Pros and cons of a 1978 Firebird...

[inloveandindeath]

...Trans-Am? I am considering buying a 1978 Firebird Trans-Am but I am wondering from all of you, and specifically anyone who knows a good deal about this specific car, what are the upsides and the downsides to owning it? Anything you can tell me will help. Oh, and can anyone tell me what a reasonable price would be for one that is in OKAY condition? Thanks!!!

 

[muzzfactor]

They are great cars!!! A real step up from the camaros. There's alot to be considered as far as price is concerned; condition, does it run, standard or auto, what size motor, t-tops, etc. Good luck.

 

[wde3477]

Don't know if the online resources go back that far - kbb.com, edmunds.com, nadaguides.com. May check old auctions on craigslist, EBay, autotrader, etc. to see if there have been any comparable sales.

The major portions of the value of a vehicle that old deal with the collectability or desired status, and with the mechanical condition. Don't know that this era of T/A is highly sought after, so don't think there's a big price push here.

Suggest to do as much research as you can on similar sales, but when it comes down to it, the vehicle is worth only as much as someone is willing to give for it. Also suggest to focus on sales prices, not asking prices - some sellers tend to think their cars are made of gold.

 

[Goatman]

The 78s were popular cars back in the day I have owned a few .. in a time when most GM and other manufacturers were on the run from makeing performance cars, Pontiac was still making and winning the performance cars that started the musclecar era..
that said, the things to watch are Rust in the floor and trunk areas if you live in southern states it should not have any but northern or coastal states were bad , I would also watch for any repairs or changes that may have been done over the years ..
as said pricing on them is all over the board although they are gaining popularity as collector cars some can be found for decent prices yet ..
even the old car pricing guides are going to put these cars at a premimum
Kelly and any "blue book" sources aren't going to be any help on that old of a car..
what it boils down to is does the car look and run good enough for the asking price? is the body in decent shape with minor repairs or is it a thrown together bucket of bolts ?
I would suggest taking at least someone who is knowlagable about cars with to check it out as with any old car it will have it's good and bad points
and the more informed opinnions you have when looking the better off you are ...
Good Luck with your search!