I say go with the 97 for all the reasons above - good year too

The only thing it may not have compared the your other option is the sound you want.

Just remember - your first car is just that...your FIRST car. There will be more to follow - I started on a 95 v6, 6 months later sold it and bought a Z. If you take care of it, and stay out of trouble - who knows, maybe the parent(s) wouldn't mind a Z sitting in the driveway.

 

Yeah, show that you can take car of your car [wash it, regular oil changes, no wrecks, no tickets, and being responsible ect], then you and your parents will appreciate a Z28 more.

 

+1 to responsibility

get their trust and your golden

 

I have to disagree that the 97 will be more reliable. The 305 has been a VERY reliable motor for me. I am at 162K on mine, and it runs just like it did when it had less than 100K. If you bought the 91 RS you would have TBI, probably the most reliable fuel injection system ever. I say go with the 91 if it is in good shape. Plus they look much better IMO.

 

Don't confuse the poor kid.

 

Not trying to confuse at all. Also not saying the 97 with the 3800 wouldn't be reliable, because actually they are a great little motor too.

 

Okay man, i know where you're coming from...high school.. its all about the image sometimes. Personally iam in my last year, i graduate this year, an i just bought myself a 94Z with t tops an all those goodies, just installed a slp loudmouth system n stuff. I would almost be leaning to the 91 RS.. my buddy had one.. pretty much one of the nicest third gens i've ever seen, it was polo green with a 2.5 inch cowl hood, she was so nice. Its all up to you man, an good luck!!

 

i'm 18 and just finishing my senior year (finally!). i've had my license for two years now. just like you, when looking for my first car, i was checking out camaros and mustangs. after owning a '92 buick regal for a 1 year, and along with working two part time jobs (still doing it with school), i had $2k and bought a '98 V6 Y87 camaro with 98k miles for $5,500.

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO LOOK AROUND AND TEST DRIVE! most sellers out there will work with you. remember that they're your *****, not the other way around. be open to suggestions as well. decide how you will be driving this car. a daily driver? winter? are you planning to keep this for a long time? these are all questions to ask yourself.

that being said, anything can go fast. i've had my mom's Venture up to 105 mph. there are many mods available for V6 cars, and they are fast enough for kids, like me.

make sure you really like the car in the end. take care of it. i know it's a given, but believe me, people can be cruel.

good luck!

 

BTW I get 20-22 MPG on average with my TBI 305, and have gotten as high as 26 before, and no, I don't drive 50 MPH and always accelerate easy.

 

Listen to whatever one is saying...its your choice! I have a 98 Firebird w/V6 and its quick. Its my first RWD vechile and I love it. Friend of mine has a 87 Camaro LT with a 305 also quick. Know that this is your first car you can always upgrade later. But I know that I find myself looking for a V8 even now(bought my 98 in August of last year) Whatever car you get you will enjoy it no matter what you get.

 

Thx for the info guys, ive never really had this much help on a forum before . I'll have to wait for a decent deal but i think that the '91 might be the one i end up with becuas i really like the looks, interior, and sound.I think since it has the same block as a 350 just less bored out pistons it would be a good engine to learn on. i'm not 100% sold on it but it sure is sweet. ive still got some shopping around to do but i will post pix on this site as soon as i get whatever i get. thx
-jesse

 

haha... totally. My first car was a POS '88 Dodge Shadow. Payed $500 for it. It's took me 12 years to finally getting around to getting a Z28 (and it wasn't because of lack of funds, i've had 4 trucks and 4 cars in those 12 years). Trust me, you can get tickets in ANY car you drive. I think kids should be forced to have a 3 cyl Geo Metro as their first car. Learn to drive first! lol.

 

My son had a 95 Camaro 3.8 A4. It was faster than my neighbors 91 Formula 305 TBI A4.

 

If you do get a 91-92 RS, try to find an anniversary edition. That way you can at least have the cool looking stripes on it.

 

ok guys i looked at some 3rd gens and wasnt too impressed. I was wondering what you guys think about the 3.4L v6? i can pick one of those up pretty cheap around here so i was just wondering if anyone had any experiences with those
-jesse