Tomorrow I'm testing driving a 1995 M6 Trans Am @ 119k miles for $3900. Leather, t-tops, red exterior, power everything. This'll also be the first time seeing the car. What should I look for? When testing it, what situations should I put it in, what should I listen for? All input is greatly appreicated.

 

Check for leaks, especially at the back of the intake, any misfires indicating a worn opti (possibly) headlight motors work good, and other stuff on a car with that mileage.

 

I would check for leaks throughout the motor and while driving, listen for odd noises and such. With that amount of mileage, I'm sure you won't be getting a car without a couple problems. I would also check the undercarriage thoroughly for any damage or excessive rust.

 

they're replacing a heater hose and the opti today. I imagine the opti is a direct result of the broken heater hose. What could that suggest, overheating? Poor maintainence?

Also, test driving it is just the first step, I'm gonna have my cousin who is a mech look at it if it isn't a total piece.

 

If the opti took a bath in coolant, it is possible that led to its failure. Or it could just be a matter of it being old and due up for replacement.

 

It is pretty common for the low coolant sensors to go out on the LT1 cars, so that may light up on the dash when you're driving it.

I didn't know this when I was searching for a car and when I bought and drove my car back from where I bought it (around a 2-hour drive) and that light came on I got somewhat worried, but the temperature gauge was fine and I came all the way home. Then I found out that that sensor goes out quite a bit and it just needed replaced.

I figured I'd just throw that out there.

 

Dont be too concerned about some squeeks and rattles,they all do that.The price doesn't sound too bad if it is clean and mechanically sound.Good luck.

 

I expect squeaks and rattles, but I wanted to kno if noises of actual problems could be masked among the benign rattles an F-body makes.
Does that make sense?

Also, I just have a gut feeling about this car... what are locations other than the dash tag where I could find the VIN?

 

when ur driving it, have someone open the door and listen for a whining rear end

If i were u, id probably get on it and shift it hard at least once to make sure that the clutch is still holding up so far

also, its not a biggy, but check the speed of the windows to see how well the window motors are holding up
also check the hatch release button

 

make sure you get the engine at operating temp (180) before you drive it. Many people, once including myself had a low rpm misfire at operating temp. It will also show cooling issues if it has any.

 

Here's my update: WTF!
Since yesterday night when I asked for the VIN, (he told me to call back in a 1/5 hr), the owner hasn't answered my calls. Today I called 4 times today, to tell him I was coming over to see the car, only to reach the machine. I checked the ad online and it is now reduced in price to $3k and is described as "needs a little work." I've been asking for the VIN for about two weeks, never gives it. I'm starting to think the car is hot or something.

This doesn't look like it's gonna happen.

 

My car was like the puppy in the window that acts cute to get you to buy it, but then once you get it home craps all over the floor and chews up your sofas.

It performed beautifully when I test drove it, but within one week of getting it, developed an exhaust manifold leak, performance loss due to a ripped intake elbow on the bottom, driver's window motor is dying now (or the window tracking is off).

I'm sure something else will turn up because I'm posting about it. I guess the exhaust leak is the most annoying since I can't afford to fix it now after buying intake parts and a shifter. It was funny though how it JUST showed up a day after I bought it.

Not that I guess any of that stuff would have stopped me from driving it, and I still love it just the same.

 

i bet that the opti install went south... if they didnt know what they were getting themself into, (pulling hub or water pump issue) then they coul dhave just given up. heh would be actually pretty decent deal if you got it for $3,000 or under if it "didnt work" and do they work yourself... it may sound horrible, but it will be a quick way to get to know your car, and it will 100% make the car feel like its yours! ahah especially after an opti install, lol.

 

It doesn't sound promising, but that is the game you play when looking for a used car. I had to search through alot of crap and listen to alot of bogus claims when searching for my current f-body before finally finding it.

 

look at the wear on the brake petal. this will tell u if they are highway miles or in town