Faults:

Power window motor burned.

Replaced new break front pads.

Rearmost muffler needed to be replaced.

EGR-valve had bad connection.

General Comments:

I was going to buy a Porsche 944 or 928, but once I test drove this Firebird, I was sold. Yes, it's the V6 which compared to 928 lacks power and doesn't corner as well as 944. But this Firebird was by far the most comfortable to drive.

I was impressed how roomy the driver's area is (198 cm tall) and I still have space for my shoulders and my head isn't scratching the roof. It is a bit of work to climb out of the car, but I've yet to meet a low-cut sports car that's easy. And if you're even average fit, it's no issue. Only problem are the doors. They are VERY long, and you need to always take extra care to have ample parking space.

I love the targa-roof! On a nice day you can take the roof-bits off and store them in the trunk. And you can drive highway speeds with them off, even with widows down it's OK. And on rainy or cooler days the glass roof panels let you enjoy the trees overhead as you pass under. I do have the covers, but never really used them. Maybe if I lived in the tropics...

The engine is not the most powerful (160hp), but has nice torque and is enough to pull the car about nicely. The revs stay nice low 2300rpm at 120km/h and the converter locks up to save fuel. The aerodynamics is sleek, specially with headlight down. I can actually drive on highway with barely 8l/100km (with air-co off). In the city she drinks about 12l/100km. The automatic transmission is smooth, but computer control firms up the shifts if you press the pedal harder.

It's very comfortable on highways, but unfortunately catches the crosswinds too easily. In the city you are naturally sitting very low, so you only see the end of the car in front of you. (Saying this coming from Jeep Wrangler...) Also you have to really know your car's corners (which are very rounded, because you cannot see any of them - not even the hood. Only way to judge the front is to raise the headlights, but even they are about 50cm from the front and 20 cm from the sides...but haven't scratched her yet!

Makes me wonder why I'd even consider selling this one, but I usually change cars at least yearly. (Owned over 50 cars to date.) So I guess having this car for two years in a row, is kind of a record for me...

Faults:

Previous owner (s) Neglected the car for years, apparently. Bought cheap and restored/customized it. All top engine gaskets, rear main seal, catalytic converter, exhaust, front trans seal, rear shocks, alternator, tensioner pulley, serp belt, replaced stereo, installed custom white gauges, custom headlights. A portion of repairs were preventive maintenance i.e. rear main and front trans seal.

General Comments:

I am anything but a typical car owner. Cars I buy IMPROVE in condition during my ownership. I don't tolerate neglect or lingering issues with what I drive and the model has to have redeeming qualities beyond typical or I won't own it.

The Firebird, and especially the Firebird Convertible I bought struck me as a car with huge potential. After including a body kit and other customizations, as well as bring it up to top condition... it might as well be a Ferrari. It COMMANDS attention. A visit to McDonald's drive-thru resulted in half their staff, gathering at the window, manager included.

Best of all, with the 3.4 Litre V6 that gets 29 MPG on the highway, I don't feel guilty driving it. This car is an absolute BLAST to drive. It corners exceptionally well and when healthy, the 3.4 engine DOES have guts, especially after the intake has been upgraded and a Flowmaster exhaust installed.

Car bought for $2100. Invested $3,000. Feels like a million bucks.