I'm lookin at buying a fourth generation camaro. its a 2002 z/28 6 speed w/ 81,ooo miles. A few options: Cd player, steering wheel controls, cruise other options(suspension brakes etc) are unknown. The car has a crack in the passenger side fender and a pretty good chip out of the lip on the Hatch. It's a white car, no-tops just solid white top. Has the little 16 inch wheels on it atm. Single owner car. Price is $10,000.

I need advice on what to look for on this car and major things to watch out for. Iknow there are little quirks about thridgens that make them go or no go, because i know about components and what to look for to find problems.

This one sounds like it MAY have a wheel bearing going bad. Has a pretty distinct grinding noise but it is not related to engine rpm. Sounds like it also may have an idler pulley and/or thrust bearing going. I gave it a good listen and similar noises seem to be coming from both places.
Any ideas on what it takes to make those two repairs? Obviously trans would have to come out for one, but how much of an ordeal is that. Additionally, what does it take to do plugs on this thing? I've heard all the jazz about lowering the sub-frame. Do i hafta? I've been quoted $180 to do plugs on it.
Any other extreme tune-up costs?

What shuold i know from experts and owners of fourth generation camaros before buying this car?

 

Things to watch out for: the LS1 has a tendency to use oil because the rings aren't quite fitted correctly. Other than that I can't think of any major issues off the top of my head.

As far as the wheel bearing goes, you would have to purchase a new one because they're a sealed bearing. Not a big deal to replace though.
As far as removing the transmission goes, it's not going to be fun especially if you don't have a lift.
As far as spark plugs, you don't have to lower the sub-frame, some the of the plugs are just a tight squeeze and you'll probably have to attack some of them from underneath, but parts don't need to be taken off to get to them.

 

You said you thought the throw out bearing is going? does the noise go away when you push in the clutch? if it does, then it is the throw out bearing. How loud is it? if its quite i wouldnt worry about it for some time. IMO, i would just drop the entire K-frame, engine and all, way easy, only took me an hour to drop the whole works. then at that time you can do all your engine/trans maintenance.