Hi, I am looking at buying a 96 z28. I was wondering how reliable this car has been for all of you? Can I expect a reasonably good amount of reliability or will I need to repair it more often than my old Mazda MX6.

Thanks.

 

Very reliable, as long as the car does not have current problems. My car has 180K and it has never been rebuild. Some other people have high milage with no problems too.

 

A friend has a 96 Z28 A4 with 110,000 miles (got it at 80k). He hasn't had any problems with his. He loves it (i'd like to get one in the near future).

 

My '96 vert has 90K+. I've had it about 10K - and the only problems are the windows (but many years +/- are like that). Between rattles and two window motor replacements and a broken switch - its a full time job keeping them in shape. Other than that - nothing of consequence at all (knock wood).

 

I had my '96 Z for about 6 years, 97K miles. There were some expensive repairs: window motor, waterpump, stereo headunit, and the infamous intake manifold leak (under warranty). In other words, the usual gripes.

 

I had my '96 Z28 for 5 years. I had the usual problems...window motors, leaking water pump. Only one thing really stuck out, and that's the tranny. Not that it was defective, but it developed a leak and I didn't see it in time. Without enough fluid, the heat killed it. It was rebuilt at 128,000 miles. Other than that it was a great car!! Engine ran strong up until the time I sold it.

 

Can't speak for '96s, but in general, I've known many LT1's that have ran great well past 150k miles, and a few past 200k. Just maintain it well (and if you spend time on a site like this, you probably are the type of owner who will), and it'll last a while. The power windows are a problem in any 4th gen F-Body (Chevy or Pontiac, LS1 or LT1), so you'll just have to deal with that. The '96 will have the vented opti, so that will help ya too, tho my '94 is still on the stock unvented opti (knock on wood). If it looks like it's pretty clean and straight, I'd say go for it.

 

They are very reliable cars, they have some quirks, but so do all cars. And what is so bad if something does break,?? then you have a good excuse to upgrade.

 

Well thanks for all the input. I think you have helped me decide to buy it (my boss is selling it and he is giving me a good deal)


Thanks to all!

--Nick

 

My car just tripped 160,000 miles. The car runs really strong. No oil leaks, engine noise. I love mine and can definetly see this car lasting to 250k. Only problem is it wont pass an emissions test. Only got a month left!

 

I was duped out of a 97 SS w/16K miles back in 2000(stupid dealer ) Spotted my 96 a month later, bought it w/59K and never looked back. I'll never sell it. By the way, What year MX6?

 

I bought my 96Z with 28K in 98, the only major problem was my tranny has been replaced 4 times (scynros) and I went through 2 opti's, and then at 80K I bent 2 valves and broke a timing chain(not racing) so decided it was time for a rebuild, then life hit me and the motor got put off. Now putting an LS1 into it, but other than that it's a great car! And I love it.

 

I have been driving an 88 MX6 for the past few years. Put a new engine in last year. But now the back seat is getting water in it, the CVs are going. .....and I just really want to go RWD. So thats why I am getting it. And I agree, if the engine ever went out I would defiantly go LS1 (or whatever the newest corvette engine is if I can)

Thanks for all the help,
-- Nick