Is It Worth It?

[Limey]

Hey guys, I have an opportunity to buy a 1978 trans am special edition with Hurst T-tops from what the ad says.

I had one about 20 years ago in high school and have regretted selling it ever since.

The cars in rough shape but from what the owner can prove it’s one of 238 made that year with the options.

He’s asking $10500 CDN but is willing to negotiate on the price. What would be a fair offer for a car in this condition?.

I’m not new to working on cars as I’ve owned several other cars that I’ve worked on over the years and not afraid to get my hands dirty.

The only thing I’m not good at is bodywork but have friends that are.

The engine is original but it looks like it’s had work done to it.

The owner said it has 1970 high compression heads.

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[Knightrider189]

Is that the original paperwork for the car?

The picture is showing a manual but the paperwork is showing it’s a 3 speed automatic?

What kind of shape are the floor pans in?


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...

 

[Limey]

Is that the original paperwork for the car?

The picture is showing a manual but the paperwork is showing it’s a 3 speed automatic?

What kind of shape are the floor pans in?


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...

The owner had the VIN sent in I guess to be gone through.

It’s what the place that did it came back with.

It’s meant to be auto but along the way, someone swapped in a 4-speed standard.

The floor pans are in good condition with no holes.

It does need quarter panel work though.


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[Knightrider189]

$10,500 I just noticed that’s Canadian so in US dollars it’s around 7,696.

I would try to talk him down some more in my opinion due to it being in rough shape.

Have you had the chance to start and drive it yet?


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...

 

[Limey]

$10,500 I just noticed that’s Canadian so in US dollars it’s around 7,696.

I would try to talk him down some more in my opinion due to it being in rough shape.

Have you had the chance to start and drive it yet?


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...

I have not had a chance yet.

He says all it needs is a new battery and it should start and run fine.

I was thinking if of offering around $7k CDN if it runs and drives fine and see what happens from there


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[Limey]

So after going to look at it this afternoon he’s not willing to move much off the $10500 mark.

It needs every panel pretty much replacing minus the roof and hood.

To get it back to what it should be would cost me more than I want to spend.

He also has a 78 Martinique Blue trans am with a 4spd and only 43k on it and in way better shape.

It only needs 2 patch panels.

On the rear quarter which I can do myself.

The only bad is the paint needs bringing back to life and all new decals as it has none and the owner said the engine is burning lots of oil.

I can handle the mechanical part no problem.

I’m thinking that is a better fit for me and i can get it for $9k.


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[Knightrider189]

I agree the blue one is in much better shape.


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...

 

[Oneandonly]

Blue car is a much better deal especially if it’s a Original four-speed with a 400 It’s a really nice car for the price


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[Limey]

Blue car is a much better deal especially if it’s a Original four-speed with a 400 It’s a really nice car for the price


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It’s an original 4 spd and 400. Plus it’s an original Martinique blue car. I’m going down Tuesday to pick
It up and bring her home with me.


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[Oneandonly]

That’s awesome good find I’m sure you’ll enjoy it I have a four-speed with a 455 out of 73 black on black so you could always change out the engine if needed


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[Oneandonly]

Actually in your case I would keep the 400 engine in that car and just get it rebuilt they are a great engine.


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[Limey]

Actually in your case I would keep the 400 engine in that car and just get it rebuilt they are a great engine.


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The plan is to keep the 400 for now and keep it number matching.

I’ll get the heads rebuilt and just make it a nice cruiser for now.

The plan is to get the body fixed of rust and repainted in the beautiful blue and get the trans am decals put back on.

Phase 2 will be an interior refresh and phase 3 will be suspension updates and finally, phase 4 will be more power.


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[Knightrider189]

Congratulations on getting it!


Black 1989 Pontiac Formula Firebird 5.7L, WS6, automatic, T-tops, all OEM...