Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
10-05-2018, 01:44 PM
#1
Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
So I'm looking at blue 89 Iroc. LB9/Automatic, t tops, all creature comforts, no G92. 48,000 Miles. Asking $5000, with a "little room" if I'm serious. Guy bought it because he owned its twin in HS, and was gonna build a race car. Felt it was too nice to mod, stored it for a few years, just had a kid and decided to sell.
Only have crappy pics but should get better pics soon. He said it's a 9 of 10, minus a "few things".
-Stock catback is rotted.
-AC wiring is functional and intact, tests ok with the MM, but compressor is shot.
-Differantial cover is leaking slowly.
-Paint was resprayed. He doesn't know why. Quality is great, BUT....p.o. plasticoated the hood black. He cleaned it off but at angles it has a sheen.
-Steering wheel leather is shot.
My thoughts are that the price seems pretty good for what it appears to be. Don't love the repaint, but my goal isn't financial, but it can't be like my red 89, which I'll NEVER get my money out of! ...waiting on good pics, and then a possible hour drive to check out.
Your thoughts?
Only have crappy pics but should get better pics soon. He said it's a 9 of 10, minus a "few things".
-Stock catback is rotted.
-AC wiring is functional and intact, tests ok with the MM, but compressor is shot.
-Differantial cover is leaking slowly.
-Paint was resprayed. He doesn't know why. Quality is great, BUT....p.o. plasticoated the hood black. He cleaned it off but at angles it has a sheen.
-Steering wheel leather is shot.
My thoughts are that the price seems pretty good for what it appears to be. Don't love the repaint, but my goal isn't financial, but it can't be like my red 89, which I'll NEVER get my money out of! ...waiting on good pics, and then a possible hour drive to check out.
Your thoughts?
10-05-2018, 03:16 PM
#2
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
I am surprised that the steering wheel leather is shot if it only has 48K miles. One of mine has 101K and is still in really good shape, another has 92K and it is not bad at all. Now the one with 130K, that one is pretty messed up. You sure the mileage is only 48K and not 148K? Now with that being said, 5K for a 48,000 mile car is a great deal. I would buy those all day long!! If the condition is how you described, it seems like a no brainer to me.
10-05-2018, 03:58 PM
#4
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Guy said Carfax shows various entries through it's life (no accidents) leading up to 42,000 miles. He bought it with 48,000 (rounding) and it shows on carfax as mistake at "58" not 48 thousand....but the odometer reads 48,000 and change as it stands. He said the condition of the rest of the car supports it.
...as for the wheel, he didn't say it was shot. He just said he put a leather wrap on it and didn't elaborate. I assumed the condition.
Tyus, I'm gonna try and look at it this weekend. Maybe early next week if possible.
Guys, does the repaint concern you guys? I'm so used to dealing with people who love these cars, and there are so many good valid reasons that something may have been done. As not a regular car buyer, I have to remember that not everyone has pure intentions.
...as for the wheel, he didn't say it was shot. He just said he put a leather wrap on it and didn't elaborate. I assumed the condition.
Tyus, I'm gonna try and look at it this weekend. Maybe early next week if possible.
Guys, does the repaint concern you guys? I'm so used to dealing with people who love these cars, and there are so many good valid reasons that something may have been done. As not a regular car buyer, I have to remember that not everyone has pure intentions.
10-05-2018, 05:00 PM
#5
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Sounds like a good deal. Are you going to daily drive it? I want a daily driver stick myself and around that price range would be great. You could drive a 5k car and not be scared to go to walmart.
10-05-2018, 05:04 PM
#6
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
The only thing that bugs me is the repaint, otherwise grab it!
10-05-2018, 06:36 PM
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
My car had been supposedly garaged all its life and the clear coat had failed as well as many other 89s. That may be the reason for the repaint.
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10-05-2018, 07:03 PM
#8
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
I think if you want it, you'll buy it. 
I wish I only had one thirdgen. Seems like if I have less than three, another always turns up, and somehow the beaters are the ones I actually get to enjoy most. But then I've also never made a penny selling a thirdgen. Guess my point is that having too many cars to work on is overwhelming and discouraging. That's the number 1 reason I'd avoid buying a second thirdgen. But maybe that's just me.
I wish I only had one thirdgen. Seems like if I have less than three, another always turns up, and somehow the beaters are the ones I actually get to enjoy most. But then I've also never made a penny selling a thirdgen. Guess my point is that having too many cars to work on is overwhelming and discouraging. That's the number 1 reason I'd avoid buying a second thirdgen. But maybe that's just me. 
10-05-2018, 08:28 PM
#10
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Sounds like a good deal. Are you going to daily drive it? I want a daily driver stick myself and around that price range would be great. You could drive a 5k car and not be scared to go to walmart.
My car had been supposedly garaged all its life and the clear coat had failed as well as many other 89s. That may be the reason for the repaint.
I think if you want it, you'll buy it.
10-05-2018, 08:40 PM
#11
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Repaint can be fine, but what kind of repaint? A $2000 spray-over? A $5000 decent factory repaint? Or a more meticulous job? A bad repaint can be worse than shot original paint..
Some yellow steering wheels can be made to look brand new with black Kiwi leather dye.. it has a foam applicator like a giant magic marker.. let it dry 24 hours and then use black shoe polish.. will look brand new. I did that to my 85 Z28 and everyone complimented how “new” the steering wheel looked.. the P.O. covered it because the black dye was wearing off, but the leather was still all good..
exhaust is easy and cheap..
The price is pretty cheap.. sounds cool but definitely need more media.. Blue metallic is also a desireable color
Some yellow steering wheels can be made to look brand new with black Kiwi leather dye.. it has a foam applicator like a giant magic marker.. let it dry 24 hours and then use black shoe polish.. will look brand new. I did that to my 85 Z28 and everyone complimented how “new” the steering wheel looked.. the P.O. covered it because the black dye was wearing off, but the leather was still all good..
exhaust is easy and cheap..
The price is pretty cheap.. sounds cool but definitely need more media.. Blue metallic is also a desireable color
10-06-2018, 07:34 AM
#12
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
My 29k mile Pace Car needed a new steering wheel due to the foam under the leather deteriorating. I just had Chuck Pelton refinish mine. The AC compressor issue is very common with these. The R4 was crap from the factory. My IROC-Z compressor was replaced in 2011 when I had only 14k miles on the car. My neighbor had his 1989 IROC-Z repainted maybe 10 years ago with about 38k miles on the car. His paint was bad in 1989 and GM authorized a warranty repaint at the time, but he decided to wait and he waited too long.
All of the issues you speak of are really non issues. As long as the paint was done right, you should jump on this as the price is right.
All of the issues you speak of are really non issues. As long as the paint was done right, you should jump on this as the price is right.
10-06-2018, 10:00 AM
#13
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Thanks for replies...
I'm gonna go check out the car hopefully tomorrow. There are a few more questionable things that have turned up after seeing some (slightly) better pics. PS fender looks to be a little rough, and the strut towers are painted black. Almost looks like it was done with spray paint. Can't tell in the pics. The plastidip looks like it may have been a cover up to possibly bad paint? Can't tell...and some other things underhood look patched together. All in all not necessarily bad, but not sure it's what I want. Won't know 'til I see it in person.
The steering wheel, AC compressor, rotted catback, and a presumably good respray don't bother me. And if that's it, I'll probably buy it. What I don't want is a project that I KNOW will need paint soon. "Not perfect" is ok. "In need of paint" is another.
I'm gonna go check out the car hopefully tomorrow. There are a few more questionable things that have turned up after seeing some (slightly) better pics. PS fender looks to be a little rough, and the strut towers are painted black. Almost looks like it was done with spray paint. Can't tell in the pics. The plastidip looks like it may have been a cover up to possibly bad paint? Can't tell...and some other things underhood look patched together. All in all not necessarily bad, but not sure it's what I want. Won't know 'til I see it in person.
The steering wheel, AC compressor, rotted catback, and a presumably good respray don't bother me. And if that's it, I'll probably buy it. What I don't want is a project that I KNOW will need paint soon. "Not perfect" is ok. "In need of paint" is another.
10-06-2018, 10:21 AM
#15
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
One minute all I see is money pit. The next minute I think DAMN that sharp! LOL.....at the end of the day, for $5k, it's not gonna be perfect and I have to be ok with whatever I choose. .....will keep you all informed.
10-06-2018, 10:57 AM
#18
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
You’re going to end up wanting to paint it.. That blue done right is awesome..
Its a bummer about the strut towers.. I knew kids that would do stuff like that to their cars because they thought it looked cool.. can’t undo it though..
The car has potential so it would be hard for me to keep it as a casual driver..
The PS fender has dull, DIY paint? Couldn’t really tell from the picture..
Could always wrap the hood for now.. Do something cool with it..
Its a bummer about the strut towers.. I knew kids that would do stuff like that to their cars because they thought it looked cool.. can’t undo it though..
The car has potential so it would be hard for me to keep it as a casual driver..
The PS fender has dull, DIY paint? Couldn’t really tell from the picture..
Could always wrap the hood for now.. Do something cool with it..
10-06-2018, 12:46 PM
#20
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Exact car my son has been looking for. I think it's a safe buy for 5k. Really sharp, cool Iroc!
10-06-2018, 03:30 PM
#21
Junior Member
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Anybody else notice that little breather filter coming off the air/egr box just aft of the ac compressor? What’s the deal with that?
10-06-2018, 06:32 PM
#22
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Meh... It's the right color. The incorrect emblems and decals are making my OCD twitch. Never seen anyone replace the AIR muffler with a rice-r-oni breather before. The red fender bolts and the $2.99 Pep Boys rad cap would make me give the owner the "You can't be serious" look. You might get lucky and have enough paint there to cut it down and make it a bit clearer. For the price, it looks pretty good. I'd want to see the interior, but I don't think you'd be getting hurt too bad, assuming a straight title and no signs that it's ever been wrecked or hacked up. Anymore I'd take the time to look for a fuel pump hatch, look under the front end for missing braces, missing ducts/scoops, etc check the condenser and radiator for evidence El Smasho. People seldom put everything back the way it should be after an accident. Look around the edges of the fenders for signs that the structure underneath has been bent, straightened, etc...
10-06-2018, 08:49 PM
#23
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
I swapped Z28 rockers onto my 89. Always like 'em better, but that door decal has gotta be replaced. Of course MY car is nowhere near original. THIS one I'd have to replace the rockers too.
....looking forward to seeing it, but I haven't heard back from the guy today....anxiously waiting.
....looking forward to seeing it, but I haven't heard back from the guy today....anxiously waiting.
10-07-2018, 09:22 AM
#24
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Just noticed the decal was in the wrong spot.. My OCD is slipping
10-07-2018, 09:24 AM
#25
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
What is that thing on the snorkel?
10-07-2018, 09:28 AM
#26
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
I like it Chris. I think the price is right and really the amount of $$$ you put into it is really up to you. I don't see this as a pit at all. 
10-07-2018, 05:35 PM
#27
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Haven't heard anything from the seller is over a day now. I say that like the world is ending, lol. .....but I was hoping to get down there today. Not sure when I'll get down there now, BUT....the plan is to still buy it, unless it really underwhelms, or it sells to someone else before i can get down there. I'm pretty OK with whatever. If not this one.......or the next......I'll get one eventually. LOL, or I guess I should say ANOTHER one, haha!
10-07-2018, 10:38 PM
#28
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
You down south guys have it made. You would be shocked at the price for something that clean and miles up in the rust belt. I would drive that no questions asked. I flew to West Virginia to get mine if that tells you anything about the overpriced garbage up here. The wife wants T-tops? SOLD!
10-12-2018, 01:01 AM
#30
10-14-2018, 12:29 PM
#37
Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Yeah, I don't know what that thing is, lol!
For the record, I've texted the owner a few more times requesting a few pics of certain things with no response. The first day we texted back and forth a few times after a long phone talk. All was good. .....now nothing. Even if he pops back up it kinda soured the enthusiasm. If he contact me I guess we'll see, but until then.....
For the record, I've texted the owner a few more times requesting a few pics of certain things with no response. The first day we texted back and forth a few times after a long phone talk. All was good. .....now nothing. Even if he pops back up it kinda soured the enthusiasm. If he contact me I guess we'll see, but until then.....
10-15-2018, 12:10 PM
#38
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Had that thought as well.
10-15-2018, 12:58 PM
#40
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Re: Possibly Buying another 89 Iroc. Check my math?
Yeah, I don't know what that thing is, lol!
For the record, I've texted the owner a few more times requesting a few pics of certain things with no response. The first day we texted back and forth a few times after a long phone talk. All was good. .....now nothing. Even if he pops back up it kinda soured the enthusiasm. If he contact me I guess we'll see, but until then.....
For the record, I've texted the owner a few more times requesting a few pics of certain things with no response. The first day we texted back and forth a few times after a long phone talk. All was good. .....now nothing. Even if he pops back up it kinda soured the enthusiasm. If he contact me I guess we'll see, but until then.....
...can't say I didn't try! ....but all is good. There will be another. 
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