CT15

So here's the deal. I saw a 98 Camaro with 55,000 on the clock. It's listed as a salvage title car and they wanted $6400 for it. The damage from the collision was actually not bad, and had all been repaired. I figured I could talk them down to around 5k assuming the rest of the car was in decent shape. I get there and it turns out the car is a ways from great. Here are some of the problems...

Exterior
1. Paint job is not very professional, glimmers with this crappy sparkle paint in the sun. Also a few chips in the paint near the spoiler and on the bumpers.
2. The passenger door does not close correctly. It latches but there is a small gap between the door and the car.
3. The interior hood release does not work, so they have a small wire hanging out near the headlight to pop the hood.
4. The hood does not latch without some fiddling around with the latch mechanism.

Interior
1.The carpet in the hatch is loose and coming up in some places due to a crappy attempt at a subwoofer installation.
2. There is no headliner.
3. Missing 2 air vents.
4. Carpet all around is a bit dirty.

Mechanical
1. Oil was a quart low. Also noticed a very small puddle of oil under the car when moved.
2. No power steering fluid on the dipstick.
3. Coolant needs to be flushed.

These were only the things I noticed over a 15 minute peek. The car is an M6. On the test drive it ran/drove/rode very well and definitely had all the kick that a 55,000 mile LS1 should.

My first question is, would you buy it if you could get it for a reasonable price? My second question is, what do you think a reasonable price would be? After seeing all that was wrong with it I'm now thinking around $3500.

z28bryan02

Given all the problems you mentioned and the fact that it probaly has a salvage title.... i wouldnt pay much if anything for it. I think it would be more of a headache then its worth.

CT15

Unfortunately, I'm afraid you might be right. I've been looking for a nice cheap fixer, but this might end up being more of a pain than it is worth. That test drive was worth looking at it though. Man that plastered a smile on my face I'll call in a couple weeks and see just how much I can talk him down. If I could get it for 3k and dump another 3k in part into it to get it back into great shape, I could see myself getting it. It could end up being a fun time getting it back up to snuff.

clean99

...I would stay away from that one I've seen some f bodies on here in better shape go for 6500, just keep looking

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Not for that price, no.

CT15

What do you think I could get him down to? Chances are some stupid kid is going to buy this thing for 4-5k which is waaaaaaaaaaay more than its worth. I was thinking of offering 3 if it sits for another month.

hagerbump

Another vote for "stay away from that one". With the mileage being that low, the lack of maintenance you observed and the fact that is has a salvage title tells me that this car has lived a very tough life and would probably be more trouble than it is worth at any price. Keep looking though there are better deals out there.

95 Z28

iTrader: (21)

Run away from that piece. You can get a pretty nice one in that price range. You'll regret buying that one for sure.

zuuhlsT/A

iTrader: (2)

Can you say Money Pit?...Sure you can

JayplaySS

iTrader: (15)

pass!

02silvaZ

iTrader: (12)

thats why....., i say........, phug it!

bigblock4-speed

Well- if it were the 3500 price you could get it for.. i would do it- and tubbulate it, and four lunk it... Thats what it would be good for, but still you will probably have a money pit- ok ok.. i say pass like the others....

CT15

Ha thanks guys Looks like I'll be looking elsewhere. I was just getting antsy to end my search but I can wait a while longer for the right one to come along. Sadly you were all pretty much confirming something I already kinda knew in my heart

CT15

Think I found her
'98 Z28 clean title 120,000 miles for $3,000
No problems that I saw, the guy is leaving for Iraq and wants to unload it.

zuuhlsT/A

iTrader: (2)

That sounds ok as long as the car looks like it's been maintained well. It's also $3400 cheaper than the money pit you were thinking about. Thats alot of money for MODS!!!

speedshifterNC

iTrader: (1)

where in the world did you find one for 3 grand? If you don't buy it...seriously where did you find it?120k is fine if it's been taken care of

1FastFox

Even if you get a good deal on it, you will be hating yourself as you will be spend mod money as basic repair money...

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

you priced a new paint job lately?

PASS, ITS A PILE

if you can get it for $3k, part it out...but don't try to fix it, you'll have at least $3k more than its worth in it to do it right

CT15

If I end up getting it I'll let ya know

I haven't seen the car yet. So right now I'm still operating under the theory that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I guess I'll find out here in a few days.

01 Trans-Am WS6

iTrader: (5)

Keep looking, deff. not worth that type of money.