possible new beater 88 firebird

**Ramairgod84** · 07-31-2010, 05:45 AM

Hey guys, im looking at getting a second car for my gf to drive around town, if you remember, and i found this on craigslist. I went and took it for a test drive, and it drives fine. Here's the run down:

1988 firebird-
the good-
engine and trans rebuilt in 06
body solid and clean title

the bad-
the interior is filthy, can be replaced and cleaned

both headlight motors are bad- lights must be raised manually

windows dont go all the way down..off track?

when you bury the pedal, the transmission doesnt kick down ( trans kickdown cable?)

oil pressure gauge doesnt work.

a few rear bushings need to be replaced

all in all the car ran pretty well. I know the interior is filthy. He gave me a book that ive looked at all the replacement parts for, and the headlight motors are the most expensive thing. a new headliner is like 150. The only thing that i noticed was driving on the highway, the rpms were around 2k at 55 mph...just seems a little high. anyway, what do u guys think?

**Ramairgod84** · 07-31-2010, 05:47 AM

the guy wants 800 for it, im thinking of offering $550 and seeing where that goes, just based on what NEEDS to be done for repairs- trans kickdown cable, light motors

also, the a/c doesnt work

**wheeliE-maxx** · 07-31-2010, 05:53 AM

The tv cable also controls shift quickness and line pressure. If it's bad enough, 700 go boom. Should be an easy fix

**Ramairgod84** · 07-31-2010, 05:57 AM

so would that be a yes or no if u think its worth buying?

**wheeliE-maxx** · 07-31-2010, 05:58 AM

Also, someone shit

that would make a good racecar project later on because you have to gut it

**wheeliE-maxx** · 07-31-2010, 06:04 AM

That rpm is about right for 3.73's, they used them to help the more sackless motors out I guess.

**Transamws6** · 07-31-2010, 07:02 AM

I wouldn't buy it personally

If I were in your position, where I was looking for a dirt cheap beater, I would just get a Civic or Accord from the early-mid 90's. Better MPG's, newer, and it's a Honda, they're known for their reliablity. I'm sure if you looked hard you could find one for around the same price as that.

**wheeliE-maxx** · 07-31-2010, 07:28 AM

Try finding a non riced Honda for cheap. The idiocy of their fan boys also ups their price

**KahanaReef** · 07-31-2010, 07:42 AM

What is it with these people and trashing their Firebirds out your way?

Just like the last one, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Interior parts are not cheap. The light and door motors are typical. But, there's body work, paint and possible tranny issues as well?

I'd walk away. And, I agree with the others. You're looking for car to help your gf get around. Get her a little 4 banger that will do the job. You'll find one in far better condition for the right amount of money.

If she wants a Firebird, after she gets her work permit and a steady job, she can buy her own.

Does she really need anything more than an around town putt putt car?

Even I have two 4 bangers. An 88 Alfa and a 95 Probe. Granted, with the Camaro in the driveway, neither see much road time, but they are perfectly acceptable for get around cars

(the Alfa is non op right now though...)

**Ramairgod84** · 07-31-2010, 07:51 AM

im looking at some 4 bangers too. geo, crx, a few other hondas. trying to find something thats not beaten up thats under $1100. so trying to find the right combination of miles, asthetics, and a mechanically sound car is tough

**StuntmanMike** · 07-31-2010, 08:54 AM

Ugh that thing is gross. I can't imagine someone wanting to put thier GF in that.

Just getting the AC working could double the investment you have in that car.

I say hell no.

I have no idea of this is close to you or not (Pheonix), but what about something like this?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/ctd/1873159588.html

**Smkn_TA** · 07-31-2010, 09:28 AM

Kahana you really have an alfa romeo?

And to the op, I've seen 93-96 camaro rs's in that price range that were 500000000x better than that pos. Holy shit how does a car even GET that bad? And the only tip I have is that you best not put your gf's name anywhere on the title.

**Ramairgod84** · 07-31-2010, 09:50 AM

ive been keeping my eye out, and to kahana, awsome that u have an alfa. I'm looking for a few different types of cars in the surrounding states...ca, co, ut, nm, nv...just to see whats available. i know good deals are out there, and that i should just jump on the first one. its just nice having one near by that i can get in and test drive

**SeVeReDiStOrTiOn** · 07-31-2010, 10:35 AM

that poor bird wtf is wrong with people

Dunno what your budget is like but here's a 97 TA near you for 4k....i'm sure you can talk him down with the body damage and flashing the cash.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

**Ramairgod84** · 07-31-2010, 10:51 AM

well here's the thing. the car has to be, must be, a v6 or less. my insurance wont do another v8. its weird. so im limited to v6 birds and camaros.

**86 IROC-Z** · 07-31-2010, 11:09 AM

lol. as if someone would want to steal it.

**KahanaReef** · 07-31-2010, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by Smkn_TA

Kahana you really have an alfa romeo?

An 88 Graduate. I bought it back in 92. Fun little car when it's running

**KahanaReef** · 07-31-2010, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Ramairgod84

ive been keeping my eye out, and to kahana, awsome that u have an alfa. I'm looking for a few different types of cars in the surrounding states...ca, co, ut, nm, nv...just to see whats available. i know good deals are out there, and that i should just jump on the first one. its just nice having one near by that i can get in and test drive

Just know that parts for Alfa's are expensive and so is the labor. You practically need to be a dwarf to work on them too. It's spent it's fair amount of time in the shop. But, I'm rather hard on it too. It's too fun to drive not to be

Most 'girls' I think wouldn't be so hard on it though. Still, up keep can be a bit pricey on it. Not to mention, finding a mechanic that will work in it let alone one you can trust.

It's most fun on canyon roads

Quick for a 4 banger too I must say.

**silverWS6** · 07-31-2010, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by 86 IROC-Z

lol. as if someone would want to steal it.

exactly what i thought too

**Nhra Firebird** · 07-31-2010, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Ramairgod84

Hey guys, im looking at getting a second car for my gf to drive around town, if you remember, and i found this on craigslist. I went and took it for a test drive, and it drives fine. Here's the run down:

1988 firebird-
the good-
engine and trans rebuilt in 06
body solid and clean title

the bad-
1988 firebird

fixed it for you.