nitroracer

iTrader: (4)

I am going to take a look at a 1998 Trans Am this weekend to replace my daily driver that was just deemed a total by the insurance company. The car I am going to see looks to be in great shape, only has 55k, miles clutch and slave cylinder have been replaced, magnaflow exhaust, and two sets of tires. The car has been garage kept for the last few years.

My question is what are some things I should look for that go wrong or cause problems on these cars? Im dying to get an LS powered car but I want to make sure this one is in good shape.

justin455

just the usual things associated with buying a used car. howling rear end and such...

NC01TA

Type of owner (abused??)?. Maintenance records?? (all the fluids should have been changed by now). Cracked door panels? Window motors? Headlights work OK? The list is endless with any used car purchase. All can be excellent negotiating tools as well.

ramsoccer11

iTrader: (5)

passenger side of the dash above the airbag tends to get a small crack, make sure the running lights work/arent too moisture filled

eseibel67

iTrader: (10)

At that low mileage it should be o.k. mechanically. Due to it's age, I would still check it over closely. Either by yourself if you know what you are looking at, or by a pro.

Prove the mileage with a Carfax report.

Since you are in PA, get that car up on a lift to check the underside for rust. As you probably know, the entire body of the car is plastic except the rear 1/4's.

Looks nice. Good luck!

jgoo

iTrader: (2)

I always check the window motors they seem to slow down on the 2 camaros ive had. I also check for alot of rattling when i shut the door. Since the doors are heavy people tend to slam them. The headlights will tell you how its been kept like ramsoccer said with moisture. Ask for a carfax check body lines and soforth. Oil leaks also i could go on but just check everything.

nitroracer

iTrader: (4)

So some of the top things that go bad are window motors, headlight motors, cracked door panels and running lights up front.

Sounds like the chassis and drive train are pretty robust. Good new there.

Shamson5.7

iTrader: (5)

Check the shifter when shifting to see if the trans mount is busted, check the wheel wells to see if hes done any recent burnouts. The rest has been covered pretty much. Make sure that rear end doesnt howl! Mine started howling a WEEK after I bought it. 2 weeks later it was in the shop getting a 12bolt bc it grenaded :/

Shamson5.7

iTrader: (5)

Just realized today was Saturday O_o
So what was the verdict?

y2k_ta

iTrader: (80)

Ok, don't tell us you've been standing in that guy's driveway for four days now staring at that car?

VictimTA

I have a 2000 T/A if your interested in it