good car for a kid?

[dave349]

hi,

i have just joined this group because in february i will be turning 16
and i want to get a fiero as my first car. I live in canada and i am
wondering if this is a good first car, and if it's good in the snow. I
am sorta mechanically inclined, and from what i have read i think i
could do most of the work myself. the other question i have is what
would be the insurance on this car? i know that me being i new driver
will already cause the rates to be high, but this is considered a
sports car isn't it? could any of you give me some rough estimates on
the insurance? also as for the repairs, what are common problems or
things i should look for that could lead to problems? I know there are
alot of questions i have asked, but any answers can be helpful, i have
lots of time because my birthday's not for a few months like a said but
i'm looking to buy a car in the spring and i just want to know what i
should be looking for and what i'd be getting into

Thanks,

Dave

[Brian]

Dave,
It seems that this group is not quite as active as it used to be. Not that
Fiero owners are not happy to share thier info but there are so many other
sites out there that this one has slowed down a bit. This is a fun car to
own and yes the rates will probably be higher because of the type of car. If
you get the 4 cyl that will save a bit there but the problems with the 4 cyl
engine is overheating so keep up on the cooling system. Try to find a good
repair manual (Helm makes the service manual, I recommend it) The clutch is
a problem abot 60,000 miles or so. Try to find one with the clutch alresady
replaced unless you have the ability to pull the cradle to replace it. The
computer diagnostics are pretty vague but there's not much that hasn't been
done on these so checking the groups will usually get you the answer needed
to get back on the road.

About me...Ive owned only 2. My first was an 84 4 cyl until I sold that one
for an 88GT. The GT (IMHO) is the best design with the least problems. Mine
has worked great since 1989. I bought it at 30,000 and it has 90,000 now.
Keep up on the tuneups, the plugs closest to the front get rusty, especially
on the RH side so try changing them every 6 months or so to prevent breaking
them off (that sucks!!) Most things can be fixed from above but I think it
was designed to work on from below on a lift because most things are easier
from underneath.
For the most comprehensive info try Pennocks Fiero Forum. Most owners are
there at sometime in thier life and there is lots of good info to be had
about the Fiero. The Fiero Store carries a great collection of common parts
as well as some things you didn't realize you needed. E-bay always has
something as well from owners parting out a Fiero.

As far as winter driving I don't recommend it. I have yet to find good tires
that won't have me driving sideways in the snow. With the weight in the back
end it's very difficult to control a slide in the snow. Wait until you have
a little more experience driving this gem before you attempt snow driving,
then try it on a VERY inferquently traveled road and you will see what I
mean.
Glad to have you in the group if you do decide to get one though..most
owners are extremely happy with their Fieros as I know you will be....The
chicks dig it too.

Good Luck,
Brian

[dave349]

hey thanks for the reply! yup i've looked into the insurance on the
4cyl and it's about 1500 or so per year, but on the 6 cyl its 3 grand a
month, so it's liek twice as much. I've heard about the 4cyl engine
overheating problems. Also i've been looking at some of the "newer"
fieros liek 87 or 88 because i heard there were large inprovements in
thsoe years especailly 88. as for teh winter driving i figured they
wouldn't be very good because my dad used to own a firebird and that
was his main driver and in the winter it was slipping all over because
its rear-wheel drive. so durign the winter ill probably try and find a
very cheap car if i do buy a fiero. ok so thank you very much, you've
been alot of help in telling me the problems that you've had, so if i
do get one ill make sure to be checking the plugs and clutch. I don't
have a lift or a cradle at my house so that coudl be a problem but i
think i could do most underneath thigns on the jack, but if i need the
lift ill take it to my school. again thank you very much and i will
check out that otehr forum you mentioned.

Dave

Post by Brian
Dave,
It seems that this group is not quite as active as it used to be. Not that
Fiero owners are not happy to share thier info but there are so many other
sites out there that this one has slowed down a bit. This is a fun car to
own and yes the rates will probably be higher because of the type of car. If
you get the 4 cyl that will save a bit there but the problems with the 4 cyl
engine is overheating so keep up on the cooling system. Try to find a good
repair manual (Helm makes the service manual, I recommend it) The clutch is
a problem abot 60,000 miles or so. Try to find one with the clutch alresady
replaced unless you have the ability to pull the cradle to replace it. The
computer diagnostics are pretty vague but there's not much that hasn't been
done on these so checking the groups will usually get you the answer needed
to get back on the road.
About me...Ive owned only 2. My first was an 84 4 cyl until I sold that one
for an 88GT. The GT (IMHO) is the best design with the least problems. Mine
has worked great since 1989. I bought it at 30,000 and it has 90,000 now.
Keep up on the tuneups, the plugs closest to the front get rusty, especially
on the RH side so try changing them every 6 months or so to prevent breaking
them off (that sucks!!) Most things can be fixed from above but I think it
was designed to work on from below on a lift because most things are easier
from underneath.
For the most comprehensive info try Pennocks Fiero Forum. Most owners are
there at sometime in thier life and there is lots of good info to be had
about the Fiero. The Fiero Store carries a great collection of common parts
as well as some things you didn't realize you needed. E-bay always has
something as well from owners parting out a Fiero.
As far as winter driving I don't recommend it. I have yet to find good tires
that won't have me driving sideways in the snow. With the weight in the back
end it's very difficult to control a slide in the snow. Wait until you have
a little more experience driving this gem before you attempt snow driving,
then try it on a VERY inferquently traveled road and you will see what I
mean.
Glad to have you in the group if you do decide to get one though..most
owners are extremely happy with their Fieros as I know you will be....The
chicks dig it too.
Good Luck,
Brian

[Mr Potatohead]

Post by dave349
hey thanks for the reply! yup i've looked into the insurance on the
4cyl and it's about 1500 or so per year, but on the 6 cyl its 3 grand a
month, so it's liek twice as much. I've heard about the 4cyl engine
overheating problems. Also i've been looking at some of the "newer"
fieros liek 87 or 88 because i heard there were large inprovements in
thsoe years especailly 88. as for teh winter driving i figured they
wouldn't be very good because my dad used to own a firebird and that
was his main driver and in the winter it was slipping all over because
its rear-wheel drive. so durign the winter ill probably try and find a
very cheap car if i do buy a fiero. ok so thank you very much, you've
been alot of help in telling me the problems that you've had, so if i
do get one ill make sure to be checking the plugs and clutch. I don't
have a lift or a cradle at my house so that coudl be a problem but i
think i could do most underneath thigns on the jack, but if i need the
lift ill take it to my school. again thank you very much and i will
check out that otehr forum you mentioned.

Yikes! Make sure you use jackstands and not just the
jack if you get under the car. It can crush your
leetle bones and hurt a lot if it falls.

The Firebird was overpowered in winter snows and
could spin out easily if you pushed it. The engine
is in the front though and even though both cars
drive from the rear wheels, the Fiero has the engine
in the back and on the drive wheels. When you have
the weight of the engine on the drive wheels, it
handles better in snow. Therefore, by simple logic,
the Fiero should be better in snow than front engine
-- rear wheel drive cars.

I've had Fieros since 1987 and have been in some
pretty difficult snow driving situations. I've found
them very good in snow when compared to other cars
I've had. Nothing makes up for good driving under
all situations though.

Insurance-wise, as an old fart, I haven't had any
problem with differences between cars I've owned. I
have both 4 and 6 cylinder Fieros and noticed no
difference. I guess it must not be the same with
younger drivers. It was a lot different when the
Fiero was new. I lost my insurance because the
company didn't want to cover them. But they turned
out to be pretty safe cars and eventually the
insurance companies thought better of them. Today, I
expect age and experience of the driver has more to
do with the price tag.

Good luck with your car.

[dave349]

Post by Mr Potatohead
Yikes! Make sure you use jackstands and not just the
jack if you get under the car. It can crush your
leetle bones and hurt a lot if it falls.
oh ya of course, forgot to mention that, kind of important though lol.
The Firebird was overpowered in winter snows and
could spin out easily if you pushed it. The engine
is in the front though and even though both cars
drive from the rear wheels, the Fiero has the engine
in the back and on the drive wheels. When you have
the weight of the engine on the drive wheels, it
handles better in snow. Therefore, by simple logic,
the Fiero should be better in snow than front engine
-- rear wheel drive cars.
I've had Fieros since 1987 and have been in some
pretty difficult snow driving situations. I've found
them very good in snow when compared to other cars
I've had. Nothing makes up for good driving under
all situations though.
thanks for this info, still not sure though if the fiero would be a good winter car, for my first winter at least, you know get used to driving in the snow, so if i get a fiero i will probly try and find a cheap for for liek 500 bucks for the winter, at keast for the first year anyways.
Insurance-wise, as an old fart, I haven't had any
problem with differences between cars I've owned. I
have both 4 and 6 cylinder Fieros and noticed no
difference. I guess it must not be the same with
younger drivers. It was a lot different when the
Fiero was new. I lost my insurance because the
company didn't want to cover them. But they turned
out to be pretty safe cars and eventually the
insurance companies thought better of them. Today, I
expect age and experience of the driver has more to
do with the price tag.
ya, it definately has everythign to do with age, experiance and how old the car is and how much it's worth. the 4 cyl isn't that bad on insurance, but still probably almost double compared to what you guys pay, and the 6 cyl is double what the 4 cyl is on insurance so im wondering whether i should get the 4 cyl for the cheap insurance, but then just modify it to get some extra horses, or if it would be cheaper to just get the 6 cyl, oh well i've got awhile b4 i need to make a decision, but i'm still looking around.
Good luck with your car.

Thank You

Dave

[Don Bjortomt]

I agree with Mr Potatohead about the snow driving.

I would like to caution you about driving the fiero on wet roads however,
especially with the 6 cylinder engine. I have spun my 88 GT 360 degrees on a
turn that was less than 45 degrees. Becuase the car handles so well on dry
roads you can take most turns without slowing down much. But if the road is
the least bit wet you are in for some excitment. In wet conditions I now
take turns lower than the posted speed.

Regards;

Don Bjortomt

Post by dave349

Post by Mr Potatohead
Yikes! Make sure you use jackstands and not just the
jack if you get under the car. It can crush your
leetle bones and hurt a lot if it falls.
oh ya of course, forgot to mention that, kind of important though lol.
The Firebird was overpowered in winter snows and
could spin out easily if you pushed it. The engine
is in the front though and even though both cars
drive from the rear wheels, the Fiero has the engine
in the back and on the drive wheels. When you have
the weight of the engine on the drive wheels, it
handles better in snow. Therefore, by simple logic,
the Fiero should be better in snow than front engine
-- rear wheel drive cars.
I've had Fieros since 1987 and have been in some
pretty difficult snow driving situations. I've found
them very good in snow when compared to other cars
I've had. Nothing makes up for good driving under
all situations though.
thanks for this info, still not sure though if the fiero would be a good
winter car, for my first winter at least, you know get used to driving in
the snow, so if i get a fiero i will probly try and find a cheap for for
liek 500 bucks for the winter, at keast for the first year anyways.
Insurance-wise, as an old fart, I haven't had any
problem with differences between cars I've owned. I
have both 4 and 6 cylinder Fieros and noticed no
difference. I guess it must not be the same with
younger drivers. It was a lot different when the
Fiero was new. I lost my insurance because the
company didn't want to cover them. But they turned
out to be pretty safe cars and eventually the
insurance companies thought better of them. Today, I
expect age and experience of the driver has more to
do with the price tag.
ya, it definately has everythign to do with age, experiance and how old
the car is and how much it's worth. the 4 cyl isn't that bad on insurance,
but still probably almost double compared to what you guys pay, and the 6
cyl is double what the 4 cyl is on insurance so im wondering whether i
should get the 4 cyl for the cheap insurance, but then just modify it to
get some extra horses, or if it would be cheaper to just get the 6 cyl, oh
well i've got awhile b4 i need to make a decision, but i'm still looking
around.
Good luck with your car.

Thank You
Dave

[Hank]

I have been driving a 85 4 cyl for 5 years here in NH I also have a 96
Jaguar and a 90 Grand Marquis both rear wheel drive the only one I
feel safe to drive in the snow and ice is the Fiero. My 2m4 was
destroyed last fall see link
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeecixb/page5.htm
I have since purchased about 6 weeks ago a 85 GT I hope it handles as
well in snow as the 2m4 did, which I am rebuilding and is now drivable
for the past 4 months.
Hank



On Sun, 1 Oct 2006 11:38:13 -0400, "Don Bjortomt"

Post by Don Bjortomt
I agree with Mr Potatohead about the snow driving.
I would like to caution you about driving the fiero on wet roads however,
especially with the 6 cylinder engine. I have spun my 88 GT 360 degrees on a
turn that was less than 45 degrees. Becuase the car handles so well on dry
roads you can take most turns without slowing down much. But if the road is
the least bit wet you are in for some excitment. In wet conditions I now
take turns lower than the posted speed.
Regards;
Don Bjortomt

Post by dave349

Post by Mr Potatohead
Yikes! Make sure you use jackstands and not just the
jack if you get under the car. It can crush your
leetle bones and hurt a lot if it falls.
oh ya of course, forgot to mention that, kind of important though lol.
The Firebird was overpowered in winter snows and
could spin out easily if you pushed it. The engine
is in the front though and even though both cars
drive from the rear wheels, the Fiero has the engine
in the back and on the drive wheels. When you have
the weight of the engine on the drive wheels, it
handles better in snow. Therefore, by simple logic,
the Fiero should be better in snow than front engine
-- rear wheel drive cars.
I've had Fieros since 1987 and have been in some
pretty difficult snow driving situations. I've found
them very good in snow when compared to other cars
I've had. Nothing makes up for good driving under
all situations though.
thanks for this info, still not sure though if the fiero would be a good
winter car, for my first winter at least, you know get used to driving in
the snow, so if i get a fiero i will probly try and find a cheap for for
liek 500 bucks for the winter, at keast for the first year anyways.
Insurance-wise, as an old fart, I haven't had any
problem with differences between cars I've owned. I
have both 4 and 6 cylinder Fieros and noticed no
difference. I guess it must not be the same with
younger drivers. It was a lot different when the
Fiero was new. I lost my insurance because the
company didn't want to cover them. But they turned
out to be pretty safe cars and eventually the
insurance companies thought better of them. Today, I
expect age and experience of the driver has more to
do with the price tag.
ya, it definately has everythign to do with age, experiance and how old
the car is and how much it's worth. the 4 cyl isn't that bad on insurance,
but still probably almost double compared to what you guys pay, and the 6
cyl is double what the 4 cyl is on insurance so im wondering whether i
should get the 4 cyl for the cheap insurance, but then just modify it to
get some extra horses, or if it would be cheaper to just get the 6 cyl, oh
well i've got awhile b4 i need to make a decision, but i'm still looking
around.
Good luck with your car.

Thank You
Dave

[dave349]

ouch that Fiero was really nice, too bad it got wrecked. anyways,
thanks for this info, i'm starting to think this car might be better
than i thought in the snow. I'd probably only be driving this car to
school and to work (whenever i find a job lol), and if i ever thought
there was too much snow, i could always take the bus. But thanks for
this info on winter driving, but i still would liek to know about
maintenance, because as far as i've heard they're faily reliable, but
little things can escalate quickly and mechanics are reluctant to work
on them because they are mid engine

Dave

Post by Hank
I have been driving a 85 4 cyl for 5 years here in NH I also have a 96
Jaguar and a 90 Grand Marquis both rear wheel drive the only one I
feel safe to drive in the snow and ice is the Fiero. My 2m4 was
destroyed last fall see link
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeecixb/page5.htm
I have since purchased about 6 weeks ago a 85 GT I hope it handles as
well in snow as the 2m4 did, which I am rebuilding and is now drivable
for the past 4 months.
Hank
On Sun, 1 Oct 2006 11:38:13 -0400, "Don Bjortomt"

Post by Don Bjortomt
I agree with Mr Potatohead about the snow driving.
I would like to caution you about driving the fiero on wet roads however,
especially with the 6 cylinder engine. I have spun my 88 GT 360 degrees on a
turn that was less than 45 degrees. Becuase the car handles so well on dry
roads you can take most turns without slowing down much. But if the road is
the least bit wet you are in for some excitment. In wet conditions I now
take turns lower than the posted speed.
Regards;
Don Bjortomt

Post by dave349

Post by Mr Potatohead
Yikes! Make sure you use jackstands and not just the
jack if you get under the car. It can crush your
leetle bones and hurt a lot if it falls.
oh ya of course, forgot to mention that, kind of important though lol.
The Firebird was overpowered in winter snows and
could spin out easily if you pushed it. The engine
is in the front though and even though both cars
drive from the rear wheels, the Fiero has the engine
in the back and on the drive wheels. When you have
the weight of the engine on the drive wheels, it
handles better in snow. Therefore, by simple logic,
the Fiero should be better in snow than front engine
-- rear wheel drive cars.
I've had Fieros since 1987 and have been in some
pretty difficult snow driving situations. I've found
them very good in snow when compared to other cars
I've had. Nothing makes up for good driving under
all situations though.
thanks for this info, still not sure though if the fiero would be a good
winter car, for my first winter at least, you know get used to driving in
the snow, so if i get a fiero i will probly try and find a cheap for for
liek 500 bucks for the winter, at keast for the first year anyways.
Insurance-wise, as an old fart, I haven't had any
problem with differences between cars I've owned. I
have both 4 and 6 cylinder Fieros and noticed no
difference. I guess it must not be the same with
younger drivers. It was a lot different when the
Fiero was new. I lost my insurance because the
company didn't want to cover them. But they turned
out to be pretty safe cars and eventually the
insurance companies thought better of them. Today, I
expect age and experience of the driver has more to
do with the price tag.
ya, it definately has everythign to do with age, experiance and how old
the car is and how much it's worth. the 4 cyl isn't that bad on insurance,
but still probably almost double compared to what you guys pay, and the 6
cyl is double what the 4 cyl is on insurance so im wondering whether i
should get the 4 cyl for the cheap insurance, but then just modify it to
get some extra horses, or if it would be cheaper to just get the 6 cyl, oh
well i've got awhile b4 i need to make a decision, but i'm still looking
around.
Good luck with your car.

Thank You
Dave

[Mr Potatohead]

Post by dave349
ouch that Fiero was really nice, too bad it got wrecked. anyways,
thanks for this info, i'm starting to think this car might be better
than i thought in the snow. I'd probably only be driving this car to
school and to work (whenever i find a job lol), and if i ever thought
there was too much snow, i could always take the bus. But thanks for
this info on winter driving, but i still would liek to know about
maintenance, because as far as i've heard they're faily reliable, but
little things can escalate quickly and mechanics are reluctant to work
on them because they are mid engine

Finding a good mechanic is hard with any car today.
Dealers won't let you in to talk to the mechs and,
frankly, I won't take my cars to places where I
can't watch what's going on. Even Fieros, as old as
they are, are still a bit complicated for the
backyard mechanic. I thought I found a good one last
year but found to get to the computer, he destroyed
the console skeleton. Boo hiss.

Now I have another guy who seems really bright, has
his own shop, let's me watch, shows me old parts,
etc. Old time stuff. Right now he's putting a water
pump on my V-6 GT. No rush. But he's not afraid to
tackle anything on the car(s) because he does his
homework first. Gets out all the service bulletins
and prepares to do the job right.

Ya gotta pay, but it's worth it if they do it right.
If you find someone like that, treat him well. :-)

[dave349]

ya, and the place my parents take thier cars i don't think could work
on a fiero, they're trustworthy but it's a shop run like a dealership
shop so they you can't rea;;y talk to the mechanics, but i don't know
if they do major things, both my parents cars are fairly new (2002
alero, 2006 matrix) so we havent had any big problems. but i think my
school shop teacher could probably do things if i needed them, he seems
to fix everyone's cars

Post by Mr Potatohead

Post by dave349
ouch that Fiero was really nice, too bad it got wrecked. anyways,
thanks for this info, i'm starting to think this car might be better
than i thought in the snow. I'd probably only be driving this car to
school and to work (whenever i find a job lol), and if i ever thought
there was too much snow, i could always take the bus. But thanks for
this info on winter driving, but i still would liek to know about
maintenance, because as far as i've heard they're faily reliable, but
little things can escalate quickly and mechanics are reluctant to work
on them because they are mid engine

Finding a good mechanic is hard with any car today.
Dealers won't let you in to talk to the mechs and,
frankly, I won't take my cars to places where I
can't watch what's going on. Even Fieros, as old as
they are, are still a bit complicated for the
backyard mechanic. I thought I found a good one last
year but found to get to the computer, he destroyed
the console skeleton. Boo hiss.
Now I have another guy who seems really bright, has
his own shop, let's me watch, shows me old parts,
etc. Old time stuff. Right now he's putting a water
pump on my V-6 GT. No rush. But he's not afraid to
tackle anything on the car(s) because he does his
homework first. Gets out all the service bulletins
and prepares to do the job right.
Ya gotta pay, but it's worth it if they do it right.
If you find someone like that, treat him well. :-)