Thinking of buying this stunning Trans am pace car
Discussion
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1299935.htm
Been in the market for a nice TA for quite a while but didnt want a boring black one! This one seems to fit the bill, looks the biz in the pics and also ultra low miles. Can anyone give me a few tips on what to look out for, also is it priced well? I do think it is as spurr have one for £14,500, and this one looks so much nicer
Edited by amglover on Saturday 17th October 14:55
Looks nice, not much of a description on the ad, but would seem good value if all is in order. I personally don't like all the decals etc, but each to their own and it is suppose to be a limited edition pace car model and will more than likely go up in value as has most later 2nd gen's lately.
Have you owned a yank before?
Info: About 210bhp, 0-60 in around 9 secs (some ran faster, some slower), 110mph top (3 spd auto). If you're happy with that then:
Start by making sure the T-Top doesn't leak - check the seals look ok and fit nice. Even with it's mileage check for rust, especially floor/chassis/trunk (boot) pan and then everywhere else. make sure all the electrics work ok. Make sure it shifts nice a crisp with the transmission and that there's no odd noises/white smoke from the turbo.... blah, blah, blah
I'm always suspicious when a car looks too good, so check for crash repair (body alignment, filler, over-spray etc) and check the paperwork, HPI would be good (especially if the car has been in this country for a while).
Basically just give it a good looking over like any other car. If you're not mechanically minded, take someone who is.
Mike
Have you owned a yank before?
Info: About 210bhp, 0-60 in around 9 secs (some ran faster, some slower), 110mph top (3 spd auto). If you're happy with that then:
Start by making sure the T-Top doesn't leak - check the seals look ok and fit nice. Even with it's mileage check for rust, especially floor/chassis/trunk (boot) pan and then everywhere else. make sure all the electrics work ok. Make sure it shifts nice a crisp with the transmission and that there's no odd noises/white smoke from the turbo.... blah, blah, blah
I'm always suspicious when a car looks too good, so check for crash repair (body alignment, filler, over-spray etc) and check the paperwork, HPI would be good (especially if the car has been in this country for a while).
Basically just give it a good looking over like any other car. If you're not mechanically minded, take someone who is.
Mike
Edited by MikePCG on Saturday 17th October 15:55
chevy-stu said:
I've heard the 4.9 turbo TA engine can be a bit.. um.. 'fragile'...
Quite a few convert the turbo's to the non turbo 6.6 for reliability, ease of servicing/parts and performance.
True, I've heard that myself and yes that is a popular swap. However, given that this is a low miler? and in good condition? and the OP likes the looks of a pace car then it may well be still a good buy. I myself would go for a 6.6 for the very reasons you suggested as well. Quite a few convert the turbo's to the non turbo 6.6 for reliability, ease of servicing/parts and performance.
Edited by chevy-stu on Saturday 17th October 17:07
http://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/sports-c...
The engine is the reason why these cars are still relatively cheap and "collectability" probably applies more to the US than it does to the UK. The Buick GN and 3rd Gen TA Turbo had a far better engine.
The engine is the reason why these cars are still relatively cheap and "collectability" probably applies more to the US than it does to the UK. The Buick GN and 3rd Gen TA Turbo had a far better engine.
musclecarmad said:
amglover said:
Thanks but the firebird on ebay is no where near this car, in looks or condition, I dont mind the car being a cruiser rather then a drag car as thats not what I'm after anyway. A quick search round the net shows the pace car as being a very good investment for the future!
its not the same shape firebirdthe one im on about has had a full expensive respray and is in good condition everywhere - it comes up if you type in pontiac firebird and its starting at twelve grand.
HTH
I think we're all just trying to help because you asked for opinions. My own view is that despite being an American car fan, this model has potential pitfalls and the livery is very much an acquired taste though ideal and unusual if you want to do the shows. Collector's car? Maybe, but in any definitive iconic American car collection, it's not a car high on the list.
That said, I think your money would be safe as long as it didn't go wrong and I would not be influenced by Stateside values because there are very many cars in the UK that would be worth more if returned to the US and Americans tend to pay absurd money for cars they perceive as collectible (assuming they sell at the prices advertised).
In short, I don't think it would be as popular as you might envisage in the UK because I think a lot of people will shy away from the turbo and there isn't the support here that you'd get in the US where parts are cheaper. That said, the 2nd gens are becoming rarer in this condition so while it's not my cup of tea, the fact that other engines will fit means it should at least keep it's value.
Mind you, if it was that good, it would have sold by now (to use a common thought process). Just kidding.
That said, I think your money would be safe as long as it didn't go wrong and I would not be influenced by Stateside values because there are very many cars in the UK that would be worth more if returned to the US and Americans tend to pay absurd money for cars they perceive as collectible (assuming they sell at the prices advertised).
In short, I don't think it would be as popular as you might envisage in the UK because I think a lot of people will shy away from the turbo and there isn't the support here that you'd get in the US where parts are cheaper. That said, the 2nd gens are becoming rarer in this condition so while it's not my cup of tea, the fact that other engines will fit means it should at least keep it's value.
Mind you, if it was that good, it would have sold by now (to use a common thought process). Just kidding.
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