I am looking to purchase a 1987 GTA with approximately 19,000 original miles. Owner states it runs great. It appears to be well cared for.
(I am not sure if it is better to get a low mileage car or one that has been run a little more often.)

My question: With 19,000 original miles, and if it is running great, what are some of the first steps I should take or what parts should I consider replacing first to keep in running well? Example should the fuel injectors be replaced, even it they are not currently an issue? In other words, what type of things become problems for a car that has only been run occasionally?

Hope I am in the right forum category. This seemed to be the most relevant one.

Thanks in advance.

 

Rubber components will break down with age.

If they’ve not been maintained you might consider emissions and fuel hoses, injector o-rings, brake hoses, wheel cylinders and steering hoses etc.

This would be time consuming if not expensive.

 

I'd rather face the problems that come with age and no driving, than age and abuse and neglect.

Injectors, you won't know til you get there; but more than likely, they'll be varnished up and need cleaning at the least. A minor inconvenience at worst. If I could buy a 19k mile 87 model car, I wouldn't even blink at the injectors needing some long-overdue love. I wouldn't be looking at "new" either.

OTOH unless you're paying WELL INTO 5 figures for this car, odds are it's not "19,000 miles" but rather "119,000" or even "219,000". Condition of things that the driver HAS TO touch will tell (floor mat under the gas pedal foot heel, brake pedal, wear on the seats) as well as the amount of built-up crud from oil leakage and whatnot up under it where it's hard to wash in an afternoon of scam-artistry with Simple Green and a rag.

 

If the original rear calipers are still present, check them for function and also the e-brake. They need to be used regularly, often and hard to be in shape.

 

Good info. Thanks for the input so far.

 

If this car really only has 19k in 33 years, I'd suspect you will need to do all the fluids, especially brake and coolant. Check brake hoses for deterioration/dry rot, as well as all other rubber components. Fuel varnish is likely and will possibly effect fuel pump; change fuel filter at a minimum. Also check DOT date on tires, much over 7 years old is shaky. Rear calipers can be an issue as stated. The old injectors from back then were known for coil deterioration when they sat in stagnant gas for any length of time (ask me how I know). Check belt tensioner for free movement and belt condition. A fresh distributor cap may be in order as well, the contacts can corrode if they sit around. I also wouldn't be surprised if the headlight motors give you trouble. Now, after saying all this, I'd still be all over a 19k original gta