Idk if this is the right place to put this, but nevertheless, I'm going to post it anyway. Ever since I was 3 I have wanted one of these cars. I'm now 18(-3) and am about to get into the workforce and kick my *** to get one. I was just wondering if any of you guys had any knowledge on finding the right one and the common problems with them. I can't wait to go on long night cruises in the eternal bird with .38 special playing off the stereo.

What I'd like in the eventual bird
* 1985- 1990 (I don't really like the looks of the pre-85 and the post 90)
*Trans-Am/ Standard or WS6 or GTA
*Mostly turn-key ready car (willing to do paint touch ups and maybe some carpet work)
****T-TOPS****
*Preferably factory stereo
*Most electric stuff working

-Under $18.500, otherwise I wont be able to afford the loan payments.

Thanks for the help,
-F.F.

 

There are nice clean cars out there that fit your criteria........and for less than 18,500. I'd say to stay away from the digital dash stuff. Rear disc brakes are nice but not a deal breaker. Don't buy something with rust. If you need an experienced eye hit up your local car club.....there's surely an older guy willing to help look at one with you.

 

Your expectations are reasonable except 1) going all-in on a nice vintage as a DD and 2) expecting a traditional loan on a vehicle that old. Go down a checklist of what you must have. (t-tops were on my list when buying my first car.)

You don't sound like you're going to dive into every mechanical component. It also sounds like you the paint to be above average for the age. With your budget, ask "would this be my ideal car by spending money to fix A and B?" Even if you don't have must fix items, set money aside on a set schedule for repairs and maintenance.

As stock as possible brings best results. First, details on a used car can be easily compared to others. And companies that build cars put billions into research so cars last better than the majority of DIY work. There is a ton of people who love their cars and they don't always weigh parts decisions on reliability or drivability. But you will find mods too.

Get a trusted person with an aged sense of cars to go with you. My Dad was not able to support my interests with any sense of approval when I was a young adult. but I had online help and info. It worked out.

88-up has serpentine belt drive.
Personally, I would try for the best seats and what you like for options.

And some interesting used cars I have seen online lately have been one state south from you. Good luck.

 

This is all great advice. make sure you have a rock solid daily driver first and then look for the thirdgen you want as a "toy" that you can take time to fix stuff on, and learn, without rushing or being frustrated having it as your main transportation. I did it the wrong way at a similar age, and got one before I had the money, tools, and knowledge to handle it. I don't know your personal financial situation, but I think taking a loan out on something like this would be a bit silly, especially since you are just starting to work and your income is not stable, expect to have to put some money into it (constantly). But YOLO or whatever the kids used to say... If you want it that badly. there is a wealth of knowledge contained on this forum to help you with any issues that come up.

Keep an eye on Bringatrailer.com, there has been a few really nice GTA's going for bargains lately. Market prices are really "low" right now compared to the craziness of the early 2020s

 

I just relisted my 1990 Black on Black GTA 5speed 1 of 42
1990 GTA T Tops 305 5speed, 92600 miles, 98% original, The body is in excellent condition but the paint needs work, NO RUST! If your interested please PM ME and we can talk

 

Id sell this one.