Buying Used Fiero?

A neighbor down the street is selling a '85 Fiero. The car has 190,000 miles on it while the rebuilt (port,polished, bored) engine has 5,000. He is only asking $500. I was thinking about buying it and then cleaning it up a bit. I would probably then sell it for a little more. I'm not looking to make much money but I want a little project car. I don't want to lose money either. So what do you guys think? Good buy? I think it needs a muffler.

If the current owner is selling it for $500 and you add a muffler ($200) and clean it up, then want to sell it for a profit forgetaboutit.

An 1985 car is 20 years old and even with a good engine, it may have lots more things wrong with it that you'll need to repair once you get it. Which will cost you money. Things like brakes, suspension, transmission, tires and electrical. All to make a car roadworthy, but really don't add much to the selling price to make a profit.

Now if you want to have a hobby car, it may fill the bill. You fix up the things wrong with it and drive it and get asked "What kind of car is that?"

Just ask yourself if all it needs is a muffler, why is the selling price only $500?

If the current owner is selling it for $500 and you add a muffler ($200) and clean it up, then want to sell it for a profit forgetaboutit.

An 1985 car is 20 years old and even with a good engine, it may have lots more things wrong with it that you'll need to repair once you get it. Which will cost you money. Things like brakes, suspension, transmission, tires and electrical. All to make a car roadworthy, but really don't add much to the selling price to make a profit.

Now if you want to have a hobby car, it may fill the bill. You fix up the things wrong with it and drive it and get asked "What kind of car is that?"

Just ask yourself if all it needs is a muffler, why is the selling price only $500?

I'm not really in it to make money. I just want something fun to do. I just don't want to lose money. I'm not even sure if it needs a muffler...someone suggested it might. The guy said it's 500 because he just wants to make back what he paid for it. He said he dosn't drive it much and since it's a 2 seater it's not practical for him. Though he does have a camero...

Personally, if it is a 4 cylinder, I wouldn't even consider it. If it is a 6 cylinder, it runs, and it's in decent shape, it would probably be worth around 800-1200 bucks. In great shape with that many miles, maybe around 1500. The GT's of 85 are worth more than the others of the same year. And if it's a 6 cylinder, it probably doesn't really need a new muffler, they are naturally loud to begin with. Check around it for any leaks to be sure.
If it's a GT in good shape, 500 is an excellent find.

It says 4m5 on the back (or 5m4?) it's a 5 speed. I don't think its a gt and I talked to a guy and he said to skip.

only options are a 2m4 or 2m6.....if 2m6, I'd still take a look at it.

85 with a 5spd? its a 2m4. the 6cylinders didnt come with a 5 speed til late 86

85 with a 5spd? its a 2m4. the 6cylinders didnt come with a 5 speed til late 86

it's a 2m4. Skip right? Now I need to find another project car! Civic or Celica I guess...

well if you're going to just throw your money away on the civic or a celica....just go ahead and get the fiero! :biggrin:

The thing is there's a higher demand for civics (in this area and on the web). I also can get a civic for like $5000 (a 2000 model) that needs some work and resell it for $15,000. That's better than this Fiero. I have to see though.

I don't care where you live, no one will pay 15,000 for a 5 year old civic.

Um ok? Do you want to buy the fiero for me? And if you check the KBB the civic is worth that plus with the upgrades I plan....

Hey, let ME know who's selling the Fiero and how to get in touch with him, I'd buy it. I'm looking for a project car myself and have been dying for a Fiero!

He's in California. Where are you? IM me on AIM @ Audiboy117