Exhaust pipe had rusted out. Typical with cars that age. I bought a patch kit -- legal in my state. It fixed the problem and quieted it up a bit.
Also, the original radio was dead when I bought it. I'm not sure if the previous owner killed it or if it was just its time to go...
I bought this on a salvage title for $700, and it was only considered a salvage because it'd been in an auto accident; the cost of repairing the cosmetic damage was higher than the value of the car. The guy I purchased it from was the original owner.
Air conditioner not only works, but runs cold.
The transmission is only a three speed, which worried me initially. With gas prices what they are, I wanted something economic. It hasn't let me down. My wife and I took it on a 1000 mile road trip (typically traveling ~80mph; I have a lead foot) and it averaged 32 miles to the gallon, and this is through the mountains with the air conditioner running. In the city its mpg fares a little worse, coming in around 27.
It does get noisy around 60mph - both from the engine and wind noise. And it shakes a bit, too. But it's proven to be reliable and safe.
I would love to have purchased a 5-speed manual. All three gears I have available are sluggish. It takes a bit to get going, but doesn't have a problem getting there if you have the patience. Top speed seems to max out around 90. Speedometer pegs out at 85.
I have a 88 Nova SOHC carburated, and I have never owned a finer 80's-mobile. Besides some cosmetics; headliner falling, some rust, and my trunk leaks slightly, I know more than the "average" person about cars, and I would give my Nova 2 thumbs way up.
I have to work on a gas leak now, though from the motor somewhere, I'm suspecting from others reviews that I might need some carb seals, but it is more than worth it!
I LOVE MY 88 Nova... I didn't think that you could run A/C through it. How'd did you rig that up? Or did it just come stock in yours?
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