What to look for when buying and 98+?

Heh....I can't get my new 350 in my 87' to run....I've talked to my dad about co-signing a loan in the event my car still won't run right in a couple weeks.

I might be forced to abandon my 87' until I have the time, impossible to deal trying to go to school/work when your daily driver stalls at every stoplight and won't stop pinging.

How much should I expect to pay for one with under 50k miles? Any years I should look for that are better? M6 or auto, I don't really care, will autos generally sell for less?

Ive seen alot of these cars selling because the original owner bought it new for 30k, now he can't afford the payments. He wants "x" amount for it, which is the amount he needs to pay the car loan off. He is most likely trying to do this because he can't get that amount from the dealership. My sister is in the same ship with her jeep, 16000$ in payments left, but her jeep is only worth like 2/3 of that, and she can't find anyone willing to take over the payments. What are they really worth? Any things I should look for as signs of abuse or such? Should I stay away from cars with any engine modifications done to them?
I'm sure this is a pretty hackneyed topic but some helped or links would be great. I did a search, founds lots of junk, if someone can list some links or similar threads I'd really apprciate it....I'm really bumming....:(

just for reference,my 98 Z28 with automatic,leather, t-tops, every option except sport appearance package and GU5 gear ratio cost me 13K plus tax with 45K miles in excellent condition.

if ya hunt around you can even find better deals.

i don't think transmission has much to do with value because if i remember right auto was standard in LS1 cars and 6-speed was a no-cost option.

If you search hard enough, you should come up with lots and lots of threads, since similar questions get asked almost on a weekly basis.

You might also want to just browse through the pages here. Sometimes that is actually faster than using search. ;)

There are no really big problems with LS1's. Warping rotors, piston slap and leaking rear pinion seal are the most common ones. Nothing major

Just look for the usual stuff you'd look for in any used car: sounds, sights smells etc. I would definetely stay away from modded cars or cars which show signs of previous mods.

How much? Depends on your area. 98's can be found for as little as 9K here in N. Texas, but are more expensive somewhere else.

M6 or A4? Depends on YOUR preference. I haven't noticed any difference in pricing between them (used).

01+ cars are a bit more powerful due to the LS6 intake and some other improvements.

Maybe this helped? :think:

TS

How does area effect it? I live in NJ, snow/rain....does that lower the price since?

I've seen a couple 45k mile Z28s for around 15k. I would like to think I could get a car with 35-40k for that amount if not less.

I think I will def stay away from modded engines (not counting exhaust etc).

Is the piston slap a big problem? My buddy works at a ford dealership as a mechanic and those F150s with piston slap, they just let them drive with the piston slap, when the motor blows they replace it free. GMs powertrain goes up after 36k right? Is the piston slap a verified problem and covered under some extended special offer?

I got my 98 SS with 60xxx miles on it and m6 t-tops for 9 large. The only thing it needs is a new air pump. But other then that it is a fine running car. I love the power it has.

I haven't noticed any price difference in autos and manuals. It's mainly the miles and options.

Get a fast one.:thumb:

It's just that used cars are priced differently in different parts of the country. I don't think the climate has too much to do with it. :think:

Consider this: There is a local Chevy dealer here in DFW who has a 00 Z28 Convertible w/25K miles (nice looking car, BTW!) and they are asking $14.9 for it. If somebody knows what they are doing, they'll get a grand or two off of it easily. ;)

Another dealer has on 02 Z28 A4 (leather, t-tops etc.) for sale for $17.9K! :eek:

I bought mine 7 months ago w/35K miles for $14.9 and at that time it was a good price around here. :eek: Now with 49K miles it's worth considerably less. :( Talk about depreciation!!! :(

Piston slap is not a major problem. Some LS1 engines (also trucks) have it, some don't. Mine doesn't. Check www.pistonslap.com for more info.

I could be wrong, but I don't think there are too many cases where GM has actually replaced an engine due to piston slap... :think: They are telling it's just the nature of the beast and you have to live with it. :irk:

Happy hunting! :thumb:

TS