Help and Advice Needed! May become new owner of Fiero!

[ThePopUpsGuy]

Hi guys, I've been looking at this Fiero that I would be able to afford. The only problems are the costs and the condition it's in. The cost for the car itself is quite fair, but what I'm worried about is the costs of maintaining it afterwards. It's the 1985 Fiero GT Auto, but I'm concerned with the v6 engine it has. Pretty sure it's the factory V6 it came with, but the mileage is 295,000 km. Can a v6 engine still last even going through that much mileage? New engines are expensive and I truly can't afford it. It supposedly has new starter motor, new spark plugs, new coils, new brakes, new brake lines, refurbished gas tank, and new heavy duty battery. I've always been a huge enthusiast for cars with Pop out lights, and for this to be my first one would be amazing! But honestly, I'm not sure I can handle the costs of taking care of it as well as insuring it. I'm somewhat confused on how I would insure this car since the model is so old. I personally would not use this car like crazy, and wouldn't race with it at all as I would like it to be drivable for as long as possible after I have it in my hands. Is it really possible for me to own this car and not break my bank after? From Canada, any help would be much appreciated!

 

[melsg5]

Totally unfamiliar with Canadian insurance requirements and is this a weekend only car so that you can register and insure as a classic.
The mileage is troubling and the car has to be checked by someone familiar with them before you buy it.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

185k miles aint too bad for a 60* V6 if you have old maintence records.

Weak rods and crank and slop in the timing chain are the only downfalls of the 2.8 with high mileage.





Doug in P.R.

 

[RetiredButNot 06GP]

I have owned a few of these.
They are fun cars, but the heat insulation in the engine bays should be pulled out & line the entire bay in sound deadener/heat wrap.
84-86 had fire issues due to the heat shield from the factory.
The GT would be the only Fiero I would get if getting another one.
160 k on a V6 is not bad as long as the timing chain has been replaced.
I currently have 286,000 miles on my 3.8 V6, but I just rebuilt it.

As far as breaking the bank, nah, from what you have said, it sounds like it was taken care of.

Those cars are cheap & can be cross-referenced with other models for parts.
Grand Ams are good donor cars but make sure its a GT also.

Motors that will fit in that car vary from a 2.2L 4 banger to a 383 stroker. (5.7L)
A 327 ci, (not the 5.3L LS,) will tuck in nicely.
A big block will not fit. I tried & tried.

But as far as insurance & maintainence, its cheap.

I would personally, if the car is clean/rust free, get collector car insurance on it.
Its not much, miles driven are limited, but you will have full coverage at a fraction of the price for "full coverage insurance".

If you can afford it, have it looked over, then buy it.
Those cars sell in the states if you ever decide to sell it.

Rear frame had issues.
Check around the tires on the frame very well where the subframe mounts.

To pull the motor, drop the subframe.

Good luck.

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[ThePopUpsGuy]

Totally unfamiliar with Canadian insurance requirements and is this a weekend only car so that you can register and insure as a classic.
The mileage is troubling and the car has to be checked by someone familiar with them before you buy it.

yeah Im thinking of insuring it as a classic , collectors car but I'm curious how much mileage they'll allow because I've been told of mileage limits

 

[RetiredButNot 06GP]

yeah Im thinking of insuring it as a classic , collectors car but I'm curious how much mileage they'll allow because I've been told of mileage limits

Research the companies, then options.
My buddy has collector insurance & is limited to 1/10 of a mile per year.
Gotta love go jacks !
My dad had antique, full coverage, 3500 mile limit per year, personal use.
Another buddy had classic insurance, 7500 mile limit, personal/show use.
Me personally, I have insured multiple cars, including $70k+ show cars through safe auto.
Question is, are you going to drive it or look at it ? ✌

 

[ThePopUpsGuy]

I have owned a few of these.
They are fun cars, but the heat insulation in the engine bays should be pulled out & line the entire bay in sound deadener/heat wrap.
84-86 had fire issues due to the heat shield from the factory.
The GT would be the only Fiero I would get if getting another one.
160 k on a V6 is not bad as long as the timing chain has been replaced.
I currently have 286,000 miles on my 3.8 V6, but I just rebuilt it.

As far as breaking the bank, nah, from what you have said, it sounds like it was taken care of.

Those cars are cheap & can be cross-referenced with other models for parts.
Grand Ams are good donor cars but make sure its a GT also.

Motors that will fit in that car vary from a 2.2L 4 banger to a 383 stroker. (5.7L)
A 327 ci, (not the 5.3L LS,) will tuck in nicely.
A big block will not fit. I tried & tried.

But as far as insurance & maintainence, its cheap.

I would personally, if the car is clean/rust free, get collector car insurance on it.
Its not much, miles driven are limited, but you will have full coverage at a fraction of the price for "full coverage insurance".

If you can afford it, have it looked over, then buy it.
Those cars sell in the states if you ever decide to sell it.

Rear frame had issues.
Check around the tires on the frame very well where the subframe mounts.

To pull the motor, drop the subframe.

Good luck.

Thank you so much, this actually helps me a lot! I'm quite seriously considering getting it now. Hopefully it is clean/rust free, only a real look at it will tell. Does it sell even more in the states? Also sorry to ask, what other engines would I be able to replace it with in the future? And is there an insurance plan you think that would allow me to drive it more often? I'm planning to drive it around 2-3 times a week basically, not sure if collectors insurance will be enough.

 

[ThePopUpsGuy]

Research the companies, then options.
My buddy has collector insurance & is limited to 1/10 of a mile per year.
Gotta love go jacks !
My dad had antique, full coverage, 3500 mile limit per year, personal use.
Another buddy had classic insurance, 7500 mile limit, personal/show use.
Me personally, I have insured multiple cars, including $70k+ show cars through safe auto.
Question is, are you going to drive it or look at it ? ✌

Oh that's not bad at all, I guess I'm driving and looking at it haha. Shouldn't be too heavy on the usage, so maybe collectors insurance really will be for me. I'll have to check up on my insurance options because it's been a while since I've been on roads, had to give up driving up for a bit before. But Safe Auto seems really good though thank you!

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