I am lookig to buy a second gen. camaro (1978-up). I was thinking of looking for a close to stock Camaro with a rebuild 305 or 350 engine to use as a daily driver (14 miles total round trip to work). Nothing special, no mods. I just love the way the car looks and I am not a race-type guy.

Am I unreasonable, thinking that I can use such an old car as a daily driver? My budget is up to $5K. So I am not expecting the body to be perfect (some rust is OK, cracks in dash are OK) but I would like the engine (if found rebuild) to be fairly reliable.

Can I have problems with emissions in state of NJ? Are there any exempts? I do not really want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars fixing emission problems just to pass the inspection.

Any comments are welcome. Also, if you have any tips about what to look for or avoid, please post them.

 

Before buying my 2nd gen (1978 z28) I spent a week or two browsing craigslist, calling the owners to get the vins, and matching up the tech data on nastyz28.com. For $5k you should get numbers-matching, non-drooping doors, air conditioning still intact, etc. no rust. non-bent frame (no wrecks). nice paint. no dents. nice interior. original or 2nd motor. If 2nd motor thenit should have paperwork. Be interested in any parts that may be in a box in the garage w/the car, particularly concerning rebuilt motor orrebuilt transmission. Records and documentation areso important, especially on a 30-year old vehicle where you can't do a carfax. It may help if the owner lives in a nice house and has a wife+kids+job and lots of other vehicles that are well maintained;old camaro owners tend to be varied in lifestyle that reflects on the wear and tear of the vehicle. I met one guy who was trying to sell me his 78 z28 because all the cops intown were sick of him

 

5 grand will get you a nice car. and you can def. use them as a daily driver. i had a 79 before i got my 78 and i drove it all day everyday. i droped in a 350 with edelbrock stuff and never not once had any problems. the tranny had 157 thousand miles on it as did the rear. never broke down or anything. the main thin is you gotta watch for those rear frame rails. rust is the biggest killers of these cars. the drive train like almost all gm cars is indestructable!!!!! even if you dont get a camaro. an old chevy is still the way to go.

 

they work as daily drivers, they are ok, mine was a daily driver till i got a cavalier, had to drive it 30 miles to school, 30 home everyday. kinda sucked mileage wise (12-15) but oh well

 

I wish I could use my car for work buts its kinda hard to haul my planks and ladders around and drywall tools in the trunk..

 

speedcoder, your chevy logo is sick!!!!!

 

Thanks guys for all the responses.

What about the emissions? Are there any exempts for old cars (I am in NJ). I am reluctant to call DMV because I will probably get a lady that's talking on the phone while doing her nails. She will probably tell me that all cars have to pass emissions because she has no idea otherwise. I am asking because with current strict emission laws I can assume that older cars will have hard time passing the tests. Even my 10 year old Pontiac was failed because of stupid fuel cap.

 

for emmissions my car is 1980 and the guy said its just avisual check for cats and thats about it

 

Good advice guys. I would call the local emissions shop and ask them.

 

I have an 81 Camaro I bought from my dads friends son for $500.00. It had no front-end, no engine(they took out the 350), no interior and not a singe pair of matching tires, and half painted parts. its been two years and Ive put about three grand into the car and now I drive it to school everyday. This Gen. of Camaro does make a very interesting but cool everyday driver....I agree with the previous posters...with 5k being your budget. You should expect to get a good Camaro in good condition!!!