Looking at buying a 1994 Camaro V6, stick-shift. Right now the guy starts it with a screwdriver. He has the title in his name.

I can handle auto repair, but I have not dealt with a GM VATS system before, which I think this is. I don't care about VATS, and would be happy to bypass it all together. Maybe this guy already has? It's a 2-hour drive to go see the car, and I want to close the deal right then rather than going back and forth twice.

Looking for advice. If I can bypass VATS and not pay $60 for a ignition key, that would be nice. I can add a hidden kill switch if security of the car is a concern.

Thanks everyone - Walter

 

If the guy is starting it with a screwdriver, then the VATS has been bypassed. I don't get why people let things go like that. Title in his name is fine, just make sure the VIN on the title matches the car.

 

If he is using the screwdriver in the slot where the key should fit, then the lock is possibly trashed. You will have to get that fixed or removed in order to unlock the steering. The lock could have been damaged by an attempted theft. Double check the documents. Maybe run a Carfax or equivalent.

Another possibility is that part of the key is broken off in the lock. It only costs about $10 or less to buy a new key blank. I got one cut from the original at Home Depot for free. Other places may charge just 2 bucks.

 

where i live the ignition key is a bit more then that like 25.00 ,it has a chip in it ,i would have concern for a car that has a screwdriver for a key ,shows the owner does not care much about the car ,i would check it fine tooth comb

 

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