Looking at buying my first Fiero, and just wonder if there's anything I should shy away from (year/model/engine/tranny). I'm looking at 6 cylinder manual, but wondering if there are any particular years that were best to go with.

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Cheers,

Cameron

Well I prefer to skip the 84's but lot of people have them. They just have different wiring and only the 4.

Other than that the 85-87 are all basically the same the 88's have the different suspension which means less parts are available.
Big thing I look for is rust. Check the side walls in the rear truck for holes rusted through. If bad the rear frame rails are in bad shape.
Then check under the battery and the frame area below the battery for rust. Next check the floor pans under the seats.
Check the engine for knocks. The V6 has a low oil problem on one crank bearing that sometimes can be a problem on the pre 88's if not maintained well.
Check headlights to see if they work.
Check for hidden damage. If it's been in a wreak the body panels cover damage up well.

There is actually a few posts on the forum that someone made with lots of ideas of things to check.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...090219-2-085816.html

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 03-04-2012).]

I'm not going to try and advise you, but I suggest that you tell us more about your plans.

Are you interested in customizing it--putting in a more powerful engine and upgrading the suspension--or do you see it more as a stock or factory-condition car, just fixing whatever needs to be fixed to keep it on the road? Are you thinking about driving it a lot or just for special occasions? Are you going to depend on it, or is it going to be a second car?

Thanks for the notes, that will really help. I'm looking for something that I will probably keep stock in the short term at least. I had an '89 Cavalier RS with a 2.8 in it and it was a great motor, but I imagine it would be considerably different than the 85-87. As for reliability, I was hoping to drive it fairly regularly in the summer, but it will be a 2nd car so if there are problems I will be able to park it, as long as I don't get stranded.

I've only had one Fiero. It's a 1988 GT. Five-speed manual, V-6 engine. It had about 45,000 miles on it when I got it. I invested heavily in having it restored (mechanically). I don't think the previous owners took much care with it. The most important thing I had to do was to replace the transmission, as that broke apart on me right after I started driving it.

[This message has been edited by rinselberg (edited 03-05-2012).]

I bought a Fiero because it's different being mid engine and is not all that common anymore. Mine is an 88 which had more appeal to me because it is different in some ways than the other years. This has proven to be a PITA b/c every other time I need a part, just about the only place I can find it is The Fiero Store and must be ordered by mail...the waiting game. Not sure how much easier it is to buy stuff for the pre 88's but I hope this info helps in your decision. That being said, I enjoy my Fiero and do not regret my decision. Look up local Fiero clubs in you area and join... to me they have proven to be a great bunch of guys with a wealth of info, experience, great cars and the occasional part I needed.

[This message has been edited by Reallybig (edited 03-05-2012).]

88's are the most advanced. Better suspension, better brakes and things like second generation head light motors, etc...
If I were in the market to get another Fiero or replace the one I have (87 GT) I'd look at either an 88 GT or Formula

Finally figured out how to post pics

Gorgeous! I still have a thing for the '85s though.

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tucsonsean

Nice '85 GT. The '85 year model Fiero is the only year model I have yet to own and I too have a soft spot for the '85 GTs.