Hey guys, My parents have once again given me lies and lies about why not to get a fiero. all of them being FALSE. I need you guys (the experts on FIEROS) to give me some reasons why a Pontiac Fiero is good for a 16 year old.
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12:30 AM
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rodmcneill Member
Posts: 1616 From: Indiana USA Registered: Oct 2000
Um...what's some of the reasons they are giving to not get a Fiero? I'm no Fiero expert, but I can say that they're fun cars and if you have trouble, you can get your answers here (most of the time).
------------------ sqoach@yahoo.com
84 SE (project car?) 85 Coupe (parts car) 86 SC (daily driver)
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12:37 AM
Sootah Member
Posts: 2457 From: St. George, Utah Registered: May 2001
Parents are stubborn. If they have made up their mind that you arent going to get one you'll be hard pressed to convince them otherwise. Its prolly the fact that its a sports car, most parental units don't like the idea of a fast car in the hands of a 16 year old male. We do, after all, have a tendancy to show off to the opposite sex whenever the opportunity rears its head.
So, Buy my Cavalier (hehe) wreck it, collect the insurance $ and buy yourself a Fiero. When your dad objects, break his kneecaps.
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12:37 AM
AkursedX Member
Posts: 2890 From: Lackawanna NY Registered: Aug 2000
Originally posted by DisfourDan: Hey guys, My parents have once again given me lies and lies about why not to get a fiero. all of them being FALSE. I need you guys (the experts on FIEROS) to give me some reasons why a Pontiac Fiero is good for a 16 year old.
-They're cheap. -They're pretty slow (with the name, i assume you are trying to get a 4cyl) Note: I am not flaming the 4cyl owners, My GT is slow too -They were right up with volvo in government crash testing. It's a very safe car. -It's pretty fuel efficient -It's a great car to learn on -You can probably get fairly cheap insurance for it
They are cheap. They are durable. Parts (from here) are cheap. It uses over the counter GM parts for most everything. The body panels don't rust, dent and hardly ever blow away. You can't haul around 6 of your best friends and be distracted by their teenage foolishness thereby avoiding being the cause of a major accident. The cars are decent at handling, braking (not for many repeated stops, but in normal stopping) and economy is not that bad- my 4 cylinder would get 30 MPG and my 3.4 GT gets 20+++.
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12:54 AM
sjp777 Member
Posts: 613 From: San Francisco, CA Registered: Apr 2001
DisforDan, Tell them you plan to join a local car club, (not a bad idea for tech help to keep it running). We had a younger member who came to meetings with his dad, maybe you could use the father/son bonding thing. Maybe get them to go to a meeting and see what it's like. Just a thought.
i didnt tell my parents i bought a car till after. they freaked when i told them though, but what could they do? their 1600kms away while im in college.
I hide my beer upfront under the "hood/bonnet?????" cops never think that there are two trunks... except for that one cop................ but thats a whole other story.
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02:25 AM
AusFiero Member
Posts: 11513 From: Dapto NSW Australia Registered: Feb 2001
hit your local library and try to find all those safety reports and any positive press you can find for it. also look for whatever you can find for what they might be suggesting so you can make comparisons. hopefully it will come out favorably enough to convince them. also throw in the fact that you'd be more likely to take care of a car you really want instead of one that was forced on you. or if they're footing the bill start scraping up your own cash to get what you want. if they see you're willing to try and get what you want yourself over being given (or helped or loan, don't really know your situation) something you've let them know you have no interest in owning it might sway their decision.
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10:27 AM
DisfourDan Member
Posts: 95 From: Antioch, CA, USA Registered: May 2001
Hey guys, thanks for all the help. Here is my situation. My parents (mostly my mother) thinks that pontiacs are a piece of crap. She really have no reason to believe it. My father on the other hand says as long as i sell that damn volvo, i can go ahead and get it. But like in most families the mother always gets the last word. For some odd reason, my parents do not trust me at all (no drugs, no drinking, nothing bad, and i get 3.9GPA). They think that i am going to get this car and when it (if ever) breaks down, i will quit on it. I have been wanting to get a fiero ever since I saw my first one at a car auction about 2 years ago. My parents are really stubborn, and dumb when it comes to things i want to get. So i need some things to say next time i strike up a conversation about getting my Fiero.
------------------ Nothing good can come from good.
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10:47 AM
LZeitgeist Member
Posts: 5662 From: Raleigh, NC, U.S.A. Registered: Dec 2000
Easiest thing to do is let it go until such time when their two cents no longer get counted in the decision...
I know my parents didn't give a flip *what* kind of car I bought, because they weren't paying for it... however, if they were contributing money towards the purchase, they'd have had every right to "help" me decide what car was going to be purchased with the money.
Just *my* two cents... take it for what it's worth.
if you buy a 12 to 17 year old car - you will have to work on it to keep it running well, and looking nice.
you mom is thinking transportation - you are thinking other things.
if your mom looks up the Fiero in any used car 'edmunds' type books in the library, then she is correct - the car did have a rough history and most used car price guides list the car in the 'do not buy for any reason' column.
You have to do some clear headed self analysis - are you really mechanically inclinded - are you really interested in taking engines apart and replaceing oil seals in the garage in the middle of winter?
Do you like the car cause of the way it looks? or cause its a two seater? Sunroof? sporty?
There are other / newer cars you can get that are two seaters, lots of fun to drive, and wont require as much maintaince or repairs.
You need to decide for yourself - have you become obsessed with the image of the Fiero and you want one, convincing yourself that having to work on it wont be so bad?
I think that having any car that is more than ten years old is more of a hobbie than a form of transportation - just as if you got a -62 VW beetle, model T roadster, 57 chevy or Tbird...
here's my reasoning for why I would get a fiero for my child if I had on:
1.) 2 seats, the #1 killer of young drivers is inattentiveness. 2 seats limits you to 1 passanger, less distraction. 2.) it's expensive to put a loud sterio in a fiero, once again less distration for a young driver. 3.) no back seat, and seperate up front, less likely for kid to 'mess arround' in car. 4.) Cheap 5.) Cheap insurance 6.) Great Father/Son project 7.) not too fast 8.) 2nd safest car produced in the US from 84 to 88. 9.) good resources for help (ie: here) 10.) no cup holders for beer! and beer in the trunk will get warm, thus making the fiero not a prime choice for a beer run vehicle. 11.) good handling.
reasons not to buy: 1.) Investment, it's cheap to get, but you'll sink money into it as long as you have it. 2.) break downs, it's an older car, it's going to need work.
If you have a decent part time job, and are mechanically intuitive, it's not that big of a problem. In the long haul, I look at it like this:
I can spend $500 on a new car that is just like everyone else's, or, I can spend $500 a month on repairs/customising to have a car like no one else's. (please note that $500 is not my average monthly expenditure on the fiero, I usually buy 1 'big' thig for it a month, ie: new tires, exhaust, manifolds, shocks etc... so over a year, it gets a lot of work done)
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11:33 AM
DisfourDan Member
Posts: 95 From: Antioch, CA, USA Registered: May 2001
Well I am not really buying it for transportation purposes, the thing is i have been obsessed with the fiero for quite some time. I just love the car, something wants me to get it, and it makes me want it so bad, that i dont want any other car. Not a honda, bmw, or anyother crap thrown at me. I am just hooked on it, like crack. The car will diffinately be a hobby for me. I do not plan to buy a fiero that has a really bad enigine, I will look for help with this forum and the internet for fixing the engine if any problems do occur. And plan on taking some courses down at my local community college over my break. (auto class). I plan to spend under 2k for my fiero, its gonna be an 87 gt.
------------------ Nothing good can come from good.
And if you get one, try to stay away from the 84s. Not flaming 84s or their owners, but the 84s seem to have more problems. Your best bet would be to get an 86-87 2M4. The 88s are more expensive to maintain, so I've heard. And with a 4, you get better gas mileage, and not the urge to race as much cuz, let's face it, it's not a Ferrari. Try to find one with pretty low miles on it. And one that was maintained well. If you find one that has 50K miles and has already needed 2 clutches and has a rebuilt engine, you know that person drove the hell out of it.
Well, you posted something as I started typing. Since you want a GT, and a good one, I think you're gonna have to spend more than a couple grand. These cars may be cheap, but not that cheap for a nice one. Let's see, 87 GT with about 70K miles, nice paint, good interior (couple of minor flaws), well-maintained. Probably spend closer to $3,500 for something like that. This is just a guess though. Deals are out there, just gotta find them.
[This message has been edited by sqoach (edited 05-22-2001).]
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11:54 AM
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rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49601 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
I love most of the european cars, especially sports ones. You wouldnt catch me dead driving a Saab or Volvo though. Even if it is 10 times safer, there just butt ugly.(of course that depends somewhat on the butt being referred to)
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12:11 PM
Her86GT Member
Posts: 1173 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: May 2001
It's a car! What difference should it make - I mean really! If you have access to any old Road & Track magazines, your parents would learn alot about this loved car. I have the one from '84 that is full of info as to why the cars were made and all the specs. Perfect for those who are skepticle.
[This message has been edited by Her86GT (edited 05-22-2001).]
This probably wouldn't be great to bring up with your parents, but IF you have an accident, these are incredibly tough (safe) cars. I hydroplaned on a highway into a wall, spinning & banging several times, and it would have killed me in anything else. But I walked away without a scratch. Correction - I DROVE the car away, once I realized everything was still working! And it's not just me - I've heard the same thing from many people here.
Sometimes it's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. I don't know what the laws are in CA (with respect to titles and stuff) but when I was 15 I simply had to buy my friend's 67 Mustang. It was a piece of crap and I gave $300 for it (money I had saved working over the summer). My folks found out just about the time the deal was struck and tried a last ditch "we'll help you get something nicer". Fortunately, both my parents are car enthusiasts and got over the Mustang thing pretty quick. Actually, now that I think of it, the Mustang was trivial compared to other things I did to make them worry!
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04:23 PM
CanadianGT Member
Posts: 556 From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Registered: Mar 2001
I told My parents I was going to buy A motorcycle. They were so scared I would be killed, that they offered to pay my insurance and for part of a car, If I got a car. So I picked a Fiero. All in all I got a pretty good deal
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04:30 PM
May 25th, 2001
AusFiero Member
Posts: 11513 From: Dapto NSW Australia Registered: Feb 2001
Originally posted by ThatRickGuy: I can spend $500 on a new car that is just like everyone else's, or, I can spend $500 a month on repairs/customising to have a car like no one else's. (please note that $500 is not my average monthly expenditure on the fiero, I usually buy 1 'big' thig for it a month, ie: new tires, exhaust, manifolds, shocks etc... so over a year, it gets a lot of work done)
Ouch why did you go and put it like that Rick. I had to work mine out then out of interest. Excluding purchase price and rego/insurance I have shelled out $758 a month on my Fiero. I think Porsche has a deal going on new Boxstars for about that much. Oh well no one in Australia looks twice at a Boxstar anyway, but a Fiero.
------------------ When I was young I spent 80% of my money on Women, Gambling and Alcohol. I guess I wasted the rest.
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04:51 AM
KRMFiero Member
Posts: 2711 From: Providence, RI Registered: Sep 2000
1. Great gas milage 2. they dont have to worry about getting a grandson (no back seat) 3. If you get rear ended you have plenty of protection behind you
umm thats all i can think of without making the fiero sound to much like a fast sports car or something you will/might want to do alot of mods to
Kyle
Reason why i got mine is cause when i was about 5 years old i told my dad i wanted one for my first car, he said okay (probley thinking i wouldnt remember, but i did) and so i bought one, then i bought another one and possibly another one this week.
[This message has been edited by KRMFiero (edited 05-25-2001).]
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06:57 AM
FieroHeather Member
Posts: 353 From: Barrie, ON, Canada Registered: May 2001
Hey there, I got my fiero when I was 16(now I'm 17). Its a great car because it is: 1. Cheap on gas 2. Only a 4 or 6 cylinder so u won't get into much trouble. 3. Nice looking car 4. You can do repairs yourself. 5. Reliable(for some no but for me it has been very good). 6. You won't have to borrow your parents car anymore!
These are all reasons that u should tell your parents...trust me...you'll love fiero's and your parents will probably love it to...bring yoru dad or whoever to go test drive one and I promise you that they'll fall in love with it.... anyways good luck and get back to us if u get one!
------------------ Lance Click Image to go to site.
Originally posted by rogergarrison: I love most of the european cars, especially sports ones. You wouldnt catch me dead driving a Saab or Volvo though. Even if it is 10 times safer, there just butt ugly.(of course that depends somewhat on the butt being referred to)
Volvos are not 10 times safer. They are just a little bit safer. The Fiero was second only to the Volvo in crash safety in 1984. They are still one of the safer cars on the road.
I just had a nasty rear end accident (my fault, no less) in my 88GT. I hit someone and was still going around 40 mph. Neither my passenger or I had a scratch on us, and the car will be back on the road in a week or so.
[This message has been edited by FierobearRoadtrip (edited 05-27-2001).]
Tell your mom as others have said,The Fiero is a safe car. Put some money into maintinance every month IE, Always change oil,and filter.I change my Oil filter every 800 miles no matter how long its been.Oil might not breakdown but oil filters sure do.I was told and firmly believe that 800 to 1000 max life for oil filter.After that deposits start getting through.anyways,My mom was cool about my Fiero when I pulled up in the drive way with it.She said what a cute car.Just be upfront with her.Tell her all you have learned about the car,IE saftey, can do repairs yourself, wont rust,(body panels anyway). Only you know how to talk to your mom,If you want the Fiero,dont go in to the conversation half hearted,Know your facts and stick to you guns.Dont get emotional ,act like your mature for your age and be specific. Knowledge is POWER.Know your facts.Good Luck
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03:29 AM
May 28th, 2001
FieroPerformance Member
Posts: 435 From: Cincinnati, OH, USA Registered: Feb 2001
I hide alcohol in the front trunk compartment.. i figure if i get pulled over they will not cehck there because they are dumb. I am drunk right now. and fieros make lots of noise so sneaking is impossible... and they are fun and FAST... and they handle good... and make 360s easy on the snow and rain.. but i have new tires and rims so it is hard. and i am drunk right now.... so i dont know why i am talking to you about this... lauren is on the phone. o wlel... dont go in a hot tub with alcohol because it thins your blood and makes it worse. o well. talk to you all later.
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12:36 AM
sjp777 Member
Posts: 613 From: San Francisco, CA Registered: Apr 2001
Originally posted by FieroPerformance: I hide alcohol in the front trunk compartment.. i figure if i get pulled over they will not cehck there because they are dumb. I am drunk right now. and fieros make lots of noise so sneaking is impossible... and they are fun and FAST... and they handle good... and make 360s easy on the snow and rain.. but i have new tires and rims so it is hard. and i am drunk right now.... so i dont know why i am talking to you about this... lauren is on the phone. o wlel... dont go in a hot tub with alcohol because it thins your blood and makes it worse. o well. talk to you all later.
I think I've found the ultimate selling point. Your mother would like for you to have a nice inexpensive reliable car like a Honda Civic. Correct? Now if you really want the Fiero. Got to the NOPI site and any other rice site you can find and dl some pics of the most outrageous mods you can find (triple wings, fart cans ect ect.) and tell her how excited you are for her turning her on to such a really awesome car. Then drop the other foot and drop in some pics of mild looking Fieros and mention everyting everyone else above has stated. Mileage, dad son time, safety. ect ect.
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12:46 AM
Oct 23rd, 2001
GTFiero1 Member
Posts: 6508 From: Camden County NJ Registered: Sep 2001
man, the way everyone says "are you mechanical" when i say i wanna fiero and im 15, make me think that they are peices of crap...of course that would be if i didn't know to much about fieros. Come on, the average teen gets an 80's car for there first car, the parents dont want a new one wrecked. but any way you have to get your parents to test drive one or at least ride in one, my dad rode in one cause a co-worker has one, he thought it was pretty fun so he has no objections about me getting the car...i think all of you say it'll be good to have mechanical skills if you own a fiero just because you have to "fix" it all the time, or thats your excause "hey honey...um..i think my cam broke and i dont wanna it to brake again so i'll get this high performance crane cam..uh yeah thats it..." we've had a 2.8 firebird that was a paice of crap but it never needed and major michanical work like you guys say the fiero needs... plus even though im moderatly mechanical, my dad is also a mechanical engineer
80s car?? I know a lot of kids that get hyundais for there first car, then there are those kids with camaro z28 convertibles, firebirds, celicas, and mustangs.
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[This message has been edited by rmorgandotcom (edited 10-23-2001).]