Crazy Idea

[jayello]

Some of you may know that I've almost continously, even before I bought my Mark, been looking for that one perfect Firehawk.

Well I think I found it. Its a 96 Purple WS6 TransAm Firehawk. As far as I know its a fully loaded TA that was made into the hawk by SLP. Its build number 83.

The whole thing is I don't want to completly part with the Mark though. My parents know that our exploder is way over the hill and is becoming a money pit and unreliable. My crazy idea is to get them to buy the Mark from me which in turn would free up the funds to go purchase the Hawk. By doing this I would be able to still drive the Mark when I wished and I of course would still be the one taking care of it. But I would also have the Hawk.

I know I'll be tradeing off all the class and luxury of the Mark for performance, and the ride will be extremlly harsh compared to that of the Mark. But I will be in a rare car (1 of 3 purple firehawks, and the only M6) and one that stands out.

I think its going to come down to whether or not my parents will buy the Mark off me or not as to whether I get the firehawk or not. Does this seem like a rational move for most people? Just trying to figure out if I'm makeing a rational decision here or not.

 

[Sandy]

Totally & completely IRRational. Think REAL hard. What was the car that I traded in to Maplecrest L-M, for my '98 Mark 8?? Can't recall?? '96 Trans Am FireHawk Convertible. Fully loaded with evey GM option & every SLP option. Red / Black Leather & Top. Spine jarring ride, squeeks & rattles abound. No leg room on passenger side. No usable trunk, 11 to 12 MPG in city traffic. Seats were so low, it felt like a Soap Box Derby Car. Keep the Mark 8, far more "livable" on a daily basis. (Insurance on the 'Hawk could fund a 3rd world nation for a year, too !!! )

 

[Sierra3]

I say go for it if money is there. Ive always loved the firehawks. Just get the formula one with the normal hood and small tail. I hate those new super huge ram air cowls they put on them now, overkill and they suck. And a fan of GM makes it all the worth while. Your only drawback is crappy gas milage and that dreaded car payment again, assuming your mark is paid off by now i hope. But you gotta pay to play, and nothing beats a six speed and V-8 in my book.

1995 DK BLUE Lincoln Mark VIII
1998 DK BLUE Chevrolet 1500
SOLD ;( 1979 WHITE Trans AM w/455
2004 BLACK HONDA CBR 600RR

 

[Ponyfreak]

Ask Steve Trapp what he thinks of the trade. I would do it if it were a new cobra, but a firehawk, not for me.

 

[jayello]

Well this hawk got away. It sold last night and the guy is supposed to be picking it up later this evening. But if it falls through (which it probablly won't) I'm the next buyer in line.

Talked to the parents last night and they said they would buy the Mark from me and they'd use it for a year and then it would be given to my sister as her first car. Kind of scarry idea. Not to be harsh but I don't think the Mark would survive her.

The Mark will stay my daily driver at least for a while longer while the search goes on for another Hawk that meets my specifications.

 

[Sandy]

Blessing in disguise! You were lucky! Look for a Cobra Convertible, they are more "livable" and ALOT more comfortable, too.

 

[BlackIceLSC]

I personally think trying to ration with someone who already has their mind set on what kind of car they want, is a waste of time.

Regardless of any advice you receive here, or any anti-support from past owners of Firehawks/F-body GM cars, I am sure YOU already know that you want it, and any negative feedback will only cause resentment.

Had you gone on a "Firehawk" web forum and asked if you should buy a Mark VIII, you would get "those things are money pits" or "they have alot of problems", and "those are "old man's" cars".

If you want our support, the most mature answer I can give you is, if it is something you really want, and have weighed all the Pro's and Con's, and still want it, by all means, do whatever it takes to get it.

If you realize a year later that the Firehawk isnt the dream car you thought it was, you can probably sell it for pretty close to what you paid for it as long as you keep it in fine condition.

The Mark VIII is obviously a "for those that know" kind of car. To the rest of the world, they are just another sport coupe.

I lusted after a black/black, WS6 Firebird for months before I found my 94 Mark VIII. I craved the gear bangin, exhaust bellowing, ram-air snorkeling look of them, the HP/torque was lust-worthy, and the looks are awesome. I have only driven one true Firehawk, and it was an awesome feeling at WOT.

But for me, the Mark covers all of my personal tastes. Power, handling, comfort, price, looks, rarity, and(compared to the WS6) fuel mileage.

But if you want it, dont let anyone talk you out of it. Only YOU know if its worth it. You might not know now, but eventually you will know for sure.

Keep looking. When its meant to be, it will happen. Until then, enjoy what you have.

 

[Trixie]

What Craig said.

Jay, you're young and you'll have lots of cars in your lifetime. Try out the ones you think you'll enjoy. Besides, if your parents buy your Mark off you, you can always work something out to buy it back from them before your sister trashes it.

 

[jayello]

Kind of along the lines of what I was thinking Sharon. I love the Mark and don't want to completly part with it. Thats why I would have my parents buy it off me. Because I more or less still have it.

Sandy, no mustang (cobra or not) for me. Only type of open roof I'd take is moonroof, t-top, or targa top on a car. (I may take a saleen) The C5 vette is tempting too. With the C6 about to roll out the last of the C5's look very very tempting.

 

[Sandy]

Don't know why I just assumed the 'Hawk was a 'Vert ~ probably because that is what mine was. Now, I realize that it was a coupe (steel roof) car.

You don't (or would not) like a Cobra Coupe? I'd hope that the 'Hawk COUPE would have far less squeeks & rattles than the 'Verts do.

I'd still prefer the Mark 8, **IF** it was to be a choice of ONE car.