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Hey guys and gals my daughter has been saving up for her dream car seller is asking 11.5k under for this 1985 trans-am it has a new short block crate engine from summit racing and still has the break in oil in it,new trans rebuild,new paint,tires,seals interior,converted to R12 compressor /refrigerant etc .she's a beauty runs and drives straight- under 40k original miles Is this a solid deal?
TIA
Last edited by kerlow@gmail.co; Oct 25, 2025 at 11:51 AM.
This is an extremely subjective question with a lot of limited details to go off of. Some initial things that popped up in my head...seems to be in nice condition, and probably worth the money if it runs and drives well, but has definitely had some things changed so would need to scrutinize in person.
Why would a car with 40k original miles need a new short block? Why would someone sell it immediately after doing all the work and labor and expense to put a brand new crate engine in it, AND "rebuild" the trans, both of which probably cost almost the asking price to get done. (not to mention the new paint... which is typically 10k+ if done right...)
I would try to get some reasoning or receipts of work done to it, to validate this stuff. Not saying it couldn't be a good deal, just sometimes too good to be true is just that.
But from the pictures alone, its a good looking setup, and I would drive it :-)
He bought the car with a knock, so he got a short block because it's cheaper than rebuilding the whole engine. He said he painted and refinished everything, and he just wanted to thin out his collection of high-dollar Vettes, Chevelles, etc. He owns a body shop and a mechanic shop, so the labor was free.
This is an extremely subjective question with a lot of limited details to go off of. Some initial things that popped up in my head...seems to be in nice condition, and probably worth the money if it runs and drives well, but has definitely had some things changed so would need to scrutinize in person.
Why would a car with 40k original miles need a new short block? Why would someone sell it immediately after doing all the work and labor and expense to put a brand new crate engine in it, AND "rebuild" the trans, both of which probably cost almost the asking price to get done. (not to mention the new paint... which is typically 10k+ if done right...)
I would try to get some reasoning or receipts of work done to it, to validate this stuff. Not saying it couldn't be a good deal, just sometimes too good to be true is just that.
But from the pictures alone, its a good looking setup, and I would drive it :-)
He bought the car with a knock, so he got a short block because it's cheaper than rebuilding the whole engine. He said he painted and refinished everything, and he just wanted to thin out his collection of high-dollar Vettes, Chevelles, etc. He owns a body shop and a mechanic shop, so the labor was free.
...she's a beauty runs and drives straight- under 40k original miles Is this a solid deal?
If everything the seller claims checks out in person, the car runs and drives satisfactorily for you, and there is no rust under the car, his asking price doesn't seem out of line.
I think it's pretty cool your daughter's dream car is a 3rd gen, let alone a car, in this day and age. You must have raised your kid in a gearhead household, most of the younger generation don't care for any type of car older than 5 years, if they care about cars at all.
I think that's a sharp looking TA. Needs gold wheels though. If it runs and drives well and everything works, I wouldn't worry too much about the miles on a car this age.
I was wondering if the original poster had made a decision of whether or not to purchase this car.
Sorry for the late reply Yes we picked up the car in Fresno and drove it about 400 miles she runs and drives great just had the car checked up by a mechanic and made some carb and timing adjustments he recommended to get a better carb ie an ACdelco unit.Also noticed that the shifts are kinda hard at 3k rpms but if you step on the gas harder it not as noticeable?
I think that's a sharp looking TA. Needs gold wheels though. If it runs and drives well and everything works, I wouldn't worry too much about the miles on a car this age.
Sorry for the late reply Yes we picked up the car in Fresno and drove it about 400 miles she runs and drives great just had the car checked up by a mechanic and made some carb and timing adjustments he recommended to get a better carb ie an ACdelco unit.Also noticed that the shifts are kinda hard at 3k rpms but if you step on the gas harder it not as noticeable?
Originally Posted by kerlow@gmail.co
Yes got the car ! She's a looker for sure
Your daughter has got to be real happy about this car! I think that it's really cool that she's into a 3rd gen F body.
My youngest (20yr old daughter) actually wants a black IROC. She thinks that it would be really cool to drive an old school, IROC to college.
She is actually I was pushing her to get a newer car so it's less headaches for me😆
Yeah. I definitely get that aspect of old car ownership. On the other hand, it is super cool that your daughter has an interest in these old, classic cars. If they are your thing as well, then the two of you have something really special to bond over. I have two older sons and they couldn't care any less about cars! They have zero, nada, zip interest in cars .
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