Well I am looking at maybe buying a Camaro finally and was just wandering if there is anything that I should keep my eye out for. Looking at around '97 and up. Was hoping to get some in site as to any common problems and stuff like that.

 

Try a search! Theres plenty of info already discussed over and over.

 

If I were looking to buy a Camaro/Firebird, I'd be looking for an '02.

 

First thing in order is your budget. '98-'02 LS1 F-bodys tend to demand a little more cash. Do some research and take your time when buying.

 

I have found a loaded '01 Z28 with under 100,000 miles for $5,000 and am thinking about going to look at it. It's about 2 hours away though so I want to know what to look for if I go.

 

100k on an 01 for 5k isn't bad.

 

The LS1 Camaros don't have quite as many issues as the LT1 Camaros. I know more about the LT1s since our LS1 is so low mileage, so I'll mention a few things about them...

The rear of the intake manifold tends to leak oil on the LT1s. By about 100,000 miles, it's probably leaking quite a bit unless the gasket has been replaced. Check the underside of the car for oil splattered everywhere. Gasket replacement is a major ordeal, and not something you'd probably want to attempt yourself. You have to drop the engine out of the car from the bottom, meaning you lift the car OFF the engine. While it's out, it's time to have everything checked and replaced as necessary (AKA engine rebuild).

You can't wash the engine carefree, because if you get the optispark soaked, it's toast. (LS1 doesn't have a distributor, so about the worst you'll mess up is the horn, which is about $100 if I remember right, and usually gets messed up if you wash the underside of the car).

Window motors in '93-'02 Camaros go out constantly. If the window motors are slow, negociate a better deal, because they are between $100 and $300 to replace depending on whether you do everything or you have it done.

The automatic transmissions, and sometimes manual transmissions, on these cars can go out and are about $3000 to get rebuilt. Make sure the transmission isn't slipping between gear changes. You'll know an auto is going bad if when it changes to a higher gear, the RPMs shoot up for a second and the car feels like it's in neutral. Lots of people sell their Camaros when they start showing this sign. Our auto went bad at 65k miles, most go out at over 80k. The auto transmission was revised several times as the Camaro continued to come out. I believe the most major revision started for the 2001 model year, where they really beefed up some of the parts a LOT.

 

Yeah just get an 02 model.. way better.. 6spd..