Hey guys, I'm hoping I can get some advice here. First time looking at Trans Ams, found one for a great price, just need to know if it's worth buying.

Here are the known issues with it:

- needs a new headliner
- rear seat tops have some sun damage (cracking)
- fog light out


This is the one thing though that has me concerned:

- electric water pump went out (was replaced), shorted relay, relay was replaced, but check engine light, brake light and emergency brake lights are all lit on the dash (guy says he thinks it a ground issue somewhere)

He says it runs great, just need to track down where the short is to fix the lights on the dash, said they could be reset to pass smog.

Other than that, it looks great, body is good, it's lowered, has 6 spd short shifter, front seats etc are good. Has 118k miles.

I really want this car, but I don't want my enthusiasm and excitement to cloud my judgement.

Any advice is highly appreciated!

 

All depends on how "great" of a price it is. Personally I'd stay clear of the LT platform, LS has much more support.... But That's just me.

 

i personally will only own 98 and up

 

have it scanned for any codes.check all the grounds to make sure they are tight.

 

Id say if its around 4k

 

Your generous...

118k LT1 with a unknown problems .... I wouldn't pay more than 2500 for it. I personally would walk away.

 

if the price is right and youre willing to dump some money into it then get it.



id get an LS motor for it its clean and have a sleeper.

 

Cars are also very expensive around here a buddy just sold his 97 ta with over 100k for 10500 just a boly on car nothing serious.

 

I'd go for an LS if I could, but they're out of my price range.. I was thinking I'd offer $2500 and go from there. He's asking $3500.

 

Are you guys prefer the LS1s because they're better for modding? If that's the only reason, I'm not too concerned with that.. the stock HP the LT1 has is more than enough to keep me happy. I'm more interested in just getting a good solid vehicle that's relatively easy/affordable to maintain, get parts for, appearance mods (interior, exterior), etc.

 

That's either a 'bit of a fib' or one foolish buyer.

 

Cali_TA, you need to get the T/A checked out before anything else. If the car has serious issues, even $2,500 may be too much. Be smart or your ownership experience could be really poor, and expensive.

 

I agree with the above 98-02 LS motor Firebird/ Camaro. They are solid, easy to maintain.
LT motors- PIA coolant system, PIA to tune-up, opti-spark dont get me started. I have had to change many of these.

 

Checked the car out.

- unknown electrical issue (as he described as a "grounding" issue)
- crack in driver's front fender
- spider webbing on front and back bumpers
- fading clear on roof
- interior in rough shape (seats, headliner)
- tail lights tinted with paint (need replacing because law in CA)
- exhaust sounded like crap
- needed new tires all around
- brakes were fairly worn (upon visual inspection)
- hood supports needed replacing
- body was overall in poor condition (would need complete repaint with bodywork)

Yeah, this car was definitely NOT worth $3500. I wouldn't even pay $1k, unless I had my own shop to do all of the repairs.

The search continues.....

 

Good choice man .. That car sounded like a overpriced nightmare !!

 

Ya, sometimes it's just brutally obvious a car's been beat to ****. This one obviously had.

 

Don't listen to the guys above about the whole "LS car only" talk, they're not even in the same price bracket. Better motor? yes, absolutely. Are LT1 cars junk? Hell no. In fact, the LT and LS cars about 95% the same thing functionally front to back except the motor and front brakes. But if you were looking to spend >$4k on an LS1 car, it'd likely be even worse than the car you just looked at.

This car you looked at might have been a turd, but keep looking. Don't rule out LT1 cars, they're great cars and can usually be had for much cheaper than LS cars. I bought my '95 for $5800 in 07 (car being 12 years old at that time) It had 67k miles, amazing condition, 2 owner car, never seen winter.

Nowadays if you looked for a clean >75k mile, 10 year old f-body, you're looking in the $9k-12k usually. Sure, some can be had cheaper here and there, but not very often.

This recent thread came to mind:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-m...optispark.html

 

I haven't ruled them out completely, it's just hard to find one that isn't really beat up. The appearance of a car is extremely important to me because I can't afford new paint or re-upholstery, can't do the work myself either. At least if there are some minor mechanical issues, I know I can do those myself.

I'll keep looking and hope I find what I'm looking for, but I'm not holding my breath. I do need to find something in the next couple weeks for work (whatever that may be), so I might have to settle for another vehicle.

Btw, you got an amazing deal!

 

Just keep looking, I bought a 2000 z28 and gave it to my wife because I didn't really love it, then I bought a 95 T/A and couldn't be happier! Just keep looking and don't buy it unless you can't live with out it.

 

I also agree about the LT1 cars being fine cars. I owned my '96 Formula for 9 years after purchasing it new from the dealer in July of that year. It was a wonderful car that I kept stock and well maintained. I believe that is the key in your search. They come up for sale once in awhile and if you want one, don't be afraid to get it. I have no personal knowledge of the below listed car but it looks pretty decent and has a clean Carfax (free in the ad). Interesting example:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...25021614&Log=0