Pontiac Firebird (1982-1992) Market Analysis — September 2026
Executive Summary
The Pontiac Firebird (1982-1992) market is currently stable, with a year-over-year price change of -4.3%. The average price of active listings suggests a slight depreciation trend, but the overall market remains robust with a sell-through rate of 77%. An actionable insight is to focus on models from 1989, which have shown the highest sales volume and price appreciation.
Market Snapshot
- Current inventory: 231 active listings
- Median asking price: $13,991 (historical median: $15,950)
- Price trend: Stable (-4.3% YoY)
- Market velocity: 86 days average time on market
PRICE TRENDS & APPRECIATION
Analyzing the quarterly trends, the market has shown fluctuations in median prices, with a peak in Q4 2025 at $19,900 and a recent decline in Q3 2026 to $14,948. The average price in Q3 2026 was $18,476, indicating a downward trend compared to previous quarters. The overall trend suggests stability, but the recent decline in median prices indicates potential caution for buyers.
Auction Market Dynamics
The sell-through rate stands at 77%, indicating a healthy market where the majority of vehicles listed at auction are sold. The median price for sold vehicles is $14,300, while the median high bid is significantly lower at $9,675, suggesting a reserve gap where sellers may have unrealistic expectations. The ratio of sold to unsold vehicles indicates that while many listings are moving, there are still a considerable number of vehicles that do not meet seller expectations.
Configuration Value Guide
The body style breakdown reveals that Coupes command the highest average price at $10,730, while Convertibles average $11,784 and Hatchbacks are lower at $7,846. The 1989 model year stands out with an average price of $25,203, significantly higher than other years, indicating a premium for this specific configuration and year.
Mileage Impact
Mileage analysis shows that vehicles with under 50,000 miles average $23,490, while those between 50,000 and 100,000 miles average $15,038, and vehicles over 100,000 miles average $10,895. This indicates that buyers are willing to pay a premium of approximately $7,452 for low-mileage vehicles compared to those with over 100,000 miles.
Regional Pricing
Geographic distribution indicates that the West has the highest average price at $16,372, while the South averages $14,766. The Northeast and Midwest show lower averages at $15,365 and $18,983, respectively. Buyers may find better deals in the South, where prices are comparatively lower.
Market Health Indicators
The average days on the market is 86, with 23 new listings this week and 76 listings having price reductions. This suggests a moderate supply of vehicles, but the number of price reductions indicates some softening demand. The sell-through rate of 77% is a positive sign, indicating that while some listings are not selling, the majority are.
Investment Outlook
Given the stable trend direction and the recent fluctuations in quarterly prices, the Pontiac Firebird (1982-1992) remains a relatively stable asset class. However, the slight depreciation observed suggests that potential investors should approach with caution, particularly focusing on models from 1989 which have shown the highest demand and price stability.
Buying Recommendations
For potential buyers, the best value configurations are the 1989 models, particularly Coupes, which have shown strong sales and price appreciation. Target price ranges should focus on vehicles with under 50,000 miles for better investment potential. Buyers should avoid listings with significant price reductions, as these may indicate seller desperation or unrealistic pricing expectations.
This analysis is generated from CarSearch.Pro's market database (628 historical sales, 231 active listings across 14 marketplaces) and refreshed automatically. It is market commentary, not financial advice.