This article represents my view on the "collectibility" of the Fiero!
All Fiero Enthusiasts have heard of, or read articles on the potential value of the Fiero as a "collector" car. As we all know, the collector car market has shown some impressive gains over the years, but has had numerous down slides in value. In this new, 10th edition of the Fiero Price Guide for 2008, I attempt to look at current market values for Fiero enthusiasts. This Guide was derived by using the following sources: NADA (National Auto Dealers Assoc.), Kelly Blue Book, VMR Standard Auto Guide, Pace Used Car Prices, "Electronic’’ Price Guide, cars.com, Auto trader.com, discussions with area club members, review of Fiero‘‘For Sale’’Ads with followup to determine sold prices, ebay, Pennocks Fiero Forum, and personal and Club member buy/sells in the past 12 months
CONDITION
The one variable that cannot be reduced to a chart is condition. It is easy to evaluate a price from a book based on year, model, options, and even mileage. However, the key is how the car was maintained, driven, repaired timely, upkeep, condition of exterior paint (garaged?), tires, brakes, (and emergency brakes!), interior cleanliness, upholstery condition, glass condition, alum. wheel corrosion, exhaust condition, and A/C (in working order). These are just a few of the mojor factors which lead to the condition variable. Based on the many cars I have seen, this variable alone can relate to a price differential of 25-50% of the values shown in the Fiero Price Guide. An 88GT with delivery mileage, or a mint 84 Indy pace car are not capable of being charted in this Guide. Even in looking at the used car guides in one region, an "excellent condition "retail price on an average mileage 88GT will vary by as much as $2500!
WHICH YEARS/MODELS ARE BEST?
The consensus among enthusiasts continues to be the same as in the past. The 88GT, 88 Formula, and the 87-86 GT’s continue to be at the top of buyers most wanted lists. While several car price guides reduce value for a manual transmission, the true market value is about the same. Suspension modifications to the 85-87 V6’s may make these years very desirable, because pricing differentials between 88’s and the 85-87 cars may make it worthwhile to add suspension and brake components to these low mileage cars. Also, since 56,162 GT’s were produced in 85-87, there are a lot more opportunities to find a well maintained car than looking for a 88 GT (6,848 produced) or Formula (5,643 produced).
DO COLORS MATTER?
Not much. While some limited production colors have appeal from a collector’s standpoint (yellow and blue), condition will play the major variable role.
HOW ABOUT MILEAGE?
Standard used car price guides do not take into account a specialty, discontinued, 2 seat specialty sports car when creating low mileage and high mileage tables. The Fiero Price Guide has attempted to look at market prices, compare mileage for clean, well kept cars, and suggest a plus or minus variable for this factor. Note that no mileage variable was established for under 5,000 or over 15s0,000 miles. These cars have to be evaluated on the basis of condition, collectibility, price, and the Fiero buyers needs or desires.
DESIRABILITY OF OPTIONS
A/C -Just about mandatory. . Approx. orig. option price $750. V6 vs. 4 CYL - Toss up - The V6 is most desirable, but the 4 is good and dependable. Approx. option price of $645 for the V6. CRUISE - Not a major issue, but nice to have. Approximate orig. option price of $175. SUNROOF - Mixed reactions-overall a desirable option. Approx. option price of $350. AM/FM CASSETTE - Desirable, especially if it has the graphic equalizer option. PDL - Not usually an issue due to easy reach and convenience; but for a enthusiasts car, a great feature for an alarm installation with remote to unlock the doors. Approximate orig. option price of $140. PW - A desirable option. Std. on the GT.Approx. orig. option price of $175. TILT -A desirable option. Std on the GT. Approx. orig option price of $110. T-TOPS -A desirable option. Only 1,252 were made in 1988 as a Quasi - factory $905 option. Many more were installed in 1984-1988 Fieros by Cars and Concepts' dealers across the country. Some leakage problems, but parts are still available. There is a T-Top registry to authenticate the actual 1988 T-Top production. Call John Podziemski @ 414-329-2766 (Wisc.). John has a list of VIN #'s that Pontiac had converted to T-Tops before shipping to dealers. SUB-WOOFER - This is the ‘‘premium sound’’ option, which was a $150 option price in 1986-88. A desirable option, since most of the components are no longer available from Pontiac. (also hard to find in salvage yards. Used price about $200, when you can find one. DEFOG -Not worth the $25-50 in the guide. Limited use. Approx. orig. option of $145. LEATHER -True leather was offered in 88 as an option on GT’s. The 84’s and 85’s had a fleece/suede option, and the 86’s and 87’s had a suede/leather/pallex option. Hard to find in good condition! An 88 option price of $375. WING -A true value! Replacement costs are generally higher than the 1988 retail price ($375). Keep in mind that the wing (‘‘rear deck spoiler’’) was an option on the 85-88 GT's and 86-87 SE's. It was only a standard equipment item on the 88 Formula & Indy pace car. Used wings sell for $125-$200 depending on condition. Replicas are available for $175-$200.
PARTS
By and large most parts are still available. If you are thinking of "buying up" some parts for future use, almost all appearance items like instrument surrounds, console plates and trim pieces are discontinued. There are many enthusiasts who are buying "parts cars"! Several sources all over the country are available for used parts. Most notable are the Fiero Factory (www.fierofactory.com), Rodney Dickman (www.rodneydickman.com), The Fiero Store (www.fierostore.com) & online wholesalers like www.monsterpartsdirect.com & www.gmpartsdirect.com.
KIT CAR MARKET
Another factor in the value of owning a Fiero is the desireability of the chassis in the kit car market. There are numerous manufacturers of kits to convert the Fiero to a personalized car by merely attaching a new "skin". (Pick up a copy of Kit Car magazine).
CONCLUSION
Is the Fiero a good investment? Up to now, probably not, if you look at merely a dollar and cents analysis of return on investment. However, the true value is hidden in our day to day enjoyment of owning and driving one of the finest 2 seat mid-engine cars ever built! I anticipate prices of desirable, above average Fieros to appreciate in coming years. It remains to be seen exactly if and how much this will be. The GT fastbacks, Indy and Formula will definitely lead the way of ‘‘desirables’’. The 84-87 coupes and SE’s will probably continue to depreciate, unless they are an above average, low mileage car. Every Fiero does not have to be categorized as a ‘‘collectable’’! Just have fun driving and enjoying your Fiero. Its a great car! The Fiero Price Guide is not an attempt to establish any market price. Retail prices will vary by area, and season. However, I believe the Fiero Price Guide for 2008 represents realistic, current market conditions. Compare these prices to your local market for nice, well cared for cars. Remember ‘‘condition’’ will continue be the major variable!
Paul Vargyas
Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts, Inc.
2600 Longview Dr. Lisle Il. 60532
630-983-6434
E-mail: paulv@xnet.com