When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Tech / General EngineIs your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!
Im 16 years old i just got a 1985 trans am 305 5 speed its a good driver rn no major mods wise and some other interior upgrades woundering how i can make this a fun daily or what i should look for or what i should do if u can help lmk some stuff ab these i want to learn if u can help thanks
Looks like someone has already changed plenty under the hood. Best bet if you intend to daily drive it, and need it dependable is to just drive it the way it is and deal with problems as they come up. A few thousand in the bank set aside as an emergency fund would be a good idea. That and maybe start saving for something else to drive. Thirdgens aren't really practical everyday, 365 day a year cars.
That's a pretty exciting first car in my book. Should be fun to drive just the way it is. If you can just keep up on the repairs, maintenance, and generally do a good job of keeping it up, I'd say you'd be doing very well as a 16 year old. I know that's not what you want to hear, but I think a lot of practical experience from some guys here with just a few years on you (Ha!) will be like Drew's.
Originally Posted by Drew
Looks like someone has already changed plenty under the hood. Best bet if you intend to daily drive it, and need it dependable is to just drive it the way it is and deal with problems as they come up. A few thousand in the bank set aside as an emergency fund would be a good idea.
That’s a very cool first car and glad to see a 16 year old interested in these cars.
As has already been stated here, just make any necessary repairs to get it to be safe and reliable and keep up on the maintenance. It’s an old car, so having some money in the bank for repairs that come up (and they will) is also good advice.
Learn how to work in the car yourself. Start simple. A full tuneup and brake system review would be where I would start. Make a list of anything else that that car needs and prioritize (safety first, reliability 2nd, then everything else).
Resist the urge to modify it, at least for now. Making it safe and reliable is more important.
Jealous! Did that car originally have ac? Depending on where you live that might be a good modification otherwise dont hack it up! I made that mistake on my first couple cars. Nice ride man.
......Thirdgens aren't really practical everyday, 365 day a year cars.
Drew isn't wrong. And while I do daily drive my 86, it's had more than a few days/weeks/months off the road for repairs and upgrades. If you are going to drive old cars, own at least two. And a AAA membership. I have multiple third gens (86 and 91), and multiple GM trucks (69 and 84), and several other vehicles in the fleet. Something is always road worthy. Usually multiple somethings.
A few thousand in the bank set aside as an emergency fund would be a good idea. That and maybe start saving for something else to drive. Thirdgens aren't really practical everyday, 365 day a year cars.
100% agree with Drew on this.
I daily drove my Camaro from the age of 16-20, then bought a second vehicle to have a little more comfort and practicality.
Now when I do drive it, I really do enjoy it.
Thank u for what u said it actually isnt my first car lol ive had ab 4 ik a good amount car wise especially since this is carbonated makes it easier my plans to daily this for a while till i save up to buy another dentside i regret selling my old one lol i sound old the dentside will be my work/winter 4x4 yes it has ac but not planning to use it much with the t tops my plans to leave it mostly stock till i have another car for when **** goes bad lol but thank u im proud of it and happy it came my way
