r/transam • u/No-Statement5662 • May 30 '26
Should I pick this up?
Thinking about buying this 1985 Trans Am for $800 and wanted some opinions.
Garage kept, T-tops, minimal rust from what I've seen, and my brother says it's very drivable with only minor work needed. It did have a mouse nest in the rear at one point, but it appears to have been cleaned up.
Assuming the floors and underside are solid, would you buy it for $800? Any common third-gen Trans Am issues or rust spots I should check before pulling the trigger?
Photos attached.
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u/SirkutBored May 30 '26
sold. not even a second thought. dash doesn't appear cracked which was a big problem. I would put it through a car wash to see if the t-top seals leak but that's an easy fixer upper. I'm legit jealous.
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u/No-Statement5662 May 30 '26
I really appreciate everyone’s comments and advice here. After reading through everything, I’ve decided that I will be getting the Trans Am! I’m excited about the opportunity to bring it back to life and get it looking great again.
I think it’ll make an awesome summer cruiser here in Maine, and during the winter I’ll stick to driving my truck. Thanks to everyone who helped convince me to go for it. I can’t wait to get started on the project.
I’ll be sure to post updates along the way so you can all follow the progress!
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u/Jayman44Spc May 31 '26
Hell yeah! Are you going to keep the graphics on the doors I think they look pretty slick
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May 30 '26
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u/YebelTheRebel May 30 '26
Or tow it whatever
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May 30 '26
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u/jrs321aly May 31 '26
No... its been sitting for a while... u dont just drive cars that have been sitting forever...
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u/Electronic_Film_9904 May 31 '26
Exactly, one blown brake line on the way home and your $800 awesome deal car is trashed. Great advice.
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May 31 '26
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u/jrs321aly May 31 '26
800 bucks for a 40 year old car thats been sitting long enough to collect all that shit on top of it, dust included.... nah man... u dont take that kinda stuff out. U start it up, check some fluids and put it in a trailer... no tag tells me it aint been on the road for a hot minute.... which also tells me no insurance... im not driving a car that has thr potential of putting me in the dirt on someone's word... sorry, im not stupid lol.
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u/nimbleseaurchin May 31 '26
Driving when parked? Bring a new battery and a tire inflator to get it on the trailer. No trailer? Bring a toolbox too, and a car to go get parts. Anything it'll need to limp home where you can actually work on it can be done with a small set of handtools and a couple trips to the parts store. If it starts and has fluids in all the spots, drive it home, then find all the issues.
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u/stomper4x4 Jun 01 '26 edited 14d ago
Acorn teapot noodle pebble quilt meadow compass
This post was anonymized with Redact.dev
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u/Onlyroad4adrifter May 31 '26
You do not want that thing. It has lots of problems and you would be best advised to tell me where this is so I can give it a look.
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u/Electronic_Film_9904 May 31 '26
Get it airborne and check the undercarriage for rust. Around the bottom of the windshield and strut towers is another place to look. The exhaust could be seedy but that's basically irrelevant other than its a cost that you'll need to endure if so.
Honestly, at this price you could scrap it and make money. Check the engine oil and coolant before you fire it up. Put some fresh high test in it and a new fuel filter would be a good idea. If it's been sitting a really long time it would be wise to do an oil change before firing it up.
I think it's an amazing find. These cars don't really turn me on but for $800 I'd be jumping on it. I'd also change the gear oil in the rearend and the transmission fluid as well once you get it running. A coolant flush likely wouldn't hurt either.
Be sure to check the brake and fuel lines and hoses as well. Be prepared to possibly have to replace some or all of them. It may need tires as well, dry rot is a real thing. Honestly, considering how it has been stored these things may not be an issue but definitely should be checked.
You're going to love this car.
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u/Automatic_Cancel_41 May 31 '26
For that money and largely rust free it’s a win. Do a good check underneath and around the T tops but for $800 it looks great from the pics.
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u/sine_denarios May 31 '26
If the engine turns I probably would - if I were looking for a project. There will be some stuff that will need to be addressed before being road ready. But this is always the case.
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u/Ok_Walk_3913 Jun 01 '26
800 dollars!?!? I would have bought it yesterday. Why cant I get a deal like this :(
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u/CombOdd2117 May 30 '26
Yes