Sorry if there have been a lot of posts just like this one before,


I'm 17 and I am about to get my license. I have already been driving with my dad since I was 14 or so, then I got my permit at about 16, and I am now experienced enough to where my parents feel comfortable to let me sell my 1998 Volvo S70 for a Camaro. I'm not over-confident in my ability, but I don't lack confidence either. I realize that ANY driver, no matter the age, can make dumb mistakes and potentially fatal ones. I have always babied and taken care of my car. Actually, my first car was a 1994 Ford Taurus wagon, which my father bought for me when I was 16 for about 1100$. ran great. Sold that a few months later for 2500$. and then bought the 1998 Volvo S70. Also a great car.

I talked it over with my father and he said that he is OK with me getting a Camaro/Firebird (Camaros are cooler to me though) in a V6 or V8, depending on cost of insurance and condition of the vehicle.

I am mainly looking in 1982-1992 and 1993-2002 model year Camaros. Dad had a 1986 2.8L V6 Camaro and a 1987 IROC-Z 305 stick a long time ago.

Dad is an insurance agent. He was able to look at how much it would cost to insure me on the Volvo, then change the VIN numbers to that of Camaros I was looking at on eBay Motors, I was surprised to learn that it costs over 300$ per 6 months less than to insure me on a 1990 Camaro RS with a 305 V8, than it does to insure me on the 1998 Volvo S70.

I guess the real question here is: What should I be looking for when looking at 3rd/4th gen Camaros? My price range stops at about 6,000$ tops, and that is if I can sell my car for 4500-5000$ and have 1 grand extra in spending cash. It must be an automatic, and airbags would be preferable.
Dad won't let me get a stick.
Airbags may not save you always, but they do help.

please be nice, as I am a noob on these forums.

 

Check craigslist. $3k will get you a very nice 3rd gen with decent to low miles. But a 4th gen 3.8 will most likely outperform a 3rd gen RS V8 (I had one). The 4th gen Z28 would be the top pick for performance. With your budget cap, you'll be able to find what you're looking for, and then some.

 

I agree man, you've got enough cash to get a really nice ride. it's all in your preference. If you do go with a 3rd gen I would go for the Iroc. This way you have a tuned port set up. if you can get a 98+ 4rth gen with an LS1 that thing will knock your socks off. the earlier LT1 motors were great but that LS1 screams with very little mods. possibilities are endless!!!

 

As an example, in the Chicago area... 1999 Z28, resale red, t-tops, 98k miles, leather interior, asking $5600. And I know I'd be able to walk away paying no more than $4800.
Maybe even a little less if the seller really needs the cash (who doesn't nowadays): 1999 CHEVY CAMARO Z28/98KMILES/SUPER CLEAN/RUNS GREAT
One thing you need to consider, these cars handle like crap in snow, and a healthy V8 makes it worse.

 

Also keep in mind, I want to have a little cash to spend in case something needs replaced or goes wrong. I don't wanna blow all my cash on the car itself, unless that car absolutely needs nothing.

 

I separated your last sentence. What I will say you can verify with your parents

there is only one vehicle where you get that peace of mind

brand new with a bumper to bumper warranty

 

First off it's pretty cool that your parents are letting you get a Camaro. I had to convence my dad to let me get my first one when I was 17. (but I think he didn't want me to do stupid things in it like he did with his old GTO and Corvettes back in the day)

Here's my short and sweet answer for the 3rd/4th gen

3rd Gen: Get one with a V8 (you won't be happy with V6)
4th Gen: V6 will probably get you by if you just want to cruise around and not hot rod it. but you will probably get bored with it.

Cost:
you should have plenty of money to buy a decent camaro. here in Kansas 3rd gens are pricing out from $1500 to $5000 with the $5000 being a Iroc Z with a 350 and in pretty nice condition. and the 4th gens with a V6 is going for $2000 to $6000. (we bought my step brother a 2000 camaro with a V6 with 145k miles for $2500 from a dealer)

just know that you will probably have to do more work on a 3rd gen than you will on a newer 4th gen.

hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision and post pics of what you end up getting.

 

Really, really, really consider this if you live in a area that gets snow and requires going uphill because if you do, plan to spend money for a good set of 4 dedicated winter tires. Braking and uphill maneuvers are difficult with this cars, especially if you don't have experience driving a RWD light-weight rear end car.

 

I used to have a 94 (3.4) that I drove all year round. On the way to and home from work, there is an uphill climb (not real steep) towards a stop light. If there was snow on the ground, I would play the light, and hang back if I needed to so I still had forward momentum when the light turned green. You have to drive a totally different way in the snow when in a rear wheel drive. Then when I got a 96 Z28, I said no way am I going to even attempt snow in this thing (it's bad enough in the rain). Parked it for the winter and drove a winter car.