Author Topic: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.  (Read 5352 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline TransAm_Stan

  • Member
  • **
  • Posts: 428




























I am so close to pulling the trigger on this TA. 

Experts weigh in with your opinions please!!!!!  Hit me with the good & bad.

This is what I know....

either 47 or 147K mikes
been sprayed several years ago
no rust
numbers matching
PHS documents

I am excited....

Stan
76 White w blue int. 400 4sp. "Toastee"

76 white with blue/white interior. 400 4 sp.(ongoing project)

Offline ta78w72

  • Lifetime Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6297
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2011, 12:14:07 PM »
The only reason not to buy it.....it's not a Camaro!

Wait a minute...that's a reason to buy it!

I love those cars.  I would love to own one.  I would pick it up if I was looking for another Trans Am.  However, if I was in the market for one, I would buy a T-Top model. 

Offline 4SPEED

  • Ohio Firebirds
  • Lifetime Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7322
  • NFTAC & POCI Member
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2011, 12:19:37 PM »
it looks really good to me.  other then the stuff in the engine bay that need corrected.

if you get it , I have the vent tube needed for the rocker cover to the air cleaner.  and a nice set of rocker covers.
77 W72 TransAM  (SOLD)
79 TransAM 4SPEED

Offline Hitman

  • Administrator
  • Lifetime Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8284
    • http://www.78ta.com
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #3 on: January 07, 2011, 12:32:47 PM »
I guess a big question is how much is he asking for the car? If he is asking $7,000 for the car then I can't think of too many reasons not to buy it.  Sure, there are alot of things wrong like decals and such, but that can be fixed and taken care of. But if the guy is asking $20,000 for the car, then I can think of reasons not to buy it.
Brett Campbell
"Hitman"
www.78ta.com
1978 Trans Am

Offline TransAm_Stan

  • Member
  • **
  • Posts: 428
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #4 on: January 07, 2011, 01:18:42 PM »
He is asking 13.5K.  We have not started the haggle process.

I really appreciate the quick responses.

Great to know there are experts in the ways of the Trans am here.   And even better that they share their vast knowledge with a newbie such as myself.

Thanks guys!

Stan   
76 White w blue int. 400 4sp. "Toastee"

76 white with blue/white interior. 400 4 sp.(ongoing project)

Offline ta78w72

  • Lifetime Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6297
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #5 on: January 07, 2011, 01:53:59 PM »
I'd suggest you come up with an estimate to get it freshened up.  How's all the mechanical stuff?

Offline TransAm_Stan

  • Member
  • **
  • Posts: 428
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #6 on: January 07, 2011, 02:17:34 PM »
I'd suggest you come up with an estimate to get it freshened up.  How's all the mechanical stuff?

Owner says he drove it 900 miles 2 months ago.  AC compressor locked up & threw a belt.  He has another compressor.  Also says everything works as it should.

I wish I can lay eyes on it, but alas, it is 962 miles away from me.  I have not bought a vehicle sight unseen before.  Makes me nervous. 

Thanks for the responses!

Stan
76 White w blue int. 400 4sp. "Toastee"

76 white with blue/white interior. 400 4 sp.(ongoing project)

Offline bobspacin80ta

  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1336
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #7 on: January 07, 2011, 03:57:02 PM »
Check to see if one of the guys on here is close and will go take a look at it for you. May cost you a dinner and a cpl beers.
'80 T/A Indy pace car
'78 Grand Prix
'78 Grand Prix

Offline TransAm_Stan

  • Member
  • **
  • Posts: 428
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #8 on: January 07, 2011, 04:03:13 PM »
Check to see if one of the guys on here is close and will go take a look at it for you. May cost you a dinner and a cpl beers.

That is a OUTSTANDING idea!!

Anybody up for it?  Dinner & Beer on me...

Stan
304-265-zero-six-seven-zero
76 White w blue int. 400 4sp. "Toastee"

76 white with blue/white interior. 400 4 sp.(ongoing project)

Offline brian c

  • Lifetime Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4880
  • Ohio Firebirds Member
    • Y88 Resto
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2011, 04:57:23 PM »
Where's the car located? If its in Western NY (Buffalo, Fredonia, Lockport, etc) I could help out as I'm very close to those areas.

1978 Y88, '70 455 HO block bored 0.060, TH350, 3.42:1 gears...Oct '08 Fbodywarehouse Calendar - Woot!
1980 Firebird - no engine/tranny... to be pacecar clone

Offline LOMILETA

  • Global Moderator
  • Adv. Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2435
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #10 on: January 07, 2011, 05:05:48 PM »
The car is in Minneapolis
1978 TA-462 ci Buick (just sold)
1980 Turbo Formula
1995 Grand Prix
2002 TA convertible

Offline TransAm_Stan

  • Member
  • **
  • Posts: 428
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #11 on: January 07, 2011, 05:35:16 PM »
The car is in Minneapolis

Correct, it is in  Minneapolis or at least near.  I think its real close to Princeton. I really haven't asked that question yet. And I admit I should be flogged for not saying where it was located in my previous post.

My Apologies.

Stan
76 White w blue int. 400 4sp. "Toastee"

76 white with blue/white interior. 400 4 sp.(ongoing project)

Offline ta78w72

  • Lifetime Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6297
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #12 on: January 07, 2011, 07:19:53 PM »
Don't think you'll be able to buy this car and simply drive it without any additional investment.  It's 35 years old.

Offline TransAm_Stan

  • Member
  • **
  • Posts: 428
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #13 on: January 07, 2011, 08:46:13 PM »
Don't think you'll be able to buy this car and simply drive it without any additional investment.  It's 35 years old.

Understood.

My Father always said " expect to spend 10% of the purchase price to get it on the road".  Obliviously it could be more. Be nice if it was less.

Thanks for the comments!

Stan
76 White w blue int. 400 4sp. "Toastee"

76 white with blue/white interior. 400 4 sp.(ongoing project)

Offline y88rick

  • Lifetime Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7708
  • f bodies suck. Don't buy one lol
Re: Why should I not buy this car? Experts pick it apart!! 76 50th Anny.
« Reply #14 on: January 07, 2011, 10:08:20 PM »
I would only spend around 9-10 on the purchase of the car. for 1500 more you can get so much more of a reconditioned t/a than that with alot more that is correct.  but if its what you really want....value is in the eyes of the guy who holds the cash. not the owner trying to sell it.
Too many birds, not enough food.