My 1988 Pontiac Fiero SE V6 5spd hasn't been started in 14 years. Should I keep it?

[brylajofiero]

My wife and I met 14 years ago. She was driving a 1986 Pontiac Fiero SE V6 5spd. Once we got together she parked the perfectly running car inside her parents garage and it has sat there ever since. It hasn't been started in more than a decade. We left it in her parents garage in eastern Washington state and moved 1500 miles away to Illinois. Now, my wife and I need to figure out what we want to do with the car. My in-laws are elderly and shouldn't be bothered to do anything with getting the car out of their garage. I'd have to go to Washington and make arrangements to have the car towed to a mechanic or sold. I haven't laid eyes on the car in 12 years. I would have to hire someone to get it running again, or arrange to have it sold. I would like to keep it. But I am no mechanic and I would have to arrange for the car to be shipped to Illinois. I need help making a plan for our (my wife's) Fiero.

 

[melsg5]

Do your in-laws still drive?
If they do can you contact the shop that does their repair work to see what they are willing to do ?
Otherwise advertise it as is and take a low price on the car just to get rid of it.
Good luck.

 

[Jay Clayton]

Do you have any idea how many miles are on the vehicle? I might be interested in making an offer for it, as I am currently in the market for an 88 5 speed.

 

[Mike Salish]

I recently resurrected a 1988 V6 that had sat around (some in a garage, some in the rain in Seattle). The engine was rebuilt and had almost 0 hours running time. To get the car to run and drive took the following parts:

Cat Converter, Muffler, all suspension bushings, fuel pump, distributor, Shocks all corners (KYB), brake caliper rebuild (Discs were ok), MAP sensor, Oil Pressure switch/sensor, Thermostat, window outer dew wipes, 4 new tires and 16" wheels (205-14s are pricey since the BFG T/A is about the only choice worth having) and a battery. Total parts cost was about $3,000. So that can give you an idea of what might be needed to put it back on the road, plus the labor of course if you don't DIY.

Next up will to rip out the 2.8 and stuff in something better and paint it.

______________________________

 

[Mike Salish]

If it is in or near the Spokane area I can take a look at it for you and assess what it now looks like. Let me know if I can help. I've also got a friend who has been making noises about buying one too.

 

[Monzaguy]

My wife and I met 14 years ago. She was driving a 1986 Pontiac Fiero SE V6 5spd. Once we got together she parked the perfectly running car inside her parents garage and it has sat there ever since. It hasn't been started in more than a decade. We left it in her parents garage in eastern Washington state and moved 1500 miles away to Illinois. Now, my wife and I need to figure out what we want to do with the car. My in-laws are elderly and shouldn't be bothered to do anything with getting the car out of their garage. I'd have to go to Washington and make arrangements to have the car towed to a mechanic or sold. I haven't laid eyes on the car in 12 years. I would have to hire someone to get it running again, or arrange to have it sold. I would like to keep it. But I am no mechanic and I would have to arrange for the car to be shipped to Illinois. I need help making a plan for our (my wife's) Fiero.

It's not to difficult to drain the oil and change the oil. REALLY.
An ambitious guy might even change out the coolant, and do a visual check on the belts, bring some gas along and a can of
Octain booster. That'll help to put some ooommp in the old gas if any is left in the tank. Bring a fresh battery as well, and don't forget to bring the keys. Then just fire it up. It's as easy as that.
You might just want to drive it home once you sit in it and reminisce about those good ol' days and fond memories. New tires might be in order if you decide to drive it those 1500 miles. You might even enjoy it? Will it make it? You bet ya she will. Fly down drive her back. Where's that spirit of adventure?