bamxbam

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys, yes, this is another one of those "is this a good buy?" threads, and this is probably my third one so far; the search continues so that I can rightfully say I belong to ls1tech.com.

http://www.getauto.com/autolinks_car.../greenville/ms

This is the car I'm looking at, I will be checking it out Saturday on a 300 mile drive from New Orleans to Greenville, Mississippi. My original budget for a 6 speed LS1 was around $10k, but this deal struck me as more than fair... possibly even "good" considering it's from a dealer. I know there is not much to look at, or much info, but what would you guys say? I'm hoping that I've finally found the car for me after a tiring 1 year search before starting school this fall. Carfax shows that this car has had only 2 owners (I'm guessing that's lower than normal considering it's a 10 year old car); the first owner had it for 9 years until 110k miles or so, and the 2nd owner had it for a year. There appears to be some mods done to it... and please forgive my complete noobness when it comes to car parts lol, but there seems to be an aftermarket exhaust, shifter, and obviously the hood? I've yet to see this particular style of hood on a Camaro, does anyone know if it's functional?

Also, since this will be my first time thoroughly checking out an Fbody, what would be common areas that I should pay attention to? I'm aware that the weakpoints on these cars are window motors, rearend, stock clutch... and more that I'm probably forgetting. What kind of unusual sounds/feelings/smell should I watch out for? Also, I've read a bit about the LS1 motors being prone to knocking and/or pinging, how would this sound to the untrained ear like mine?

Any and all fair advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Gracias!

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Paint is kinda rough looking (front bumper chipped and rear missing a chunk of clear). That's the first thing that jumps out at me that looks rough (not commenting on the hood )

Camaro396

iTrader: (14)

The paint is definatly in need of some help. And its got alot of miles. I dont know though man, does seem a little cheap!

bamxbam

iTrader: (2)

Yeah the paint does seem to be a bit rough (though I'm not seeing the chunk missing in the rear?). Yeah, the mileage thing... I figured a lot of you guys would be saying these cars can run 200k+ with no problems, but it's still a concern of course. So due to the paint and mileage, at this price, it wouldn't exactly be a steal, but not overpriced right?

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

right hand side of the bumper, its really "flat" looking compared to the rest of the bumper.

I'd still check it out. But expect a new paint job to run you a few $K.

01 Trans-Am WS6

iTrader: (5)

Hmm, I have seen other LS1's for sale for around that price that looked nicer then that.

99f350

iTrader: (9)

Well being im a car dealer I would say thats not to bad a price. my dealer "black book" list the car as $2950 In rough condition. Average books it at $4300. I would think he paid between the two prices. Car fax will tell you if he bought it at a auction. Good luck with it.

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

I bought my 2000 Z-28 for 9500 from a dealer and it had 51k on it. That's not a bad price I'd offer them 4-4500. I needs paint, a new hood as that hood is horrible and the body kit has no go [ No offense sport package guys ].....

I think there are better buys out there, keep an eye on that car....and if you want a deal wait til the last few days of the month

RaggedRides

iTrader: (8)

I think the paint might turn out with some good detail work. It's not a bad deal, but I don't know if I'd say it's a steal, you know? I think it'd kick *** if you could get it for around $5,000 even


I will say this though. These cars aren't built like tanks, so don't buy something that's been ragged to hell. Think with your head, and not your nuts on this one

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

Yea I would definatley say don't rush into a car, you will regret it. I've done it before and you'll kick yourself for doing it later.

RaggedRides

iTrader: (8)

If you can afford to wait, I can guarantee there's always a deal out there that's better than the last. I was looking for a truck and accidentally ran across mine on this website. Paid $6,250 with 70,000 on the clock.


Found this in literally 20 seconds on here
https://ls1tech.com/forums/vehicles-sale-lsx-powered-only/936687-1998-red-trans-am-a4.html


Deals pop up around here all the time, so don't sweat it

Wild Willy

Yeah, I am not a big fan of the body kit, either, though that is the correct factory one. Aftermarket grille, too- not bad- aftermarket stereo, too-

How did they get a Firebird hood on a Camaro? j/k

Stick, so 3.42 axle- what kind of warranty is the dealer giving? Since you are paying a premium buying from a dealer, you should be getting something-

I would look it over, drive it, try every **** and control- check the fluids, see if it has been well maintained- Pretty tempting- would definitely consider it-

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

I would buy it if you can snag it for 4-4500 as I said before. I've bought a car this rough before and in the end it's better to spend a little more on a car in better shape....IMHO

VetteMan

I think you can find better on here. Plus when you buy a car from the forums most the time people have taken care of their car.

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

I'm still kicking myself on mine
Paying more in repairs than on the car itself in a 9 month period sucks.

VetteMan

I rushed into an old c3 vette to have everything fail on it.

0000000000

"1998 Camaro Z28 for $5450 at a dealer!? "

So! Im sure its priced accordingly, especially since its at a dealer. Its got 130,000 miles, 10 years old, & funky paint. My question is WHO WOULD WANT THIS ?

bamxbam

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the input guys. It sucks that the paint isn't exactly perfect, but I'm not surprised by it considering the mileage and age, besides, it isn't THAT bad (to me anyway) and as mentioned, can be used as a negotiation factor. I'm planning on offering $4k, but if they can do somewhere in between $4.5k and $5k and give me a fair price on my trade-in (02 escort zx2) I will officially be in the ls1 club. Of course, this is assuming that the car is mechanically sound for the most part! Which brings to the third part of my original post, can someone answer it in detail? thanks.

"Also, since this will be my first time thoroughly checking out an Fbody, what would be common areas that I should pay attention to? I'm aware that the weakpoints on these cars are window motors, rearend, stock clutch... and more that I'm probably forgetting. What kind of unusual sounds/feelings/smell should I watch out for? Also, I've read a bit about the LS1 motors being prone to knocking and/or pinging, how would this sound to the untrained ear like mine?"

RaggedRides

iTrader: (8)

-Carfax it

-Check for hesitations or sputtering under acceleration

-Make sure it tracks straight and doesn't try and veer to one side

-Closely examine the dash and quarter panels for stress cracks or warping

-If it's got anything electrical done, check for crummy wiring

-Check all of the creature comforts and features, from A/C to the sound system

-Listen under the hood for any tapping or ticking around the valve covers, like lifter noise

-Listen for exhaust leaks, which usually sound like a tapping sound too

-Check the rotors for warps or grooves

-Make sure that old clutch is doing it's job

-Smoke?

-Smells?


Most apply to any car, but I know a few to pay attention to because of my own Camaro. If possible, get someone who isn't partial to the thing to check it out for you. Maybe you could find someone local from the forum to give it a look. If it wasn't 144 miles away, I'd go look at it for you.


Just don't get desperate and convince yourself it's perfect then get home and slap yourself in the sack for buying a headache. Think sensibly, because there's plenty of these cars to go around. I flew to Georgia for mine, and if it wasn't what I expected, I would have been on my way back home.

bamxbam

iTrader: (2)

Looks like a good guide to start with, thanks. Anyone else feel free to add on?
Since the weak 10 bolt on these cars seem to be such a big deal, I want to be able to pay attention to it; so far from what I understand, any sort of noise whatsoever from it is a bad thing right? Besides listening for certain sounds, if the rear end is going bad, is there a way to tell by feel while driving?