1st gen Update

Well, he sold the Convertible Camaro that I was looking at buying this week, so thats bad. But the good news is that they have added a convertible firebird to the lot. It's the owner's wife's old car, and it is gorgeous. Unfortunatly, it is a little more money. Here are a few pictures of it though.

Cherry Bird (http://www.brentroad.com/photos/Blue%20Jay/fullsize/0535.jpg)
Interior (http://www.brentroad.com/photos/Blue%20Jay/fullsize/4655.jpg)
428 (http://www.brentroad.com/photos/Blue%20Jay/fullsize/7744.jpg)

It's got a 428, with a th-350, and 3.55 posi out back. It also has 17" AR wheels, or he can put the 15" original rally II's back on, and it's got flowmasters. It's in great shape, and sound mechanically, but the catch is, it'll be an even trade for my Trans Am. What do ya'll think?

If it were me choosing between your two cars, I'd go with the 2002. I have to think it would be worth more than the other. Do you have another driver? If the vert is going to perform that duty, you'll be missing that TA real quick.

The advantages of the older car may be that it's not going to depreciate like your new one is/will, and it's definitely an eye catcher.

Nice dilemma! :D

nice looking bird, but it's not worth the going rate for a 2002 t/a
And the 1st gen birds don't hold their value as well as the camaros

It's really up to you... but I'd dom some research first and see what the car is worth.

Bookvalues can be had at www.kbb.com and www.nadaguides.com

I'd also consider an independent appraiser since the car is over 30 years old. book values don't do it justice as near as they do for the new cars.

Off the top of my head, I'd say thats a $15k car...maybe $18k on the outside edge...

I'd stick with the T/A until you find a 1st gen.