Faults:

Leaks oil, but hasn't been a major problem. When I put a V8 350 in I will take care of that problem.

Needed new windshield wipers.

Had to replace the fuel pump at 76,000 miles ($70).

The exhaust was hanging by the passenger side tire.

Missing the center console.

Vents on the dash do not work, only on the floor and defrost. Possibly bad heater controls.

Paint is flaking on the hood and roof.

Wires for the stereo were hooked up wrong. The + wire was hooked to the dimmer switch, causing my CD player to shut off when the lights were turned on.

Tires were bald and the rims were ugly.

The hinge for driver's side door is bent and bounces slightly when opening and closing.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable car. The seats are like recliners.

There is nothing majorly wrong with this car. Mechanically it is almost perfect. I purchased it for $750 from a used car dealership.

I fixed almost everything that I listed above, except for the oil leak and dash vents.

It does seem to run a little slow, but is in major need of a tune up.

Faults:

Fuel pump went bad at 140,000 ($250).

Seats are badly worn at the edges.

The stickers on the inside of the taillights are coming off.

Windshield wiper pump is bad.

U-joints went bad.

General Comments:

This car is awesome, except for the gas mileage, but what can you expect!

It is a kick in the ass to drive and tear around in.

The T-Tops make it look and feel awesome in the heat of the summer.

Faults:

Alternator went bad at 117,000 miles.

Mass air flow sensor was bad when I bought it.

Thermostat got stuck at 120,000 miles.

Wire fell off of the driver's side headlight relay at 125,000 miles.

Center console came apart, but this is common for the 82-92 Firebird.

Fixed with epoxy resin and some time.

Exhaust had rusted through, couldn't find the Y pipe with the square flange which seemed to be unique for the 85 TA with the TPI system.

Plus, the muffler shops guide books are incorrect, and list a Y pipe that is way too small. So, I bought one for an 86 TA and it worked fine. Just had to use a different catalytic converter.

Only other problem I had with the car is that someone was stealing my wheel center caps. Discovered that the Silver bird center caps can't be bought from the dealer anymore, only the gold ones. I have to come up with a way to prevent people from pulling them off.

General Comments:

I find the 1985 Trans Am 5.0L TPI to be a great car in general.

It runs strong still.

Starts on first turn of the key.

Lots of torque.

Corners really well.

And drives amazingly well on snow and ice for a rear wheel drive car.

I have had many rear wheel drive cars, but this one handles the snow and Ice very well for me. Some slippage on hills but generally it works fine as my daily driver. But, the summers are still better.