Is it worth it? Is it a good idea?

[Hate Personified]

Hi there, long time lurker here.
I'm currently looking at a 1997 T/A, for $5452 USD, it has 74564 Miles on it.
It's an all original, unmolested car, only things done are a transmission rebuild/swap (6000 miles on tranny, slushbox) and slotted/cross drilled rotors.
Paint looks good and original (black) with only a small chip on the back bumper. It's a hardtop. Only things wrong with it are the aforementioned chip and that plastic rimming on the hatch glass has peeled away in one corner, and it needs new rear tires. No accidents, not winter driven, but stored outside. No rust, anywhere (although I didn't get under the car.) The only thing that gives me any pause about the condition is that I couldn't do more than drive it up and down a long-ish driveway, because it doesn't have any plates. (Owner offered to cert for an extra $450.)

I'm asking because I currently share a good car (which I'd actually be sad to stop driving) with my dad. It has a few issues here and there, and I don't know how long until it becomes a money pit though. (the car is a 1992 Grand Am, which the tinworm is starting to get at, but will be fixed soon, my folks pay for the maintenance, but they wouldn't for the T/A assuming I got it.) I have about 2200 saved up, but my parents have said they'd help me out as long as I paid them back asap (I should be graduating from university this year.) This would be my daily driver from now on. For those of you whom are wondering, I live in Canada so we do get snow.

If the car is as advertised, is it a good deal or plainly average? I'm really torn because it seems to be the right car (although I'd prefer a white with t-tops, the overall body on this one is great) for the right price, but I'm not sure if it's the right time. I've always wanted a Firebird, for which I blame the Hoff, and it would probably be my first new car anyway, but as of right now it's not really 'necessary'.

Any thoughts? Help me out guys, it's really stressing me out.

[Fastbird]

I've always wanted a Firebird, for which I blame the Hoff

That line right there made my day!!!

Ok, back on topic. IF the car is as unmolested as you say, and it's in the condition as you say, the $5500 isn't bad for it IMO. It's on the high side, but that's low mileage and a stock car, which is a great thing to have. Some things to look at though:

Inspect the rear underside of the car for any signs of rubber chunks. I was a little taken back by the fact it needs new rear tires but not fronts too.

Check for leaks around the front of the motor.

Post up some pics for us to judge.

Sounds like a decent deal though.

[Hate Personified]

That line right there made my day!!!

Ok, back on topic. IF the car is as unmolested as you say, and it's in the condition as you say, the $5500 isn't bad for it IMO. It's on the high side, but that's low mileage and a stock car, which is a great thing to have. Some things to look at though:

Inspect the rear underside of the car for any signs of rubber chunks. I was a little taken back by the fact it needs new rear tires but not fronts too.

Check for leaks around the front of the motor.

Post up some pics for us to judge.

Sounds like a decent deal though.

Bottom half of the water pump area seems discolored a bit, but is not actively leaking. I think pretty normal though? Still has original opti and water pump, I think. fender wells didn't seem to have any sign of rubber chunks if I remember correctly. Interior is a little dirty (needs a vacuum) but is not faded. Consoles look great.

edit: here is the ad

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ146704496

(note: 6000 Canadian ~ 5500 USD.)

Bumper discoloration is not as pronounced as in image, had been gone over with some polish since the pics were taken.

[IronOutlaw]

Seems about right. You could probably find a better deal but nice LT1 cars are kinda hard to come by these days.
Car was probably driven hard though to need a transmission at under 70000 miles though. Mine lasted 120000 and was tortured its whole life in my old car. lol.

[Hate Personified]

Seems about right. You could probably find a better deal but nice LT1 cars are kinda hard to come by these days.
Car was probably driven hard though to need a transmission at under 70000 miles though. Mine lasted 120000 and was tortured its whole life in my old car. lol.

Well, it is known that the slushbox will sacrifice itself for the good of the rest of the drivetrain, right?


I'm thinking though that maybe I should wait, cause my finances aren't as good as I thought.