Any pros to getting a Formula over a GT besides the weight advantage/ being slightly more rare/cheaper. I have found two black Formulas with autos (for the wife), one with 97K for $2,200 and one with 40K for $4,000 both in a really nice shape. I used to be all about the GT only, but the simplicity of the Formula is really growing on me. Anyone go from a GT to Formula or vice versa. Pros and cons of your decision.

I think it all comes down to style; which one do you prefer...

Theres the obvious downfalls of the GT:
qtr. windows crack an there are no OEM quality replacements
Rear tail lights are getting harder and harder to come by; at least good ones

Aside from that, there the style; which do you (or your wife) prefer

I think we both agree the GT is slighty better looking but a little tall and short compared to the Formula. The GTs also go for more money for sure. The Formula I think performs better though the only performance data I've seen on it were from Motorweek 0-60 in 7.5 and 1/4 mile in 15.6 I think. That was with a five speed though in 30 degree weather.

[This message has been edited by GTSRT8 (edited 10-02-2011).]

The primary variable is which body style you prefer ... notchback coupe or fastback GT. The GTs tend to be more highly optioned, so that might affect your choice too. GTs are generally heavier, but the difference isn't that great .... being more affected by the options installed than anything else. My own Fiero is a highly-optioned Formula ... just about every option available except sunroof, power mirrors, heated rear window, and power decklid release ... and I have been really pleased with it.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 10-03-2011).]

Or you could go from a Formula to a sort-of-GT with the same car.





The only non-Formula body pieces on the entire car are the quarter panel scoops, the upper rear body clip, and the decklid.
Includes the GT taillights and quarter windows of course.

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Raydar
88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550

Praise the Lowered!

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-03-2011).]

I moved from an 86 GT to a Formula and I really like the Formula (for the suspension) but I have to say I miss some of the features that were on the GT like cruise control, rear defrost, power windows and the moonroof. Obviously that's more opinion, just like the looks, but I'm just putting it out there that the GT is a more "luxurious" car, while the Fomula is more of a bare bones performance car.

As far as rarity, they're both rare models, especially T-tops and yellow ones.

-Paul

I really loved my Formula. It was one of the better Fieros I've ever owned.



I don't think you should be particularly discouraged by any lack of options, as many Formulas out there got good options. It's easy to find them with such items like sunroofs, rear defrost, power windows, A/C, tilt, etc., pretty much everything the GT got/could get. Mine had everything except cruise and power mirrors. And remember it's easy to install any option missing into a Fiero that doesn't have them (except maybe rear defrost).

Performance is going to be right as the same as a GT. There is minor weight differences, but when you get down to it it won't be enough of a difference to readily feel or utilize it. Don't worry about that.

I know the primary topic isn't looks, but I feel that GM did something really right with the Formula. I'm not particularly fond of the Fiero spoiler, but I think on the standard aero coupe body it makes the car pop. Formulas have a really aggressive stance from the rear end, with the double exhaust tips, spoiler, and lack of body. It would have been interesting if such an option was offered before the '88 model year, and how GM would have created it. Although I guess that the closest thing would have been an SE with the V6 or an early 2M6 bumper pad car.

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1986 Fiero GT... with REALLY high mileage

Don't forget, you can add power windows, locks, mirrors, etc. Pretty easy.

After 23yrs of owning a Formula I got a GT. The only thing I hate about it is that those qtr windows get in your way really bad to work on the firewall side of the engine.

quote Originally posted by GTSRT8: The Formula I think performs better though the only performance data I've seen on it were from Motorweek 0-60 in 7.5 and 1/4 mile in 15.6 I think. That was with a five speed though in 30 degree weather.

Don't think I would base my decision on performance; after 23 years, there both gonna suck unless work has been dun Then again, a 2000+ camary would prolly take either off the line...

quote Originally posted by ALJR: Don't think I would base my decision on performance; after 23 years, there both gonna suck unless work has been dun Then again, a 2000+ camary would prolly take either off the line...

Or through the 1/4 or top end for that matter...

quote Originally posted by Fiero84Freak:

Man those are some nice looking bumpers.

Nothing says 'Fiero' like a crank-window, stick shift Formula. Someday they will be the most expensive cars out there just because there are so few of them.

My formula is perfectly optioned. AC, Cruise, sunroof, tilt steering and spoiler (not sure if the spoiler was an option). Honestly the only other option I would seriously want is trunk release.

I have yet to see a fiero in the last 5 years that had PW or PL that worked properly. Most people have to press the unlock button several times, also the PW are extremely slow on every fiero that I have seen or had that had them.

I guess this winter I will install the trunk release.

I was looking for a GT when I got this car. 64,000 mile formula no rust for $2,600 couldn't pass it up. Never had an 88 prior, drives extremely well compared to my last 87.

[This message has been edited by BOBBY D (edited 10-03-2011).]

What do you like best. With their bodies off they are both the same.

Other than a little weight there is no advantage and even the weight is so small it matters little

A loaded GT would have an edge in future values but not a lot.

I am a coupe guy so I like the Formula but that is just me.

Well, the one with 97K on it has no options. The one with 40K has air that does not work and needs brakes and a battery. The one with 97K needs a headliner, has cracked dash corners, and has some tears in the seat. Both are clean. I could get the latter for about half the price as the other one or just under 2K. Paint has already been done, and it looks pretty good. I owuld also feel more comfortable daily driving a 100K mile Fiero rather than a 40K original. I also found an 88 GT one owner car with 79K, a 5 speed, spoiler, no sunroof, and all power options. Air does not work, nor do courtesy lights or radio. Some sun spotting on roof and spoiler. Original clutch. Everything else working properly including rebuilt headlights. That one is going for $3,500. I would prefer a stick, but my wife needs an automatic since she hates stick shift. I think all of these cars: the 88GT with 79K for 3,500, the 88 Formula with 40K for 4,000, and the 88 Formula with 97K for 2,200 are pretty good deals, no?

All Formula's came with spoilers.

quote Originally posted by onesexyfiero: All Formula's came with spoilers.

That was random. LOL

[This message has been edited by GTSRT8 (edited 10-03-2011).]

quote Originally posted by GTSRT8: I think all of these cars: the 88GT with 79K for 3,500, the 88 Formula with 40K for 4,000, and the 88 Formula with 97K for 2,200 are pretty good deals, no?

I do not think those are good deals. My opinion, is they are all a little high especially going into the winter months. Now I don't think they are bad deals, but not good deals. I am just basing this on what I have paid recently and what others have sold for recently. If you look around for awhile you will find better deals. Remember these are not cars you need today, they are cars you WANT today.

quote Originally posted by BOBBY D: I do not think those are good deals. My opinion, is they are all a little high especially going into the winter months. Now I don't think they are bad deals, but not good deals. I am just basing this on what I have paid recently and what others have sold for recently. If you look around for awhile you will find better deals. Remember these are not cars you need today, they are cars you WANT today.

Prices seem to vary by region. I couldn't touch a nice fiero for less than $4K. Sad.

Prices are in line with the Paul V price guide and certainly in line with what people are asking for them around here. Dealers by me are way over priced, no surprise.

quote Originally posted by GTSRT8: the 88GT with 79K for 3,500, the 88 Formula with 40K for 4,000, and the 88 Formula with 97K for 2,200 are pretty good deals, no?

Those prices are within reason... That being said, thats there asking price; who pays that anyway The longer they have them unsold, the lower there bottom line goes... NEVER pay someones asking price, asking prices are inflated to be negotiated down to what they will really take for the car... JMO...

Well then, what would you all pay for a black 1988 Formula with 97K automatic in great mechanical shape, good cosmetic shape (outside of seat tear, cracked dash corners, and sagging headliner)? It has also been repainted quite well. There is no rust either. It has rear defrost, trunk release, tilt wheel, and a CD player. It does not have air conditioning, pw, pdl, pm. Asking price is 2,200.

quote Originally posted by GTSRT8: That was random. LOL

Someone asked the question a few posts up. Didn't hit quote there so it wasn't clear.

"My formula is perfectly optioned. AC, Cruise, sunroof, tilt steering and spoiler (not sure if the spoiler was an option). Honestly the only other option I would seriously want is trunk release."

[This message has been edited by onesexyfiero (edited 10-04-2011).]

quote Originally posted by GTSRT8: Well then, what would you all pay for a black 1988 Formula with 97K automatic in great mechanical shape, good cosmetic shape (outside of seat tear, cracked dash corners, and sagging headliner)? It has also been repainted quite well. There is no rust either. It has rear defrost, trunk release, tilt wheel, and a CD player. It does not have air conditioning, pw, pdl, pm. Asking price is 2,200.

I would not be interested in a car w/ manual windows/lock... My first couple of cars didn't have PW/PL and I swar I would never own another It would only be worth about $1000 to ME; if it had PW/PL, I think I would go between $1500 and his $2200 asking price. It really depends on just how clean it is; I hate fixing someone elses butchered fix's...

Adding power locks and windows is pretty easy. I wouldn't pass up a good Fiero because of these options.

Power windows on Fieros are known for being slow anyway. The no sunroof is one less thing to leak. My power locks just click in my Grand Prix, so I am used to not having them anyway. Plus, the car is so small to reach across and unlock the passenger door. The only options I wish it had were cruise control and A/C though.

heh,,,, you want my car.

Black Formula, 5 speed, 120K miles, AC, Cruise....that's it. Base radio with tape player.

NO> power anything, no rear window defrost....no sunroof... but it's not for sale because I like it a lot that way....I may take 5K for it if you signed away your life promising never to modify it....but I don't think so....

So that is where price gets strange....if it had more stuff on it I would probably be less interested in it.

I saw a VERY clean white on tan 88 formula 5 speed with sunroof in Burr Ridge, IL last night. It was really cool looking in the flesh. I have only really seen GTs and SEs up close, not too many Formulas. Yes, I do want your car. I think I have pretty much decided my next Fiero will have to be a 1988 with 5 speed in either Formula or GT trim in nice driver quality condition. The only way I'll get the auto is if my wife says that's the only way she'll let me get one (so she can drive it too).

Right now if you take your time there will be some real good deals. All cars right now are down unless they are something really special. People are hurting for money and good cars are popping up here and there. I have seen some really good low mileage Fiero sold this summer for prices cheaper than what anyone could restore one to similar condition.

Like any car shop careful and in the case of a Fiero get the one with the lowest miles and best condition you can afford. The less money you have to put in the better value later it will be. Too many buy a cheap Fiero and a few years later they may have it in good condition but too often have spent more than they would have on a prime unrestored one.

Unless you can do all the work your self and get the parts cheap one in need of repair is not always the best option.

Note too I don't see the economy recovering soon as it is really bad and will take time to recover. Also the global economy is not any better and will hinder our growth. Untill the private sector jobs come back the economy will remain stagnet so this will keep the bargin car prices in play for a while. In other words don't jump on the first deal and work them on price. You may just save more money and get a better car.

[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 10-05-2011).]

You are correct. I think I will wait until the Spring anyway to sell my Grand Prix and give myself the entire summer to find something since I already have two other cars, so I can afford to pickier. Like I said I will be using the car as a daily driver, so I am not looking for a collector quality 10,000 mile Fiero, just something that is great mechanical shape with lower miles (for the year), so anything with less than 100K. It also has to look good too. I don't see these cars being collectible any time soon unless it is a 88GT with super low miles and a few others, so why not drive and enjoy it?

quote Originally posted by GTSRT8: The only way I'll get the auto is if my wife says that's the only way she'll let me get one (so she can drive it too).

Then def. get the 5spd