Brand New Member

[KoD88]

Hi I'm new here. I'm very seriously considering getting a Festiva. I have a question about something. In this ad;

http://columbia.craigslist.org/cto/2113800221.html

you can clearly see the car has been hit on the front/side enough to damage the fender, light, and bumper. I'm wondering since the car is unibody and fwd and a lightweight does this look bad enough for someone to say "definitely stay away" because the alignment would be permanently off? Or is it a "depends on the situation" kinda thing?

As I said I'm new here and I'm a total newb to the Festiva.

My current car is a 98 Crown Vic so I'm used to big body on frame chassis, rwd, etc. I'm just trying to get the feel of things. I do not plan on buying the car I showed as an example, either.

It showing 38 mpg means its probably an auto anyway, and I want a 5 speed with EFI and if I can get away with it, A/C. 38 mpg says to me "auto" because of the lower miles. Am I right in assuming that?

I have soooo many other questions about this cute little car but will save them for other times. Thanks for any help!!

[mattman]

it doesnt look that bad at all looks mostly cosmetic some of the guys have rebuilt cars alot worse than that so i would say grab it an then hit up the junk yards an grab parts an rebuild it ....welcome to the site

[marinepolice03]

The autos had lower Mps's that would apper to be a 5 speed, and that it is a 93 it is a EFI car. And welcomethe the best little car forum on the web!

[KoD88]

Thanks for the info. That is good news then.

I don't have the money for even that one just yet it will be a few more weeks but I will be there. I see really decent examples going anywhere from $500-$1200 in the ads so I may not have to search too hard?

Thanks again for the input and the welcome I appreciate it!!

[marinepolice03]

where are you from? there might be people by you with cars for sale?

[KoD88]

I'm near Columbia, SC. Near the car in the ad, actually. I'm also in between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA so not too bad a selection hopefully when I seriously start looking.

[wybnrml]

That car is a five speed, assuming the car has the original transmission. Automatics were only optional with the GL trim in '93. That damage doesn't look bad. I would make an offer on it that's less than $550 and see what they say. And there are lots of members in that area that could help you track down some red replacement parts.

And WELCOME!

[perucho]

You are right about possible steering and alignment problems. Drive it first.

[sc72]

Welcome to the site and goodluck with the buy, it is a useable car.

[JPT]

Some good advice.

DON'T BUY A FESTIVA!!!

They're highly addictive. If you buy one, soon all you'll think about are Festivas. Your free time will be spent here. Your dreams will be filled with engine, transmission and suspension swaps. People will start looking at you like you've lost your mind and the worst part is you won't care.

There is no rehab or cure.

Remember, you have been warned!

[Kraig]

people that don't own a Festiva just don't understand!

[KoD88]

Thanks for all the input and welcomes! Seems like a nice community of enthusiasts which is awesome. You are right about being addicted I do that with cars. I've already seen what I want to do to my future Festiva. But..it remains to be seen until I get one and how I'm feeling about it all at the time.

That's good to know about the red Festiva I posted. If its still up for sale when I get more funds, I will be looking at it then!!

[1988festivazoom]

i would offer them 400 cash and see how that goes and if they wont take it then say all that u have is 450.

[lanemeyer14]

Welcome to the site! Looks like that one has Ohio plates.....better make sure it's rust free!

[devon527]

Some good advice.

DON'T BUY A FESTIVA!!!

They're highly addictive. If you buy one, soon all you'll think about are Festivas. Your free time will be spent here. Your dreams will be filled with engine, transmission and suspension swaps. People will start looking at you like you've lost your mind and the worst part is you won't care.

There is no rehab or cure.

Remember, you have been warned!

This is the truth. I spend way too much time on here, and I always try and find other festiva's on craigslist to get parts off of and ebay for aftermarket parts. Its amazing how a small car can take over your life. haha