navyblue2000

iTrader: (3)

I've got an opportunity to pick up a 98 Z28, M6, for 2500 bucks. Only caveat, really, is that it has 208,000 miles.

There are a few issues:
passenger window motor
AC compressor.
shocks/springs
front bumper cover

Fortunately though, I know the car's history. My brother bought it back in 2002 with 34,000 miles. He's done the routine maintenance (oil changes etc).

What else will I need to check for with a car with mileage this high?

Blazingz28

iTrader: (5)

listen for the rearend, make sure engine isnt knocking, if the tranny hasnt gone yet, I'm guessing that it will soon

andrew69_04

iTrader: (148)

if your planning on building a badass setup, i say its a good candidate. if your planning on just having a fun street car i say stay away. 208,000 is alot, but if properly maintained it might run and drive fine. if you start throwing mods at a car that is this used. your definitly going to have a car that will nickel and dime you to death as things are going to start breaking.

If going with a new motor/trans, and rear setup....why not!

DeepV

iTrader: (1)

Hey, as long as it hits well and everything is in good shape i don't think mileage even matters. I mean how many low mileage cars have you seen that are struggling to exist. It's all about how the car was cared for and how hard it was driven. but hey, that's just my opinion. I always assume the worst, hope for the best.

grey03mach1

iTrader: (3)

I bought a 2001 formula with 170k miles so I have a little bit of experience with this topic. I did have to replace the trans (1,300) and rear end (400) and I also had to replace the A/C compressor (about 800). So expect to shell out some money especially if you intend on driving it with a heavy foot. My car now has 182k but is strong and seems to be doing just fine.

samson_420

iTrader: (1)

So, the only thing left original is the motor. Does it still run strong?

dutinsss

iTrader: (2)

that'd be the kind of car i'd get if i was planning big things for it, like motor/trans/rear swap and all that. i don't know about getting it for a DD though. but you never know, there are cars out there with more miles that that with less problems than some cars have with under 100,000.

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (19)

Just my two cents on the original engine:


If it is in fact original plan on replacement. These cars wear and replacing parts is a fact or sports car life.

If you don't have all the tools to replace the engine at a later date by yourself look for another car. Because for the price of the labour and engine together you could go for a lower mileage, "newer" car.

One of my friends just replaced the engine in his truck and he started from 0 tools. He spend over 3.000,00 from start to almost finished. That price was with 0 dollars charged for all the labour and free advice with engines and wiring.

Just a simple thought or two. Trying to help you decide!

But do let us know what you end up doing.

NJNETSFAN

iTrader: (15)

I bought my car with 170K on it for $4900. It was mint, loaded, looked like it had 50K miles on it and I'm at 177K now with out any problems. I've taken the car to the track twice and ran a best of 13.03@109.8mph so the engine is still strong. I've also had it put on a dyno. Everything is holding up fine. It's hit and miss with every car, but the LS1 is a really strong engine and so is the t-56 so I wouldn't worry too much.

EarlSS

I'd buy it. If the motor blows just replace it with a 408.

shtnfrds

iTrader: (1)

i did like njnetsfan, bought mine with 165000 for 4900, ive only had it for a few weeks but have put over 2000 miles since, runs strong and quiet. trans shifts good and solid. hell even starts right up. If your confident with the car and how solid it is id say go for it.

whats your bro asking for it?

jfman

iTrader: (6)

At 208k the drivetrain is not what would bother me at all. If the car is in good overall condition, id buy it in a heartbeat.

fenix999

iTrader: (17)

**** pple pay that much sometimes for a good roller only (no motor/tranny). One time i paid almost $2000 for a '98 Trans Am with no motor/transmition so in other words, yes buy it lol The body has to be in good shape, i mean you cant complain about a couple scratches here and there but if its solid like everyone said above, id say jump on it quick!! Worst case you can always sell the motor/tranny while they're good and use that money to buy new or lower mileage components that are more high performance ready (ie. built tranny, built motor, or new motor stroked/bored out, new tranny etc etc) ALl depends on what you want out of the car

Ntimid8r7

iTrader: (9)

if he bought it with 34,000 he drove the hell out of it. If you know the car and its maintenance then go for it! My 94 Z has 211,000 on it and is still very strong. It was very well maintained mechanically and anytime a light came on it was fixed. Mileage is only a number when they are taken care of.

grey03mach1

iTrader: (3)

I'm not even sure the engine is original. I think it probably was replaced too at some point because it doesn't run like it has 180k on it. It is strong and just looks like a newer engine. I wish there was an easy wasy to tell without removing parts to find engine numbers.

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Jump on it. worst case senario is the engine blows and you sell the roller for $2K.

I would plan on a stroker right away for a $2,500 car.

even if you go 370 iron block for $2500 and a set of cheap *** PP heads for $600 used and a $300 cam. Bad *** street car for under $6K

ZeroFear

iTrader: (1)

2500 is pretty cheap + its your brother, not some random dude. I also think that stock shocks and springs are pretty cheap.

suzookiegsxr

Do it, I got 190,000 on mine. Just save your money for stuff that you HAVE to have like the drivetrain, f*** a window

Just be aware, once you start modding at hotrodding (adding HP) stuff will start to break. If u need a car just to drive, just don't hot rod it and it will be fine. If you decide to start modding, be prepared to be in it for the long run.

I got mine with 140K miles. I put 30K on it of easy driving with noproblems. Swapped a ls6 H/C/I and sprayed it a little, and the rear and trans gave out.

With 200K, when you fix something, fix it right the first time, replace the entire part asssembly if possible.

davered00ss

iTrader: (4)

Got pic's?

Z28/2002

iTrader: (27)

Did you buy it?