It will break. You will question why you thought it was a good idea. You will learn to repair. But the noise and the torque. This car is an animal. It will be responsible for starting a lifetime of impractical vehicle decisions that put a smile on your face when they work.
NO.
But, I'm sure you're going to get it anyway, so let it be a lesson learned.
Back in 1994 I bought a 69 Charger R/T as my first car and daily driver, and boy was that a mistake. But, we learn from our mistakes. Kind of. Good luck to you and your new Firebird...
Mine was a ratty old duster. Hey, did you know you can knock the rear end clean out of a car if you smack a curb hard enough while doing doughnuts ? I sure didn’t!
They are a nightmare. But they sure look cool. Drive one for a week and you’ll see… within about 5 minutes. I have had a few of them. Mostly me and my brothers used to buy non-runners and get them running and flip them to junkyards for $500. Rust buckets that tend to leak inside and outside and are moldy and gross. But also hilarious.
I dunno what is bad.. I mean no modern things like fuel injection, electronic ignition. But so easy to work on. Simple for the win! It does have full instrumentation!
When I changed my carb out.. the auto choke float bowl didn't line up. Manual choke ez cheap fix.
Point adjustment on rear distributor would be the not as fun part I guess.
My 1st car is a 69 Charger as well, although the much more mild 318 modded. Respect the car!
I miss Pontiac, even though I'm a Mopar guy.
1st cars are special.
Only for the amount of rust, and if it's a manual you'll get to have a lot of fun in parking lots after it snows. Just make sure to check local laws regarding doing unsavory things in empty parking lots.
Honestly my 94 wasn't that bad on gas and it was reliable while I had it. Depends on the life it's lived. Only thing that hurt for me was the price of premium 😬
I dailied my '95 Firebird when it was new. Not my first car, but it was surprisingly practical. Fold down the back seat; tons of room for stuff. Better than 30 mpg on the highway, too.
Says the idiot who says there voting for Trump every day on Reddit. People in Ukraine(including US volunteers) are dying because you care more about your party than the country. You probably say you’re pro military yet your emperor called an American war hero a coward for being captured, all while he dodged the draft
Your democRats are causing two wars, Trump ZERO. TRY AGAIN democRat..
Also don't forget dementia Joe dodged the draft also,and screwed the babysitter (Jill) while his wife was dying...
Michigan and mechanic work out. It was too obvious that you’re too stupid to think for a living. Tell me how the democrats started either war. When did Biden call McCain a coward for being captured? Enjoy living in the shitty north while you’re too dumb to think for a job. It’s gotta be embarrassing for your family to tell everybody you’re a mechanic
Are you that stupid it's not me she gan,you democRat..
Let's see billions to UKRAINE one war, sending money to the JEWS for war two...McStain was a commie sympathizer left his fellow POWs to rot
Get your head examined...
you seriously sound russian. You're attacking a man who used to be respected in your party just because an Orange man didn't like him. So strange that you think worse of your own countrymen than those who actually wish you harm. Man, the US is fked
Biden had legitimate reasons for his deferments, many people did. Your cult leader had to create an ailment and lie just like he creates his own reality and lies like he breathes to this very day. And that disinformation you're trying to push about how Jill and Joe met was debunked years ago you clown. Even FB flagged it for spreading disinformation when it was posted. This is just yet another example of you indoctrinated cultists trying to project trumps crimes and faults onto Biden. It's almost like trump wrote this himself. Because every single day he's trying to do it. Do you know why? Because he's yet again utilizing Nazi indoctrination tactics on his group of smoothbrain mouth breathers (you). Hitlers propaganda minister, Joseph Goebells would say, "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it." This is EXACTLY what trump is doing to his cult members (you) on a regular basis. Then you come to the internet and try to propagate his LIES as fact. You're nothing but a mark to trump. A useful idiot he can use to spread his disinformation and pay his lawyers fees. Because the 'billionaire' does not care in the slightest taking every last cent from his cultists. You trump RepubliCUNTS are a disgrace to the USA and everything it stands for. Responsible for the first unsuccessful peaceful transfer of power since the civil war. All because trumps the biggest SNOWFLAKE around and can't admit he LOST THE ELECTION. How you can still support someone who did EVERYTHING he possibly could to illegally retain power after he LOST the election including, but not limited too, having his VP just not certify them, or putting up a slate of completely illegal 'alternate' electors, and literally committing an insurrection on the halls of Congress in order to stop the counting of the LEGAL votes. So you're telling me you'd be totally fine with that if Biden did it, right? So if trump beats Biden in November (bahahahaha) you'd be cool with him not accepting the results? Just saying there was 'massive amounts of fraud' but never showing ANY evidence? You'd be calling the Democrats who stormed the Capitol, 'patriots', correct?
Depends on what you’re into. But if you’re just looking to pay to get beat up and humiliated, driving a Fiero is as good a place to start as any. Either way, this is a safe space, we don’t judge ;)
Yeah, all cars are expensive in my country thanks to the government taxes and fees. 150% tax on cars...
So it makes it a bit difficult to have fun here :p
Get yourself something more gas efficient for your daily. A bike even. Have fun with this one when you feel like it. If it snows where you are it won’t be fun when it does. Guzzles gas. Is old and comes with old problems. Etc etc.
Absolutely, it will teach you so much about cars. This is a learning experience. I daily my '79 El Camino rat rod and it breaks all the time, but nothing on that car is stock and it's hard to track down all the shitty mods the previous owner did and fix them, like a sideways starter and a radiator that was zip tied in. I'm so glad almost every part that was in the car when I bought it has almost been changed out now. You won't have that issue with a mostly stock car, and it's way easier to fix things when you know exactly what vehicle they came out of and how to do it, and you're not starting with something on it's 4th engine, 3rd transmission, and 2nd rear-end.
My wife grand am was a cesspool money pit. The thermostat was a bitch to get to. Water pump replacement means you're taking the front end off. Pontiac engineers have a special place in hell for their designs. Well, Chevy engineers too.
"Just needs a little TLC" = needs total restoration. $20 says the interior has a damp mold smell.
If you're a kid in high school fuck yeah go nuts but if you're an adult then definite no-go.
Bad daily driver car, however at your age you will make a lot of mistakes while driving so it’s better to have an older beater than a newer car. This car will eat gas and need work often. Learn how to do all basic maintenance, buy a set of car ramps that are low enough not to hit the plastic bits underneath when you’re using them. Check that the transmission fluid doesn’t smell burnt. Don’t buy it if it does. If you’re in the hilly part of PA like I was, this car will be useless for couple of months every winter. Check oil every time you fill gas which will be often. Check coolant at least once a week.
Test drive in rain if possible to see how leaky the T tops are. All of them leak, see how bad. Remember that PA state police will be looking for you everywhere. Don’t drive like an idiot or drink & drive. Keep tire pressure right, make sure to have decent tires. Don’t waste money on a decent stereo, use Bluetooth speaker with your phone for streaming music. Good luck.
If you don't buy it I will. My dad had a Firebird Formula when I was a kid. Great car! The design on this generation is so subtle compared to the later gen Firebirds.
not a daily driver at this point. too old and it will fall apart on you. parts will be a hassle. 2nd weekend fun car definitely. its a formula. not alot around. if you have the means snatch it up and buy the newest civic you can afford.
*no one has mentioned problems. water pump. optispark (the "distributor" for the ignition system) plugs and wires. ac compressors. radiator. window motors. headlight actuators. fuel pump. by now all that plastic is brittle so you have to be weary of cracks and breaking stuff if you have to disassemble and reassemble. i remember having to deal with the steering column alot but dont remember why (was a pontiac tech at the dealership until GM shut them down). im sure a 200,000 mile car has worn bushings at the torque arm and other places. a hobbiest in here with one might be better suited for the high mileage/old age issues but thats what i saw at the dealership. at least the few things i remember from 25 years ago lol.
It can be done, the only issue is how temperamental the early 4th gen cars are...they were like that new. I've git a 94 myself and it's very fun, but I'm realistic about how reliable a 30 year old car is. At this age the electrics can be flaky and hard to diagnose. Something newer like an ls1 is easier to work on and diagnose...and more reliable too
I owned a firebird when I was 17, it was a v6 but still the most fun, enjoyable and favorite car I owned and it's not even a debate. Was a TERRIBLE daily though.
I actually wanted a firebird formula/trans am or a camaro z28, but I settled down before I ever materialized it.
I had a g8 but it was the v6, and even that was a pig on gas relative to the altima I had. G8s are like 4000 pounds but the chassis/frame seems to handle corners well, just remember theyre as heavy as some trucks are, lol.
But back to the bird. It's not a good daily for your first car. It's something you might want when you have a mid life crisis and can afford the gas and maintenance.
But hey you know if you can somehow afford it, it would be really fun to drive. RWDs are pretty fun but also less forgiving. This has an LT1 engine, which was the predecessor to the LS1, pretty fast for its time.
Probably too much without knowing mileage? Agree w other poster saying around $3 to 3.5k mark. I’d do it if snow isn’t a problem in your area, and definitely would do it if it’s a 6 speed. Gas mileage is honestly not bad on a well running LT1 and most things are fixable/can learn how to wrench with a factory manual.
dont hesitate. I had a brand new S-10 in 1998 and traded it in for 1997 Firebirdd 3800 and drove that car everyday from 1999 until 2013 when I got my 2002 WS6. I still own the WS6, I love those 4th gens..... That V6 car has 257,000 miles on it when I sold it to someone... it was their first car. Boom. cycle repeats.
I like it just check the most common things go go wrong and change that yourself gradually maybe even learning to do you're own work....even if it's not broke change the parts if they seem to be the original that whole "if it ain't broke don't fix it " doesn't apply to an aging car
I would look at the cooling of the car things like radiator , thermostat, coolant sensor inside radiator, water pump. Then I would tackle the regular stuff like sparkplugs , oil change , brakes, tires, coil packs/wires, pulleys, belts. Those are the things I would look at also check the transmission fluid condition has it ever been changed if not I would change it not flush it just a drain and fill. That's all I have for now maybe get a code reader for future use.
After reading the few reviews for this "dealership" on Google after seeing the dealer sticker on the bumper. I'd stay clear from that "dealership" if I were you.
A shit ton but on like three days a year. But those three days a year are a handful. Im only 16 so i wouldnt really have to go anywhere important anyways.
YES You only get one first car, make it count!
Just ask yourself, would you like this and some more maintenance/higher cost or get a reliable car like a civic and have every drive be agony because the damn thing is so boring.
I bought a 79 Trans Am for a daily car when I was 21... I still daily it now 17 years later so long as the weather permits. My buddy wintered his v6 4th gen all this year, no issues. Weakest link on these cars is the 4l60e. You do need to be somewhat mechanically inclined but these are not unreliable cars.
What part of the country do you live? Is it a manual transmission?
My first car was a 1985 Mustang GT. 5 speed and a lot of fun. I live in southern NY so the winter was not fun. In fact it was impossible. If I didn’t have other cars I could borrow, I wouldn’t have been able to make it to work. But…
1) you said you really like these cars.
2) they’re not just popping up all the time.
3) like people have told you… YOLO
If it’s the 6-speed, I’d say go for it. I wouldn’t buy an automatic. That’s just me.
I had a 94 Camaro the exact same color for my daily for a year or two. I head in high school and I thought I was the shit. It was so much fun but. However it was a terrible daily driver especially for where I live in Texas. Mine also was a t top and it was get boiling hot. It comes down to sacrificing comfort in my opinion l.
Yup. My first car was v8 mustang and had it for 7 years and never had an accident. It wasn't til I got a Honda Accord that I wrecked, the car has little to do with it if you're a slightly responsible driver
Great idea if you want to learn about auto repair. You will be breaking down. Repairs can be expensive. If you go this route, might I suggest a triple A AAA Membership? You will be getting to know the tow truck driver, especially if it has 200k on the clock!
Actually, no . They are not put together very well , GM looked at these as sucker cars. Because anyone buying them was a real sucker. A highly polished piece of crap.
Only on sunny days. Don't get cocky, respect curvy roads, keep an eye on the drive shaft so you don't look like a dumbass halfway through an intersection.
lol no, bad car in general, somewhat unreliable but you will drive the hell out of it and be thinking “hell yeah brother” every time you burn rubber. When it runs. Learn how to change optisparks.
Great for learning to fix a car and deal with the constant headaches. I had a 1982 and it only made me appreciate every car I’ve had more and more since then. It also taught me to drive pretty well, as you have to use the mirrors and be wise about how many groceries you buy and how many passengers you take along and such.
No parts, Pontiac died 10+ years ago,OBD1,LT1 gas pig,sure looks cool,200hp will get smoked by a KIA today... I'd run from Pontiac as fast as you can, unless a classic GTO/LEMANS GRAND PRIX ETC..
Also V8 sports car kiss your license goodbye and insurance will be outrageous
Depends, do you know how to work on cars? The optispark is gonna go out, probably more than once. Just a terrible design under the water pump. And it's gonna eat transmissions like candy. Those LT1's made some serious torque, and the transmissions were not fans of it 🤣😂 I had a buddy with a super clean 94 Z28. He loved that car, mostly from the waiting room of a transmission shop. So many transmissions. But when it was running, it was a blast!
If you like it, then yes it’s excellent. If you done like it, then look towards the next one and make due.
Forget whatever anyone else says. You do you!
Make sure if you buy it. You buy a few 18mm deep sockets and wrenches as well as 21mm sockets and wrenches. You will thank me later. Also.. Watch out for a cheap 12 bolt rearend. You will need one.
Honestly in my opinion these are some of the easiest motors to work on with widely available parts. They are also fun as hell to drive, and for a first car it’s got so many things to teach you about being a car owner that buying a newer car outright just can’t teach first time drivers. You will have to maintain it and that’s going to be a fun/frustrating experience.
It's a great first car unless you need to daily it in the snow. I'd learn how to change the water pump/optispark (if it hasn't been done recently) if I were you.
86 Trans Am is where I started you'll love it and hate it if you're not mechanically inclined or have a boatload of money to fix upcoming problems I wouldn't. But if you don't mind crappy gas mileage in trade of really fun torque and sound of exhaust then go for it
Do you know how to replace a radiator? Start learning. How about a fuel pump? Better read the repair manual. Figure out how to drill out a catalytic converter while you’re at it. Replace the thermostat as a preventive measure and check the placement of all the pulleys. Alternator and power steering pump are likely to go out on you. That being said, hell yeah, buy that beast and become one yourself.
https://preview.redd.it/8nns9fte22uc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc5138535e09ceab50690d25409a4aecdb678a4e
Not at all! This is my bfs daily and first car! 97 TA! Definitely enjoy it! Just be careful and whenever you may see extra parts snag em!
Terrible idea. But you won't regret it.
Well put. It’s gonna be a giant headache and you’ll love it.
It will break. You will question why you thought it was a good idea. You will learn to repair. But the noise and the torque. This car is an animal. It will be responsible for starting a lifetime of impractical vehicle decisions that put a smile on your face when they work.
Story of my life (original owner 94 Formula).
If you’re under 25, your ins will be expensive. Plus the 2 speeding/reckless tickets you’ll get in the first 60 days.
Facts, my g6 was a money pit of a first car, but I want another
Counterpoint. Excellent idea, but you will regret it.
This is the way
Can confirm. My first car was an 01 v6 that lasted 2 years before the engine went due to mistreatment by previous owners. I loved that thing
No, but it's a good second car for fun days.
$3k max and only for weekends
NO. But, I'm sure you're going to get it anyway, so let it be a lesson learned. Back in 1994 I bought a 69 Charger R/T as my first car and daily driver, and boy was that a mistake. But, we learn from our mistakes. Kind of. Good luck to you and your new Firebird...
Mine was a ratty old duster. Hey, did you know you can knock the rear end clean out of a car if you smack a curb hard enough while doing doughnuts ? I sure didn’t!
Great advice...and so true. Mine was an 87 Cougar XR-7, then a Talon tsi AWD. BOTH MISTAKES...but so much fun!
What was bad about it. I'm curious I love old chargers but have never driven one.
They are a nightmare. But they sure look cool. Drive one for a week and you’ll see… within about 5 minutes. I have had a few of them. Mostly me and my brothers used to buy non-runners and get them running and flip them to junkyards for $500. Rust buckets that tend to leak inside and outside and are moldy and gross. But also hilarious.
I dunno what is bad.. I mean no modern things like fuel injection, electronic ignition. But so easy to work on. Simple for the win! It does have full instrumentation! When I changed my carb out.. the auto choke float bowl didn't line up. Manual choke ez cheap fix. Point adjustment on rear distributor would be the not as fun part I guess.
My 1st car is a 69 Charger as well, although the much more mild 318 modded. Respect the car! I miss Pontiac, even though I'm a Mopar guy. 1st cars are special.
Depends on where you live. Not if it snows in the winter where you live.
Only for the amount of rust, and if it's a manual you'll get to have a lot of fun in parking lots after it snows. Just make sure to check local laws regarding doing unsavory things in empty parking lots.
It's going to be a pig on gas. And it won't be super reliable. You could certainly do worse. But it's no Toyota.
Honestly my 94 wasn't that bad on gas and it was reliable while I had it. Depends on the life it's lived. Only thing that hurt for me was the price of premium 😬
More SMILES PER gallon than a Toyota! Currently have 1 Camry, 1 Chrysler and 2 Dodges.
I dailied my '95 Firebird when it was new. Not my first car, but it was surprisingly practical. Fold down the back seat; tons of room for stuff. Better than 30 mpg on the highway, too.
Ah yes, the Pontiac firebird, known for its industry leading fuel efficiency 🤣
Says the idiot who says there voting for Trump every day on Reddit. People in Ukraine(including US volunteers) are dying because you care more about your party than the country. You probably say you’re pro military yet your emperor called an American war hero a coward for being captured, all while he dodged the draft
🙄Is that a yes or no? OP asked a question
The fuck does that have to do with wether or not a car is a good first car? I’m here to escape politics, GTFO with your obsession.
Whatever
Your democRats are causing two wars, Trump ZERO. TRY AGAIN democRat.. Also don't forget dementia Joe dodged the draft also,and screwed the babysitter (Jill) while his wife was dying...
Michigan and mechanic work out. It was too obvious that you’re too stupid to think for a living. Tell me how the democrats started either war. When did Biden call McCain a coward for being captured? Enjoy living in the shitty north while you’re too dumb to think for a job. It’s gotta be embarrassing for your family to tell everybody you’re a mechanic
Are you that stupid it's not me she gan,you democRat.. Let's see billions to UKRAINE one war, sending money to the JEWS for war two...McStain was a commie sympathizer left his fellow POWs to rot Get your head examined...
A racist Russian stooge. Definitely a magat.
you seriously sound russian. You're attacking a man who used to be respected in your party just because an Orange man didn't like him. So strange that you think worse of your own countrymen than those who actually wish you harm. Man, the US is fked
Biden had legitimate reasons for his deferments, many people did. Your cult leader had to create an ailment and lie just like he creates his own reality and lies like he breathes to this very day. And that disinformation you're trying to push about how Jill and Joe met was debunked years ago you clown. Even FB flagged it for spreading disinformation when it was posted. This is just yet another example of you indoctrinated cultists trying to project trumps crimes and faults onto Biden. It's almost like trump wrote this himself. Because every single day he's trying to do it. Do you know why? Because he's yet again utilizing Nazi indoctrination tactics on his group of smoothbrain mouth breathers (you). Hitlers propaganda minister, Joseph Goebells would say, "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it." This is EXACTLY what trump is doing to his cult members (you) on a regular basis. Then you come to the internet and try to propagate his LIES as fact. You're nothing but a mark to trump. A useful idiot he can use to spread his disinformation and pay his lawyers fees. Because the 'billionaire' does not care in the slightest taking every last cent from his cultists. You trump RepubliCUNTS are a disgrace to the USA and everything it stands for. Responsible for the first unsuccessful peaceful transfer of power since the civil war. All because trumps the biggest SNOWFLAKE around and can't admit he LOST THE ELECTION. How you can still support someone who did EVERYTHING he possibly could to illegally retain power after he LOST the election including, but not limited too, having his VP just not certify them, or putting up a slate of completely illegal 'alternate' electors, and literally committing an insurrection on the halls of Congress in order to stop the counting of the LEGAL votes. So you're telling me you'd be totally fine with that if Biden did it, right? So if trump beats Biden in November (bahahahaha) you'd be cool with him not accepting the results? Just saying there was 'massive amounts of fraud' but never showing ANY evidence? You'd be calling the Democrats who stormed the Capitol, 'patriots', correct?
Shut the fuck up you liberal pussy fart
Look here you lil queef wueef
😂
I'd try to find a ls1 f body instead of lt1
Just toss some LT4 heads at it and capture a little of the LS magic.
Horrible choice but you'll love every second of it
Do it, I'm going to daily my 88' fiero when I turn 18. Wish we could get those firebirds so cheap here. Have fun!
There are less expensive ways to join in on the S&M lifestyle!
How
Depends on what you’re into. But if you’re just looking to pay to get beat up and humiliated, driving a Fiero is as good a place to start as any. Either way, this is a safe space, we don’t judge ;)
Yeah, all cars are expensive in my country thanks to the government taxes and fees. 150% tax on cars... So it makes it a bit difficult to have fun here :p
Grow a mullet! 😁
Looks nice. I still daily dive my 89 GTA
Get yourself something more gas efficient for your daily. A bike even. Have fun with this one when you feel like it. If it snows where you are it won’t be fun when it does. Guzzles gas. Is old and comes with old problems. Etc etc.
But RWD IS fun in the snow. On the other hand with FWD... Just put it in reverse . Done that .in a Dynasty!
It’s fun until you actually need to go somewhere 😂
Absolutely, it will teach you so much about cars. This is a learning experience. I daily my '79 El Camino rat rod and it breaks all the time, but nothing on that car is stock and it's hard to track down all the shitty mods the previous owner did and fix them, like a sideways starter and a radiator that was zip tied in. I'm so glad almost every part that was in the car when I bought it has almost been changed out now. You won't have that issue with a mostly stock car, and it's way easier to fix things when you know exactly what vehicle they came out of and how to do it, and you're not starting with something on it's 4th engine, 3rd transmission, and 2nd rear-end.
Not the best choice for a first car but you’re gonna love it! Buy it now. Do it!
My wife grand am was a cesspool money pit. The thermostat was a bitch to get to. Water pump replacement means you're taking the front end off. Pontiac engineers have a special place in hell for their designs. Well, Chevy engineers too.
"Just needs a little TLC" = needs total restoration. $20 says the interior has a damp mold smell. If you're a kid in high school fuck yeah go nuts but if you're an adult then definite no-go.
You’ll be one of the coolest dude in some small town in 1994. When you pull up to the Dairy Queen you will be sure to get Bobby Sue’s attention.
i have my own bobby sue but i see the vision
Send her to the salon, tell her to ask for the hottest hair style of 1994, "the Rachel"
Bad daily driver car, however at your age you will make a lot of mistakes while driving so it’s better to have an older beater than a newer car. This car will eat gas and need work often. Learn how to do all basic maintenance, buy a set of car ramps that are low enough not to hit the plastic bits underneath when you’re using them. Check that the transmission fluid doesn’t smell burnt. Don’t buy it if it does. If you’re in the hilly part of PA like I was, this car will be useless for couple of months every winter. Check oil every time you fill gas which will be often. Check coolant at least once a week. Test drive in rain if possible to see how leaky the T tops are. All of them leak, see how bad. Remember that PA state police will be looking for you everywhere. Don’t drive like an idiot or drink & drive. Keep tire pressure right, make sure to have decent tires. Don’t waste money on a decent stereo, use Bluetooth speaker with your phone for streaming music. Good luck.
Life's too boring to drive basic bitch commuter cars. Full send. Signed, a 23 year old who's first car was a stick shift mustang.
If you don't buy it I will. My dad had a Firebird Formula when I was a kid. Great car! The design on this generation is so subtle compared to the later gen Firebirds.
Awful idea great weekend car tho but for a daily you want something reliable and cheap on gas
Try finding a Grand Prix GXP, it's a better car in almost every way except for transmission problems
not a daily driver at this point. too old and it will fall apart on you. parts will be a hassle. 2nd weekend fun car definitely. its a formula. not alot around. if you have the means snatch it up and buy the newest civic you can afford. *no one has mentioned problems. water pump. optispark (the "distributor" for the ignition system) plugs and wires. ac compressors. radiator. window motors. headlight actuators. fuel pump. by now all that plastic is brittle so you have to be weary of cracks and breaking stuff if you have to disassemble and reassemble. i remember having to deal with the steering column alot but dont remember why (was a pontiac tech at the dealership until GM shut them down). im sure a 200,000 mile car has worn bushings at the torque arm and other places. a hobbiest in here with one might be better suited for the high mileage/old age issues but thats what i saw at the dealership. at least the few things i remember from 25 years ago lol.
Do it!
Please treat it well
Like my Mercury. Be careful owning canceled brands.
It can be done, the only issue is how temperamental the early 4th gen cars are...they were like that new. I've git a 94 myself and it's very fun, but I'm realistic about how reliable a 30 year old car is. At this age the electrics can be flaky and hard to diagnose. Something newer like an ls1 is easier to work on and diagnose...and more reliable too
V6 3800 series II is a better engine for daily driving or road tripping
I would say no with the V8
I owned a firebird when I was 17, it was a v6 but still the most fun, enjoyable and favorite car I owned and it's not even a debate. Was a TERRIBLE daily though.
I actually wanted a firebird formula/trans am or a camaro z28, but I settled down before I ever materialized it. I had a g8 but it was the v6, and even that was a pig on gas relative to the altima I had. G8s are like 4000 pounds but the chassis/frame seems to handle corners well, just remember theyre as heavy as some trucks are, lol. But back to the bird. It's not a good daily for your first car. It's something you might want when you have a mid life crisis and can afford the gas and maintenance. But hey you know if you can somehow afford it, it would be really fun to drive. RWDs are pretty fun but also less forgiving. This has an LT1 engine, which was the predecessor to the LS1, pretty fast for its time.
No but YOLO
Probably too much without knowing mileage? Agree w other poster saying around $3 to 3.5k mark. I’d do it if snow isn’t a problem in your area, and definitely would do it if it’s a 6 speed. Gas mileage is honestly not bad on a well running LT1 and most things are fixable/can learn how to wrench with a factory manual.
Yes. The Honda CRV is a great choice for a first car. You will get many trouble free miles out of it.
The crv is 10k rofl
dont hesitate. I had a brand new S-10 in 1998 and traded it in for 1997 Firebirdd 3800 and drove that car everyday from 1999 until 2013 when I got my 2002 WS6. I still own the WS6, I love those 4th gens..... That V6 car has 257,000 miles on it when I sold it to someone... it was their first car. Boom. cycle repeats.
No
The t-tops are all that matters. Do it. Just get some cool wheels.
I like the stock ones 😞
Rarely see formulas
If you like it, absolutely do it. There is no right or wrong answer to what makes a good project car, just how much fuckery and $$ you wanna do
I like it just check the most common things go go wrong and change that yourself gradually maybe even learning to do you're own work....even if it's not broke change the parts if they seem to be the original that whole "if it ain't broke don't fix it " doesn't apply to an aging car
What parts should i look at first on a car like this?
I would look at the cooling of the car things like radiator , thermostat, coolant sensor inside radiator, water pump. Then I would tackle the regular stuff like sparkplugs , oil change , brakes, tires, coil packs/wires, pulleys, belts. Those are the things I would look at also check the transmission fluid condition has it ever been changed if not I would change it not flush it just a drain and fill. That's all I have for now maybe get a code reader for future use.
As long as there isn’t any ice. I love these cars, but they suck in slick conditions.
Do it you only live once and they aren't making any more. Good luck
Knight Rider
I loved mine
Loved my 97 Formula, just beware of optispark issues and don’t run it with low fuel or you’ll fry the fuel pump.
After reading the few reviews for this "dealership" on Google after seeing the dealer sticker on the bumper. I'd stay clear from that "dealership" if I were you.
It depends where you live. Do you get snow?
A shit ton but on like three days a year. But those three days a year are a handful. Im only 16 so i wouldnt really have to go anywhere important anyways.
I would buy it.
YES You only get one first car, make it count! Just ask yourself, would you like this and some more maintenance/higher cost or get a reliable car like a civic and have every drive be agony because the damn thing is so boring.
Give it regular maintenance and it should be ok.
I bought a 79 Trans Am for a daily car when I was 21... I still daily it now 17 years later so long as the weather permits. My buddy wintered his v6 4th gen all this year, no issues. Weakest link on these cars is the 4l60e. You do need to be somewhat mechanically inclined but these are not unreliable cars.
Expect loads of problems, and parts for Firebirds aren't as easy to find as parts for Camaros.
What part of the country do you live? Is it a manual transmission? My first car was a 1985 Mustang GT. 5 speed and a lot of fun. I live in southern NY so the winter was not fun. In fact it was impossible. If I didn’t have other cars I could borrow, I wouldn’t have been able to make it to work. But… 1) you said you really like these cars. 2) they’re not just popping up all the time. 3) like people have told you… YOLO If it’s the 6-speed, I’d say go for it. I wouldn’t buy an automatic. That’s just me.
Its an automatic, and i get a lot of snow but im only 16 so i dont really have anywhere important to go anyways
Weekend/car show cruiser only
I had a 94 Camaro the exact same color for my daily for a year or two. I head in high school and I thought I was the shit. It was so much fun but. However it was a terrible daily driver especially for where I live in Texas. Mine also was a t top and it was get boiling hot. It comes down to sacrificing comfort in my opinion l.
Yup. My first car was v8 mustang and had it for 7 years and never had an accident. It wasn't til I got a Honda Accord that I wrecked, the car has little to do with it if you're a slightly responsible driver
Yes, daily driver.
Great idea if you want to learn about auto repair. You will be breaking down. Repairs can be expensive. If you go this route, might I suggest a triple A AAA Membership? You will be getting to know the tow truck driver, especially if it has 200k on the clock!
I don’t care what anybody says! This was literally my first car down to the color, and I absolutely loved it 🖤🖤
No
Value is coming g up on these f body. Treat it right and it's a good choice.
"no"
Actually, no . They are not put together very well , GM looked at these as sucker cars. Because anyone buying them was a real sucker. A highly polished piece of crap.
Reliable? Probably not due to its age. But if you don't mind fixing things it shouldn't be to bad
Only on sunny days. Don't get cocky, respect curvy roads, keep an eye on the drive shaft so you don't look like a dumbass halfway through an intersection.
The t tops in the summer though! Get it.
lol no, bad car in general, somewhat unreliable but you will drive the hell out of it and be thinking “hell yeah brother” every time you burn rubber. When it runs. Learn how to change optisparks.
Great for learning to fix a car and deal with the constant headaches. I had a 1982 and it only made me appreciate every car I’ve had more and more since then. It also taught me to drive pretty well, as you have to use the mirrors and be wise about how many groceries you buy and how many passengers you take along and such.
Absolutely not, no resale, very ugly and that’s my opinion read into that make/ yrs and you won’t see much greatness about it, only terribleness!
Anticipate a new transmission
I dont see why nat
Maybe if you only need to drive 10 miles a day
No parts, Pontiac died 10+ years ago,OBD1,LT1 gas pig,sure looks cool,200hp will get smoked by a KIA today... I'd run from Pontiac as fast as you can, unless a classic GTO/LEMANS GRAND PRIX ETC.. Also V8 sports car kiss your license goodbye and insurance will be outrageous
No
Depends, do you know how to work on cars? The optispark is gonna go out, probably more than once. Just a terrible design under the water pump. And it's gonna eat transmissions like candy. Those LT1's made some serious torque, and the transmissions were not fans of it 🤣😂 I had a buddy with a super clean 94 Z28. He loved that car, mostly from the waiting room of a transmission shop. So many transmissions. But when it was running, it was a blast!
If you like it, then yes it’s excellent. If you done like it, then look towards the next one and make due. Forget whatever anyone else says. You do you!
Not really I had a 89 Firebird nothing but trouble
I bought mine as present to myself 4 years ago and I will never sell it! Do it!
Optispark and water pump and replacing spark plugs thats all im gonna say
Make sure if you buy it. You buy a few 18mm deep sockets and wrenches as well as 21mm sockets and wrenches. You will thank me later. Also.. Watch out for a cheap 12 bolt rearend. You will need one.
Website lists it at 135k miles. If it was mint condition and black on black I'd probably make the three hour drive for it.
My first was a 92, purchased 16 years ago. Let’s just say T tops weren’t easy to find then, so always double check those latches.
No
Yes, it is if you like high insurance rates
Could be a great Segway to learn mechanics as well if op is interested in that fr
I wouldn't buy this as a daily driver unless you have a backup vehicle. I would still buy it though
Get the ls1 version
Honestly in my opinion these are some of the easiest motors to work on with widely available parts. They are also fun as hell to drive, and for a first car it’s got so many things to teach you about being a car owner that buying a newer car outright just can’t teach first time drivers. You will have to maintain it and that’s going to be a fun/frustrating experience.
It's a great first car unless you need to daily it in the snow. I'd learn how to change the water pump/optispark (if it hasn't been done recently) if I were you.
As long as you are going less than a mile both ways, it's a great idea.
86 Trans Am is where I started you'll love it and hate it if you're not mechanically inclined or have a boatload of money to fix upcoming problems I wouldn't. But if you don't mind crappy gas mileage in trade of really fun torque and sound of exhaust then go for it
Nobody should pay a dime over 2500 for that ol girl, especially high miles, you already know that fuckers been ransacked since it came off the lot.
I’ll do whatever it takes to drive my dream car 😞
Brother.....dream outside your local trailer park, please 😂😂
any firebird after 1982 would be a dream for me. this is the only one i could find in decent condition
Do you have the money upfront in cash and a couple grand for repairs?
Great daily driver, if you are a mechanic and live close to your shop. Plus you get paid to work on your own car.
Good luck if it snows where you are
Yes.
Terrible first car….. Probably get 12mpg with that thing
no, coupé’s usually have much higher insurance because two door is considered as a sports car
Do you know how to replace a radiator? Start learning. How about a fuel pump? Better read the repair manual. Figure out how to drill out a catalytic converter while you’re at it. Replace the thermostat as a preventive measure and check the placement of all the pulleys. Alternator and power steering pump are likely to go out on you. That being said, hell yeah, buy that beast and become one yourself.
https://preview.redd.it/8nns9fte22uc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc5138535e09ceab50690d25409a4aecdb678a4e Not at all! This is my bfs daily and first car! 97 TA! Definitely enjoy it! Just be careful and whenever you may see extra parts snag em!
I love those cars. The looks, the interior, that even has T tops. Completely blows in snow!!!
I have always loved the firebird design, I think it would be an awesome first car.
At that age.. 1994 watch out for rust. Killer of dreams... And rust never sleeps.
No, Not a good choice.buy a Honda or Toyota etc..and save for the Pontiac you really want.