Purchasing a 1985 Pontiac Firebird for 500. Any problems i should be

[Bryan]

looking for directly when i check it out? Hey, I'm looking to purchase the car in the question for the amount. I was wondering if there are any commonly known problems I should be looking out for when checking it out in person? The guy already mentioned that the only problem he can think of is that the under body is gathering rust. But i can go to rust check or lube the thing up myself regularly. But, if anyone has the car(and is willing to sell it at the same amount or close by) or knows of any common performance issues, can you please tell me?
I'm already going to be looking for any issues in the headlight motors, as I know thats a common problem on all sports cars with those types of headlights. But I want to know what to check with the engine.
Thanks alot,
Bryan
EDIT: It's actually 350 now as long as i take it off his hands soon.

 

[melsg5]

sounds extremely low, i would be very careful in buying this car, the "underbody rust" may turn into a nightmare if it's more than superficial.

 

[Dr. Sievers]

if you are paying $350 for any car, you have to expect there is something wrong with it.

Take a magnet with you and put it up to the areas with rust, if the magnet don't stick then neither should you. That's an old fashioned way of checking the rust, but it works.

As I said though, you pay for what you get, so just remember that when purchasing a car and you should be good to go.