My younger brother had a 91, quick little bastard. Not a looker, don't remember too many problems out of it, that is until my older brother got a hold of it. I didn't get to work on it, too busy trying to keep my Fieros going
It's the "middle" car from that time period of the Geo line-up. Not as good as the Prism, but a good set up from the Metro.
The Prism, both the base and top of line, got the 4AG series engine (the famous Toyota 1.6L series). For a FWD they're not that bad. I've only driven one though. You'll hang with any other comparable sedan. The Storm is right above a good Fiero L4 in terms of power. I've also only driven one of those. A bit slower than the Prism and not as fun to drive, but still a nice car. The one I drove was pretty old, so it wasn't all that comfortable (worn suspension). The Metro I've driven plenty examples of. Barely pulls itself down the road. Great gas mileage though.
If you're able to get one dirt cheap then the Storm is not a bad car to have. Most any of the Storm models are fairly reliable, as long as you maintain them as they should be maintained. Obviously there's no serious resale value, but if you're looking to get it for a good gas-saver throw-away car it's a good choice.
I had that exact car. 92 base model with a 5 speed. They are a lot of fun to drive and pretty peppy. Got great mileage too. I never really had any major problems with it other than rust, which they do quite badly. They do imho, for whatever reason, have one of the better sounding 4 cylinders out there, very growly. If I found one for a good price in decent shape I'd definately pick up another.
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11:04 PM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
Well, I'm currently looking at one. 136k miles, owned by a mechanic for a whopping $1200 Neg (open to trades )
Since it looks like I'm going to get screwed on the Mazda I was planning on buying, I need to find another cheap 5 speed that is good on gas. Bonus points for good handling/power that can somewhat compare to my 88 Dookie Fiero (damn I miss that car )
I'd love to have a Metro 5 speed, just for the gas mileage. Checked on out early last week, but it was a rust bucket. Had the 3 cyl suzuki motor in it, and felt pretty decent for power. I took it up a steep 7% grade hill in 3rd gear no problem... I won't buy a Prizm, simply because I feel huge in them and they are uncomfortable to me (and I don't want another 4 door)
Looking at a blue 85SE 4 cyl auto Fiero as well for $500, but its sitting in a field, 5 years in Rust city me thinks...
Anywho, back on topic: For a guy my size, how comfortable would the Storm be to drive? I'm 6'2" and 210lbs, with a broad frame. I've ridden b*tch (re: back seat center) in one in high school, but I was half my current weight and 8 inches shorter. Not comfortable but manageable, and from what I remember the car did have a good bit of pep to it for as small a motor as it was... And was tons of fun in an iced over parking lot in the winter
[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 04-17-2011).]
If you think the Prizm is too small, forget the Storm. The 4AGEin the Prizm is about the only plus to that car, too.
If you want a fun, cheap little four door, check out the Mazda Protege. The 2002 model is a little faster (in a straight line) than my 84 Fiero. Was that the type of Mazda you were looking at?
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11:44 PM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
If you think the Prizm is too small, forget the Storm. The 4AGEin the Prizm is about the only plus to that car, too.
If you want a fun, cheap little four door, check out the Mazda Protege. The 2002 model is a little faster (in a straight line) than my 84 Fiero. Was that the type of Mazda you were looking at?
Its not so much that the Prizm is small. Its that its a 4 door and I feel cramped getting in and out of it. I'm more comfortable with a 2 door car. One of the main reasons I'm offloading my 93 Escort LX. Since I do have a broad frame, the doors don't feel wide enough and I struggle getting in and out, constantly banging my shoulders/head on the door frame and roof of the car.
The 2002 Protege was a great car, my mom had one. I'd have taken that from her had I had the money 3 years back when she sold it for $2800 with 125k miles on it
I was looking at a Mazda MX-3 but the lady has it (and my deposit) is being flaky and giving me the "I have your cash, now bugger off" attitude (which is why I asked for my deposit back in the first place if you read my thread on the subject last week). Small, sporty, 2 door, 5 speed, reliable, and 33+ mpg highway. Which is what I'm shooting for.
Half tempted to jump on the 85SE Fiero I found, even though its an auto and been sitting in a field for 5 years (provided it doesn't need an arm and a left sack to fix, and isn't rusted to sh*t) Especially if it is a factory blue car. I know there were very few blue factory Fiero's made, but not sure what years anymore...
Originally posted by Xerces_Blackthorne: I know there were very few blue factory Fiero's made, but not sure what years anymore...
87 only.
I hate to suggest it but what about a *shudder* Honda Civic, ridiculously good gas mileage, the doors on the 2-doors are extremely long, to the point you almost have to dislocate your shoulder to reach back for the seatbelt. I'm 5'7 and I have to drive a 96 with the seat all the way back. And holy crap what a pain to work on. And the D-series engine cars are slower than a duke Fiero with an automatic.
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12:07 AM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
I hate to suggest it but what about a *shudder* Honda Civic, ridiculously good gas mileage, the doors on the 2-doors are extremely long, to the point you almost have to dislocate your shoulder to reach back for the seatbelt. I'm 5'7 and I have to drive a 96 with the seat all the way back. And holy crap what a pain to work on. And the D-series engine cars are slower than a duke Fiero with an automatic.
LOL, I'm not that hard up to buy a new vehicle Only Honda I'll ever even consider buying will be a Del Sol or a CRX. And that'll be a last ditch effort. I've driven a CRX 5 speed, and I very much dislike the clutch in the Honda's. Too soft for my liking.
I'd *maybe* consider one of the "bubble" hatchback's (as they are called), but definitely not my first choice. Not sure what model they were (accord or civic), but they remind me of a scaled down Mazda3 to an extent.
Only thing i know about the Storm is that it's the same platform as the Isuzu Impulse. At least some years. (I always thought the Storm looked better.)
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 04-18-2011).]
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12:22 AM
turboguy327 Member
Posts: 1692 From: Webster, NY USA Registered: Feb 2007
I would never ever buy a car owned by a mechanic unless it was a nice late model. Its very rare to find a mechanic that will maintain and take care of their car after working on all kinds of other peoples junk all day. Yea usually they arent hacked up but not id rather find some chick that always took it in for service over a mechanic owned car.
I would never ever buy a car owned by a mechanic unless it was a nice late model. Its very rare to find a mechanic that will maintain and take care of their car after working on all kinds of other peoples junk all day. Yea usually they arent hacked up but not id rather find some chick that always took it in for service over a mechanic owned car.
I agree, I don't know why but mechanics cars are always really nice, or REALLY bad.
That 85 looks WAY too rough. Also looks like it used to be red.
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12:41 AM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
I agree, I don't know why but mechanics cars are always really nice, or REALLY bad.
That 85 looks WAY too rough. Also looks like it used to be red.
Same thoughts here.
As far as buying from a mechanic, I've never had an issue with it here in PA. Now Nebraska, well, Nebraska mechanics are another story...I'd liken it to the fact that Nebraska doesn't require safety inspection and PA is run by Nazi's who make the mechanics find any little thing wrong with the car to fail the safety inspection. Part of the reason I'm so anal about my cars and maintenance...
Here's a link to the Storm. Going to check it out hopefully tomorrow and see how good/bad it really is. Looks pretty decent from the pics, but we'll see. Thinking I may be able to get him down on price if I offer to buy as it sits (no inspection/tune up since I'd really rather do it myself anyhow if I buy the car).
Price is a bit on the high end (true market value runs around $700 in average condition), and if he's willing to even trade, I may have my next car should it check out ok.
As far as rust issues on the Storm: What are the typical spots to look for? I'm guessing if its anything like the early 90's Metro, the bottom of the doors is one major place to look, as well as the floor pans joining that section...any other places?
Why dont you look at the Nissan pulsar. they fit the bill of everything you want and t tops to boot.
Find me one with under 150k miles and not rusted out/beat on for around a grand, and I would. I looked at one before I bought the Fiero actually. Wouldn't turn one away, but not my first choice.
Find me one with under 150k miles and not rusted out/beat on for around a grand, and I would. I looked at one before I bought the Fiero actually. Wouldn't turn one away, but not my first choice.
Theres quite a few on craigslist right now that are $500 in good shape. one of them is in great shape needs a fuel pressure regulator but in good shape none the less.
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01:21 AM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
Originally posted by pontiackid86: Theres quite a few on craigslist right now that are $500 in good shape. one of them is in great shape needs a fuel pressure regulator but in good shape none the less.
Saw it. Red one in NJ? That listing is over a month old you know...
Again, look at the date those were posted. Most of them were early last month. Newest one you linked to was over a week ago.
They are most likely sold by now. I'd also prefer to have something I know how to work on and drive. I know nothing about Nissan's outside of the fact that they are like Honda's and are usually a dime a dozen, cheap, ricer cars.
Only thing i know about the Storm is that it's the same platform as the Isuzu Impulse. At least some years. (I always thought the Storm looked better.)
Yes although the Impulse was available with Lotus tuned suspension and more powerful engines (I think there was a turbo Impulse if I remember correctly). Those engines could be swapped into the Storm without much trouble.
I haven't owned one, though I would like to. A former Boss of mine did own one and he used it for a rather long commute to work back then. He liked it.
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01:32 AM
PFF
System Bot
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
There not that hard to work on... look at the 240sx's as well. if you can find one that wasent beat up by some punk kid than your golden.
Not a fan of the 240sx...or Nissan in general for that matter. The styling is just..off IMHO. The only Pulsar I would buy would be a 1993 NX2000 model with the 2.0l. Out of all the Nissan daily driver-ish cars, I have to say this one looks the best (again, DD cars, not sports cars like the 300/350/370Z line)
Kwh and Raydar, you are correct that the Storm is similar to the Impulse. From my research, they are the exact same car, with different design cues and styling, minus the turbo and AWD in the Geo that was offered in the Izzie (damn Japs have all the best toys and we get saddled with crap ). And the Izzie is a direct swap into the Storm with minor harness pinout changes and ECM change.
Also from what I've come up with, the only reason the Storm didn't last longer than 3 years is because they cancelled the Izzie Impulse platform, which left the Storm without a platform to be built on.
Not a fan of the 240sx...or Nissan in general for that matter. The styling is just..off IMHO. The only Pulsar I would buy would be a 1993 NX2000 model with the 2.0l. Out of all the Nissan daily driver-ish cars, I have to say this one looks the best (again, DD cars, not sports cars like the 300/350/370Z line)
Kwh and Raydar, you are correct that the Storm is similar to the Impulse. From my research, they are the exact same car, with different design cues and styling, minus the turbo and AWD in the Geo that was offered in the Izzie (damn Japs have all the best toys and we get saddled with crap ). And the Izzie is a direct swap into the Storm with minor harness pinout changes and ECM change.
Also from what I've come up with, the only reason the Storm didn't last longer than 3 years is because they cancelled the Izzie Impulse platform, which left the Storm without a platform to be built on.
I heard bad things about the impulse. they did have the lotus suspension though.
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01:43 AM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
Hell, I'd buy one take the tops off, hang a surf board out through the top in the passenger seat, put on my 80's 2 piece bikini, and cruise down to Santa Monica
Its a bit of the 80's with the 90's flair
quote
Originally posted by pontiackid86:
There automatic but i hear there not to bad on gas.. there cool as hell to
Saw it. And while I like the idea of owning an SVX (they are nice cars), I want a 5 speed specifically. The SVX is a porker (re: heavy as fark), and not the greatest on gas.
Keep trying though And think SMALL (as in Fiat 500/clown car small). I'm going to bed now, I'll argue with you more over this tomorrow
[This message has been edited by Xerces_Blackthorne (edited 04-18-2011).]
I had a 91 storm that ran awesome and always got great gas mileage, I had it up until it had almost 190k on the clock and still ran like a champ, I just didnt feel like replacing the clutch at the time and was getting into fieros so away it went. The only real thing I didnt like about the car was that the backseat was impractical for anybody over 5 feet tall as they woulld be hitting their head on the rear hatch glass. This is definitely one of those cars that if I ever came across the right deal on again I would pick up. Also the base had plenty of power but if you wanted a little more you could look for the gsi model.
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09:09 AM
cliffw Member
Posts: 35922 From: Bandera, Texas, USA Registered: Jun 2003
Sadly I no longer live in Cali and it's the wrong time of year for me. If it was mid summer we'd have enough put back it might be possible. Just coming out of winter work is picking up but our savings are depleted from my slow season and the vacation we took. Still... My parents live in Cali still and will be visiting me in August... Just out of curiosity could you PM me some pic's and asking price, or link to a online add you placed?
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10:01 AM
Xerces_Blackthorne Member
Posts: 6163 From: Mertztown PA Registered: Mar 2008
LOL, I'm not that hard up to buy a new vehicle Only Honda I'll ever even consider buying will be a Del Sol or a CRX. And that'll be a last ditch effort. I've driven a CRX 5 speed, and I very much dislike the clutch in the Honda's. Too soft for my liking.
I'd *maybe* consider one of the "bubble" hatchback's (as they are called), but definitely not my first choice. Not sure what model they were (accord or civic), but they remind me of a scaled down Mazda3 to an extent.
Don't get a Del Sol... I realize it's the "replacement" of the CRX, and I think they even called it that in Japan? But honestly... the Del Sol is a girl's car. Not that you should care what others thing, but I figure there's a reason why only girls bought them.
On the other hand, I've never seen a girl driving a CRX.
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04:05 PM
cliffw Member
Posts: 35922 From: Bandera, Texas, USA Registered: Jun 2003
Don't some call a Fiero a girl's car? I got to drive around in a del sol for a little while in l.a. Sure I would have rather had a ttopd trans am but the Del Sol was fun up and down the PCH. Edit to add, I've never seen a CRX move. Seen plenty of them in driveways though! LOL
[This message has been edited by Scottzilla79 (edited 04-18-2011).]
for a whopping $1200 Neg (open to trades 
)
)
?
