Hi...

New member here...hope to own a car to go with it soon

Looking around the other day, and I happened upon a 1987 Trans Am. The dealer wants $1500 for it. Basically, I want your opinion on whether or not I should pick up this car..

These are it's problems/good points

Good

No Rot to speak of (there's bondo'd area over the rear fenders, but I can deal...I'll fix it if it comes to it)

Posi rear-end
350 V8 (Chevy engine, right?)
car starts
Manual
Power locks and windows...whooo! (neither of the car's I've owned so far have had power anything)

Neutral:

Flowmasters. While they sound nice, I'm more of a "quiet car" kind of guy for my own car
shift **** is a stupid pool ball design...
because of the engine replacement, I can't just buy one book that will make it easy.

Bad:
AC piping beat to ****...no problem, because it's got T-Tops
AC compressor removed. See above
Idle problems. From what I was told/saw, it only occurs when the engine is cold, and it's the choke. As I saw it, it has a manual, electric choke. Previous owner was apparently lazy, and didn't wire in a switch. Therefore, in order to activate choke, you need to pop the hood, and put the wire on the positive terminal, under the battery cap
Cooling Fan. apparently, it just needs a switch? or something...I don't know...
Driver's side door lock: frozen...I can replace the lock cylinders easily enough
Headliner is gone. It started sagging, so he ripped it out.
Driver's seat is ripped on the seat part.




That's about all I can think of for now...I'll probably get pictures on Friday when I bring my g/f to see it...






Thanks for any help you can offer....if this is in the wrong section...sorry

 

doesn't sound too bad, if you are looking to fix most of the problems. But not being able to see the car, i would say, be careful. Sounds like the previous owners didn't treat the car well. I would be cautious of other things about the car. Take it for a drive and see how if opperates. If the brakes are not tight, or the steering is real loose. I would say no. It just doesn't sit right with me after all the things you listed. Trust me, i have looked at alot of trans ams. I am the type who doesn't what to spend all my money on a fixer upper. Hopefully the idle problem is only the choke. Could be more. Put you head into the car. Look at every inch of the car. Hope this info is helpful....

 

If its a 5 speed with a 350 its not the original engine. So just make sure you mention that to him if he hasn't already told you. And it will definately need some work, but most parts for small block chevy's are dirt cheap anyway. So if you got the time and money to fix it up I say go for it. But keep in mind that if you look around, you can probably find a better car for the same price. I only spent $2000 on my car and it's in near perfect condition.

 

Exactly, or the tranny was swapped in, more likely the engine. I'd check into that further, it's prolly a 305.

 

Offer them $500. If they counter with a higher number, or turn their nose up, turn around and walk out.

Come back in a month and if it's still there, offer them $400. If it's gone, no great loss. If it's still on the lot, they'll probably take the $400.

$1500 is too much for the condition it's in.

 

Five7Kid hit the nail on the head

 

yeah if the previous owner couldn't even wire the choke (two wires, one to ground and one to switched power source) then what else is hacked? also, if the engine's got any kind of power and the car was driven aggresively then that tranny might be on its last legs. manuals never came with 350s from the factory cuz they're not very strong.

 

Buyer beware.Sound like it needs serious cash.I would sit a little longer and be patient.Never know what is just around the corner.However,if you are real mechanical and a F-body nut like the rest of us,then go for it!Good Luck to ya.

 

paid 1900 for my car and it was in real good shape for an 88 car. paint is starting to fade but it ran good and the 305 lasted over a year (well its not actually dead but its out anyways )