Back when I was in HS ~10 yrs ago, I had a progression of POS 3rd gens that I didn't have the knowledge or the tools to fix. I felt very relieved when I finally sold the last one and bought myself a nice reliable car to get through college. Well... now I've graduated and been working for some time and the 3rd gen bug has bit me again - only this time I want a nice, clean, low mileage car.

The one I always wanted was a 91-92 GTA convertible (or at least T-Tops), 305TPI/5-speed. I know these are pretty uncommon, but just how hard are they to find and approx. how much would a low mileage example <50K run me?

Just looking for a ballpark to decide if this is something worth pursuing or if it's easier and/or cheaper to get an LS1 WS6 instead. Thanks guys

 

There's no such thing as a 91-92 GTA convertible. Pontiac only offered the base Firebird, and the Trans Am as convertibles. In most cases they didn't even offer T-tops with the more powerful engines. You're probably not going to find a 305/5spd with the R6P package and T-tops.

I think that we've passed the rock bottom point where late 80's and early 90's performance cars are easy to find in good condition for little expense. What I've seen for about the last month, is that any car worth having of that vintage is getting more expensive and harder to find then the same car a year ago. Also, you're looking for a fairly high end example that wasn't built in large numbers, you're searching for a needle in a haystack. Assuming you do find one, unless it's trashed you're going to pay out the whazzoo for it.

It's hard to give a typical price for a mint condition thirdgen anything, but solid cars start around $4-6,000 and go much higher. For what you're after, I'd budget $10,000. You might get lucky and find one for less, but low mileage is going to drive the price up.

 

If you're not already familiar, check out www.searchtempest.com, it will let you search a wider array of local Craigslist sites.

Its how I found my '91 Z28. Its nothing special as far as collectible Thirdgens go, but it was in decent shape, nice paint, T-Top and the best part; it was only $1500.

I searched for weeks and almost bought a couple others, but I'm happy with this one.

 

Hey Max...long time no talk! Still have the G6, or did you ever end up selling it? Anyway, consider I just paid $12,500 for an '88 IROC 350, flawless with 21,000 miles on it on the original tires and loaded with everything I wanted and t-tops. It came with a second set of wheels and tires and a few other extra parts...

I considered that a deal...these cars have come up a lot, as Drew accurately said. A GTA with under 50k, in nice shape, is a $10,000 car, plus some quite possibly. I'm watching another 88 IROC 350 on eBay right now with 13k miles on it...its already at $13,000 with 4 days left.

Like I said...I think mine was a deal. On the other end of the spectrum, in March I picked up a nice original 86 TA 305 TPI hardtop for only $3,000 with 30k miles. Needs a paint job and some rear seat and steering wheel work, but otherwise its very clean.

Deals are out there, but for a perfect car? You're going to pay...but to me, its worth it Good luck!

 

Hey Jason, yea I still have the G6 and its been a rock solid car, haven't had any problems with it in 5 years except for the damned panoramic roof rattling from day 1. But it's getting old and I'm gonna have to start sinking some money into it soon, I'm planning to replace it with a CTS or maybe the Regal GS when that comes out.

Wow I didn't realize third gens have gotten so expensive since last time I looked, I was hoping to spend maybe $6-7K on a clean TA vert so me and the GF could have a fun alternate ride when the weather's nice. Above $10K is already LS1 territory, as much as I love 3rd gens I'd have a hard time justifying buying a 20+ yr old car for that kind of money. I don't need a showroom quality example so maybe I'll get lucky and be able to snag one for a good deal. I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open.

 

That new Regal GS is about the only car I could see replacing my wife's '04 Grand Prix GTP with. I'm having a hard time falling in love with new DDs now that Pontiac is gone. All the Chevys are just too bland...

Anyway, a good clean third gen now pulls good clean fourth gen money. Sooner or later, a good clean third gen will likely pull MORE than a fourth gen, the way seconds are more expensive than thirds now. Its simply the way it works. Is the fourth gen a better deal? I guess it depends on how you look at it. Its a better car in many, many ways, but the third gen has already depreciated and is on its way up. Plus, it seems to hold a lot more popularity than the "superior" fourth gens cousins.

I know the same $12,500 my IROC cost me could've bought me a clean fourth gen with the same or lower miles. But to me, that misses the point Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

There was so many third gens made, but so many destroyed. And its not impossible at all to find what you want. ive come across the exact car your looking for. but i believe honestly there were mainly Trans Am verts. But the 305 TPI 5 Speed cars are out there. just have to look for a while til one pops out outta a barn some place lol. But depending on who owns the car you may get a steal outta of it. dont sell your search short just because its rare. I thought it was rare just think a Firehawk would be for sale but ive come across them on ebay before. If a firehawk goes for sale i think any third gen is possible to find.

 

Good points made by all. I was in your shoes but only wanting to spend less money. If you want a ragtop GTA and you're willing to spend the money and have some mechanical ability, just make one. I wouldn't put GTA badges on a convertible because anyone that knows anything about 3rd gens will know it's not authentic but you can add all the GTA goodies changing transmissions is doable and why stop there it sounds like you want an LS1 and who could blame you but people put those motors in here all the time and you could put a 6 speed in it too. It wouldn't be as valuable as an authentic car but it sounds like value isn't a huge deal for you. I don't know if this interests you but just some food for thought.

 

This one is an auto but it may give you an idea of how much '91-92 'verts are selling for.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CONVE...item20b21cfcb4

 

Unless you go with a Formula I think you will be hard pressed to find a 91-92 TA or GTA with the R6P (performance gear & other Performance stuff) with T-tops...

There were about 50 TA's & GTA's in 1992 and 175 in 1991 with the R6P and CC1 (All were LB9 (305 TPI cars) NO 350 cars...

Compared to about 350 1991 Formulas and 90 1992 Formulas...

The reason is Fuel Economy limited the availability of the T-tops...

John