Okay I can buy an all original 21k mile 87 GT with auto for $4300 or a nicely repainted 77k mile 85 gt 4 speed for $3500. I WANTED a manual but the 87 auto is a 2 owner (1st was lady til 2011, 2nd is middle aged gentleman) medium red with tan interior beauty...
Any thoughts???
EDIT FOR PICS:
$4300 87 GT with Auto Trans and 21k miles:
$3500 85 GT with 4 speed and 77k miles:
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 04-13-2014).]
You can always swap trannies. I've done it twice. The second time was done after I forgot how much of a pain in the azz it was, the first time.
I like your thinking. I can't hardly NOT buy this 87 with that low mileage even with the auto! Going to look at it this afternoon, which is why I'm asking for input!
You can always swap trannies. I've done it twice. The second time was done after I forgot how much of a pain in the azz it was, the first time.
So, do you have a low mileage get rag lying around? THAT would be the hard to find part, lol. Or I guess I could live with a 4 speed... I have a feeling the auto won't be that bad though if I drive it.
Originally posted by FieroFanatic13: So, do you have a low mileage get rag lying around? THAT would be the hard to find part, lol. Or I guess I could live with a 4 speed... I have a feeling the auto won't be that bad though if I drive it.
My second Getrag swap was from a 92-93 Corsica/Baretta. Has the integrated slave/TOB. It's a better tranny than the Fiero Getrag. You do away with the usually troublesome slave cylinder, and the spider gears are sturdier. The only downside to that swap is that you will likely need a Dakota Digital speedometer adapter, and will have to have an adapter fitting made for the clutch hydraulic line. After doing mine, there is almost no way I would consider using a Fiero Getrag, unless it was very low mile and very inexpensive. (Ain't gonna happen.)
My second Getrag swap was from a 92-93 Corsica/Baretta. Has the integrated slave/TOB. It's a better tranny than the Fiero Getrag. You do away with the usually troublesome slave cylinder, and the spider gears are sturdier. The only downside to that swap is that you will likely need a Dakota Digital speedometer adapter, and will have to have an adapter fitting made for the clutch hydraulic line. After doing mine, there is almost no way I would consider using a Fiero Getrag, unless it was very low mile and very inexpensive. (Ain't gonna happen.)
My issue would be the cost as I would be stretching the budget already if I buy the pricier 87 already! My goes is that it ain't cheap to pull off the swap to a manual...
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 04-13-2014).]
77k isn't bad mileage either! I have 86k on my 86 6 cyl notchie. Do wish that I had a stick as well, but will settle for the auto, for now. The sunroof was a big plus as well! https://images.fiero.nl/2012/photo_(6)_4.JPG
The money you would save over the long run with a low mileage car in better condition is the only way to go.
As for stick vs. auto. The auto may not always be the preferred but you will also avoid slave cylinder issues, clutch and clutch cable issues etc. The Fiero is a great stick car with low miles but as they add up they can become expensive and a pain to drive as parts fail. The sifters were never great since they are cable like most FWD cars were.
I love a stick and if it were a Corvette I would hold out for a cheaper lower mileage stick.
But because it is a Fiero I would go for the condition an lowest miles on what ever car I could afford and if It is not a stick I would not get too worked up over it.
77k isn't bad mileage either! I have 86k on my 86 6 cyl notchie. Do wish that I had a stick as well, but will settle for the auto, for now. The sunroof was a big plus as well! https://images.fiero.nl/2012/photo_(6)_4.JPG
Nice. I've never had a red Fiero so far. And I know I'd enjoy driving a stick a bit more so that makes it tough. PLUS, I just looked at the 21k mile 87. Definitely looks it mileage wise. Interior is almost like new except for the headliner which wouldn't bother me except that its an AFTERMARKET sunroof, which means I can't just get a nice Fiero Store replacement like I'd originally imagined. Also, it ISNT all original paint. The front of the car had a quality respray at some point for sure but no visible collision damage and none reported. That said, the car runs out terrific for being on ORIGINAL eagle gt tires! They are hard as a rock and the guy has been running on em, lol. Tail lights are almost perfect and the brake calipers were all replaced last year. I'm REALLY torn on what to do since I haven't looked at the 77k mile 85 gt 4 speed yet. The 85 would be $800 cheaper too but I think this 87 is probably $800 nicer even though the 85 LOOKS great in pics and as described (definitely some minor orange peel in the paint though, and it appears that they may not have removed all the trim, etc when painting as the ribbed molding is glossy and the mirrors, including gaskets, are glossy too). The owner/seller seems stand up, though so its tough. If I WAIT to commit on this 87 til I see the 85 I think it'll be gone...
You're killin' me! I've just about got myself talked into the auto!! Did you see my update after seeing the 87 auto? BTW, I am PICKY so near new is accurate IMHO.
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 04-13-2014).]
You're killin' me! I've just about got myself talked into the auto!! Did you see my update after seeing the 87 auto? BTW, I am PICKY so near new is accurate IMHO.
Yeah but I may miss out on the 87 altogether if I wait to look at the 85.
The 85 GT looks very nice in the pictures too. Unless your going to have the car parked most of the time the low mileage auto trans isn't a huge deal, Standard transmission is much more fun to drive IMO.
Not sure if posters are reading my commentary, but here are a couple pics of the 85 GT that give me pause regarding the repaint. Note the GLOSS black trim and side view mirrors (including the flexible gasket). The seller says it was already repainted when they bought it a few years ago but I'm concerned about a "quicky respray" given the trim and mirrors and the fact that it doesn't look to me that it was wheeled out- It's SHINY, but I think a bit orange peeled.
ANY thoughts are welcomed. I am trying to go look at this one asap...
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 04-13-2014).]
Does this mean you think the black car's paint is poor?
But, we're talking $800 MORE for the auto trans car that I'd then need to swap a manual into. And it needs tires ($400+) as well. AND...the '87 has had the front end repainted at some point as well, so it's not perfect either. UGH, this is harder than it needs to be!
EDIT: And it's not the work- it's the cost for the manual trans parts. Awesome write up you linked to though. Makes it easier to imagine doing it!
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 04-13-2014).]
I say buy the lower mileage car. The tranmission, although a challenge can be swapped but the lower mileage and better condition would be worth it.
Just my $.02
Dr. W.
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I have had 2 85s and an 87. Given the paint and the overall condition I would get the 87. I think it is noticeably better. 87s are worth more also. But just my opinion. Nice problem to have.
Whichever has the lesser rust. I had a Fiero thatnwas great, except for the rust. I spent a fortune tearing down and restoring the gas tank, coolant tubes, rear strut towers, rear bumper, rear springs, exhaust, trunk, heat shields, brakes, rear frame and suspension, etc. Then I pulled off the front clip and nearly cried. I just couldn't bear to do that much work again...and the code enforcement officer kept giving me citations for working on an historic vehicle in public view, improper storage of an historic vehicle, etc. Seriously, I should be able to replace my brakes in my carport during daylight hours on a Saturday, without being harassed. Of course, I also got citations for my grass hitting 4" in height.
Whichever has the lesser rust. I had a Fiero thatnwas great, except for the rust. I spent a fortune tearing down and restoring the gas tank, coolant tubes, rear strut towers, rear bumper, rear springs, exhaust, trunk, heat shields, brakes, rear frame and suspension, etc. Then I pulled off the front clip and nearly cried. I just couldn't bear to do that much work again...and the code enforcement officer kept giving me citations for working on an historic vehicle in public view, improper storage of an historic vehicle, etc. Seriously, I should be able to replace my brakes in my carport during daylight hours on a Saturday, without being harassed. Of course, I also got citations for my grass hitting 4" in height.
Both cars appear pretty much rust free summer only cars. Seen the 87 in person (super clean AND rust proofed with shiny trunk sides under xarpet) and the 85 in pics... its just hard to pay $800 more and get the automatic, lol. I'm taking a big risk waiting to look at the 85 though as the 87 could be sold by then....
... maybe I should call the 87 guy back and tell him I do want it? Oy...
Personally i'd get the 87 - it's got better headlights (smoother & quieter & more trouble free) and a bigger gas tank. i suspect the 87 also had "assembly line" fixes as well. Overall a better car. Whatever you get, make sure you have money left over for things that will pop up - fieros have a way of biting you in the a$$ when you least suspect it, especially when you first get them .
With a car in that low mileage, i'd completely recondition the cooling system (make sure the radiator has been upgraded to Not have plastic side tanks), replace the $40 heater core, flush & new coolant and change to 180 thermostat) and do a complete tune-up.
If you want a manual that bad and have the money to buy one then skip both and look for a lower mile Standard shift.
The key to getting a good Fiero is to buy the best one you can get at a reasonable price with the lowest miles. If you are going to keep it original then get what you want and not buys something and tear it apart. Now if you are going to do an engine etc. condition is not much of a concern accept the interior.
A car is only new once and only original once. When it comes to Fiero's and many other cars the best one to buy is the most original and lowest mile. If you do not most times you will spends a lot more on making changes and restoring. The fact is many Fiero's are not worth the price of a good paint job and interior restoration. You will have more invested than the what you could sell the car if you to it right. This is what I even tell people with GTO's that need full restorations. They are often better off buying an original good car or a already restored car.
The key to buying good cars anymore unless you have some kind of high end car is condition, condition, condition.
So just decide what you want and if it is not an automatic then look for a lower miles standard. They are out there and if you are patient you will get one soon.
The bottom line is do not let me or anyone else tell you what car to buy as it is your money and you just need to sit down and decide what you want. Condition is key in any Fiero or collector car and you just need to decide the type you want.
Where you plan to drive the most is the deciding factor to me. If its mostly city driving, def the auto. Personally, Id never buy a stick again unless I lived out in the country and rarely into any traffic/ city.
Thanks everyone! I don't drive my Fieros daily. Fun car only. That said, this 87 is amazing on the inside and overall is probably an 8 out of 10. Auto or not, not sure I can pass 21k original miles up at this price. Gonna go for it and make an offer!
A transmission swap is less $$ than a fastback clip PLUS paint job. AND it's less miles car to boot...
quote
Originally posted by FieroFanatic13:
Does this mean you think the black car's paint is poor?
No. Just saying IF you planned to swap it to a FB rear clip, you'd probably be repainting the car (because the clip you'd find would likely NOT be black).
quote
Originally posted by FieroFanatic13:
Awesome write up you linked to though. Makes it easier to imagine doing it!
re: manual transmission swap - Been there. Done that.
[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 04-14-2014).]
I like this thought but swapping adds a lot of cost and the auto car is already $800 more...
If that's a problem then perhaps 30 year old cars should not be for you. They will break, & you need to either do the work, or be able to afford to get it done.
Just my opinion, nothing more.
I mean, when you know what can't happen, that sort of eliminates the competition out of the gate, no?
[This message has been edited by no2pencil (edited 04-14-2014).]
FWIW, the 85 GT is the only notchie GT, the 85's had high build quality, and IMHO, will be more collectible than most of the other GT's. If its for just a fun car, go for the manual. $800 goes a long way to fix or upgrade things. And manuals are a lot more fun to drive than autos, especially in a Fiero.
