I want a fiero, but dad says otherwise

[jaredu]

Ever since I've seen one for the first time in my life, I've somehow loved the way they were all around. They just looked cool. I finally get a job and I have enough money to buy a simple, cheap one (Around 500 dollars, and runs). Except my dad says they're all deathtraps and I shouldn't get one. He won't sign insurance papers or plates for a fiero. I am 16. What's up with that? Can u guys give me any reasons that the fiero is good? And prove him wrong?

[Blue02R6]

Originally Posted by jaredu

I finally get a job and I have enough money to buy a simple, cheap one (Around 500 dollars, and runs). Except my dad says they're all deathtraps and I shouldn't get one. He won't sign insurance papers or plates for a fiero. I am 16. What's up with that? Can u guys give me any reasons that the fiero is good? And prove him wrong?

Well congrads on getting a job.
Why Fieros are safeer than most cars
1.Space frame construction
2.Centralized gas tank (so you wont have a pinto moment)
3.Low center of gravity means it is unlikely that you will roll the car

Here's what I'd say to your Dad "Why are they deathtraps?" Then counter his arguement. Do you know why the fires happened?

[bobby28384]

The only difference between me and Jaredu is that I'm 14. I'm sure I could get a summer job and make $500+ dollars for an old Fiero. Since like 8 I have just really liked Fieros. Parents say that they light up when rear-ended! My parents are "safe freaks"! They have only bought Volvos for the past 10 years! Is there a cheap way to fix the problem with the fire? Reinforced oil/gas tank? I have a year and a half to think about it, but any suggestions? Thanks!

-I have taken joy rides before. 1983 RX-7! Fun fun fun!-

[Blue02R6]

They are thinking of pintos a fiero would not light up in a rear end collision unless it was hit by a fuel tanker. The gas tank is in the center of the car between the seats (which is the best place for it.) If you guys look for the crash test ratings your parents should be won over.

*Edit* Show them this http://www.crashtest.com/explanation...m#anchor106731

[fieroturbo]

Pontiac Fiero's have Double....yes that's DOUBLE 5 STAR SAFETY RATINGS by the IHTSA. That's the same score as the Ford Taurus, which we all know has like the highest crash perfomance out there.

Back when the Fiero was around, it took second. It was beaten by Volvo, which only got a better score because there was slightly less damage after the crash.

Think about it this way, nothing in the front engine compartment is flammable, so there's one crumple zone,

and (as mentioned earlier) the gas tank is in the center, so it can't get damaged (like Ford Crown Vics, which explode when rear ended),

and given that there's a trunk, and a solid chunk of metal (the engine) behind you, it's almost imposible to damage the cockpit. Even side impacts, if you look at the skeleton of the doors, you'll see 3 diagonal super strong bars going front to back. Not one bar like some pro race cars, but three. If I can find the image, I'll post it.

BTW, the NHTSA's 3000lb weight rating for the 84 Fiero is wrong. In fact the heaviest Fiero ever was 2735lbs, which was the 88 GT. The 84 Fiero was exactly 2464lbs, except for the SE model, which had bigger wheels and tires, bringing it up to 2480lbs.

And the low center of gravity prevents roll-overs (as said before).

On top of that, they're incredibly reliable (except for the 84 models). My friend has an 87' GT with.... get this.....387,000 miles, and counting......ORIGINAL ENGINE, ORIGINAL TRANNY, ORIGINAL CLUTCH, ORIGINAL GASKETS, ORIGINAL EXHAUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Has never broken down. And the only mods was that he put a straight pipe in place of the cat, cause there's no emissions laws back home in PA, and it's cheap Horsepower.

On top of that, Fieros are the car that started Saturn, so everything you hear, like dent resistant panels, good gas mileage, fun to drive, reliable, safe, etc. is all the same in this car.

One thing though, if you get an 84, which I don't recommend, make sure the engine has been replaced. There was a goof up courtesy of the sub-contractor that made the piston rods which caused them to break, sending metal flying through the oil pan, and dripping oil onto the exhaust pipes, creating a fire.

Less than 100 1985 models had this issue, so basically 85 and up is fine. I'm not saying don't get an 84, there are some absolutely gorgeous 84's out there for sale, I'm just saying buyer beware.

Honestly, 88 models are the best if you want a handling machine. The suspension was completley reworked, and pefected (rumor is Lotus graced it with its touch).

But if you want the lighter weight, better acceleration kind a deal, go for 84-87. There's more parts for non-88's anyway. Alot more. And they're cheaper too. Non-88's are best if you're on a budget.

To me, a Fiero is like a woman. It gets 100% of my attention, 100% of my money, 100% of the time. So I have a limitless budget, which is why I have an 88. With non 88 models (especially the 87 GT), you can neglect the car, and not feel guilty, and not regret it. Make sure you drive it alot. Fieros perform best when constanly run, not when they sit around.

Enjoy your plastic piece of excitement. And never sell it! Never sell your first car. Anyone who does so is a moron (unless your first car was a Ford).

Whew, I'm done with that.

"Hey Blue02R6, did that guy sell that 87-88 4banger turbo kit yet? I neeeeeeed to have it!!!"

[Blue02R6]

I don't know, at least not to me.

[venom800R]

fieros got the bad rap for engine fires from a problem with the design of the dipstick that would make it rattle loose and come out, spraying oil around that would catch on fire. that only happened for part of one year, and it was taken care of with a recal. as said before in its day it was the second safest car on the road. great for a first car, it looks cool, its safe, and its not so fast its gonna get you in alot of trouble. but you can fix that later. heh heh.

[LoW_KeY]

let me be the first to say your dads full of crap as was my dad when I was 16 and wanted one 22 now with my motor swap done and my dad loves the car!!

heres a link to my old page.. http://members.fortunecity.com/lowkey88/crashtest.htm

[Dan_in_WA]

The only bad thing I've ever heard about the Fiero is that the insurance companies will RAPE you for driving one.

But then, is there a car that they DON'T do that to you for? I've never found one. And that's with a clean driving record.

IIRC, GM quit making the Fiero in part due to the insurance companies.

[LoW_KeY]

actually.. insurance is cheap on them believe it or not.. I could have full coverage for I think $100? heck PLPD on my crappy 85 winter beater (buick was $80 for plpd!)

course this is in michigan.. insurance seems high to everyone that doesn't live here.. which it is! believe in 2 more years when I'm 24 I'll be able to have full coverage for $300 every 6 months

[netjunkkie]

Originally Posted by Dan_in_WA

The only bad thing I've ever heard about the Fiero is that the insurance companies will RAPE you for driving one.

But then, is there a car that they DON'T do that to you for? I've never found one. And that's with a clean driving record.

IIRC, GM quit making the Fiero in part due to the insurance companies.

Well i have a perfect driving record.... (at least whats actually on my record.... heehe)
i pay 416 a yr for basic called my insurance company up to find out how much full coverage would be on my car
if my appraisal isnt over 10,000$ then my insurance will go up to 800 a yr.

[Blue02R6]

Dang! I wish I had your rates. I pay $200+ a month.

[Blondeinbuffalo]

Originally Posted by netjunkkie

Well i have a perfect driving record.... (at least whats actually on my record.... heehe)
i pay 416 a yr for basic called my insurance company up to find out how much full coverage would be on my car
if my appraisal isnt over 10,000$ then my insurance will go up to 800 a yr.

I am in NYS - tried to switch auto insurance coverage away from company which requires that it carry ALL of my insurance (homeowners, auto, personal liabiilty) and could not find another company willing to write collision/comprehensive on my Fiero. Two would not write liability insurance at all. My record is clean; no accidents in 15 years.

Also have a Camaro IROC with full racing package and had the same problem - no claims made for any cars (liability or comprehensive/collision) in 15 years.

It would appear that the cars alone are considered an insurance risk.

[goatmaster]

Let me tell you that the 87 and up fieros are best. I belong to FERIO CLUB OF AMERICA and you should see some of the major crashes in which the driver got out and walk away. The car is safe. I own 4 of them. All 87gts. Both my daughters drive them. I am over fifty and still would recommend this car for safety.

[fierofanatic]

Originally Posted by bobby28384

The only difference between me and Jaredu is that I'm 14. I'm sure I could get a summer job and make $500+ dollars for an old Fiero. Since like 8 I have just really liked Fieros. Parents say that they light up when rear-ended! My parents are "safe freaks"! They have only bought Volvos for the past 10 years! Is there a cheap way to fix the problem with the fire? Reinforced oil/gas tank? I have a year and a half to think about it, but any suggestions? Thanks!

-I have taken joy rides before. 1983 RX-7! Fun fun fun!-

i am in just the same situation as u

it is true that fiero's just have a bad reputation-'84 was the only year they had the problem w/engine fires. the ultimate fiero, i think, is the '88 gt (but there quite expensive). all the negative things about the car where fixed for that model year (better handling, etc.). it was also the last year that the car was made. i would recommend getting an '86 or '87 gt, because they have the nice fastback look, and there resonable priced, even for a first car