Reason Why New Isn't Always Best #4

Okay, just in case you missed my last four posts, here's what's going on. The Hyundai Accent is currently the cheapest new car you can buy in America. It costs around $10,000. Unfortunately, it's not very interesting.

So, we've been looking at some used alternatives to the Accent that are fun, cheap, and reliable. Today we'll be looking at a classic car that you can put in your gargage for less than $10,000: the Pontiac Fiero.

The Fiero was built from 1984-1988. It was billed as a sporty car that was also economical and good for city driving. Its mid-engine layout was exotic for an economy car and a first for an American manufacturer. It was originally only sold with a 4-cylinder engine, but in 1986, a more powerful V-6 was offered.

The Fiero was good looking, fun to drive, and cheap to repair. Thankfully, for people looking for a cheap classic car it still is.

The shape has aged well. It still looks modern and the proportions are perfect. Plus, it has pop-up headlights. Everyone loves pop-up headlights. Does the Accent have pop-up headlights? No.

In addition to looking good, the Fiero is also a very exciting little car to drive. It certainly doesn't have much power, but the car is light and the handling and steering feel more than make up for the lack of horsepower.

The mid-engine layout gives the Fiero a planted feel that makes navigating bendy roads easy and fun. It doesn't have traction control, ABS, or power steering, so the driver actually has to do drive the car. That's how it should be. Safety equipment ruins fun.

I've had a Fiero for about a year and a half now, and I've had my fair share of problems with it. I've replaced the brakes, the clutch, the starter, and a bunch of other little things, too. That's to be expected with any classic car. So if you're in the market for one, you should know, problems are unavoidable. Fact.

2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder

2.8 Liter V-6

However, the Fiero I bought was a cheap one. If you spend double or triple what I spent, you'd be able to avoid or at least delay lots of repairs without going over our "Accent budget."

So, you could do what I did/am doing and fix a Fiero up yourself, or spend a bit more and buy one that's already finished. Your call.

I'd recommend buying a $4000-$5000 Fiero. It won't need any major repairs, but will be very reasonably priced. I saw a 1984 Fiero on AutoTrader today. It only has 70,000 miles on it, working radio and air, new tires, and according to the owner, is still running well. This Fiero is on sale now for $3995. That's a great deal (if you ignore the white paint.)

So, the Fiero is much cheaper than the Accent, it's more fun to drive, and it looks so much better. You will have to sacrifice three seats and trunkspace. But, if you can live without those two things, and you care more about price, driving experience, and looks, the Fiero is the perfect classic car for you. 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. If you're the sort of person who has no taste and likes to look ridiculous, you can choose between dozens of conversion kits for you Fiero. Here's what they'll make your car look like:

Just like looking at a couple of Italian exotics. Actually, it's like looking at a couple of 80s Pontiacs who's owner had way to much time on his hands. Bad. So bad.


The conclusion to the "New Isn't Always Best" series is coming soon. Thanks for reading.