i just found a Firebird Formula 87 350 for 800$...

[twangboy]

this car ran great, but then his engine went out. He ordered a brand new 350 for it and put it in. After about a week, the car stopped running. The interior/exterior are about what you would expect, minor chipping that i would repaint if i bought it. My question, is do you think the problem in this car is something reasonably cheap to fix and is it worth it? i have a primary driver, and i have all summer to fix it this year. im in automotive in college right now, but i have summers off of school so i think this would be a great project. hes only asking 800 and he paid 1200 just for the engine. i think this is a steal, your thoughts?

[Oldengineer]

My question - If its something minor to fix - why doesn't the current owner have it fixed so he can ask more money for the car. Its entirely possible that he's trashed the new engine in short order, or, the car's got some kind of other expensive problem, like a bad tranny. Have someone knowledgable about cars look at it before you pony up cash for this deal. Also check KBB.com and see what the cars actually worth in its current condition.

For example, my son went and looked at a late model Honda Civic a few years back. The owner wanted $1200 for it, and,it looked like a steal at 1/2 its book value. The owner said it had a minor engine problem and he didn't want to fool with it. However, my son quickly determined that the engine was locked solid, and, needed replaced. My son ended up buying the car for $150. He put a $600 low mileage used engine in it and sold the car for a nice profit.

Just my 2 cents worth

Regards:
Oldengineer