1981 mirada v8

[lp57]

Hello members,I'm new here and a mopar owner(challenger) ,I have an opportunity to purchase a 1981 dodge Mirada cmx,2 barrell, after a little research I see only about 53k were produced from 1980-1983, does this make them collectable? Are parts an issue? What should I be looking at to make sure the vehicle is worth buying?any help or advice at all would be helpful,it runs but is not road worthy, what's it worth ?thanks for your time

 

[AMC Diplomat]

Collectable? Anything is collectable. Valuable? Meh, @Camtron posted a pic of a whole bunch of J bodies in a field. Parts are an issue with all FMJs. If it has good bumper fillers/rear quarter end trim then you're ahead of the game. It's not road worthy? What's wrong with it? Stuff adds up quick with these cars and almost nobody is making parts

 

[lp57]

Transmission issues, thanks for the reply

 

[Camtron]

Mostly just need the body to be complete. The plastic filler panels are almost always trashed if not completely missing.
Most mechanical parts aren’t really a trouble but body/interior/trim/weather stripping are an overall trouble sourcing for all of the FMJ cars.

This car belongs to a member here, guys definitely like them and will spend money on the right one.

 

[Aspen500]

Mechanical parts aren't a problem to get, for the most part. Body, interior and electrical are a bit harder to come by. Certain parts are the dreaded unobtainium, especially J-body.

Main thing to look for (same as any 40 year old car) is major rust, especially underneath. If it's worth buying all depends on condition and, more importantly, the asking price.

If it matters, a Mirada CMX is rarer than a standard Mirada.

Edit: Appears Camtron was typing the same thing as me, but beat me to the submit button, LOL.

 

[Duke5A]

Super clean J bodies can go for $7k around here. The values are climbing. Saw a absolutely mint Fifth Avenue sell for more than $8k.

 

[Camtron]

Yea, $3k-$5k seems to be about standard for a nice FMJ now, $5k-$8k+ for really nice cars…used to be able to get a real nice FMJ for under $2k just a couple years ago and $5k for a near perfect car seemed like a reach.