Older Cars

Hey guys, it's been awhile, but I have a few questions I need to ask and I figure some people may have experiences with older cars (1985, specifically). I found a 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT for sale near me, it's about $7k. It has about 19,000 miles on it, which is what got me so excited. It's a beauty for sure, almost completely restored (aside from the engine and transmission). The reason for the low mileage is because it was used as a weekend car, like a joy-riding car. Someone bought it and serviced the brakes & A/C, new wheels, resealed the sunroof and put in an all new cooling system. No dents to the exterior and the interior is in great shape. My question is, in the long run would this car be worth it? My dad is skeptical because of it's age. He said if one thing goes, it'll be expensive to fix, but I love it. It's a gorgeous car.
http://images.craigslist.org/3n83o13...640816119a.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3mf3o23...08370e1d4a.jpg

I am almost positive I am not getting this car, but I am a nut for older Pontiac's, especially Fiero's and Trans am. :D I found a 1993 Grand Prix, alot of miles though and a really nice 2003 Sunfire.

So I am wondering, in your experiences, is an older car going to become a burden to take care of and service? and also, what's the insurance payments like? I believe this would be insured as a classic?

I would be quite skeptical about that 19,000 mile figure.
Cosmetically it looks good, but with any older car, it would be wise to have a reputable mechanic check it out thoroughly before you sign on the dotted line. It would probably be less in maintenance if it is in good condition, since everything on it isn't electronic like the newer cars. If parts would be needed, any dealership or mechanic could order them if they didn't have what you needed in stock.
Don't know what insurance would be like tho.
Good luck on your car shopping. I think this one looks pretty nice tho, if it is mechanically sound.

The Fiero is a very nice looking car. I considered buying one many years ago but decided later that it would be a mistake for me. The car because of it's design has problems with the cooling system, and if not careful with oil levels, in crank, is proned to catching fire. The 7k price tag is high based on my research. The 86+ models are only bringing 5k. I would be suspect of the this low mileage on a 25 year old car.

Unless you plan to be your own mechanic then this car will cost you bigtime when you take it to a mechanic. My suggestion, listen to DAD.;)

I kind of expected these responses to be honest. :D I actually read about that last night, kokopup, not a big fan of engine fires. :eek: I am probably going to wind up listening to Dad, considering he knows more about cars then me. My dad said he loves the car, but he doesn't see it as practical based on it's age. He had a Bonneville that last for 18 years before my brother junked it in 1999, and my dad was upset about it. He said it was a great car, he love Pontiac's so I am glad he's not completely against Pontiacs. I figured it's more expensive because they put alot of money into the car and because of the low mileage. I guess I was hoping everyone would say it would be practical, and deep down I know it's not but I love Fieros, they're so sharp.

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Originally Posted by kokopup

The Fiero is a very nice looking car. I considered buying one many years ago but decided later that it would be a mistake for me. The car because of it's design has problems with the cooling system, and if not careful with oil levels, in crank, is proned to catching fire. The 7k price tag is high based on my research. The 86+ models are only bringing 5k. I would be suspect of the this low mileage on a 25 year old car.

Unless you plan to be your own mechanic then this car will cost you bigtime when you take it to a mechanic. My suggestion, listen to DAD.;)

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Hey - thanks Bill. I thought I remembered there being a problem with the Fiero, but I couldn't recall what it was. I almost bought one also, and knew there was some reason that I didn't in the end.

Before you buy any older car, check the carfax to make sure it wasn't a flood recovered car, etc., and make sure you have a trusted mechanic check it over completely and tell you what issues you are likely to face in terms of future expenses. I am not cure how old a car has to be to be insured as a :classic," and there may be mileage limitations - insurance things vary state to state, so again, find a trusted insurance agent to deal with.

I too find it suspect. That only works out to 30 miles a week over the 25 years. :eek: I think that's really unlikely. You can get a newer car for $7.0. I JUST made my last payment on my 2005 Saturn and it's a relief to OWN my car! I think between car payments and repairs you'll regret it. I'm sort of paranoid about getting "stuck" with a car in some far location so reliability is a must and I'd be nervous with this one.
Claudia

Gorgeous looking car. :) I was about to say, as a young driver, how would you cope with it? Then I remembered that American road systems are so much more forgiving than our higgledy-piggledy, older roads! My goodness, I have trouble manoeuvring a little Renault about where I live. :p

How much would you be looking at to insure it? I drive my mum's Ford when she's not using it and my insurance was ridiculous. Sadly got to thank so many people my age driving like maniacs and smashing into things for that.

Hope you find a car to suit you soon. :)

I do have to say I once had a car that was 13 years old, and had less than 15,000 miles on it when I got it. It was mainly driven once a week - the owner's daughter would take the bus to her mother's house, then drive her to the grocery store using this car, that was the only time it moved!

Get the carfax report before proceeding!

You should do this on any used car.

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Originally Posted by kokopup

The Fiero is a very nice looking car. I considered buying one many years ago but decided later that it would be a mistake for me. The car because of it's design has problems with the cooling system, and if not careful with oil levels, in crank, is proned to catching fire. The 7k price tag is high based on my research. The 86+ models are only bringing 5k. I would be suspect of the this low mileage on a 25 year old car.

Unless you plan to be your own mechanic then this car will cost you bigtime when you take it to a mechanic. My suggestion, listen to DAD.;)

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what he said.. to me for another 1k you could get a much smaller but 2009-2010 new car.. at least here ;)

the mileage is way low.. but could be if it was used as said... but very very rarely...

and as for parts.. while old car parts are less pricey (sometimes) they often get just as pricey as new ones being that they need to be special ordered as with so many new cars out many places don´t really stock them now.. and while this one is not as old it could be a bit like that..

I hope you find the car you like and is in great shape..especially a girl needs a very reliable car... no one wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere but for a girl it might be less thrilling I´m sure.. ;)

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Originally Posted by Husky_mom

what he said.. to me for another 1k you could get a much smaller but 2009-2010 new car.. at least here ;)

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Yikes - not here, that's for sure. You might be able to get a fairly decent car in that year range for 20K if you're lucky, and depending what area of the country you live in. :eek:

I have a 1999 Civic, with 175,000....are you interested? LOL...

I have someone who offered to buy me a brand new car actually, but I don't want a totally new one as weird as the sounds. I'll be scared as hell to drive it and the insurance won't be fun to pay monthly either. A 17 year old driver driving a brand new car, I think not. :eek:

I actually checked out the Carfax report for this one, it looks clean, but still skeptical. I doubt my parents will let me get it. They want me to have a reliable car.

LOL Husky_mom, you can't get a new car for less then 18k here. If that were the case I'd have a 2010 Hyundai Genesis at this point. Yeah, I've never been stuck on the side of the road alone before, but that would be a bit scary.

Cataholic, Lower the miles a little and we have a deal. :D

Zara, yeah the insurance is the real killer in the end I think. I'm not positive what this particular car would cost in insurance but all the cars I tend to be interested in are in the category 'Sports car' and that'd be a killer especially with a 17 year old driver -_- My insurance right now is not terrible, I only drive 2 cars out of our 3. I will never drive that huge Navigator my mom has. My Dad's car is under 'Sports car' category thanks to the engine and I share a Saturn with my sister most of the time. My dad can have a sports car, but I can't. Go figure. :P

Go to an autoparts store and get a flat scrwedriver and a manual for the car you want.

CHeck out the schematic for the ignition wiring and memorize it.


Go to the local mall and find the model you want and it's yours for the cost of the screwdriver and the manual.;)

Just kidding, do your homework and buy a toyota. change the oil and it will run forever.:)

Just a add on here... when you get the classic plates you have restrictions on when you can drive the car. It's like weekends and holidays. Or is that the antiques?? I know they have restrictions though.

Here it is:

No person may operate a vehicle with antique or classic registration plates for commercial purposes or for general daily transportation. Permitted use is limited to participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses, and for occasional transportation. Occasional transportation means no more than 1 day a week.

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Originally Posted by jenn_librarian

Here it is:

No person may operate a vehicle with antique or classic registration plates for commercial purposes or for general daily transportation. Permitted use is limited to participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses, and for occasional transportation. Occasional transportation means no more than 1 day a week.

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If the car's considered antique or classic, do you have to get antique/classic registration plates? :/ If so, that means I can't have the car I want. :rolleyes:

The Fiero is really pretty, Alyssa :D. Wish you could get it.

I'm a big Pontiac lover too & was really disappointed that the line
would not be made anymore. Pontiac were great muscle cars and great
to drive on the open road.:D I had a Pontiac Firebird, same color as the
Fiero you looked at, and I loved that car.:) Good luck with getting a car
you can depend on & one you will like.:)

I guess I know how to pick the lemons when it comes to cars. I have owned two Pontiac's among the many cars that I have owned. The first was a 1961 Pontiac Tempest. This was the 4 cylinder with half of a 389ci v8 and a trans-axel in the rear of the car. This was a beauty, white with maron leather interior. The car had timing belt issues that Pontiac just couldn't solve. Because the car had only half of the v8 it seems they didn't know how to keep timing chains and the tensioners from breaking. I had kit on top of kit and still when you cranked the car it sounded like a hay bailer on its last leg. When you turned it off at times it would continue to run for several minutes. it was a beautiful lemon. My next was the 1980 Indy Pacecar Trans-am. This was the turbo V8 that had trouble passing itself. It blow the turbo twice and the Main seals 3 times. The T-top rusted out when the car was 6 months old. Pontiac repaired the rust but after that it seemed I could hear the rust eating away at the car. After the Trans-am I swore off Pontiac and GM till this day.

I've been car shopping too- my old Jeep Cherokee had to be junked in November. I just keep getting attracted to old Audi Quattros and VW Cabriolets. :rolleyes: I used to like old trucks but the 15 mpg on my Jeep was a killer. I doesn't help that I'm not willing to spend over $800.

Suki Wingy

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I've been car shopping too- my old Jeep Cherokee had to be junked in November. I just keep getting attracted to old Audi Quattros and VW Cabriolets. I used to like old trucks but the 15 mpg on my Jeep was a killer. I doesn't help that I'm not willing to spend over $800.

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I am a sucker for the Audi Quattro myself. I drive a A4 Audi Quattro Avant. I guess I am more emotionally attached to this car than any car I have owned. I have owned many many cars and the only other car that I regret selling was my VW Jetta TDI. This was one great road car. I used to travel all over the west on Bike expeditions and my Jetta would cruise at 80 and still get 40mpg. It got 50mpg if I drove the speed limit. ;)

My all time favorite - MY BABY - was my 1978(79?), Ford Mustang, 5 liter engine with a moon roof. That puppy could move!!!!! ;) I LOVED that car, and could have strangled my ex when he decided to trade it in, and all it needed was a new fuel pump. :mad: