Hi all! My friend who knows very little about cars is thinking about selling her 1987 Firebird. However, neither of us know much about cars and we're trying to figure out exactly what she has. What i know off hand:

1987
Black with the gold bottom, with the bird on the front
T Tops
electric windows/doors
cassette

If you could, please keep in mind that we aren't car people. If theres a way to figure out what type of car it is without things like engines and stuff, please help! It was inherited from a relative who passed on with only 7000 miles on it - but the book and everything on it wasn't kept for some reason.

Also, it only has about 20,000 miles on it, but wasn't garage kept for the last few years, so the exterior isnt in the greatest shape. But it runs and everything, and anything issues that came up have been taken care of as they came (she uses it everyday, so it has to work!!). Any thoughts on what she should be posting it for to sell?

Any help is great! thank you!
-Michelle

 

Is this what it looks like?

 

It also has the big bird on the hood. But that is the color scheme exactly.

 

This one:

 

Yes, like that one. the whole bottom is gold like in the first though. I can't quite see the color in the second pic.

 

Well, I have determined that you probably have a 305 or 350 tpi engine on a plain old Trans Am. Given the mileage and the other options. I would think she could get $8,000 for the right buyer. That is of course it looks like the one above. I see TA go on ebay for $5k all day long. Keep a watchful eye on ebay

 

If you post the vin.. and the RPO codes from the console.. we could tell you EXACTLY what it is and what it has.

 

Thanks all. As i said, the exterior needs some work as it wasn't garage kept for the past few years. She's hoping maybe someone will see the potential even though it needs a good shine. I may make her bring it over and wash it up real well this weekend, and i'll take some photos to get an opinion. I appreciate the advice!

 

Got it all washed up nice this weekend in the warm weather! In doing this, I also saw that on the drivers side it says 5.0 . Not sure if this does any more in identifying specifics of the car. Also, the exterior definately is not in the greatest condition, as the plastic parts on the front end and the fin on the back have faded quite a bit, along with some other spots, etc. I'd love to hear from anyone who has an opinion on what you think a reasonable starting price for this vehicle may be.

 

Like I said.. if you post the VIN number from the windshield and the list of RPO codes from inside the glove compartment... we could tell you what engine it is.. and what options it came with.. well.. atleast from the factory... Or PM me and I could tell you privately if you don't want to pst that info..

 

As i said, not my car, so i don't have the VIN. just trying to help my friend out and get her a decent roundabout starting price, since we're completely lost in car-land. however, i do know that nothing aftermarket was added to this car. Her grandmother was the previous owner and barely drove it, let alone modifying it.

 

Fully loaded with the 305.. assuming no mechanical or electrical probs.. and the body is in DECENT shape.. (you siad the paint is a little faded in some places.. no big deal there).. you're looking in the $2,000-$2,500 range.. according to KBB and ebay for an 87ish T/A. But if it really only has 20k on the car... that could bring it up a grand or so. Best thing to do is put 3500 or 4,000 and say obo.. and if it sits for a while... drop it down 500 at a crack. Just pretty it up as much as possible.. clean the interior.. make sure its washed good... tires are pumped up.. etc. You said you were going to take some pics.. did you? If so, post them up.

 

20,000 ORIGINAL miles...

It is so hard to tell without actually seeing the car...

If the car was pristine, perfect showroom, drive to a car show and win quality... $15,000

Rusted out but runs $3000 at best...

you say it needs paint, that hurts it a little, but your definition of needing paint and my definition would probably be way different.

Try NADA.com... go from there, you can always come down if no takers...

to be honest, if you were close I would offer to look at it and tell you what I think it would be worth... I am in Flint MI, I have no interest in buying another car right now...

John