HOT RED, Cold A/C, 2.4L 5-Speed, Fully Serviced, New VA Inspection, SUPER SHARP!

1996 Pontiac Sunfire Convertible with FREE DELIVERY! Description

This auction is for a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire convertible finished in Bright Red with the grey interior. It's had over $2,400 worth of repairs and maintenance, details of which are further down in the description. It is powered by the optional 2.4L DOHC 16-valve 4 cylinder engine code named LD9 that puts out 150 horsepower and has received numerous rave reviews by engineers and the automotive press for it's high power output, excellent economy and inherent smoothness. It features a cast iron engine block for durability with an aluminum cylinder head for light weight and excellent heat dissipation, chain driven dual overhead cams (DOHC) for maximum power output at all engine speeds and no periodic timing belt replacements, vibration reducing balance shafts for BMW-like smoothness, multiport fuel injection for excellent gas mileage and distributorless coil on plug (COP) ignition for reliability in all environmental conditions. 1996 was the first year this engine was used in the Sunfire and is an updated and revised version of the 2.3L Quad4 engine introduced in the late 80's that has powered millions of GM cars. The standard engine in the Sunfire was a 115 H.P. 2.2L which feels rather slow and lethargic in comparison.

The engine is mated to an Isuzu built 5-speed manual transmission that is bulletproof compared to the automatic. This transmission has a low first gear that provides brisk acceleration, while the high top gear allows for effortless highway cruising and excellent gas mileage. When driven with restraint, you can get nearly 40 mpg on the highway. And it runs great on just regular gas! Complementing the Sunfire's powertrain is a chassis made to smooth out your daily commute while still having fun on twisting roads. With a McPherson strut independent front suspension for excellent handling, rack and pinion steering for precise road feel, and large diameter brakes with anti-lock control for sure stops, you have a car that is quicker, faster and handles better than many others in it's class. Lastly, the Sunfire has a fully lined and insulated convertible top for a quiet ride and maximum comfort in all seasons, one handed power top lowering and raising and a glass rear window with defroster that won't turn cloudy like cars with plastic rear windows do.

This Sunfire convertible is fully equipped with all the desirable safety, comfort and convenience features and equipment including:

• 2.4 liter Twin Cam engine
• 5-speed manual transmission
• Air conditioning
• Power windows
• Power convertible top
• Glass rear window
• Power door locks
• Cruise control
• Tilt steering wheel
• Remote keyless entry with trunk release
• Pioneer CD stereo
• Kenwood and JVC speakers
• American Racing chrome wheels
• Premium Milliweave® cloth interior
• Reclining front bucket sport seats with driver's side lumbar adjustment
• Instrument cluster with tachometer
• Leather wrapped 4-spoke sport steering wheel
• Intermittent wipers
• Center console with cup holder, storage compartments, 12V power outlet and center armrest
• Front seatback storage pockets
• Door storage pockets
• Fold-down rear seatback to trunk pass-thru
• Soft-Ray® tinted glass
• Daytime running lights
• Illuminated entry
• Front map lights
• Battery run-down protection to de-power any electrical items left on over 20 minutes
• Body color side moldings and emblems
• Dual power outside mirrors
• Dual visor vanity mirrors
• Insulated hood
• 3 passenger rear seat
• Dual rear passenger cup holders
• Rear window defroster
• Pass Lock® anti-theft system
• Dual front airbags
• Anti-lock brakes
• Power rack and pinion steering

There are over 120 photos ahead and if you don't have a high speed internet connection and get an "X" where a picture should be you may need to hit the Refresh button a few times. If that still doesn't work, contact me for a link to see the pictures individually.

BODY COLOR SIDE MOLDINGS AND EMBLEMS:

GLASS REAR WINDOW:

TOP BOOT:

REAR SPOILER:

PONTIAC LOGO ILLUMINATED TAILLIGHT:

LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT:

PIONEER STEREO:

KENWOOD FRONT SPEAKERS:

FRONT SEATBACK STORAGE POCKETS:

PLENTY OF REAR SEAT LEGROOM:

3 PASSENGER REAR SEAT:

JVC REAR SPEAKERS:

LINED AND INSULATED CONVERTIBLE TOP:

JACK AND ALL THE TOOLS:

TRUNK PASS-THRU:

INSULATED HOOD:

FRESH VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION:

AND EMISSIONS INSPECTION:

This vehicle is in nice condition inside and out and looks very sharp. The Bright Red paint just about glows in the sunlight and the Sunfire is absolutely fantastic in this color. This shade of red would make a Ferrari owner envious. If you are going to buy a convertible, you should get the hottest color they come in and you shouldn't have to settle on just any color that comes along. Sure, black or blue are nice, green is interesting, and white and silver are O.K. if a bit bland, but only this shade of red really catches everyone's eye. Just ask yourself, would you rather wake up every morning to a bright red vehicle, or just some other color you "settled" for. And you're sure to get many questions and complements about it at the mall or supermarket parking lot from total strangers. If you don't want attention, or if you are the least bit shy, don't buy this car, I warn you. It has a dent-free body with shiny paint that has been cleaned with Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay System, polished with Meguiar's Mirror Glaze cleaner polish, topped off with Meguiar's Ultimate Synthetic Wax and then sealed with Meguiar's Ultimate Fast Finish for a long lasting brilliant high gloss shine. The headlights were detailed with the 3M headlight polishing system for a crystal clear look. All the glass, moldings, trim and emblems are nice too. The top is in good shape too with just a quarter size inconspicuous patch on the left side and the chrome on the wheels is weathered in spots. The side and back windows have aftermarket tint. Leave them on at your risk as I can't be responsible if your state has a problem with them.

The interior is clean as well. It has nice upholstery, dashboard, door panels and headliner with no rips or tears or any significant signs of dirt or wear. The car doesn't appear to have been smoked in. In fact, it's not even equipped with a lighter. The trunk looks like it was hardly ever used and the engine compartment has been fully detailed and is clean enough to eat off of.

Mechanically it runs and drives great. It has a new 7/18 Virginia safety inspection and emissions inspection. (That doesn't imply or guaranty that it will pass inspection in other states.) The engine starts instantly whether hot or cold and runs strong and feels smooth both at idle, while accelerating and throughout the cruising range. The transmission shifts precisely and the shifter feels slick rowing through the gears. The steering wheel is on dead center going down the road with no shakes or vibrations at speed, the brakes are firm with no pulling to one side when stopping and the suspension is tight. The A/C blows cold. It has a pair of Goodyear tires on the front and a pair of Falkens on the rear all with good tread. They have been balanced with balance weights mounted on the inside of the wheel for a clean look. The only issues to mention are that the car had a check engine light for P0442, small evap emissions leak but it still passes an emissions test as long as the light isn't on at the time. The cause is most likely a vacuum line or hose with a cut or split in it. The light hasn't come on in a few weeks although that doesn't mean it won't come back, but it still passed emissions inspection with no problems. Also sometimes the courtesy lights may not turn off after closing a door. I've removed the fuse for a second which seems to reboot the lighting module and it's ok for a few more months. Also remember that 1996 is the first year for OBDII which makes diagnostics much easier and precise than previous models. Emissions testing is done by just plugging into the car's computer so no tailpipe and treadmill testing is required. With a simple scan tool you can tell if it will pass before you ever take it in. Also, because it's over 20 years old, in some states it's exempt from personal property tax (Virginia) and eligible for historic tags (Maryland).

The car has been fully checked out and serviced with over $2,400 worth of new or recent parts, maintenance and repairs with original GM, AC Delco or other name brand parts so that only your enjoyment rather than your immediate attention will be required on delivery. Some of the items checked or serviced include:

• New Mobil 1 synthetic oil change
• New AC Delco oil filter
• New AC Delco air filter
• New AC Delco fuel filter
• New throttle body cleaning
• New AC Delco Platinum spark plugs
• New Standard sprk plug boot kit
• New Standard premium line coil housing
• New Standard O2 sensor
• New Sunbelt radiator
• New TYC radiator fan
• New AC Delco upper radiator hose
• New AC Delco lower radiator hose
• New Breeze 100% stainless steel smooth faced radiator hose clamps
• New AC Delco thermostat
• New AC Delco thermostat seal
• New Dorman thermostat hosuing
• New coolant flush with distilled water
• New AC Delco Dexcool coolant change
• New AC Delco serpentine belt
• New AC Delco front brake pads
• New AC Delco front brake rotors
• Recent rear brake shoes
• New Bendix rear brake drums
• New Valvoline Dot 4 Synthetic brake fluid flush and change
• New Valvoline Dot 4 Synthetic clutch fluid flush and change
• New Redline MTL transmission fluid change
• New AC Delco right power window motor
• New AC Delco left power window motor
• New Strongarm trunk lift supports

Photos of some of the parts replaced, checked or serviced:

Parts replaced:

Oil change:

Oil filter:

Air filter:

Fuel filter:

Throttle body cleaning:

Spark plugs with the proper amount of anti-seize on the threads:

Spark plug boots:

Coil housing:

O2 sensor:

Radiator:

Radiator fan:

Upper radiator hose:

Lower radiator hose:

Radiator hose clamps:

Thermostat and seal:

Water outlet:

Coolant flushed until water is clear from the radiator:

Serpentine belt:

Front brake pads:

Front brake rotors:

Front brakes:

Rear brake shoes:

Rear brake drums:

Brake fluid flush and change:

Clutch fluid flush and change:

Transmission fluid change:

Power window motors:

Trunk lift supports:

Other than routine oil and filter changes, with all the above mentioned servicing the car has recently received, you should be good to go for another 100,000 miles before requiring major maintenance.

Overall this is a sharp looking convertible that looks absolutely fantastic in this Bright Red color. Resembles a 4/5 scale Firebird. This is a clean example of a model you don't see on the road much any more. Nice daily driver or weekend cruiser. It's not a show car but it did win half a dozen trophies at local car shows over the years. (trophies not included) I bought this car to resell nearly seven years ago, but liked it so much I decided to hold on to it. The car has been keep in storage indoors most of that time so I've only put 3,000 miles on it in those 7 years. The cost new of this loaded Sunfire was over $20,000 back in 1996 CLICK HERE to see the price new. It's a southern vehicle from Maryland which probably explains why it's so clean. CLICK HERE to see the title.

The car comes with all the books:

Two factory remotes and factory keys plus an emergency wallet key:

And a front license plate bracket if you need it (holes already in bumper):

If you are serious about buying a smaller convertible in general, and a Sunfire specifically, this is about as low as they go in this nice condition. Remember, you can get a great deal on Ebay with prices sometimes way below retail, but no bidder is going to "steal" a vehicle and no seller is going to give one away either. Also when comparing prices, remember the things that you won't have to spend money on soon after getting it home. With this car you won't have to spend $300 for a new set of tires, you won't have to spend $300 on a radiator and cooling fan, you won't have to spend $300 on a complete front brake service, you won't have to spend $300 on a complete rear brake service, you won't have to spend $300 on a coolant and brake flush, you won't have to spend $300 on a tune-up and filters service, and you won't have to spend $300 on any upcoming scheduled maintenance. With many of the other listings on Ebay, Craigslist or on dealers lots, you're lucky if they even check the oil before delivery. Also, when comparing this car to the others listed, keep in mind that this vehicle runs excellent, is fully serviced, hasn't been smoked in and is clean inside and out. Yes you can probably find these convertibles for $1500 or $2000, but if it costs you another $2000 or $3000 after getting it home to put it in good condition, it's no bargain.

If you are looking for a Sunfire in nice condition at a good price, then this one is hard to beat. Also remember that we don't charge dealer processing fees or document fees that many other listings have for $200 or more and bury in their fine print. And don't be fooled by some other auctions that are advertised as NO RESERVE and start at $100 or some other low price. Since no dealer is going to risk losing thousands of dollars if their auction doesn't bring enough money, you can be pretty sure he has some "people" bidding on it for him. Especially those auctions that are private listings where it says "User ID kept private." Also, don't think that you will get a much better deal if you just keep bidding it up instead of using B.I.N., especially if you need it delivered.

TERMS OF THE AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: Since this vehicle may be advertised locally, auction can be canceled at any time (unless auction ended early with BUY IT NOW) due to prior sale without liability to any bidder. A down payment of $500 (plus any additional delivery charge) is required within 3 days of the close of the auction, balance due in cash on delivery or certified funds on delivery if I deliver it or you pick it up, or before it's dropped off at the transporter if a shipping company is transporting it, but no later than 7 days after the close of the auction without prior agreement. I accept bank or certified checks, money orders, credit cards through PayPal (accepted for down payment only). If paying balance with funds other than cash, buyer to fax copy of monetary instrument no less than 24 hours before picking up vehicle.

The vehicle is sold as is. Buyer is welcome to inspect vehicle BEFORE the end of the auction or to have someone check it out on your behalf provided you authorize whoever is checking the vehicle to provide me with a copy of the results. I have tried to accurately describe this vehicle, both mechanically and cosmetically but you can expect a certain amount of minor flaws on ANY used car including squeaks, rattles, drips, nicks, chips, scratches, blemishes and any other marks that are consistent with the age and mileage of the vehicle. There is no possible way to include all minute details and imperfections, however, I believe my listing accurately depicts this vehicle and if there are any issues they are noted in the description. Also remember that a vehicle is made up of thousands of mechanical parts and components and in an older or higher mileage used vehicle a part that is working fine now may go bad the next day, in a week, or a month from now. It's nearly impossible to tell when a particular part or component will fail as most don't exhibit prior symptoms, however, proper preventative maintenance as this vehicle has received, can prevent most problems or breakdowns from happening.

In fairness to all bidders the reserve price will not be disclosed so please don't even ask.

Buyer responsible for transportation and vehicle must be paid for in full before it can be released. May deliver. Email or call for delivery quote or for any other questions. atikovi@email.com Maryland and District of Columbia dealer. Phone 202-246-5201. Please do not bid if you don't intend to buy.

FREE DELIVERY TERMS: Free delivery within 500 miles of the Washington DC area if bidder purchases vehicle with Buy It Now. (35 cents per mile for additional miles as shown in MapQuest.com from zip code 20001 to your address.) That is still the same rate as when I started on Ebay 17 years ago. Remember, the Buy It Now option disappears once the reserve price is met. The Buy It Now price is $2,995.

AUCTION ENDS: 10:00pm sharp, EASTERN TIME Tuesday July 18th unless Buy It Now is used.