HELP Should I buy this Fiero for $2000

[OZZY]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and to Fiero's but have never seen a cheap enough deal for me to get on.

This guy has posted an 1986 Fiero GT with 103km's automatic. He claims never winter driven. As far as I can tell, there's not any rust. Here are some pics. I don't know what to look for. When he started it, motor sounded pretty loud but I'm used to hearing my 91 civic motor. Here are some pics....has anyone seen it before or know of it's problems? Are Fiero motor's normally loud?

[fiero308]

that is either not a GT or not an 86; I am pretty sure the 86 GT's were fastbacks.

so check it out. If it is listed as an 86 GT on the ownership then it has been modified and/or rebuilt.

where is it located if you are trying to find out if someone knows about it.  Can't tell if you are posting from Kalamazoo or Karleton Place.

[OZZY]

I guess location would help eh?  I'm in Ottawa and the car is in Greely, just south of Ottawa. And it would be nice to know that the 86 Fiero GT is really not an 84 base model. Thanks.

[OZZY]

I also saw the red top motor, I dunno if that also means anything.

[c-l]

OZZY,

If this is a real GT, this is NOT an 86 GT, it is an 85 (only year with notchback GT).

What to look for:

- Rust Rust Rust.... Check the engine craddle for rust anywhere.

- Check for frame wholes near the rear wheel

Check the radiator bracket for rust

- Check for rust in the trunk (push on and around de "bulges" in the trunk. if you hear ANY cracking, you have rust.

- Check the battery tray area (under the R/H side loover) acid has a tendency to run off the battery tray and drip all along the frame behind the passenger door.... usually leaving verry little frame to support the car's weight

- Check the stainless steel coolant pipes behind the side ground effects. Some garages have the tendency to lift (hoist) the car and crush those pipes.

- Check if the headlights are finctionnal (poping up)

- Check if the e-brakes cables are seized

- check general brake condition (at $128.00 a rotor, it comes expensive fast)

[OZZY]

Thanks very much. I thought it was weird when I did a search for 86 gt in google. The only pics I saw were the fastback but I just figured most people did a conversion.

If all the things you mentioned are ok, how much is an 85 GT worth? and I heard earlier years had problems does that include the 85? Thanks again for your help.

[c-l]

Few more comments,

- Loud sound on a V6 Fiero is normal, in 85, Hot Rod magazine was describing it as a real man’s groooowl…. Check anyway for exhaust leeks (just to let you know, I still have the original muffler and pipes on my 85, the only thing I changes a few times was the cat).

- Check if the heat “problem recall” was done. Fast way to identify is that the air hose from the air filter to the plenum has been changed. It should be an elongated “S” shape with the air filter’s end larger and reducing gradually at the other end, it also has a few horizontal and vertical “ribs”. The plastic / rubber strip on the trunk’s far end (near the firewall) had to be removed. If both of those changes where done, chances are that the complete recall was done on the car (including the extra heat shield). Google for more info.

- Make sure that power everything works (power lock, windows, trunk release and mirror if so equipped… from the picture, you may have trouble checking the driver’s side power mirror ).

- I can vouche that rear bearing ASSEMBLIES are outrageously expensive. Better check them out if you can

- Worth.... Can't tell you, I am still in the process of rebuilding mine, I just put over $4,000.00 in parts alone for COMPLETELY rebuilding the motor, clutch, flywheel, rear wheel bearings, thansmission seals, lights, brakes and undercoating. I have not even touched the body nor interior yet.... I know that the car is costing me a lot more that it is worth on the market but.....


- Problems.... Don't know what you are talking about, I never had any problem with mine !!!!  (well, sort of never, well maybe a little, OK I must admit to having a few problems) Yes there are problems to be expected, you are talking about a 20 years old car.  Even if you don't have to put it through "clean air" tests, you will have to have it safetied.... If you are not confident that the car is in real good shape, have it looked by a mechanic. Keep in mind that EVERYTIME you bring it into a shop for repair, it will ALWAYS end up costing you more than the estimate because they will have to use the hot wrench and WILL break bolts everywhere because the are seized.

[FieroBUZZ]

First, I don't recognize the name, I don't think he has been here.  The ad is a bit misleading which may be a danger sign.
1  It's an 85 GT  (no questions about it )
2.  The spoiler is not 'rare' for a GT or SE model.

He may just be not up to scratch on Fieros or he may be stretching the truth.

It starts....does it idle very high (more than 1200 RPM?) when warm?  It may have a vacuum leak causing the noise.  The engines are a bit loud anyway, compared to a Honda that just sits and purrs.  Exhaust problems are possible as well with cat, muffler, manifolds yada yada.

The big question is "Is it safetied and etested?"  If not, it wouldn't be worth 2 grand to me.  It should at least be inspected to find what does need fixing.  Many things are easy and cheap.  Others are not so.  It can be a money pit pretty quick.

Rust is a biggie as mentioned.   Under the plastic is a steel space frame.  The parts I see missing are easy to find.  Maybe he has them too.  THe brakes can get pricey on a rebuild.

If it can be driven and you are really interested, I would try to get one of the guys to have a look at it.  WILLEV is in Greely area I think.  His car is not on the road, but he does know cars and should know a bad one.  He may even know this car.

Some of the other guys may be willing to help out in person.

JUST DON"T JUMP IN BLIND!!!!!!!!   

[c-l]

The big question is "Is it safetied and etested?"  If not, it wouldn't be worth .....

An 85 does't need to be etested.... I just put the plates on mine last friday and the license bureau did NOT require etest (over 20 years old), beleive me, if it was required, our friendly Rockland office would have asked for it

[FieroBUZZ]

Sorry, I thought that an etest was needed to transfer owners, but it does make sense that it is exempt.

I have heard also that 20+ year old cars now need an appraisal prior to registration change to verify taxes charged.

[dguy]

I have heard also that 20+ year old cars now need an appraisal prior to registration change to verify taxes charged.

Yep, you do.  I found that info in the fine print somewhere when I sold the Jetta a few months ago.  I guess greedy McGuinty didn't like collecting sales tax on the pocket change that older vehicles occasionally get declared as.   


OZZY--you wouldn't happen to be the fellow I was speaking with on the phone earlier this morning about a Nova Scotia car, would you?   

[OZZY]

OZZY--you wouldn't happen to be the fellow I was speaking with on the phone earlier this morning about a Nova Scotia car, would you?   

nope not me.

[fiero1]

As a former 85 Gt owner this car was a lot of fun & i dont mind saying it i miss the damn thing, one of the biggest mistake i made was selling it.Gary is right they do become a money pit . Before my Gt was sold i had done everything but the interior & the exhaust manifold.Not having  a way to do repairs at home everything was done at a local garage & the final cost was in the $1000  of dollars.If you ask if i could buy this car back i would in a heart beat. They cars are like a good looking woman they are high maintnance.So dont go blind bring someone with experience with you & if everything is good go for it. 

[Kitten]

If you can take someone with you that is familiar with the fiero's quirks it would be a very good idea.

The boys have covered pretty much everything... but I figured I'd add my .02 cents

A couple other questions I would have is how long the car has been sitting?  and where is the mirror... are both of them missing?

I noticed in the picture that the drivers side mirror is missing.  Take a look on the interior and see if it's supposed to have a manual mirror or a power one... if it's manual there will be little joy-stick of sorts on the door itself.. if it's a power mirror the controls are located on the centre console.

I don't believe a car will pass a safety without the side mirror(s).  Manual mirrors are fairly easy to find... most people with parts cars usually end up with a couple of spairs... Power mirrors are a little trickier to find but can be done if you are patient.


Welcome to the obsession   Fiero's are awesome little cars, and there are lots of options if you decide that you want to modify it later.   

[FieroBUZZ]

Okay, here's another thought. 

You would be much better looking at something like this
http://www.fierodrivers.com/forum/index.php?topic=2353.new;boardseen#new

Given that even a used set of 17" and tires will be about 1000.00, it would take more than this to whip that black one into reasonable shape, if it needs brakes, exhaust etc.

I have not seen this car and don't know Richard, so I'm not trying to sell you something.

Brian (GoFast88) also has an 85 on 17" rims for sale that is driveable and quite decent looking. 
http://www.fierodrivers.com/forum/index.php?topic=1660.0

The rims in both caese are expensive so if you can deal for the car (s) without the fancy wheels, you can't go wrong.  (No guaranty given or implied  )

A fixer upper is a major unknown.  I understand you want inexpensive, but it's just too easy to get a dog.  I have a lot of bits outside and in sheds to pove the point.  They looked good too. 

4 grand wouldn't buy much of a Honda these days.