What will 8k get me?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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What will 8k get me? Hi everyone!
Recently sold my 96 z28 'vert and will be in the market shortly. I just wasnt into the convertible anymore and would like t-tops.
I would like to keep my budget around 8k.
Im not super picky, I would prefer a LS car, either camaro or firebird in decent shape, with some mods done. As far as mileage, i would like to keep it below 100k (80 would be fine). Unless motor was worked over, then body milage isnt as important. I would even consider a 96 or 97 SS if it was in good shape.
Am I being unreasonable? Not looking for perfect, or a monster of a car.
Recently sold my 96 z28 'vert and will be in the market shortly. I just wasnt into the convertible anymore and would like t-tops.
I would like to keep my budget around 8k.
Im not super picky, I would prefer a LS car, either camaro or firebird in decent shape, with some mods done. As far as mileage, i would like to keep it below 100k (80 would be fine). Unless motor was worked over, then body milage isnt as important. I would even consider a 96 or 97 SS if it was in good shape.
Am I being unreasonable? Not looking for perfect, or a monster of a car.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut SE shore
You can get a pretty nice '98-'00 Z28 for 8K as it will be the cheapest of the LS1 cars. Trans Am and SS will be about 1K more and WS6 2K+ more.
For 8K I think you could score a pretty sweet lower mileage Z28 (25K-45K miles)...you just have to look around over the next few months. Winter sales will likely make the price 5-10% lower....but the choices will be narrowed as well. For $10K you can buy a really sweet all stock car. And since you're leaning towards modded...those tend to be even cheaper unless they are modded to the hilt. The 96/97 SS can sometimes be picked off cheap. I've always liked the look of the 1997 white/orange striped Camaro anniv cars.
Don't be deterred by the 80% of sellers who are asking well above what their cars are worth. You're target group are the bottom 5-15% of sellers who are asking what their cars are really worth in the wholesale market. The car you end up with for $8K will be typically listed for 9,500-13,500. Ignore those guys.
For 8K I think you could score a pretty sweet lower mileage Z28 (25K-45K miles)...you just have to look around over the next few months. Winter sales will likely make the price 5-10% lower....but the choices will be narrowed as well. For $10K you can buy a really sweet all stock car. And since you're leaning towards modded...those tend to be even cheaper unless they are modded to the hilt. The 96/97 SS can sometimes be picked off cheap. I've always liked the look of the 1997 white/orange striped Camaro anniv cars.
Don't be deterred by the 80% of sellers who are asking well above what their cars are worth. You're target group are the bottom 5-15% of sellers who are asking what their cars are really worth in the wholesale market. The car you end up with for $8K will be typically listed for 9,500-13,500. Ignore those guys.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
Likes: 2,558
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Some great points above by Firebrian, especially about ignoring the overpriced cars at the very top of the spectrum. Those guys don't really want to sell their cars, and/or are delusional, and it's usually not worth the time to even approach them with a reasonable offer as they aren't ready to hear it (and they may never be - that's why some cars stay for sale for years.)
I'll also add that region will play a role in what you can get for any given price range. Not sure if you are willing to travel or what your location is, but in the rust belt areas you'll always have to pay a premium for older cars that have been spared of any winter exposure. These same cars might sell for less in the south/southwest as it's not nearly as hard to find rust free cars in those areas.
As mentioned above, there isn't a ton to choose from at this time of year, but the deals will be better. If you're not too picky, then now would be a good time to buy.
I'll also add that region will play a role in what you can get for any given price range. Not sure if you are willing to travel or what your location is, but in the rust belt areas you'll always have to pay a premium for older cars that have been spared of any winter exposure. These same cars might sell for less in the south/southwest as it's not nearly as hard to find rust free cars in those areas.
As mentioned above, there isn't a ton to choose from at this time of year, but the deals will be better. If you're not too picky, then now would be a good time to buy.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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Thanks for the replies guys! you pretty much confirmed what I was thinking. Alot of people are really off base on what they think their cars are worth.
I saw what i thought was a great deal, 2001 black SS with LQ9 swap. cammed, heads, upgraded rear. 8500. Why wasnt that listed 2 months from now? haha
I saw what i thought was a great deal, 2001 black SS with LQ9 swap. cammed, heads, upgraded rear. 8500. Why wasnt that listed 2 months from now? haha
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,632
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Definitely. Some of the best comedy I've ever seen has been found in the price column of various automotive classified listings.
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 283
Likes: 5
Saw your wanting to buy thread.....honestly for $8k I have always recommended people looking into LT1 SS cars because you can get a lot better quality example for the money although as of late I have seen a lot of sub 100k ls1 camaro ss for under 10k. This being said I am still a fan of the lt1 ss.
I posted a 96 Polo Green SS in the special edition section under the "post lt1 as pics" thread. It was a good mid mileage car for $5500 Which is an absolute steal.
I posted a 96 Polo Green SS in the special edition section under the "post lt1 as pics" thread. It was a good mid mileage car for $5500 Which is an absolute steal.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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I love the look of the lt's much more than the ls Camaros. Im still looking around, trying to get an idea for what i can get for my money.
https://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto...413633556.html
This has been for sale for some time now. Im talking to the guy currently, trying to get more info. I dont know if there is an issue with the car, or if he is 100% firm on the price. Didnt get to that part of the conversation yet. HAHA
https://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto...413633556.html
This has been for sale for some time now. Im talking to the guy currently, trying to get more info. I dont know if there is an issue with the car, or if he is 100% firm on the price. Didnt get to that part of the conversation yet. HAHA
