My friend has a Trans Am and I love the thing so I've been messing around with the idea of buying a third gen Trans Am for a few months now and I think im finally gonna pull the trigger. The best looking offer I found so far is a 1984 Trans Am and the guy wants 2,500 for it

I'm new to the whole car thing so im looking for some advice such as what I should look out for, and if the price the guy is asking for is reasonable or if i could get away with asking for less.

Thanks

 

Well, to be honest, you didn't really give much to go on other than the year and price, so nobody is going to be able to tell you whether it's a fair price unless you can provide more information. How many miles? Which engine and transmission? What condition is the body in? Any rust (particularly on the underside/frame)? What work has been done and what needs to be done? Are there T-tops? If so are the seals still good or do they leak?

Depending on how the above are answered, it could be a steal, or you could be overpaying. But nobody will be able to tell you what scenario you're looking at until there's more information about the car. If you can share any photos of any problem areas (body damage fluid leaks, etc, just to give some examples, that could be very helpful as well.

 

Yeah sorry I didn't really think about all that was in a rush before I posted this.

It has a Chevy small block V8

 

Is it this one? https://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/...599366241.html


If so, it would be a reasonable bet you will have a lot more to do than just a carb rebuild.


If you are on a limited budget I think this one would be a better starting point...


https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/c...601683209.html


Or this one...


https://providence.craigslist.org/ct...586755705.html


Or look at some Formulas...


https://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/...589207320.html


https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/ct...570974605.html


Not sure where you are in CT but if you need help picking something up I've got a trailer.

 

Yeah that's the one I was talking about, I'm going to check it out some time this week. I though it seemed pretty promising why do you think it wouldn't be a good starting point?

 

Because there is more non original parts on the car than original and more stuff half done than done. Cars that get monkeyed with to that extent tend to be problematic - at least that's been my experience.

 

Didn't really think about it that way, I thought the non original engine wouldnt be a problem but I see what you mean. I'm willing to put some money into the car especially since its cheaper then the better ones listed but I don't want to feed the car all my money.

 

The general advice you will find here is to buy the absolute best car you can for the most money you have - you will be money ahead in the end.

Buying a $2,500 car will cost you three times as much to get to the same point as a $5,000 car will. Don't be in a rush, some cars sit on craigslist for ages, some come and go quickly. Check it every day and remember that asking price is not selling price.

 

I traded a car for an 87 Iroc that needed paint and a few things.. Car was decent... After painting T ttop seals and 100 other little things I have put at least 4k into it (not including purchase price) and it's still not done. If you can spend 6k on one with paint you will save tons of aggravation and time and a lot of money.

 

Yeesh. Starting to think I overpaid for my TA....

 

Good cars still pop up for cheap money, just stay vigilant in looking, because the moment you stop, one will pop up.

 

Actually I like this one a lot better. Lower miles, lower price, better condition.


You just need to determine what is wrong with it - don't take their word for it!


https://worcester.craigslist.org/cto...570765461.html

 

buying someones project car always turns into a huge headache and a thinner wallet. the previous owner most likely did a bunch of half assed repairs to it and is now dumping it for a reason.

the best version of a car you can buy is a low miled stock car, if you can't afford that and are interested in improving it yourself then get the next best thing which is a higher miled stock car and expect to replace things.