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Old 04-27-2022, 09:07 AM   #1
jhutch33
 
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350 vs. 305

I'm looking at two Iroc's, trying to decide which one to buy. The first is all original, untouched with the 350 motor and automatic transmission. The interior is gray and in immaculate condition and it has 87k documented original miles. The paint is original and is in pretty good shape overall. There are a few small scratches that might buff off, but I'm not sure. The car is the "dark red" color that is sort of burgandy-ish.

The second car I'm considering is a 1985 Iroc. It has the 305 motor with 5 speed manual. The interior is in decent shape overall, but the front seats need to be recovered. It has 132k miles. It is black on the exterior and red on the interior. The paint is in excellent shape on this one.

With all that in mind, does anyone have an opinion or information as to which car is the better deal? Is one more valuable than the other? I'm just not sure if anything sets them apart, such as the year or the motor size or the paint/interior.......I would appreciate any opinions.
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Old 04-27-2022, 12:11 PM   #2
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What are your intentions for the vehicle? With the info you've given I'd lean towards the 350 car. The 305 can be snappy and fun with that 5 spd but the trans and rear are notoriously weak and will not hold up well to HP and TQ additions. Folks tended to beat on these cars back in the day so the automatic car may need less financial attention. People are starting to notice these cars, who knows if they'll be future collectables.
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Old 04-27-2022, 01:06 PM   #3
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Thanks for the response! I would get it and literally park it in my garage and drive it to work occasionally (one day per week maybe) and take it to weekend car shows on occasion. I wouldn't be driving it too hard. I'm just trying to figure out if it's a safe investment and which one would be a better investment long term. I wouldn't plan on selling it right away, but I ever needed to do so I would want to make sure I could get my $11k back.
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Old 04-27-2022, 01:47 PM   #4
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I would give the edge to the 350 car, but only by a little.
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Old 04-27-2022, 01:48 PM   #5
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Does $11k sound like a fair price?
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Old 04-27-2022, 07:44 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jhutch33 View Post
Does $11k sound like a fair price?
Not so sure I'd call it fair but maybe reasonable. In today's market a lot of the old rules are out the window. If $11K is in your budget and the car checks all (or most) of the boxes I think you're doing OK. As far as an investment? Probably better financial moves you could make but they won't provide you with hobby satisfaction. These 3rd gens will probably start to increase in value soon. Look at it this way, if you own and maintain it for a few years and you sell it for CLOSE to your total cost you still had a considerable amount of time enjoying the car. Heck, you may choose to keep it if and when the value starts to rise.
One other area of concern I forgot to mention is rust. I see you're up in ID but make sure the car didn't spend anytime in salt country. Rust in these cars spreads quickly and I'd consider that a deal breaker!
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Old 04-30-2022, 05:21 PM   #7
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Before you buy either of them open the hood and check the upper strut towers for rust.
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Old 04-30-2022, 06:37 PM   #8
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I’ve had an 89 IROC and 91 Z28 with the 350, and a 91 1LE with the 305/5speed… I’ll take the 305 with a stick any day.
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Old 05-01-2022, 09:06 AM   #9
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Thanks for the input. I've only driven an Iroc with the 305 with an automatic and the 350 with an automatic. The 305 with the automatic had no power at all. It was kind of a dog really. The 350 has a noticeable difference. It might be worth going and looking at the 305/manual combo since it's here local. I think I'll take a look at it. I'm also hesitant with that car because I believe the 350 will be a more valuable car in the long run.
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Old 05-08-2022, 08:33 PM   #10
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I'm still looking for an Iroc. I'm still considering the one here locally with a 350, but I also found another one with a 350. The latest one I'm considering has everything the other one has, but it doesn't have T-Tops. Does that option effect the value much (T-tops)?
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Old 05-08-2022, 10:44 PM   #11
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350 ALL DAY LONG...... !!
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Old 05-09-2022, 02:08 AM   #12
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I would pick which ever one runs best. Cause your picking a car with 30+ year fuel injection technology. When their running good it's not that bad but when they have a problem it can be kinda a pain to find it unless you know what your doing and it's getting hard to find anybody that knows how to work on them anymore (TPI). I had 3 third gens and got to know them pretty well but would never buy one again unless I was gonna do a ls swap or something similar because those engines don't last to long and the performance just absolutely sucks compared to a modern car like the 5th gen camaro. I couldn't see buying it since I only paid $12,500 for my 2012 Camaro SS. But don't let me discourage you, if that's what you want I would say go for it. As far as styling you can't beat it and the you have the full support of the aftermarket world for just about any part you could imagine.
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Old 05-09-2022, 04:50 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jhutch33 View Post
I'm still looking for an Iroc. I'm still considering the one here locally with a 350, but I also found another one with a 350. The latest one I'm considering has everything the other one has, but it doesn't have T-Tops. Does that option effect the value much (T-tops)?
T Roofs were only available with the 350 for one year 1987.

The torque caused the paint and metal on sail panels to crack right by where it meets the roof /window this even happened on the A4.

If you managed to get a hard launch with sticky tires and the T roofs out you might not get them back in

The color of the first one you describe is called "Fire Red"

I had a 1988 GTA L98 A4 in that color with camel interior and digital dash.

Good luck with your search
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Old 05-09-2022, 07:00 AM   #14
demonspeed
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 102SS View Post
T Roofs were only available with the 350 for one year 1987.
T-tops and 350 were available through 1989.

As for asking about values - are you buying this car to enjoy or are you buying it for the next guy?
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