I know this may turn out to be one of the dumbest things I do, but I just can't resist. A guy nearby has an 85 Fiero GT that he's selling for $400, and it's by no means in good condition, but it runs, and we're wanting something we can play with and not risk messing up (i.e. not my SC), so tomorrow after work I've decided to go and buy it. Part of me keeps saying I'm buying either a $400 lawn ornament or a money pit, but I'm going for it anyways. But anyways, If anybody has any experience with these and could give me any advice as to what problems to watch for with it, cheap solutions for common problems, or just any helpful information in general, I would greatly appreciate it, and hopefully I won't talk myself out of it overnight.

 

im almost sure its a POS

but seriously if you havent bought it yet dont

those things are death traps

i think i remeber them catching on fire or something really bad

spend that 400 on something else

 

A relatively cheap solution for a very common problem would be a $10 fire extinguisher, since those cars are legendary for spontaneously combusting....

And to second T.L.W.--if you haven't yet, don't. If you have; enjoy it just try not to sink any money into it.

 

they can be kind of neat cars though... My cousin had a fully restored 86, and my uncle had a immaculate 86 that was a show car for a while.

My cousins looked a lot like this- but was grey


it was a blast to ride in- I always thought it was the american manufacturers answer to the MR2... mid-engine, light, sporty... It was a fun little car.

 

there was one in town here with a chevy 350

 

355 Ferrari Spyder Kit

http://www.angelfire.com/ri2/ferrari_spyder/

 

Take a pass on the Iron Duke Fiero.

One of these is much more fun, and just as affordable:

 

i say ditch them both and get a monster miata with the ford 302 v8 !!!

 

Forget the whole idea. I thought it over last night, and although I would love to have it as a project car, I won't have enough time to make it worth it. I'll be going to college in 6 weeks, and then I wouldn't see it again for 9 months. I don't want it to turn into my brother's project, so I'm waiting until I'll have more time, and then I'll search for another similar project car. BTW I already knew of the fire hazard, and was willing to take the chance, but thanks for the warning anyways.

 

A wise decision. The worst new cars I have ever test-driven were the 1984-85 Pontiac Fiero ( later models were slightly better ) and the 1986-87 Hyundai Excel. GM built some real JUNK in the 1980's.....and the Fiero was the worst of the lot.

The recall for engine fires that T.L.W. mentions was for the early 84's with the 2.5 L engine. That drivetrain was essentially a front-drive X-Body (Citation) powertrain assembly transplanted to the back of the Fiero...behind the 2 seats. Later models offered a V-6.

 

Hopefully after 20 YEARS (just think of how long that is) the new Pontiac Solstice will get it right!

 

Well, unlike the Fiero days, Bob Lutz is at the helm at GM now. Remember....he's the guy that gave us the new GTO. He doesn't run the corporation like that idiot Roger Smith did.