My 1997 V6 Camaro died and I've been looking for an SS or Z28 for awhile, and I found a 1987 Z28 for $1800 and was wondering if there was anything in particular I should look for before making an offer. The body is near perfect, the paint is a tad faded and the T tops leak. I know a good deal about 4th gens (thanks to the folks in here) but I'm lost when it comes to the 3rd gen cars. Check the car out here....

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2000574457.html

 

let's assume that the vehicle has the distributor cap with the embedded coil. A cap, rotor and new plugs can be had for less than $100. Toss in some wires for $25 and there you are. If the coil isn't integrated then it's even cheaper.

Why would a vehicle be listed as "runs good, just needs a tune up"

that's like trying to sell your house as "move in condition but toilet doesn't flush"

if it's just the toilet, you run to Home Depot and buy a $100 toilet and replace it so your house is easier to sell


The question that should be in your mind is why isn't the selller investing $100 into "just needs a tune up" so he can get top dollar?

caveat emptor

 

I would say check for rust around rocker panels and especially if the t-tops have leaked check floor boards. Then open the hatch and look at the spare tire area, if there is no rust, 1800 is not bad. I often hear people say near perfect body, but when pics are posted it seems like it needs at least 50 hours of body work. So, be careful on that. As far as mechanical goes, make sure it has good oil pressure and the trans shifts well through all gears. Like a previous poster said, you wonder what his definition of tune up is....

 

The body was near perfect. The paint however, looked like it got hit by a flame thrower. The motor sounded good, but when I put my hand up to the tailpipe, no exhaust made it back that far. I checked the oil and it looked like YooHoo. The passenger T top leaks and I offered her $1200 (and I thouht I was being VERY generous) and she acted like I offended her and walked away. She told me I was getting a steal for $1800. I then told her that Craigslist is full of good running 3rd gen Z28's with fresh paint for under $3000, and that was that.

I have decided to put a salvage motor in my crippled '97 and make an RS out of it just for fun. I guess after nearly 2 months of trying to buy a Z, it just isn't meant to be. I'll just settle for my 200HP V6 and put a few light mods on it.

 

she will wish that she took your offer.

 

Torque is right above. You were way too generous if the oil looked like yoohoo it probably was mixing water and oil. I just picked up a 89 RS, very good condition with the exception that the engine did not start and that the floor boards needed attention. Practically stock enginewise. The guy wanted 1500, I offered 800. He gave me the "insult" look and I told him to consider it. A day later he called taking my offer.
The car just needs a fuel pump installed.

Poop happens sometimes