What do you look for to see if a clean old car could have gasket issues or whatnot from sitting in a garage too much? I want to buy it, I just want to make sure I'm not buying a project.
When I go check this sweet baby out with cash in hand, what am I looking for in terms of warning signs that it might not be a good daily driver? What would YOU pay for it?
Also front crossmembers and rear strut towers. Important to me is how long has it not been driven. Not driven for a few years can mean dried up seals in engine, trans, brakes...that can get expensive. Tires could be flat spotted. Long time might also mean dropping the fuel tank to clean it out and replacing fuel pump inside it.
Take out the trunk carpet entirely, don't settle for just pulling back parts of it. Also, if possible take out the rear wheel well liners and check the frame rails (up top) for rust, as well as the cradle.
If that checks out then you should be ok.
The obviously regular maintenance stuff, let it run and warm to operating temp, drive it if possible, etc
Take out the trunk carpet entirely, don't settle for just pulling back parts of it. Also, if possible take out the rear wheel well liners and check the frame rails (up top) for rust, as well as the cradle.
If that checks out then you should be ok.
The obviously regular maintenance stuff, let it run and warm to operating temp, drive it if possible, etc
I need to ask.....
How many people let you take apart the cars they are selling and how many people do you let take apart cars you are selling?
Aren't all Fieros projects? I just don't want someone else's project. I mean, there is always something. Mine may not technically have anything wrong, but it could be better. Tail light delam, chips in the paint, slow windows, worn text on controls, cruise button at odd angle, warped headliner trim, text faded into windshield, dull mirror paint, spider cracks in rear bumper, one front turn signal is higher than the other, yellowing coolant overflow tank, etc. If it's someone else's project, usually they started something that they couldn't/didn't finish, and you are the one who pays for it.
The bumper did look odd at first glance. The angle. Also, I see that 'missing' piece on the right. Two pair of eyes are better than one.
Sitting is not all equal. If started and run to temp every few weeks, even if still sitting is better than just abandoned. On concrete, or on carpet? There are a lot of Fieros for sale whose owner claims the car was running when it was parked...years ago. Of course, it was parked in the weeds where the sun, squirrels, moisture, etc could ruin it, and now the owner wants $10K for it, dry-rotted flat tires and all.
Even if I don't ”drive” mine for a few months, I do start it and run it, pull it forward and back a few times until the wheels make a full rotation.
[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 01-02-2016).]
So if this is a really awesome fiero, 43k miles, guy says it's never been on a wet road, he's still run it enough to keep it from drying out in the seals and gaskets, would 6k be an alright price?
So if this is a really awesome fiero, 43k miles, guy says it's never been on a wet road, he's still run it enough to keep it from drying out in the seals and gaskets, would 6k be an alright price?
If the miles are legit, the paint is all or mostly original and everything checks out 6K would be the top of the mark IMO.
You'll realize that Fiero prices in Colorado seem high compared to others. But that doesn't mean you should be paying $6,000 for this car.
The advice above is great info. I'd also try to get ALL of the records for the cars maintenance as well. Also check to see when the car was made, a 5 speed from 86' is technically rare compared to the 4 speed muncie that usually came in them.
Some other things to check out: Headlights go up and down. Power windows, locks, mirrors, and power trunk works. Open up the front hood and see if it has the air dampener for when the sunroof is out. All the glass is in good shape. See if the E brake works, and doesn't stick.
Any of these things that don't operate perfectly is something you can point out, and make the owner come down on price (I realize he says 'firm'.)
Hopefully I see you in the future.
------------------ Every fiero has a story, It's our job to keep that story alive.
