Hello,

I am completely new to this whole Fiero thing. I have seen them but never really thought about them until I saw a craigslist post for one. It seems like it would be a cool project car as long as the engine turns and whatnot ( don't want too crazy a project )

I would like an opinion on this car http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4717149729.html I know it isnt a lot to go off of but I am going to check it out on Saturday and I would like to know things to look out for, if its worth it, etc.

Please provide your opinion.


THANKS!

------------------
###########################################################################

That could be the most expensive car you ever own. By the time you get done putting time and money into it, you could buy a good one to start with. Your best bet is to buy a fiero from one of the members here. Look in the Mall section. If you want a PROJECT that you'll never drive, that's probably the one to get.

[This message has been edited by PaulJK (edited 10-22-2014).]

He's paying YOU 480 to take it right ? XD . That looks like a project that really isn't worth it. You could get something in much better shape for the same price.

I'd go with a new or used Ford or Dodge myself.

Thanks for the input all,

I was under the impression these were decent cars and a running Fiero would get me around $1500 but it seem I may be wrong.

First of all, welcome.

Please understand that, while our opinions may seem harsh, they are the voice of experience. No disrespect is meant to you or the the owner. Any Fiero that is undriveable, that is in unknown condition, or is setting on bare ground for who knows how long is suspect. Fieros hide underlaying issues because their body doesn't rust. The seller's comments make we worry more.

You want a good, solid car to start with. Several members have had to give up beautiful Fieros, because everything under/inside the body had rusted away. Just to look at parts prices, suppose that the following were needed:
Fuel pump - $30
Fuel sending unit - $200
Brake lines - $180
Fuel lines - $200
Coolant lines - $160
Rubber coolant hoses - $250
Brake pads/rotors - $200
Wheel bearings - $200
Tires - $400
Spark plugs/wires - $80
Vacuum lines - $180
Cruise cannister - $30
Alternator - $80
Battery - $100
Total so far:$2290 in parts alone

Then, it needs seat covers, headlight motors, a headliner the gas tank cleaned & repaired, the radiator fixed, various relays, sensors, etc. It'll need all the fluids flushed. Then there will be electrical issues, and you'll troubleshoot for bad grounds. Probably about this time, you'd discover that the frame is rotted away. Then the paint is still terrible. And the car probably still doesn't run. Then comes the engine/tranny rebuild.

I agree. Get a running car from a known member in the Mall. You'll get to meet the member. Hopefully, the member will tell you any issues with the car. Then you'll have only the same things the rest of us deal with.

In Toney, AL, there is a place called the Fiero Factory. You can probably get a decent car from Jeremy there.

Figure to pay at least $2600 for a decent Fiero. You missed a few for a bit less.

The issues to look for are overheating, any leaks whatsoever. Shaking, rust in the corners of the trunk under the carpet, visible rust under the car or in the wheel wells, odd electrical behaviors, or things that don't work. Oh, and make sure the frame is straight and the body panels lone up. If the car looks cared for, it may be, but the body is not the way to check. If the engine compartment is dirty or the body looks badly, leave it. If the body looks good, ignore that--it's just a bonus.

[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 10-22-2014).]

tshark,


That was an extremely helpful response. I was unaware of the plastic bodies. I have bought and sold crap cars and made money off of them but it sounds like this one might not be the one to go with. I don't mind putting work in I actually enjoy it. But when its one problem after the next it can be frustrating and I'll stay away from this one.

Much appreciation.

My pleasure!

quote Originally posted by tshark: Figure to pay at least $2600 for a decent Fiero.

This is about right. I paid $2,500 for my 87 GT and it was immaculate with 92,000 miles.

Holy crap...$2600 for an immaculate GT is an amazing deal! My recommendation: start with a car in the best condition you possibly can then work from there, You can drive around in my 58,000 mile zero issue Indy for a few years at $4500 and save up to do a 3800SC swap. Buy a cradle and slowly build your 3800 on it while enjoying 34mpg. Not saying buy mine in particular but one that has zero rust and zero issues that you can insure and drive around without worrying about things breaking constantly. Just my two cents...

I have yet to buy or own an immaculate used car. Maybe I'm too picky.

There have been some cars I didn't buy because I couldn't maintain then them at their current level.

yes.

quote Originally posted by iamtheguy: I would like an opinion on this car http://bham.craigslist.org/cto/4717149729.html I know it isnt a lot to go off of but I am going to check it out on Saturday and I would like to know things to look out for, if its worth it, etc. Please provide your opinion. THANKS!

I wouldn't touch that with a 10 foot pole. I've turned down nicer cars for free.

I agree to buy the best one you can afford and then spend your time and money driving it versus converting it to lawn art.

quote Originally posted by iamtheguy: ...But when its one problem after the next...

Now you're gettin' it

quote Originally posted by Craigslist: Does not run, we are not sure why.

Cuz you shoved it in the woods exposed to the elements for a decade.

If you can talk the seller down to 200 or so you you have a parts car or turn a profit in selling the parts off it

Any car over 25 years old is a likely money pit, and long term headache. Old car buyers need lots of expertise in many areas; such fabrication, welding, electronics, engine repair, etc etc. Even then, you can still lose your shirt. It's really easy to make a small fortune collecting and restoring old cars; you just need to start with a big one. Good luck. It should be a project of fun, and not a daily driver. BTW: IMO Fieros with stock 4 cylinder engines and even the 2.8 V6 and and automatic are snails.
But they can be fun and real head-turners when done right. I have two GTs myself, a 86 GT turbo and an 87GT.
------------------
http://i16.photobucket.com/...ancis44/100_1147.jpg
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/francis4
4/000_0451-1.jpg[/IMG]
trueleo.com

[This message has been edited by Francis T (edited 10-23-2014).]