so im fixing to get my very first camaro this next week, and im torn between two. a Z28 2001 convertable. or a 1996 3800, i cant decide which so i need some outside opinions.

1996 3800

Pros:
really kool bass
cool hood
new wheels

cons:
rear main seal leaking
transmission leak
a lot of dings and scratchs

2001 Z28 convertable

pros:
convertable
it is a v8

cons:
engine light on ( not to sure what it might be)
a few cosmetic things wrong on the inside
since its a convertable it might leak, ( havn't tested it yet)

so i need yalls opinion
the 1996 its a straight trade where trading a truck
the 2001 is at a rinky-dink dealership for 8,500 and is giving us 4000 for the truck
this camaro will be more like my weekend ride,
i plan on tricking it out and turning it into at least a 12 second car, so im leaning towards the Z28 but i figured if anyone know which to get it would be you guys.

 

oh and i forgot to add the 1996 has about 160,000 miles on it and the Z28 has about 80,000

 

sounds like you made up your mind. It's a personal choice and not up to us.

Basd upon your posting style I would say that you are young.

The big question should be...Dad, do you think it wise to spend $8500 for a vehicle that needs work?

Now, if you have lots of money that you don't need, then go for it. You should try cars.com, autotrader and craigslist because $8500 should get you a trouble free ( as best as it can) LT1 or LS1

 

The 96 is over priced the 01 seems like a fair deal. You will need to do a lot of work to just get the 96 fixed. But to get the 3800 to 12 seconds you will have to upgrade every part of the drive line.

The LS1 could be a pain because of the check engine lite or it could be a simple fix. Since the LS1 will put down 300 hp to the rear wheels right off the bat getting it to 12 seconds should not be hard. You will not be able to take it to the track. Most tracks will not let rag tops that will do better then a 15 sec quarter mile run without a roll cage. Maybe you should keep looking till you find a hard top. Rag tops are like swimming pools, for people that enjoy them and use them they are great but for everyone else they are a huge pain.

 

ya my girlfriend loves the fact that she would be able to put the top down, i could care less. but who ever said i would be going to the track?
just kidding i will check with their rules.

 

i think you should keep looking and if your girlfriend likes the convertable try to find one with t-tops.