I'm looking into purchasing my first car, and a 1994 Red Firebird caught my eye. I have a couple questions before I make my final decisions. First though:
It's a...
3.4 Liter V6
65,251 Miles on it.
Good Condition. Never been smoked in. Previous owner took good care of it. Has a CD and Cassette player. Heres the other features:

Tilt Steering Wheel
Tinted Glass
Remote Trunk Release
Tachometer
Center Console
Digital Clock
AM/FM/Cassette Audio System
Air Dam
Rear Spoiler
5-Speed Transmission
Power Brakes
Power Steering
3.4L V6 OHV 12V FI Engine
Alarm System
Antilock Brakes
Dual Front Airbag Restraints

The asking price for it is $5,995. With some bartering and such I can probably get the price down closer to $5,000.
It sounds like a good deal to me, but heres the thing: I want a reliable car that I'm going to be using for over 6-8 years. I probably won't need to drive much, so I'm not really worried about the mileage for now. I live in Ohio, so the weather in the winter can get pretty bad. My parents main concerne is that the car is Rear Wheel Drive. So, onto the questions.

- If I want a reliable car that will last awhile, is this a good choice?
- For anyone who has driven a Rear Wheel Drive car in the winter, exactly how does it control and differ from a normal day? I understand theres alot less traction, but would getting a Front Wheel Drive car really help in the winter that much more?
- Are there any main significant differences when driving a FWD and a RWD car?


All feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

 

I think that price is a bit high...

 

i vote no. Get a extremely cheap geo, or toyota, or nissan. 5 spd. they last forever. Then save up for a REAL fbody. lt1 or ls1.

 

I want a nice looking car, but not something too nice. I also don't want a crappy car. So I figured that the Firebird wasn't too nice or too crappy.

 

Sounds like a lot of money for an 11 year old six cylinder. Did you check Kelly Blue Book? KBB posted prices are normally higher than what you should pay, so I certainly wouldn't pay more than whatever they suggest.
I used to put Bridgestone Blizzacks on all four corners of my 94 Bird by using a second set of wheels and never had a problem with snow (Boston area). The 245/50 Goodyears are absolutely useless in ANY snow. They behave like skiis. Plan on snow tires as part of the cost to buy this car. Remember to leave your emotions at home and buy smart, after all why is someone selling their car in the first place?

 

Yeah, price is high for a V6. My sister used to have an '89 RS and my brother-in-law has a '99 SS, and they both said they're horrible in the winter. I don't even plan on driving mine in the snow, when that season comes around here in Virginia. And I'm not quite sure that you're gonna get another 8 years out of that.....

But, it's your choice.

 

You could deff find an lt1 for that much, so the price seems high.

 

I bought a comparably accesoried same year 68,XXX Mile LT1 Z28 this past fall in excellent condition for $5200 and I overpayed, I wouldn't buy that unless you can get it for <$4000... but just my two cents. Also along with what others have said, you will want snow tires, the rear end on these cars is rather light and without them you will slide like no tomorrow come winter time (speaking from experience)

 

Well, I decided to buy it. I'm getting it for $3,995. The bad thing, however, is im spending $1000-$1200 for new tires, new breaks, Alignment, and another thing or two. I looked over the car real well and it seems like a good car for a good price.

 

Offer them $3500 for it, espeically if you're going to already have to dump at least $1000 into it right when you get it.

 

yea i agree with 91_, thats alot of work to do, and these cars do suck in the snow, take it from an experienced Camaro-in-the-snow- driver, never stuck but ive rode up the highway sideways enough times

 

the price is def too high....i got my 95 t/a for less than that.

save up for a v8, v6 is all hair no ***** IMO

 

The V6 is good for a new driver though (assuming this guy is a new driver since this is his first car), and the V6 is good on gas. Even the V6 has a good amount of pep in a Camaro, I have the 3.1L and takes me less than 6 seconds to get to 55 (probably less than that actually).

 

true, but after a very short amount of time you will probably just want more power....thus needing a v8. I got my t/a as my first car when i was 15, and I have had no problems.

I guess it juse depends on what your future plans are, etc.

 

Well my dad got them down to $3,900 and I bought it. It;s getting new tires, brakes, and a few other things on it right now. I'll hopefully get it back from the shop today, tomorrow, or friday. The dealer said that at $3,995, they were only making about $200 on the car because they had to buy and stuff.