Im just wondering if this Fiero is a steal or is it a bad idea for me.

It’s a 1985 4 cylinder 4 speed with 54k miles. The inside is incredibly nice and the outside is fine enough. One big problem is that it’s been sitting since 1999. The guy says he was able to turn the engine over manually. He wants 1,350 for it and i think it’s a good idea. is there any other things i’d need to do besides brakes, fluids, and filters?

I’ve never worked on cars before but this is one of my favorites so i’m willing to learn 🙏🏼 Do you guys think it’s worth it?

You will learn a lot on this project....

quote Originally posted by ThatDumby: Im just wondering if this Fiero is a steal or is it a bad idea for me. It’s a 1985 4 cylinder 4 speed with 54k miles. The inside is incredibly nice and the outside is fine enough. One big problem is that it’s been sitting since 1999. The guy says he was able to turn the engine over manually. He wants 1,350 for it and i think it’s a good idea. is there any other things i’d need to do besides brakes, fluids, and filters? I’ve never worked on cars before but this is one of my favorites so i’m willing to learn 🙏🏼 Do you guys think it’s worth it?

So, that is a 1984 2m4 4-Speed. It looks VERY complete. If it doesn't have any perceivable rust, then I think it's a steal, and definitely something you could learn on. It's a very simple motor to work on, and there are plenty of parts available for it. There's nothing overtly complicated. My opinion is yes... but I'd have to assume that even with 54k miles, you're likely going to have to go through the entire car. It won't just be fluids, brakes, filters. My guess is that the fuel pump is also likely done for after sitting for this long, and you'll probably also want to change out all the hoses too. But it's something you can take your time with.

quote Originally posted by ThatDumby: I’ve never worked on cars before... Do you guys think it’s worth it?

Depends... do you want a car to drive, or do you want an expensive project that may take ages (if ever) to be roadworthy.

Buying a non-running car is a total crapshoot with very little odds in your favor.

Buy the car.

Even if you can't get it running, for $1350, how can you go wrong?

quote Originally posted by Mike in Sydney: ...for $1350, how can you go wrong?

That's just the start.

Like any "dead" automobile, it will cost a lot of money with a lot of issues, and this is an expensive 'hobby'.

quote If your desire is to purchase a Fiero, you need to really understand the outlay or expenditure as of effort or sacrifice of owning a fairly rare mid-engine classic sport car....

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

If the project ends up taking a turn for the worse(finding an issue that is out of your price range/experience to solve), you can always sell the parts and likely make your money back.

It does look pretty clean. I would say that most people would jump on it for $1350.

But as the almighty Patrick says, there are always unforeseen issues on a vehicle that is bought non-running.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: You will learn a lot on this project....

yeah i bought it and so far it’s been a fun project, i’ve learned a lot only working on it a couple days. Very hard cause i have no prior experience. 🙏🏼

You'll likely find suspension issues, leaks, and probably some other things once you get it running. Some good info on here, take your time, do the research and you'll learn lots.

quote Originally posted by ThatDumby: yeah i bought it and so far it’s been a fun project, i’ve learned a lot only working on it a couple days. Very hard cause i have no prior experience. 🙏🏼

Good call. You'll learn a lot.

quote Originally posted by ThatDumby: One big problem is that it’s been sitting since 1999.

You're no doubt a long way from this point... but before you even get close to starting the engine, make absolutely sure to clean out the inside of the HVAC air box. There's a resistor for the fan in there that gets very hot. It's also a location where rodents like to get in and build a nest. I'll let you guess what happens when the fan is activated while the nesting material is still in place.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-04-2024).]

quote Originally posted by Patrick: You're no doubt a long way from this point... but before you even get close to starting the engine, make absolutely sure to clean out the inside of the HVAC air box. There's a resistor for the fan in there that gets very hot. It's also a location where rodents like to get in and build a nest. I'll let you guess what happens when the fan is activated while the nesting material is still in place.

Shoot... put some new front wheels on that, and it's ready to go!!!

quote Originally posted by Patrick: You're no doubt a long way from this point... but before you even get close to starting the engine, make absolutely sure to clean out the inside of the HVAC air box. There's a resistor for the fan in there that gets very hot. It's also a location where rodents like to get in and build a nest. I'll let you guess what happens when the fan is activated while the nesting material is still in place.

Yes! Check that ASAP! This thread, Where can mice get into a Fiero, has some good info. Getting rid of all nests is also good for eliminating any rodent odor.

quote Originally posted by jumpmonkey: Yes! Check that ASAP! This thread, Where can mice get into a Fiero, has some good info. Getting rid of all nests is also good for eliminating any rodent odor.

Thank you i appreciate that. I completely forgot that there would be any problems with it sitting besides just the engine.

non running 84, he should pay you to take it. No offense to 84 owners, but it is what it is.

You can find just fixing the brakes can be pushing $1000 just in parts & that's even if can find good rebuilt calipers more so rears.
very likely need, minimum:
calipers
rotors, front wheel bearings & seals
good pads like Wanger TQ
hoses, not SS hose, see https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/129208.html
P-brake cables to rear wheels or all 3.
MC

Hope the combi valve is good because can't buy them.

See https://web.archive.org/web...cast.net/~fierocave/ brake section, front wheel bearing, etc.

Many say cut the rotor... Most shops won't turn any rotor w/ big rust & some other problems because can "eat" the cuter tips or hit Machine To before can get a good surface. Machine To is before Scrap spec printed on the rotor/drum & that limit is only in "books" from Wanger etc. Even if they Cut them cost nearly same as new rotors @ most shops.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

quote Originally posted by jelly2m8: My point exactly, your already 2X in and you don't have a driver

Although it's true that he's already doubled how much money has been put into the project, he still hasn't breached how much a running Fiero costs on places like Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. There are some here and there for under $3K, but the majority of the time, their paint is messed up/faded and the interior is totally trashed. For a well put-together Fiero that drives, you're looking at upwards of $4-5K(at least in my area and what I've found with online searches).

According to ThatDumby, the interior is awesome and the exterior doesn't look bad. You could view it as a total moneypit, but in my opinion, I think he could get it up and running for less than purchasing an already running Fiero. On top of that, he's gets the enjoyment of a working on a project and the satisfaction of solving the issues that are keeping it off the road.

There are a lot of threads on Pennock's about bringing a Fiero back to life and they are very inspiring. This awesome YouTube series by Ronald Finger is a great documentation of taking an abandoned Fiero and totally restoring it. It's what encouraged me to buy my project Fiero.

It's all about point-of-view.

quote Originally posted by jumpmonkey: Although it's true that he's already doubled how much money has been put into the project, he still hasn't breached how much a running Fiero costs on places like Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. There are some here and there for under $3K, but the majority of the time, their paint is messed up/faded and the interior is totally trashed. For a well put-together Fiero that drives, you're looking at upwards of $4-5K(at least in my area and what I've found with online searches). According to ThatDumby, the interior is awesome and the exterior doesn't look bad. You could view it as a total moneypit, but in my opinion, I think he could get it up and running for less than purchasing an already running Fiero. On top of that, he's gets the enjoyment of a working on a project and the satisfaction of solving the issues that are keeping it off the road. There are a lot of threads on Pennock's about bringing a Fiero back to life and they are very inspiring. This awesome YouTube series by Ronald Finger is a great documentation of taking an abandoned Fiero and totally restoring it. It's what encouraged me to buy my project Fiero. It's all about point-of-view.

I completely agree. Yeah, nice interior and good paint counts for a lot. It is too easy to judge the value of a car solely by its commuter utility.

There are so many aspects to the car hobby. I am always amazed by the people, such as the hotrod crowd, who spend years building their hotrod. They spend buckets of money yet immediately lose interest when it is finished and sell it for a loss and move onto something else.

There is the joy of getting something working that previously was dead. I've now resurrected a Fiero too (1987 GT 5-sp V6), with a goal of doing HPDE days with it, and am really happy with what I've built. The utility and cost of the work I've done doesn't matter much to me (although costs have been pretty reasonable) (I'm all-in for about $7k).

[This message has been edited by Brian A (edited 06-06-2024).]

quote Originally posted by jumpmonkey: Although it's true that he's already doubled how much money has been put into the project, he still hasn't breached how much a running Fiero costs on places like Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. There are some here and there for under $3K, but the majority of the time, their paint is messed up/faded and the interior is totally trashed. For a well put-together Fiero that drives, you're looking at upwards of $4-5K(at least in my area and what I've found with online searches). According to ThatDumby, the interior is awesome and the exterior doesn't look bad. You could view it as a total moneypit, but in my opinion, I think he could get it up and running for less than purchasing an already running Fiero. On top of that, he's gets the enjoyment of a working on a project and the satisfaction of solving the issues that are keeping it off the road. There are a lot of threads on Pennock's about bringing a Fiero back to life and they are very inspiring. This awesome YouTube series by Ronald Finger is a great documentation of taking an abandoned Fiero and totally restoring it. It's what encouraged me to buy my project Fiero. It's all about point-of-view.

I think i could get 7-8 but I don't really wanna sell it anytime soon. So far i see really trash ones with engine knock for 2k. There is a 1986 48k miles 305 v8 with nitrous for 12k which i think is insane.

It is a 1984 but its #3 on my dream car list (1999 Dodge Viper ACR #1 and 2002 Trans Am #2) Its really about the journey of fixing it up and making it mine that's more worth it to me especially one that's low miles and clean. Also so far this Fiero community is really nice i like how you guys have been here talking longer then ive been alive

I binged watched the whole series the day before i bought my fiero

quote Originally posted by ThatDumby: So far i see really trash ones with engine knock for 2k.

That's one of the major pitfalls of buying a non-running car. You have absolutely no idea what condition the engine (transmission/clutch, brakes, suspension, etc) is in. You can't believe anything the previous owner might have to say.

quote Originally posted by ThatDumby: I think i could get 7-8 but I don't really wanna sell it anytime soon.

...which would be a pretty crappy investment if it takes $10,000 and untold man-hours to get this car functional.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 06-06-2024).]

quote Originally posted by Patrick: ...which would be a pretty crappy investment if it takes $10,000 and untold man-hours to get this car functional.

Not gonna lie if it doesn’t work out i’m engine swapping 😭. Also i see a 1984 fiero with like a 4/10 interior and 7/10 paint for 5500 with 118k miles 🙏🏼

Honestly im not looking to invest in it to make money i just like the car. But profit is always good

Sounds like a fun project. I bought my 87GT with a sagging headliner, pealing paint, ripped seats, broken sail panels, and cracked tail lights. Oh, also...it didnt run (I didn't know if it would) and the old shift cables (btw, good choice buying from RD) were frozen, so I had no idea if the 5spd shifted. It's been a fun project, often times challenging but it's a great feeling of accomplishment. Thoughts for your project:

Ask as many questions as you want on here. Many many people with TONS of experience. If someone tries to dissuade you from doing something, it's probably because they've "been there, done that" and are looking out for your best interest. However, if you go for it anyway, we'll still help you through.

Try to do one project at a time, otherwise it may get overwhelming.

Take lots of pics. and share em if you can. We love seeing the progress.

Resources...Rodney Dickman (as you already know), Rockauto, The Fierostore.

As for mine, a new fuel pump got it running and new cables got it shifting. I've pretty much gone through the whole car now, keeping it as stock as possible. Now has 276k miles on it and I just returned from a 400 mile drive. I love my POS. Wish you the best of luck with your project.

If the car starts and runs fine then its a fair deal but any 30+ yr old automobile will need considerable work. At the minimum; hoses, wires/ignition parts, plugs, belts, tires, shocks, bushings, exhaust items/CAT and maintenance items. You already know about the brakes and I would recommend that you check the rack and pinions for tightness. All things can be fixed but the value of the car must be weighed against restoration costs.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

quote Originally posted by Patrick:

I picked up a parts car that looked like that on the inside due to the blower motor, it was pretty scary. Good thing I just needed the transmission and gas tank.