Issues to look for when buying

[iNF3RNo]

I'm in the market for a 93 or newer Firebird (unlikely newer than 98) with a 5 speed and t-tops... my 18th birthday present was my parents letting me get car payments and a nice bit of help towards a downpayment.

I'm curious what problems I should look for. Stuff like the maybe the m5 transmission doesn't take old age and miles as well as others, or perhaps the stock nylon-cogged headlight motors just suck ***, etc. The bits of advice you'd give to someone who already knows what they like about the car at first glance, but doesn't have the experience to know about the durability, shortfalls, and reliability.

I just want to get the best value for my money, and I have both ears wide open...

[98Camaro3.8]

Nothing specific, but as a rule, always have a used car checked out by a mechanic before you buy it. We've done that for all of our cars. Most mechanics will do it free of charge. Just have them put it up on the lift and give it a quick check.

[Javelin3o4]

check for a SES light make sure it flashes when you turn the key on for the bulb check, and check to see if it stays on when you start it.

[Bird_Of_Prey]

I would recommend a car with a 3.8 V6. The 3.4's are pretty wimpy in comparison

[AndyBe]

Come on you guys !! Most people here are Pontiac drivers, but there must be something you can say about them. I'm also looking at buying a 91 or 92 Firebird - just something to play around with in summer. What should I be looking out for ?

[camaronat]

Definitely check to make sure the t-top seals are good, and check the wear on the tires to see how the alignment has been on the car. It can tell you if the car has been hot rodded a lot. ;)

[Kaoz]

bird of prey have you ever driven a 3.4?

[99W68Firebird]

i have owned 3.4L before my car now, and hes not really lying, they are not that quick still nice cars tho i mean F-bodies still just 3.8Ls are a big step up and can also be modded a lil bit more.

[silvachris1]

Alternators tend to die on us, as well as power window motors. Shocks also seem to wear out before 50K miles. A few of the auto trannies have a defect in them (search for the P1870 code if you care. Fbodies also come stock with warped rotors, but other than those issues that's all I can think of.

[F1GT]

Just go for a test drive and see if the car runs good or rough. Check around the heads and oil pan to see any leakage. look at the hoses and see if they are bulging. check the drive belt for cracks and tension. look at the tires for alignment problems. Check the rear differetial to see if the pinion seal is leaking. Check to see if the engine has been cleaned to hide leaks. When you start up the motor, look at the temp to see if the owners warmed up the car before you got there, you want to check to see if it has good cold starts too. Speaking of which, if you see the temp being cool, then go and check the radiator. Turn on all the lights and see if everything works. Check the windows, if the windows are slow, they are about to die. Look under where the car is parked or where you think the car usually is park for signs of leakage. Every little thing you find fault you can haggle down the price.

[silvachris1]

Rear main seals leak too.

EDIT: Also, I've got a couple buddies whos park brake doesn't hold.

[AndyBe]

Alternators, windows, shocks, (some auto boxes), rotors.....right. Thanks for the info. I'm hopefully gonna check out a 92 this weekend. A 3.1 motor, but I'm not so interested in power. Good mileage is better for us Europeans ;)

[PewterBird]

Look under the rear seats for rust or rot, a sure fire way to check for leaky ttops.