I'm a new member - looking at buying '02 Bird - have some quetions...
06-14-2006, 03:51 PM
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I'm a new member - looking at buying '02 Bird - have some quetions... Hello all -
I'm new around here, I've been reading and learning a lot so far and it seems like a great community.
I'm looking at buying a 2002 Firebird Trans Am, manual, t-tops. The guy is the second owner and has done some things like 1.5" drop and 19" wheels, larger throttle body. he doesn't seem to know much about the cars past, but is looking for the phone number of the original owner (is there another way I can get that info?). It has 12k miles on it, and is in great shape, garaged winters.
The main thing is that is has a hood with the large firebird logo stenciled on it, with "SLP 345 HP" on the hood along the bird wing. It also has polished aluminum gauges on the interior, and embroidered headrests. After seeing it I was all excited that it was SLP but I took down the VIN # and called SLP and they don't have it in their records.
So is this a fake or what? I didn't take down the RPO codes from the driver or passenger door yet. The guy I'm buying from didn't try to tell me it is the SLP or firehawk (he just said trans am), and it doesn't have the Firehawk logo on the bottom of the doors either. Even if it isn't the SLP version, should that be a deal-breaker?
What other things should I look for?
Thanks in advance for any advice & help!
I'm new around here, I've been reading and learning a lot so far and it seems like a great community.
I'm looking at buying a 2002 Firebird Trans Am, manual, t-tops. The guy is the second owner and has done some things like 1.5" drop and 19" wheels, larger throttle body. he doesn't seem to know much about the cars past, but is looking for the phone number of the original owner (is there another way I can get that info?). It has 12k miles on it, and is in great shape, garaged winters.
The main thing is that is has a hood with the large firebird logo stenciled on it, with "SLP 345 HP" on the hood along the bird wing. It also has polished aluminum gauges on the interior, and embroidered headrests. After seeing it I was all excited that it was SLP but I took down the VIN # and called SLP and they don't have it in their records.
So is this a fake or what? I didn't take down the RPO codes from the driver or passenger door yet. The guy I'm buying from didn't try to tell me it is the SLP or firehawk (he just said trans am), and it doesn't have the Firehawk logo on the bottom of the doors either. Even if it isn't the SLP version, should that be a deal-breaker?
What other things should I look for?
Thanks in advance for any advice & help!
06-15-2006, 10:08 PM
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sadly he got rid of them. however I actually like the ones that are on there, they're not too tacky like a lot of wheels people choose to put on cars nowadays.
such a tough decision...
such a tough decision...
06-16-2006, 08:42 AM
#7
Need to see photos, & more details.
If it's been modded quite extensively, I'd back away.
If it simply has the SLP lid, or maybe even SLP headers, then I'd have to think about it for a while. (Which is probably why it has the SLP decal, as it has nothing to do with any factory mod's, or SLP built, at all.)
First thing I'd do is remove the SLP 345 & the bird on the hood tho, ... (That's my opinion, not necessarily representative of the majority vote, ...)
From the added mod list below, it doesn't sound too bad yet, ..., but lots of mods usually comes with a heavy foot.
If it's been modded quite extensively, I'd back away.
If it simply has the SLP lid, or maybe even SLP headers, then I'd have to think about it for a while. (Which is probably why it has the SLP decal, as it has nothing to do with any factory mod's, or SLP built, at all.)
First thing I'd do is remove the SLP 345 & the bird on the hood tho, ... (That's my opinion, not necessarily representative of the majority vote, ...)
From the added mod list below, it doesn't sound too bad yet, ..., but lots of mods usually comes with a heavy foot.
Last edited by PontiacFan; 06-16-2006 at 06:22 PM.
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06-16-2006, 04:18 PM
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really - remove the hood stuff? I actually kind of liked that (however I liked it more when I thought it was from SLP and not just aftermarket). There's a lot I'd like to do to the car if I buy it, but I think I'll be stretching my budget already, so any mods may have to wait a while.
Anyway, all the second owner told me that all HE did was the wheels, the drop, the larger throttle body and a polished dress-up cover on the engine that I think just says trans am.
What else the car has done to it (but not by this guy) he said was a Borla exhaust, the polished aluminum gauges, embroidered headrests, polished plates on the floor inside the doors next to the seats, a short throw shifter, and of course the hood.
Anyway I can try to get more info (what else should I be looking for or asking about?) and pics. Is there any way to get the # of the original owner if this guy can't find his number? Carfax report came back clean.
thanks for the help and opinions so far everyone, I really appreciate it.
Anyway, all the second owner told me that all HE did was the wheels, the drop, the larger throttle body and a polished dress-up cover on the engine that I think just says trans am.
What else the car has done to it (but not by this guy) he said was a Borla exhaust, the polished aluminum gauges, embroidered headrests, polished plates on the floor inside the doors next to the seats, a short throw shifter, and of course the hood.
Anyway I can try to get more info (what else should I be looking for or asking about?) and pics. Is there any way to get the # of the original owner if this guy can't find his number? Carfax report came back clean.
thanks for the help and opinions so far everyone, I really appreciate it.
06-17-2006, 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by PontiacFan
Need to see photos, & more details.
If it's been modded quite extensively, I'd back away.
If it simply has the SLP lid, or maybe even SLP headers, then I'd have to think about it for a while. (Which is probably why it has the SLP decal, as it has nothing to do with any factory mod's, or SLP built, at all.)
First thing I'd do is remove the SLP 345 & the bird on the hood tho, ... (That's my opinion, not necessarily representative of the majority vote, ...)
From the added mod list below, it doesn't sound too bad yet, ..., but lots of mods usually comes with a heavy foot.
If it's been modded quite extensively, I'd back away.
If it simply has the SLP lid, or maybe even SLP headers, then I'd have to think about it for a while. (Which is probably why it has the SLP decal, as it has nothing to do with any factory mod's, or SLP built, at all.)
First thing I'd do is remove the SLP 345 & the bird on the hood tho, ... (That's my opinion, not necessarily representative of the majority vote, ...)
From the added mod list below, it doesn't sound too bad yet, ..., but lots of mods usually comes with a heavy foot.
curious as to why youd run from a heavily modded car?
06-17-2006, 11:21 AM
#10
Originally Posted by brynnda
curious as to why youd run from a heavily modded car?
Originally Posted by PontiacFan
If it's been modded quite extensively, I'd back away.
..., but lots of mods usually comes with a heavy foot.
..., but lots of mods usually comes with a heavy foot.
I would NOT purchase a car that has quite a few mods, as it usually means that it has been run hard.
I wouldn't want the problems that come associated with a car that has many mods & has had the crap run out of it. Yes, there are certain exceptions, but there are few cars like this that haven't been run hard.
06-17-2006, 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by PontiacFan
What part don't you understand?!?
I would NOT purchase a car that has quite a few mods, as it usually means that it has been run hard.
I wouldn't want the problems that come associated with a car that has many mods & has had the crap run out of it. Yes, there are certain exceptions, but there are few cars like this that haven't been run hard.
I would NOT purchase a car that has quite a few mods, as it usually means that it has been run hard.
I wouldn't want the problems that come associated with a car that has many mods & has had the crap run out of it. Yes, there are certain exceptions, but there are few cars like this that haven't been run hard.
wow. nice attitude. i bought my car with all the mods, except appearance stuff, and i had a zexel carrier and 3:73's put in. i love it. all the work was already done and ive never had a problem with her at all. ive had her for 2 years.
06-17-2006, 10:39 PM
#14
12k miles, when it comes at a 1/4 mile at a time, isn't all that great either, ...
j/k, ..., Yea, it's my atitude, ...
I'm more of a true musclecar type. I prefer them as original as possible, with well-cared-for low miles myself. Just an opinion, & just like my own ***, ..., everyone else also has one that stinks, ...
j/k, ..., Yea, it's my atitude, ...
I'm more of a true musclecar type. I prefer them as original as possible, with well-cared-for low miles myself. Just an opinion, & just like my own ***, ..., everyone else also has one that stinks, ...
07-06-2006, 10:02 PM
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well, I haven't found out any more info really, but I think he'll now take 16.5k for it, so its looking like I might get it...
I'll try to get pics and whatnot to post up before I go thru with the deal. thanks for all the comments/advice so far, its nice to see the differing opinions.
I'll try to get pics and whatnot to post up before I go thru with the deal. thanks for all the comments/advice so far, its nice to see the differing opinions.
07-06-2006, 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 1FSTBRD
lots of mods means he already broke the car in for ya
seriously...drive it..have someone who knows cars look at it...then make sure all is working and NO LEAKS...then you have to decide for yourself...any used car is a risk to a certain extent..g'luck. 
07-07-2006, 11:57 AM
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my vee-shicks has more mods than that car, and 4x the miles...and people still make offers when I'm at the gas station or somethin. If it's in good working order, I see no reason not to get it
07-07-2006, 04:16 PM
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here are some pics, taken today
front iso view: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5...isoview4ko.jpg
hood: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8198/hood2qf.jpg
tire: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5489/tire6ip.jpg
side view door open: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5...ooropen8ry.jpg
inside view 1: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4...deview17dw.jpg
rear end: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/294/rearend2nr.jpg
rear iso view: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4...isoview9xp.jpg
gauges: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9425/gauges1ny.jpg
headrest: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3600/headrest7ht.jpg
kick panel: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/786/kickboard6sc.jpg
rpo codes: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4078/rpocodes7bk.jpg
and here they are thru photobucket in case the imageshack ones aren't working:
front iso view: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...ontisoview.jpg
hood: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...igger/hood.jpg
tire: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...igger/Tire.jpg
side view door open: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...ewdooropen.jpg
inside view 1: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...nsideview1.jpg
rear end: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...er/rearend.jpg
rear iso view: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...earisoview.jpg
gauges: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...ger/gauges.jpg
headrest: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/headrest.jpg
kick panel: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n.../kickboard.jpg
rpo codes: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/rpocodes.jpg
still soliciting comments/opinions and suggestions. thanks. now I have to go find the RPO code guide.
front iso view: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5...isoview4ko.jpg
hood: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8198/hood2qf.jpg
tire: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5489/tire6ip.jpg
side view door open: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5...ooropen8ry.jpg
inside view 1: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4...deview17dw.jpg
rear end: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/294/rearend2nr.jpg
rear iso view: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4...isoview9xp.jpg
gauges: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9425/gauges1ny.jpg
headrest: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/3600/headrest7ht.jpg
kick panel: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/786/kickboard6sc.jpg
rpo codes: http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/4078/rpocodes7bk.jpg
and here they are thru photobucket in case the imageshack ones aren't working:
front iso view: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...ontisoview.jpg
hood: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...igger/hood.jpg
tire: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...igger/Tire.jpg
side view door open: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...ewdooropen.jpg
inside view 1: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...nsideview1.jpg
rear end: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...er/rearend.jpg
rear iso view: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...earisoview.jpg
gauges: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...ger/gauges.jpg
headrest: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/headrest.jpg
kick panel: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n.../kickboard.jpg
rpo codes: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/rpocodes.jpg
still soliciting comments/opinions and suggestions. thanks. now I have to go find the RPO code guide.
Last edited by Albigger; 07-21-2006 at 04:41 PM.
07-07-2006, 05:08 PM
#20
See, now that has mostly all visual mods, other than the lid & headers.
But that doesn't tell me whether it was run hard or not, ...
Looks pretty good, but I'm still not a fan of the bigbird hood.
(It's just an opinion of my own, don't let it challenge your own, ...)
In fact, it has a LOT of visual mods.
Clear front plate
Pontiac emblem out front
Clear corners
Wheels
Rotors (Yea, visual or performance, your choice. I say visual in this instance.)
Hood decals
B-pillar decals
Door entry threshold panels (I can't remember the real name for these things all of a sudden, ...)
HVAC backpanel
Headlight switch backpanel
Silver-faced gauge panel
Shift ****
Pedals
Girlfriend photo mod
SLP & 5.7 badges
Silver rear center section (CETA style)
Pontiac inlays, rear
Pontiac 3rd brake light
Fuel door mod
Embroidered headrests
What'd I miss?!?
Where's the underhood photos?!?
But that doesn't tell me whether it was run hard or not, ...
Looks pretty good, but I'm still not a fan of the bigbird hood.
(It's just an opinion of my own, don't let it challenge your own, ...)
In fact, it has a LOT of visual mods.
Clear front plate
Pontiac emblem out front
Clear corners
Wheels
Rotors (Yea, visual or performance, your choice. I say visual in this instance.)
Hood decals
B-pillar decals
Door entry threshold panels (I can't remember the real name for these things all of a sudden, ...)
HVAC backpanel
Headlight switch backpanel
Silver-faced gauge panel
Shift ****
Pedals
Girlfriend photo mod
SLP & 5.7 badges
Silver rear center section (CETA style)
Pontiac inlays, rear
Pontiac 3rd brake light
Fuel door mod
Embroidered headrests
What'd I miss?!?
Where's the underhood photos?!?