Oppo, what about a Fiero?

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
06/18/2014 at 12:31 • Filed to: Fiero

Could this be the car I'm looking for? Mid-engine, Rear-drive, two doors, and well maintained GT's for sale all around me for $1500?? What is this car?

I've never heard of it until last night and I like what I'm looking at. Almost like a weird crossover between GM and some Lambo/Ferrari baby thing. What's the deal with this car, good and bad?

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DISCUSSION (60)

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:32

Go find the Regular Car Review of it. Your eyes will be opened.

For Sweden > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:33

You've never heard of the Fierro? You are definitely one of today's lucky 10,000.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:33

They are reputed to like to auto-ignite, for fuel system and temp related issues. They are also, as a malaisey GM, somewhat of a tin can.

That being said, at the price you can get them, hoon 'em like you stole 'em.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:37

The recall book on the Fiero was thicker than Kate Upton's bust line, stay away.

daender > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:39

Cool car, spring for a '88 Fiero GT above all else. The very last year had its suspension designed/stolen by/from Lotus and it meant a world of difference. V6's are known to ignite so make sure to debug it before it goes faux-Ferrari on you.

I Hoon Therefore I Am > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:40

The possibilities of what you can do to these things are endless. It is every kit car makers wet dream. You can't beat it for a cheap mid engine platform to build off of. Not too familiar with common problems though. Should be thousands of forums detailing common issues and there is definitely some people here who could shed some light on it.

Lamborghini Fiero

Kinja'd!!!

lone_liberal > daender
06/18/2014 at 12:43

I agree, an '88 GT would be the way to go if you're interested in a Fiero.

briannutter1 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:45

I had an '88 GT. Fine car. no problems. Handled well. Plenty of pep from the 2.8 V6. The wing on the back is necessary. Front bank is hard to change plugs, but otherwise fine. Miss the car and wouldn't mind getting another someday. The formula isn't quite as good looking, but about 50lbs lighter if memory serves.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Brian Silvestro
06/18/2014 at 12:46

I watched it, but it wasn't really that interesting. Wasn't one of my favorites. But I think I got it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > For Sweden
06/18/2014 at 12:46

You are definitely one of today's lucky 10,000.

Why is that?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
06/18/2014 at 12:47

Not sure what malaisey GM refers to. Is that good or bad?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
06/18/2014 at 12:48

How bad is that description? I mean how bad does that make the car?

For Sweden > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:48

http://xkcd.com/1053/

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > I Hoon Therefore I Am
06/18/2014 at 12:48

Why would someone do dat? It looks cool, but why?

OPPOsaurus WRX > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
06/18/2014 at 12:49

they really do try hard to be Ferrari's haha

revrseat70 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:51

I'd spring for the Gen 2 MR2 in that category.

I Hoon Therefore I Am > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:52

Because it is ridiculously easy to modify and you can pick them up with the cash you find under the pillows in your couch. People don't need much motivation to pick one up try to modify it and then dump it on someone else. To be honest a lot of them are ruined because of this but there is definitely still some clean examples out there. Its what people go for when they want to make it seem like they have money and a nice car when all they have is a hell of a lot of fiberglass and creativity which can work wonders or create abominations.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:52

Cheapness, plastic, schizophrenia in design, panel gaps and other assembly woes, and poor power output from fiddly EFI systems.

Malaise era - mid/late 70s until about 1990, a lot of US manufacturers had... issues.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > briannutter1
06/18/2014 at 12:55

Is it easy to work on in a garage? Like Mustang easy? If that makes sense.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:55

I kind of want one... but it isn't as good as a 944 in my opinion.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 12:55

If you do get one, be VERY careful about oncoming traffic. Not too much of a crumple zone in them. My brother had to learn how to walk again after having a head on collision in his.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > revrseat70
06/18/2014 at 12:56

I don't want a Toyota; family problems with Japanese cars.(i.e WW2) -_-

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
06/18/2014 at 13:00

I see. So this is a car to avoid then?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
06/18/2014 at 13:01

What makes you say that?

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:01

With a fresh coat of black paint, the factory spoiler and lowered suspension you would be amazed at how fan-fucking-tastic these look. A hs friend had one with spotless tan leather. Got my blessing if those areas are addressed

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
06/18/2014 at 13:02

And now I don't want one. Thanks -_-

I'm never gonna find a car at this rate.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:04

Not really, just know what you're getting into. I wouldn't try to DD it until it had had some time shaking out gremlins, basically. It's still a load of fun for the money, and a good value.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:06

1 Practicality, little trunk and no back seat.

2 Fieros light themselves on fire.

3 It is a Pontiac VS Porsche matter which would rather you say you own

4 Fieros weren't very reliable.

5 Your Porsche Tamer not Pontiac Tamer.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
06/18/2014 at 13:12

I want whatever car fits my description.

1. Manuel trans

2. 2+2 Seating

3. Coupe or Cabrio

4. Two doors

5. Power(more than 150hp)

6. Torque

7. Handles well

8. Some practicality(capable of 2-person roadtrip)

9. Easy to work on

10. $2000, no more than that.

briannutter1 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:12

yeah, it doesn't get much simpler really. Mine was a low mileage car, but everything worked. Definitely find the best one you can.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:16

Fiero doesn't make most of those.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
06/18/2014 at 13:18

It's an exception for now...But if it doesn't, what does??

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:20

944.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
06/18/2014 at 13:21

Or....

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:24

Kinja'd!!!

They have a bit of a tarnished reputation thanks to an issue with electrical fires and typically being owned by white trash, but they are pretty cool small sports cars and with the right suspension/engine mods can be more than a match for an MR2, or even a low-end Boxster. If you can live with being teased a little bit for your car choice, it'll make a great car. Plus, the engine bay was designed for a much larger engine than what it was launched with, so V6/V8 swaps are common and there's plenty of documentation to help you through one should you want to.

Kinja'd!!!

If you can find a late model Formula (top) or the restyled V6 GT (above) for a reasonable price, go for it.

Kinja'd!!!

Plus they had speakers in the headrests which is just awesome.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:24

What you want is a first gen MR2 meets all but 2+2 seating. 944 is the answer.

Ferrero1911 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:39

You could rebuild it like this girl: http://jalopnik.com/the-teen-girl-…

or paint it like this:

Kinja'd!!!

CAPTDALE > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 13:50

When I first got my 87 Fiero GT, I thought why in the world? Then I looked into the support bases for these cars and OMG!!! Everyone who owns one is great and take care of them. In most cases owners have 2-3 running in great order Fieros. There is so much you can do to them and with them. Plus you get one of those rare GM gems that hasn't become a over priced collectors item because they are from the '80s. I love mine and love the looks, questions, and comments I get on her.

CAPTDALE > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
06/18/2014 at 13:54

1. Has enough trunk for me (enough to travel with someone else)

2. Only the '84s caught on fire with the Iron duke.

3. Who doesn't want a mid-engined Pontiac?

4. They are as realiable, or more, as any car from its era. I daily drive mine 50 miles round trip 6 days a week to and from work. Yes I wear out parts and have to replace them, but that is any car you drive. things wear out. Plus 22-30 mpg is great!

5. Why can't he be both?

CAPTDALE > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 14:03

The Fiero misses: 2 and 5(140hp)

CAPTDALE > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 14:04

yet again, I DD mine, its great.

CAPTDALE > daender
06/18/2014 at 14:05

I4s ignited, the V6 was the good motor.

CAPTDALE > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 14:09

You really need to talk to the people on Pennock's Fiero Forum if you really want to know more about these cars. Best place for info. Seriously, they are great cars.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 14:34

I hear they can be made absolutely nutters with a Northstar V8 put into them

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/18/2014 at 14:36

I like the thought of that.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 14:39

These guys will put an LS4 Chevy V8 in it for around 4k it appears...

http://www.westcoastfiero.com/engine_convers…

and then heres a youtube of a Northstar conversion, sounds mean as hell. He calls out there's a lot of fabrication required though and he ended up parting out 2 Cadillac STS's to get the job done.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/18/2014 at 14:43

Sounds like much work.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 14:48

much, much, much work.

but would be sweet!

Obviously there are drastically easier options

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
06/18/2014 at 14:53

It'd be cool if someone could swap in a boxer engine into a Fiero.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > CAPTDALE
06/18/2014 at 15:20

I like the Fiero I just think a 944 is a better choice.

revrseat70 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 17:51

Gotcha. Then I guess I'd echo what everyone else is saying in an MR car ('88 GT). You can LS swap too!

Garrett Davis > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/18/2014 at 20:23

Kinja'd!!!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Garrett Davis
06/18/2014 at 20:28

Garrett Davis > For Sweden
06/18/2014 at 20:31

Classic XKCD

RyanFrew > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/19/2014 at 14:26

Dude, you've totally got it with the VW, 944, or Fox.

Manual: 944 will have the best gearbox

2+2 Seating: All

Coupe or Cabrio: All

Two doors: All

Power: Fox Body

Torque: Fox Body

Handling: 944

Practicality: VW

Easy to work on: Fox

<$2,000: Fox, then VW, then Porsche...because maintenance costs.

Bruno Martini > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/19/2014 at 16:25

Nice price all day, and twice on Sunday. IF the car is still road worthy and looks serviceable it is a nice price even if it was an auto.

Scurvy > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/19/2014 at 17:20

If the one in the pic is the one you are looking at for 1500 I'd vote yes, and if it's a v6 / 5 speed double yes. They were sort of a parts bin special, (didn't they use a bunch of "X" body parts?) but they are cheap to get parts for and fairly reliable. It's still a 20 year old car so a cheap one may need some sorting, and updating. The later Fiero's really were significantly better than the earlier ones.. even though they only lasted a few production years.

Plecostomus is a starred commenter > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/23/2014 at 13:43

If stick, go for it, if auto, stay away.

I loved mine, add a rear sway bar and you're done.
Body panels are plastic so you'll never get a dent and people in the midwest treat you like you ARE driving a Ferrari. it's really funny.

Plecostomus is a starred commenter > Plecostomus is a starred commenter
06/23/2014 at 13:45

Bonus sidenote: ANY Fwd GM engine bolts right up to the tranny and even cooperates with the mounts. 3800SC Series III, Cadillac 4.9L V8, 3.4 Twin Dual Cam and Camaro V6 3400/3800 swaps are popular and common, with the occasional 350 swap, EcoTec, Quad4 and Northstar swaps. See Fiero.NL - nice price btw

Jatwaa > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
06/26/2014 at 12:49

I don't own this exact model, but I own an 87 2.5. The one you show in the picture, the GT, should have the 6 cyl and a pretty dependable tranny. Even with my 2.5 (4 cyl) its is a fun drive. I am still working on mine though. They can be daily drivers with normal care. If you feel froggy, there are kits to drop a V8 in there and have some real fun. Drop a link on the Fiero forums and you can get a bit more info from people more knowledgeable than myself though. Link is http://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/main.c…

Like driving a sleek and high powered go-kart.