AllThrottleNoBottle

I am looking for an LS1 for $12,000 or less. I originally looked at Z28's and Trans-ams with under 60k miles, but I started thinking. I would much rather have an SS or WS6 for the appearance factor (I know they aren't any faster) but I would have to get one with about 70-100k miles. I plan on modding this car...starting with full bolt-ons, H/C, and some sort of power adder/stroker. Would I be alright with a higher mileage LS1? I see cars running upwards of 150k with no problems. What do ya'll think? Thanks, Ryan

angel71rs

While I don't think there is any problem with buying a higher mileage well maintained LS1, you can get one with much lower mileage for <12k. I bought a loaded 98 SS w/47k for 10.5 off LS1.com March of last year. WS6s tend to sell for more, Z28s can be found for 1-2k less than an comparable SS.

Eyeball the for sale threads on the Camaro boards and I'm sure you will find something in your price range w/lower miles.

StealthZ06

iTrader: (1)

I would rather have a higher mileage maintained LS1, than a lower mileage ragged out one. If the car is well kept, she will run forever.

Luna

iTrader: (6)

Plus its not like these cars are real hard to fix like oh say... a honda...

jrp

iTrader: (16)

bingo

having bought a hgh mileage ls1 (93k) and learning from that my advice would be check the fundamentals; leak down, compression test, ect. especially if you plan to add mods.

i learned the hard way ...

777

iTrader: (21)

Mine runs perfectly with the mods in sig and I have 101,000 on the the clock. Things I have had to replace thouh are the alternator and battery. Of course I have done a few things with the cam like the oil pump and timing chain but you get the picture. I agree with well mantained will run forever thing.

Joel_SS

iTrader: (8)

Like others have said as long it is maintained the thing will run like a raped ape.

BBQLS1

I found my 02 Z28/M6 with 42K on the clock for $14K. I drove 400 miles one way to get it. Look on cars.com, and check out the classifieds for the websites for nearby cities newspapers. Nearby meaning 500 miles. It's worth it. I like the SS too, but I would have had to pay $5-6K more for one, I just want a quick street/strip car, so the Z got the nod.

Swang

iTrader: (3)

search for deals...theyre out there. 00 SS in sig with 10,500 miles on it a month and a half ago...for 16,5.

99BLACKBIRD

iTrader: (1)

They're out there with lower miles. You just have to be carefull. If you don't know what to look for, take it to someone who does. There's shame or disrespect in that. Good luck and happy searching.

Mr Incredible

My 98 Z28 with 71k needed tires and exhaust when I got it this year. Spent $9k.

The A/C didn't work, and only this week the repair guys said that, though the clutch was spinning, the compressor wasn't turning. Broken shaft.

Since the car spent 4 yrs in northern IL and 2 yrs in MN it has a little rust here & there.

Other than that it's been great. Just went to Rapid City and back from Omaha and didn't have a bit of trouble. Went 75-85, got about 22 mpg avg (some headwind), and used < 1qt oil at a steady 2300-2500 rpm.

tmgsix

iTrader: (3)

I bought my '00 z28 m6 w/70k miles on it over the winter for $8k off a local lot. The car runs great and has handled my mods extremely well, no problems and no regrets here.

calys968

I bought my 2001 Trans Am with 76,000 miles last November. Within the first two months I had to replace the water pump, alternator, idler pulley, serpentine belt, 1 headlight and both brights. I've since put about 13,000 miles on it in and haven't had a single problem except for a power steering leak that I haven't traced down.
Even though it had some problems when I first bought it I wouldn't think twice about buying another high mileage LS1 car.

FBDYLVR

iTrader: (14)

99 T/A with 100k on it, well maintained (previous owner owned a gas station), $7800
We got a DEAL on my car!

Mindcrime

I bought a 98 Trans Am last year with 115k. It was very well maintained. It had all service reciepts, all synthetic oil. The car is almost perfect, ecxecpt for a crack on the top dash (which I replaced). Its got 126 now, and runs as good as new. Only thing Ive replaced is the front pads. So, there are some good ones out there, you just have to look. Like they said before, id rather have a high mileage well mainaned vehicle than a ragged out low mileage one..

bigdsz

iTrader: (1)

FWIW I just had my heads off because I had to notch the pistons for a larger cam. The cross hatching on the cylinder walls was like new after 77,000 miles.Always Mobil 1.

Hoss Ghoul

iTrader: (2)

I paid $15K for my 2000Z28 with 22,000miles about a year ago(just went over 30,000miles today)...had brand new 275 40Zr17 KDWS on it too.

No problems except that I broke the power steering pump/bolt assembly doing donuts the third or fourth time I took the car out

Other than that it's been reliable and runs great....Exhaust going on tomorrow

I agree with the others, high mileage shouldn't be a problem, just have the car inspected by a competent mechanic before purchase...it's worth the $100 bucks or so.

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

I paid 7000k AFTER tag title and tax for mine, w/98k on it, it has almost 128k now and runs very well, pulls hard, i did have to rebuild the tranny tho, and replace the AC compressor (98 ls1 problem, but it can be fixed w/a re-flash if the compressor is still working)

confusion

98NBM_TransAm,

Can you tell me where I can find more information on the 98 LS1 AC compressor problem you were talking about?

I have a 98 Z28, blows air, not cold, had it checked out and guy recharged the system and said the AC compressor was faulty. I can pick up a used one for about $120 and would then have to pay someone to install (5 hours labor?), but happened to run across your post and wanted to check it out.

Thanks for your help.

2000 TAWS6

iTrader: (1)

Just picked up a 00' WS-6 M6 with 72K miles on it for $ 13,500. Needed tires.
Changed every fluid, filter, and detailed engine compartment. Still have plugs to change.

Exterior needs a good once over and bingo!

Car always turns heads. Very happy with it.