typical 3.8 issues
 

a friend of mine is looking at an 02 camaro with the 3.8, and im going to take a look at it with him to see if it passes the pre, pre-purchase inspection. its going for about $2700 and it has 135,xxx on it. sounds like its in the ball park, mine has 242,xxx and blue book i think is above $2000 and mine is a 94

what are some of the common issues with this engine, i think ive seen on here the intake gasket is one of the common issues. are there any others?

The drive-by-wire throttle body can be troublesome and expensive to replace. It is not generally repairable.

Anything else? I know the 3.8 is a solid engine but there has to be something that tends to fail if it's not well maintained.

Lower intake gasket, if it has not been done already it will need done soon. Head gaskets if the coolant has not been maintained. Also if the coolant has not been maintained you may be into a radiator. The dex cool is a killer if you don't keep it changed.

Don't forget the floors if it is a t-top. Right where a person feet would be if they are in the back seat. I have seen so many go through the auction that when I looked under all I saw was carpet.

Thanks gorn, I thought I remembered seeing something about one of the intake gaskets being an issue. Not sure if it's a t-top or not but I'll be sure to inspect the floor if it is.