1985 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am 5.0 TPI
Summary:
:< a bad experience
Faults:
Blown holes through pistons due to an incorrect computer reading sent by a faulty or incorrectly set component - (not sure).
Continual steering problems due to a bad conversion.
Cruise control failed (vacuum loss).
Rough, irregular idle. Due to bad injectors and bad wiring.
Overheating (many times) due to sensor not switching on a thermostatic fan and the fan motor not spinning.
Problems getting mechanics who don't rip you off and who actually know what they are doing.
Pop up headlight motor has died.
General Comments:
I have now sorted most problems.
My bad experiences can be put down to three things:
1. It's an American car.
2. It was a bad conversion done by someone who knew very little about what he was doing.
3. I had a lot of bad mechanics cause more problems than solve them.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th July, 2001
4th Sep 2001, 14:20
I have had American cars all my life and they run great. I have seen many of them through 200,000 miles. All cars break down, no matter what they claim. Look around and actually see for yourself what cars last. Or look on message boards like this one.
My uncle had a Toyota truck and over the 5 years he owned it, it broke down 23 times. It broke down to the point where he had to call someone to pick him up. But, he used to claim it was a great car because it was the in car at the time.
I enjoy the 3rd gen. Firebird line. I own both an 86 and 85 Firebird and they run great. I use them as my daily transportation. But, this is just my luck with the cars. I would definitely take a look around before bashing American cars. Good luck on your next car.