You make good points, but I have no interest in doing an engine swap or any other major engine work in a 4th gen, although I'd enjoy the benefits of a H/C/I job.

I bought my '94 Z with 114k miles for just over $3k.

Plus I drive the snot out of my vehicles.

 

Like said, don't rush into buying one.. There is ton's. I'll probably put my z up for sell at around $3k this summer, 4k if i replace the windshield and paint it like i planned. I just say that to show their out there. (of course mines not the LS).

 

Thank you 2Z! I am just trying to find the right car for my budget. I like both Camaro's and Trans Am's. They each have they own uniqueness/style that appeals to me.

Yes you are correct. The passenger side header is in good condition, where as the driver side one is rusted.

I spoke to the owner of the TA last night. Let me know what you think.

Here is what I said:

"Thanks for letting me come out last night and see the vehicle. After talking it over with my wife we both like the vehicle. However, $5300 is a little too high with a few issues.

1. I will need to get the car tuned for the check engine light due to the O2 sensor. It will be at least $150.

2. I will need to get the security light check and fixed, which is around $150 +.

3. The driver side header is really rusted bad. Typically, the headers rust together, so it seems the passenger one was put on at a later time (maybe because it was rusted bad?) To have the header cleaned will cost $200+ or I may have to replace it (if so around $400-$500) Also, the y-pipe/exhaust is rusted.

4. There is no paperwork for the engine/tranny. I know that is not your fault, but right now we are going on hearsay that is has been rebuilt.

I have $4800 cash I will give you for the car. After I fix those issues I will be well above $5500."

Here is his response:

"Yea i know it needs a few more things so ill come down to $5000, im coming down $700 off my asking price, its only $200 more than your offer, i think thats a very fair price"

He said he knows it needs a few more things....do you think there is something else he may not be mentioning or is he just stating he knows there is some work that needs to be done?

 

I dunno. I like the way the T/A looks, but I dont like the fact he bought it to "fix up"... in my opinion a car purchased to flip, is fixed just well enough to get by. The header issue like I said, could be motor or trans mount. Dont disregard thats happening. Also, why would anyone replace one header and not the other? Not feeling the "no paperwork" thing either.

If it were me, I would keep searching. I think you can do better than what you are finding. Now, this is just me, but I like finding a car as close to stock as possible, with as few owners as possible and with as much paperwork (ie: receipts)... and with as little rust as possible. I have no problem with modded cars if the mods were thoughtfully done and have receipts to back them up.

Also, just my opinion, but a manual transmission is way more fun than one with a slush box... Be patient, look for a better car. $5000. should get you a nice vehicle with little to no problems.

 

I bought my 94Z, M6 with 172k on the clock for just at $3000. It was in my budget plus I had also budgeted for fixing some things if needed to make it road worthy. It is my daily driver (50+ miles a day). I am at 197k now. I have replaced the opti, waterpump, plugs, wires, egr, front ball joints, steering rack, inner/outer tie rods, rear shocks, sway bar links and bushings. The motor runs well, with an occasional hickup here and there, but overall is very reliable. I have some lifter noise on startups and the ever-present oil drips. I will eventually rebuild it, but for now a content on driving her every day. She is a blast to drive with the M6. You just have to know your limits on repairs and be willing to put some money into it sooner or later regardless of miles cause, after all, your looking at 10+ year old vehicles. You also have to figure in "specialized" tools/equipment to work on it yourself, for example, mine is the b@stard year where jumping the pins on the OBD connector does not work to get codes, also an OBD2 code scanner wont work and most OBD1 scanners dont work. Had to spend @$150 for a scanner that would actually work on a 94 GM vehicle. But that paid for itself the first time I used it to correct the cause for an checkk engine light.

 

Okay, thank you. I will tell the guy no on the TA.

I received a call from the dealer and he sold the 98 Camaro this morning.

 

If I had to do it again, I would have saved a little more and got an LS1 instead of the LT1. But I just can't bring myself to like the catfish look of those cars.

 

Unless I missed it previously, what is your budget? That T/A was a mess, no paperwork, unfinished work, mismatched parts, high miles and he still wants $5k? Thats funny of him.

Like I said before though, for closer to $7k you can find LS1 cars with under 100k. And modded isn't better, modded brings the price way down, especially if the guy selling it did none of the work and has zero paperwork. You don't want someone else's headache.

Where are you located?

Cars for Sale: 2001 Chevrolet Camaro SS in Pomona, CA 91768: Coupe Details - 312895520 - AutoTrader.com

Cars for Sale: 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe in Downers Grove, IL 60515: Coupe Details - 332949814 - AutoTrader.com

Cars for Sale: 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe in CHANTILLY, VA 20152: Coupe Details - 335531539 - AutoTrader.com

All of these are under 100k miles, and around or below 7-7500. Do note that I just did a 20 second search on autotrader, so where these cars are I don't really know. But there were quite a few more listings too

 

believe it or not, that's why I bought the 95

Although, there's a white catfish SS around here and with the silver rims, it looks OK.

 

I'm sure there is a way top graft the earlier 4th gen nose on one of those.