I had an oldsmobile but it threw a rod so I've been without a car. I finally found this 87 firebird that I can afford but I'm not sure what chance it has of ever running again after sitting for 5-6 years. I went to take a look at it yesterday but I was just stopping by to get an idea of what condition the body was in. It looks nice inside and out still but since this will be the first car that I myself own and have to take car of I'm not sure where to start. I'm going over there later on today with a new battery but is there anything else I should do?

 

Sorry for the double post.. Pushed the button twice and ended up with 2.

 

Looks like its sitting over grass. I would crawl under it or peek under it to look at the floors and undercarriage. You could have some serious rust issues. Also if this is your first car I might recommend you look at something running. Take it from someone who has been there. My first car hadnt run in 3 years. I got it for free and then proceeded to spend 3k fixing it. I didnt really know what i was doing at the time otherwise i could have saved most of that money. If you know a good deal about working on cars than have at it. If its solid and you can get it for a good price by all means. If its a rot box i would keep looking however.

 

Well we went and put in a new battery,some gas, checked all the fluids and took it about 4 tries for it to start. Now it's starting right up without a single problem. I tried to clean it up a little as much as I can for now. It needs some new things but it's a running car for $200.

 

Also I forgot to mention that it turns out its actually an 86 not an 87. He's had a few and got the years mixed up.

 

Looks exactly like the first one I owned (well, not as bad though ) brings back memories.

 

The guy selling it to us was really surprised it even started but that made it worse to see it go. He's had the car for over 10 years. I could barely stand to see his face when we pulled away in it. He works with my husband though so I'll let my husband take it to work and give the guy rides in it.