I purchased a 1998 Base Camaro last year for restore and cruising (the one in my signature). I liked the 3800 because of it’s gas mileage and looks. I am in love with the 98-2002 body style. I have done all the mods required to get it into the low 16s to high 15s in the ¼ mile (pretty good for V-6). All the body work is complete and the car is in really nice shape. Recently, I found a 2002 Anniversary Z-28 with the 5.7 and T-Tops at a dealer. It has been GM owned all these years and only has 50,000 miles on it and mint condition. With trade in, I can pick this car up for $5-6000.00. I bought the 98 for an investment. I truly love the 98 car and it would make me sick to see it go to a dealer. On the other hand the 02 Aniversary car will be worth way more in ten years. I drive a company car so my Camaros are parked and only come out for play. Typically my cars only get a 1000 mile or so a year.

Suggestions please

 

It doesn't sound like you've driven the LS1,,,,, :-D

 

Is it an Anniversary edition SS or just an 02 z28? If its just an 02 z28 it isn't anything special, even if it is the 35th year. How much are they asking for the car? Dealers love to jack the prices up on any 2002 model because they think it is something special. For a toy and cruiser the ls1 beats the six banger in every way.

 

It is the Z-28. The part I like about it was it never had a first owner. It was some sort of a program car that the dealer picked up form GM I am being told. Sort of a strange story but I will know when I see the title. It also has the Sport Performance Appearance Package like the 98. With this purchase I would have to take on one to make up the difference. Other then the power and T-tops there isn't much difference in the cars for me except the resell value ten-twenty years down the road when I retire. Strictly a play toy and investment for me. Is a three year loan worth it for what I can get out of it when retired? That should have been my question.

 

Don't think of any 4th gen car as investment, you will be diasspointed if you do. Even 30 years from now, they won't be worth any more than they are now. 3rd gens haven't even come around yet and that was over 30 years ago. These cars were too mass produced to really be considered rare for our current time.

I wouldn't get a loan for any 4th gen car, just not worth it for a 10+ year old car. Also consider the fact you can find a similar mileage z28 or ss for under $10k, and it makes no sense to get a loan.

 

I dont know about the 4th gens never being worth anythig. When I was a kid in the early 90's you could buy a 67-69 Camaro or 65-70 Mustang just about anywhere running and in good condition for $2000 and be happy with the car. Today that same $2000 will get you a no engine piece of crap that needs more sheet metal than it has left and you will be happy with it. 2nd gens were not even able to be given away and alot ended up in scrap yards because people could not sell them. Today a running and decient 2nd gen will net from $4000 to $2000 depending on which revision of the car. Today the 4th gens are holding strong at $3000 to $10000 depending on options and engine. 3rd gens are so so here and not selling very fast. So in 30 years the 4th gens may just have some value, but it as always is going to be the Z28s and SSs that will have the commanding prices.

Massey

 

Teat drive the LS1 and I think you'll be leaving the dealer with a Z28

 

It only has 50k miles on it but I think a lot of people drove that car. This is
maybe not a good thing. You can find 2002's probably for the same price and
about the same milage on them and owned only by one driver. If you want to
invest in something, don't invest in a car like this. It simply not wort it. Just my 2 cents. Have a nice day. By the way, you already have a beautiful car.

 

it seem like they are asking way too much. i paid 9500 for my 98 ss and it had 47,000 miles on it. but in the long run its going to be worth alot more than the v6 car

 

How do you figure they're asking way too much. There is a 98 V6 with 59k miles near me asking $4700. I'd end up getting it in the high $3's. But for the sake of negotiating argument, lets round it up to $4k. And if he can get this one for $5k and his car, that makes $9k. Now, if his 98 has miles more like in the 100k range, that makes his worth $3k on a good day, which makes the total deal for the new one only $8k. That's a much better deal than your 4 year older car for $9500.