of driving during the past couple days. Better than my Fiero
-The transmission when shifting smoother is much better than the 3 speed auto in my Formula. It's pretty fun for an automatic with the ECT button. Puts it into "Power" mode which is makes the transmission shift at higher RPMs. Very fun for an automatic and makes for a more exhilarating drive than the 3 speed in the Fiero.
-Needs. More. Power. It's just draggingly slow off the line. I'm sure it's lost some ponies over the years and it definitely is in need of a tune up, but man it just feels dead when you put your foot down. Once it's moving it's great fun around the corners, but it just needs some more get up. Definitely feel the power difference in the Fiero. The acceleration of both is probably similar but the Fiero just lets you feel it more. More torque I guess.
Overall it's been a good car. Enjoying it so far, but between both, give me my Fiero. But man, I can only think of what that supercharged car is like....
Oregon88 JUN 16, 08:38 PM
Defector! Lol i knew by the title exactly what the post would be about.
I think the car is prety cool too, just have a stiff preference for american made.
I hope it treats you well!
I wonder what the mr2 community is like, i'd be willing to bet its not as cool as this one and that their forums are no where near as bad ass as this one is.

But i hope they treat you well.

Post some side by side pics!
CavScout JUL 19, 01:11 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dylpro:

Officially an MR2 owner! $1000 dollars. She needs some lovin' but overall not a bad buy.

Probably because of the fact that my Fiero is in rather good condition with far less mileage, I'd pick it over the MR2 any day, but it doesn't mean the MR2 isn't a great drive! Very fun little car. So even though I've defected, I'm still far partial to my Formula




I'm in a similar pickle - I hope you continue to post updates.



quote
Originally posted by Oregon88:

Defector! Lol i knew by the title exactly what the post would be about.
I think the car is prety cool too, just have a stiff preference for american made.
I hope it treats you well!
I wonder what the mr2 community is like, i'd be willing to bet its not as cool as this one and that their forums are no where near as bad ass as this one is.

But i hope they treat you well.

Post some side by side pics!



I've been looking thru some of their forums - not as active, but some good archived info - still, not as well thought out and organized as here.
Plus, of course they're not as bad assed LOL

I may be in for an odd trifecta of sorts. Some of you have read I wrecked my nearly done 87 GT, and am so bummed out, I know I won't do anything further with her until next year. I just can't bring myself to wrench on it.

As I just started at Ford, I needed a Ford for my work commute. Nearest thing to a Fiero I could find was a 91 Capri XR2. Fun little bugger in its own right, but not nearly as near and dear to my heart as my GT. However, I can park it in the employee parking lot LOL

Well, went to look at another Capri for either a parts car, or to fix up and give to my daughter to drive. (Air bag and automatic front wheel drive are pluses for young ladies - make it a red convertible, and irresistible LOL) and this old guy has a 87 MR2 in suspended animation in his barn. Looks almost new under the vast layer of dust. Hasn't been on the road since 96 and has less than 100k on it. 5 speed, NA (no supercharger darn!) but the prettiest what I'll call British racing green with tan lowers two tone paint I've ever seen on a MR2. Throw in sunroof and all the other options besides leather and t-tops and it's a sharp looking original car that drove when he parked it. Hasn't been started in 3 years he guesses after the battery died and he pulled it but never replaced it. So, tons of work to make it road worthy I'm sure, but looks fairly easy to restore and can't believe I didn't see any rust. Parts availability in my limited searching seems to be good, just hard to find these up in the rust belt that aren't all rotted up or kid racer'd.

So now I'm torn. I think it's a good deal, and think it'd look great parked next to my GT. I've always said I'd buy a gold plated dog turd if someone put it on a plaque and said it was shat in 87. (Joke around my house....) I have a habit of getting toys I couldn't afford when in high school. The Fiero and MR2 were IT in 87,,,, I feel like I'll have odd book ends of sorts - and can't help myself but think I'm going to rent a trailer and pick it up. Combined with the Capri's - well, my neighbors think I'm crazy for sure.

Sorry for the hijack - I hope you do post side by side pics!
Dylpro AUG 07, 04:34 PM
Haven't looked at this thread in a while! The MR2 now resides in a suburb of Chicago, her new owner loves it and is giving it a full restoration last I heard. It was a fun car, but in the end I just couldn't afford the upkeep of two oddball sports cars at the time, and when it came down to it, the Fiero wasn't going anywhere. I will say if you have an opportunity and the means to get the MR2, go for it! It's an insanely fun car to drive! Don't let the power fool you, even without the supercharger it's an awesome little sports car. I hear with the 5 speed there even more fun. There is a 5th gear pop out issue I read about though that you may want to be wary about. But an MR2 without any rust is a deal in itself. Mine had minimal rust, but it was there. If you can get it for a good price then I'd say go for it, you won't regret it! Make sure to get the timing belt replaced though.

The MR2 forum isn't nearly as active nor enjoyable. I love Pennocks and even though I don't post often, I'm a regular lurker. Pennocks just has a more pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. The MR2 guys seemed pretty nice too though from the short time I was hanging there. I'd imagine though you'll find a lot more 20 year JDM fan boys named Lil Mike who's attitudes are louder than their cars. Didn't spend enough time to meet those guys though.

A teacher at my high school had a mint Capri that used to ride in the parades with the band. I like them but I'm not huge for convertibles. I'm starting college this year and have been wanting something to go back and forth to school with (about two hours from home) and I would love to be able to get into a mint '97 Probe GT, but much like the MR2s, it's hard to find one not raced out, especially in my Fiero-owner minded budget. Found a 1990 BMW 525 that apparently runs but has electrical problems. It's only 500, but a 500 dollar BMW doesn't usually stay a 500 dollar BMW for long. I'm akin to something American but still want it to be something I'll enjoy so I've kept my eyes peeled for sixer Camaros or Mustangs and other things of such.
Patrick AUG 10, 11:18 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dylpro:

It's only 500, but a 500 dollar BMW doesn't usually stay a 500 dollar BMW for long.



That's the same reason why I don't pick up an "inexpensive" Porsche. They're relatively common here. So far I'm refusing to bite.

But geez, I really like the look of this '86 944 being advertised Here for $2500(Cdn)... which is just over $1900 in US funds.

Fiero 88 AUG 18, 07:20 AM
^ Those have always been a temptation for me as well. I chose my most recent Fiero over one of those for nostalgic reasons. I see thsoe 944's around here pretty frequently for "cheap". Sometimes even the turbo ones.
Patrick AUG 19, 04:15 AM
I was dog-sitting a husky for a month back in April, and since huskies like to walk and walk and walk and walk... I saw a lot of my neighborhood in April. I noticed there was a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX about a mile from my place that never moved, so I put a note on the windshield asking if they might wish to sell the car. With 227-280 HP and AWD, I've been considering getting an older WRX for autocross.

Today, four months later... the guy contacts me. His insurance is running out within the week, and he's willing to sell the WRX for about a third of what they usually go for around here. What's the catch? Well, it's got a "rebuilt" title. The owner maintains it was just body damage (which was all repaired, looks good), and that the accident several years ago didn't affect the frame at all. I don't believe anything that someone selling a car says.

This is an online image of a similar looking 2002 WRX...




Anyway, I'm supposed to go look at it early next week. I admit to being a little apprehensive.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-20-2016).]

Fiero 88 AUG 20, 12:51 PM
I like Subies. May consider a new one when I get my next DD. The bugeye are probably my least favorite though, hawk/blob are more my taste. Good luck with the car, hopefully it's better than you think it'll be.
Patrick AUG 20, 11:24 PM

quote
Originally posted by Fiero 88:

The bugeye are probably my least favorite though, hawk/blob are more my taste.



I myself prefer the generation immediately preceding the "bugeye" ones, but some people like 'em.

What are "hawk/blob"?
Dylpro SEP 21, 04:17 AM
What happened with the Subie there, Patrick? I personally love the bugeye generation, more specifically the wagon model. Looked at a couple before I bought my Fiero, but none were in the best of shape.

I too have looked at a few 80s Porsches, especially after you shared the article in my other thread

Unfortunately even the older Porsches in my area seem to go for a premium. 924s are your best bet if you want to stay cheap, even the occasional 914 pops up. You're hard pressed to find any 944 or 928 nowadays under 4000. I'd say 5000 is usually more common. In my area at least. And the ones under that area usually a little more worse for wear.

Example 1
This images is larger than 153600 bytes. Click to view.

Example 2- If you believe the sellers detailed description though this one could be a steal at $3500
This images is larger than 153600 bytes. Click to view.

[This message has been edited by Dylpro (edited 09-21-2016).]