Hey everyone,
Tommorow morning im going to look at this 88 Firebird to possibly purchase it. Here is the Craigslist link
http://reading.craigslist.org/cto/1791026926.html
I talked to the guy he says it has 105,000 miles on it and he says it is mechanically sound and just needs tires and a battery to pass inspection.
Whats your opinion on the price of the car? Is it reasonable?
If I can get him talked down to 2500 would that be more reasonable?
Let me know what you think
THANKS

 

if its a 305 tpi, its a formula. thats the tuned port engine. the 8th digit of the vin will be a F. If its a 305 tbi, will have a round air cleaner like a carb, the vin will be E.

it looks pretty clean, but if it has a dead battery (only reason i can think of why he mentiones it), bring one with you and make sure it starts and runs well, doesnt smoke. Takeit for a drive, make sure it doesnt make any weird noises, trans slipping, and stops straight, doesnt pull to a side or the other.

Get on the ground and check the floor REALLY REALLY well for rust and rott. Check the rear wheels wells, behind the tire, for rot and everywhere else youi can see. Lower radiator support, rear underside, all the floors ect.

Look under the hood for any wires that look like they dont belong and running around. Electrical problems can be a real nightmare.

Every problem you find can be a negotiation point for a better price. If the car is rotting, walk away. Another will come along

Looks like it has a funky homemade center console lid too.

If it all checks out, its worth the money. IF its a formula. If its just a base bird with the 305 tbi motor, try to talk him down, especially since it needs a battery and tires. thats 500 bux easy. and the blue book value, for a 1990 ( doesnt go back far enough) is only 2375 for a perfect condition Formula needing nothing, a bird is even less. IMHO, with what it needs, 2000-2250 topsi f you can do it.

again, if you take one thing away from this, CHECK FOR RUST!!!!!! its a plague on these cars and I looked at over a dozen cars before i found one that was clean.

 

Wow...thanks soo much Im actually going to print this out and take it along with me as a reminder not to overpay for this thing!!
Thanks again

 

dont try to flash this at the guy and say "this guy says its only worth ..." it will not work and you will look like a tool

but, it should be a decent check list.

and like the guy said in your other post, check what the seats look like under the covers if you can. If they are shot, well that should save you a couple bucks.

the guy is asking way too much, if he stands firm on the price, walk away. Like i said, another will come around.

 

oh, and you dont need to make 5 different threads about this all over the site. One is just fine.

 

yea im not gonna be an idiot and show him what you said.. im offering 2000 and if he wants it he can take it but no more..
and sorry for making different threads I just wanted some answers since im heading off to go see it tommorow morning thanks for helping