Selling a 1984 Pontiac Phoenix

A Phoenix this old that no longer starts can still go in one piece. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

The last year of the Phoenix

EPA lists the Phoenix for one model year only, 1984. Wikipedia says the Grand Am replaced it in 1985.

A 1984 is a second-generation car. Wikipedia gives its production as 1979 to 1984, built at Oklahoma City Assembly, with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive. It lists the 2.5 L Iron Duke four and a 4-speed manual, and names the Chevrolet Citation as the related car.

The coupe in the photo is a Phoenix SJ from the first generation. That car was rear-wheel drive, built in Tarrytown, New York, and related to the Chevrolet Nova. It is a different car from the 1984 underneath.

Wikipedia also says the Phoenix's image suffered from poor workmanship, two recalls for 1981, and rear wheels that tended to lock in emergency braking on 1980 models only. Those years fall before the 1984 data on this page.

The two 1984 recalls

The vehicle numbers are campaign totals. Wikipedia names the Citation, Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Omega as the Phoenix's sister cars, and a campaign this size may include them, so neither number counts only Phoenixes.

84V011, seat back locks (76,586 vehicles). On some cars the bucket seat back locks fell short of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 207, which covers seat anchorage. In a crash, the seat back lock might not hold. Dealers inspected the locks and replaced any with bent, broken or missing hooks.

85V034, fuel feed pipe (121,095 vehicles). The fuel system could leak at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe connection. NHTSA's notice says the leak could start an underhood fire that could spread to the passenger compartment. Dealers fixed it by replacing the feed pipe.

Complaints and recalls by model year

A single complaint is not a pattern, and complaint counts are not a reliability rating.

Before you decide

Smell gasoline under the hood? Don't try to start it. Recall 85V034 covered a possible leak at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe. Tell us it doesn't run when you ask for a quote. Our non-running car guide covers the rest.

Never sure whether the recalls were done? It doesn't stop a sale. See open recall.

Is it a half-finished restoration? The old project car guide helps you weigh finishing it against selling it.

How the sale works

Call (877) 421-6008 or ask for an offer online with the VIN and the car's location. Leave the engine, wheels and trim in place. The driver collects the title and checks your photo ID. Title lost years ago? Start with selling with no title.