ziegler@lzmi.UUCP (10/23/83)
Well, I just saw one of these cars at an auto show, and some dealers around here are starting to show them on their lots. The car has what I consider fairly good looks, and the hype they've been spreading sounds almost good enough to make me want to trade in my Spitfire. A car that size with a 2.5 liter engine ought to be fairly zippy, though it certainly couldn't beat a Corvette in the quarter mile (which is not necessarily a disadvantage). And with their special handling package and the mid-mount engine, it should corner fairly well. Their Enduraflex (trademark) panels don't thrill me, but the underlying frame seems solid enough. And it has some rather opulent options for an American small car. Definitely not an econobox, though they do seem to be proud of the gas mileage. What do the auto magazines think of this car? Is it all they're hyping it as? Anybody out there test-driven one, or even own one? I'm not in the market for a new car, but if I were, this one would probably be on my list of must-sees. Joe Ziegler ...ihnp4!pegasus!lzmi!ziegler
ajy@hou2b.UUCP (10/24/83)
My insurance agent (who is also a relative by marriage, and a trustworthy guy) says the insurance companies are quite unhappy with the Fiero. They think (I myself haven't seen any tests) that the car will crumble in head-on crashes, not unlike the 'Vette (?). He left me with the impression that his company, Prudential, won't issue new policies on a Fiero.
amyh@fluke.UUCP (Amy Heidner) (10/24/83)
We saw the Fiero at a Seattle dealership - to summarize it in ten words
or less: classy in looks and performance, shy on creature comforts.
It handles well, has good quoted mileage, and the dealers can't seem to
get 'em fast enough to sell. I found the leg positions uncomfortable
(one leg must be bent at the knee with the foot propped up on the wheel
well), and it lacks a glove box for maps, pens, contact solution, etc.
Worst of all, there's nowhere to park my cassettes and that necessity
of life, my coffee cup. The truck would hold one standard suitcase
plus maybe a small sack. They claim it will hold 5 pices of luggage,
but when you read the fine print, you find out it's their
duffle-bag-style luggage, cut specifically to fit the odd-shaped
trunk.
Amy Heidner John Fluke Mfg Everett, WA
{sscvax|teltone|microsoft|lbl-csam|uw-beaver}!fluke!amyhpmw@omsvax (Patrick Walsh) (11/02/83)
I also am looking at the Fiero. Impressive for a Deeetroit (got that
pronunciation right finally) offering. The price and features compare
well with the Honda Prelude - the Honda having more standard stuff but
a higher base price. In Portland, OR the going price seems to be:
S/E Base = $9919
Essential Options:
Cruise Control - $175
Rear Defog - $140
Tilt Wheel - $110
Delay Wiper - $50
Trunk light - $30
Gas mileage is 40 Highway, 25/26 city, w/4-speed and 2.5 liter engine.
Rumor has it that a 6-cylinder turbo will be available in 85 model.
Not waiting here.
AM radio is stock, but the only two stereo's worth considering are both
AM/FM - cassette. for $451 you get *true* electronic tuning with seek
and scan plus a graphic equalizer. for $248 you get simple AM/FM casette.
Both stereos have clocks. Electric Antenna is not available.
Other things to boost the price:
A/C $730, Suede Interior $350, electric: mirrors $79, windows $185,
locks $125. Sunroof $300.
All of the above installed by the factory. delivery 6-8 weeks.
ONLY TWO COLORS - Red and White. Black available after Jan 1.
A reasonable combination of the above comes to just under 12K$.
Truely tempting.
Any owners out there wish to comment on performance, price?
deciding very soon,
Pat Walsh
...ogcvax!omsvax!pmw