car gurus help

[Freelok]

Thinking of buying a Pontiac Fiero (probably 1984 or 1986 version) for my first car. I get my license in December of this year but I get my permit the 11th of June, so it'll be a fun car to cruise and learn in.

(Not getting this one in particular, it's just a better picture I could get of the 1984 model)

Wanted to ask the car gurus that lurk here if it's a good or bad idea. I know it's a two seater and relatively small- I have a large family and access to four/five seater cars if need be. This is pretty much just a car for myself to fuck around in. They go for fairly cheap- I'm paying for it all on my own (have roughly $1600 down for it atm, around my area they generally go for $2000-$3000). The cars have a whole slew of issues but I'm wanting to learn how to properly fix up vehicles as it interests me, so I don't think it'll be a problem.

Any thoughts? I'm still very early on in the buying process but I've always wanted a "sports car" if you could even call this mid-engine midget that, but still. Good idea to get one or no?

 

[Aleks]

You need to know what the issues are first before buying. How likely it is you can repair them before you're paying for more than what its worth because you're in over your head.

 

[Freelok]

You need to know what the issues are first before buying. How likely it is you can repair them before you're paying for more than what its worth because you're in over your head.

I'm not buying a completely shit tier broken one, that's for sure. I know a few sellers in my area and they don't have any massive issues with the cars (minor shit, not detrimental at all). Asides, I plan on modifying it quite a bit (I'm riding with it until it fucking drops), so I'm willing to throw a pretty penny at it as I don't have much else to throw my money at.

 

[Vortex]

It's good that you're modifying it and are aware of everything, but remember that they have a less than good history with customers and despite being old have failed to improve, so are mediocre at best; there's lots of flaws but its decent for its price, so not bad overall.

Conclusively, with all these things I've said, I'll just give it a 6/10 at best to not confuse you as they're noticeably (but not that much) underpowered.

Go for it! But if you can easily (or even with a little trouble) afford a better car, then perhaps you may want that to avoid future trouble. It's an imperfect car.

 

['77 East]

Ensure when you buy it that the seller doesn't mind you taking a look under the hood/chassis/etc - if they don't, that's a major red flag and you should walk away immediately.

Look for grime, cracks (stuff like that on the engine block is another no-go deal); rust and grit. Check to make sure the aircon (if equipped) and fan system isn't clogged with shit, check that the fuel system is feeding, and try to arrange for a test drive with the seller to make sure the car handles well and it isn't outright shite.

Oh, and make sure the tyres aren't bald or fucked because replacing a stock set can easily set you back 400+.

 

[Freelok]

It's good that you're modifying it and are aware of everything, but remember that they have a less than good history with customers and despite being old have failed to improve, so are mediocre at best; there's lots of flaws but its decent for its price, so not bad overall.

Conclusively, with all these things I've said, I'll just give it a 6/10 at best to not confuse you as they're noticeably (but not that much) underpowered.

Go for it! But if you can easily (or even with a little trouble) afford a better car, then perhaps you may want that to avoid future trouble. It's an imperfect car.

I'm primarily buying this car for two reasons- 1. It's really just the look which I fucking ADORE, and 2. The price itself. I'm fairly deadset on buying a Fiero and I'm 100% aware that it isn't really the best car on the block. And I honestly don't want to go fucking zooming everywhere either which is a reason I picked the car- I know it's a fair bit underpowered. I don't exactly have the money to buy anything else either, which is why I'm gonna modify it. You could argue it might be more expensive in the long run but the skills are an extremely good take-away.

Ensure when you buy it that the seller doesn't mind you taking a look under the hood/chassis/etc - if they don't, that's a major red flag and you should walk away immediately.

Look for grime, cracks (stuff like that on the engine block is another no-go deal); rust and grit. Check to make sure the aircon (if equipped) and fan system isn't clogged with shit, check that the fuel system is feeding, and try to arrange for a test drive with the seller to make sure the car handles well and it isn't outright shite.

Oh, and make sure the tyres aren't bald or fucked because replacing a stock set can easily set you back 400+.

The ones I've spoken to include pictures of the under carriage and hood and all, and are not opposed to me looking at them (from the discussions I've had). Test drive is an obvious, and one of my parents good friends is a car guy so he'd be going with me when looking at the car to purchase and he'd be better suited to pick out any flaws than I would, but 100% will keep an eye for out them. And I know how expensive they are and I'm sticking away from fucked tires, not trying to go more into the red then I already would be.

 

['77 East]

I know it's a fair bit underpowered. I don't exactly have the money to buy anything else either, which is why I'm gonna modify it. You could argue it might be more expensive in the long run but the skills are an extremely good take-away.

If you're thinking about putting in a turbocharger down the line, ensure the car you buy is:

a) equipped for such a thing (meaning it's not broken enough to not run but fucked enough to shunt out any modding)
b) isn't going to put you 8k in debt just to slap it on
c) won't blow up with one on it

 

[Freelok]

If you're thinking about putting in a turbocharger down the line, ensure the car you buy is:

a) equipped for such a thing (meaning it's not broken enough to not run but fucked enough to shunt out any modding)
b) isn't going to put you 8k in debt just to slap it on
c) won't blow up with one on it

Most likely not going for a turbo-charger- I don't exactly think the car will last long enough to really deserve one. I don't plan on making it some sort of beast with the modifications I plan on doing, it'll all be entry level if anything.