Hey everyone,

First thing, great site. I'm not currently a 3rd gen owner but I have been in the past and I am considering buying one again. I've owned a 3rd gen Formula, a 3rd gen Trans Am, and a 3rd gen 6 cylinder bird, as well as a 2nd gen Camaro and a 4th gen Formula. Although the 2nd gen was by far the fastest (nicely modded) and the 4th gen was in the best condition, my best times where had in the 3rd gens.

Anyway, while cruising around the other day I passed by a used car lot which is noted for it's unusual car selection. (for a used car lot). What initally attracted me to it was the 1956 Bel Air on the lot (I happen to have a 56 Bel Air project currently). But as I got on the lot, I saw a red 1984 TA (parked next to a Viper) and I had to take a look.

It's a 5 speed, T Top, with 50,000 original miles. Owned by an elderly gentleman, all original, (including the tape deck) power everything, AC, interior is damn near perfect. The body is straight, no rust, no dings, The paint looks good for it's age, but it could probably stand to have a new decal on the hood bulge. I looked under the car and it appeared solid and there were no signs of anything leaking. This was was obviously well cared for. I didn't get a chance to look at the engine or hear it run.

Assuming it's mechanically sound, what would it be worth? There's no indication of the price on the car. Figured who better to ask then 3rd gen fanatics? I realize that without pics you can't be too accurate.....

Thanks,
Brian

Probably not worth a whole bunch. It depends how its optioned. If its an L69 car, it could be worth a little bit more. But unfortunately, those of us that favor the 82-84 T/A's dont exactly have the thirdgens that are worth a lot.

When you say L69, is that the HO engine option? I'm still getting to know my 3rd gen lingo. According to what is written on the window, it is a 305 HO engine, but am not sure how to verify that.

It's unfortunate that it isn't worth much. It's a really nice car.

The L69 is the HO (high output 305) version. The vin will be "G." The LG4 is the dog, the vin "H."

JamesC

Okay, thanks. If I get the chance I will stop by and check that.

I wouldn't spend more than $3000 for it, more like in the 1500-2500 range.

Hard to say if its worth it if we don't know how much they are asking?
Maybe my eyes are failing me, but I didn't see a price.

As a general rule I usually stear clear of Dealers.
Its been my experience that they usually want top dollar because they can sit on a car forever and its no bit deal to them.
Plus, not trusting people further than I can throw them, did you run a car fax report on the VIN to see if the 50K miles are truely accurate. Caught several scammers this way. Sometimes the report doesn't list all the miles, but it will help detect B.S.

Check out nada guides It usually gives you an idea of what deals will ask for on the car. Note: The 84 will be in the classic car section.

ezysk, there isn't a price listed on the car, so your eyes are fine.

I've decided I'm not going to buy it, but I may keep my eyes open for a 3rd gen in the coming weeks

I'm somewhat familiar with the car your asking about. I do PDR for that dealer and they asked me about what it's worth. I told them I wasn't sure since I do more with Camaros. This car is a L69 and is in pretty good shape. If I remember, they wanted $6500 because of it's condition. This isn't a car that they normally sell. They have Bentleys, Jags, Ferraris, Lambos, Porsche and usually expensive cars or sport cars. I told them the asking price might be high, but I'm not an expert. I am getting to know the owner of the dealer pretty well.

Just for kicks I went and asked the dealer what he was asking for the car. He said he had it on his lot on consignment, and the owner wanted $5500 for it. The dealer said he thought that was a little high, but that is what the owner is asking.

It is in better shape than most of the 3rd gens I have seen in the last few years.

One thing to consider is the values of these cars are increasing, fortunately were on an upswing. Between the Values actually increasing and inflation etc.

in 1984 the best engine you could get in an F-body was the L69, or more commonly "H.O. 5.0L" They were reasonably quick for the day, low 15's and with some tweaking like headers, exhaust I would not be surprised to see one in the mid 14's basically stock. With a Cam then you can start getting more power, but with all that it takes money...

1982 thru 1984 are by far probably the most risky insofar as an investment, its not that they will not appreciate, but I do not forsee them appreciating like the LB9 or L98 cars as quickly by any means. Since the LB9 was intorduced in 1985, and was probably the fastest 305 A4 3rd gen even through 1992. In 1986 there were new emissions requirements which unfortunately decreased the horsepower for those cars, in 1987 the 350 cars would once again compete with the 85's LB9.

With that said It is my belief that there are several things that will make a car worth an investment. Its NOT necessary to have all of them but it will help.
1) Have the hottest engine for the year. Better yet the hottest engine for the generation.
2) Condition: a clean car will outsell a dirty one every time. No Rust is a HUGE plus, especially if it has original paint. repainted cars can be a dangerous investment, UNLESS the seller has pictures of the car just before the paint was applied.
3) Options, People have a tendancy to lean toward creature comforts, the more it has the better it will sell, especially if they all work.
3A) Hard top vs T-top vs Convertible... If 3 identical cars are for sale next to each other, each has the exact same engine, options and miles except one has T-tops and one is a convertible and the selling price is the same the Convertible will sell first, the T-top second and the Hard top last.

NADA is stating $3000 to $10,000

For the most part the on-line esitmators are WAY out of line either they are too high or they are too low, the same car through Edmunds states $1500 In perfect condition.

$5500 is not really out of the ballpark, but its on the top end. I will not be surprised if it sold to someone who wanted such a car. THe miles are not bad and the condition is apparently good, if it has options then more the reason to say ok.

Personally I would hold out for an 87-92 L98 car, or a LB9/M5 car with T-tops and all the goodies. You can get those in that neighborhood of price too, but I would not be surprised for that exact same car for a 1989, 350, with T-tops would go for $8000

John

John

I would think that $5500 for the car described is NOT out of the question especially if its in the condition that you and Scott have mentioned. I probably would not buy it for that amount unless it needed nothing.

Very good points there okfoz. The main reason I was attracted to this car is because it was totally unmodified and in very good condition. Most of the 3rd gens I come across are either modded in some way or have been thrashed so badly that I wouldn't want to buy them.

My Bel Air will have plenty of power (planning a 383 stroker for that) so I won't need my 3rd gen to rattle the fillings out of my teeth at stoplights with a lumpy cam. Bone stock will actually do just fine.

But all that being said, I can't really afford to do much right now. Afraid I may have to let this one go until I am in a better position. Perhaps I'll hold out for a late 3rd gen convertible.