I'm looking at buying a 97 SS, but figured I would look here for advice before buying. I have found one for what I believe is a fair price, but it is pretty high mileage (110,000). The paint and interior look great and it seems to run fine, but I've never bought a high mileage car before. How long to these engines typically last? What kind of major maintenance issues might I encounter? Anything to be on the lookout for? Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Forgot..... asking price is $9000

 

Price seems a little high if its stock. If it has mods post them up. These engines can last a long time if taken care of.

 

I wouldnt spend 9,000 on a 100,000 mile plus LT1. Z/28 versions of that sell for 3500-4500. Its not worth the extra money for the SS options. Hood/Spoiler while might not go bad have probably seen more paint wear as well as the rest of the body with 100k. SLP/Bilstein/Eibach Shocks and Springs are also probably pretty worn. The 4L60E if it has one, has seen better days with that kinda mileage.

IMO its not worth paying twice as much for a hood/spoiler, worn shocks, nearly dead tranny, and engine thats over the hill.

If you want to drop good money into a LT1 get a lower mileage stock Z/28 and use the money you saved to get the hood/spoiler if you want.

-Dustin-

 

Too much money, I would go buy an LS1 equipped f-bod with less miles for that much.

 

I agree.

 

if you're buying it just to drive, get an LS1 SS for less cash. In the future though, the LT1 SS's will appreciate in value, and I doubt the LS1 SS's will nearly as much.

 

I'm not looking for a daily driver. I want something I can take out on weekends when the weather is nice and maybe take a trip in now and then. I want something fast and ideally would like to have a convertible. I'd like to keep it under $10K if possible. What year, mileage, etc. should I be able to pick up in that price range? BTW I'm located in CA if that matters.

 

I wish I knew where you people where seeing LS1's for 9k. The lowest LS1 in my area over the summer was a 99 Formula for 11k, but it was sold before I even called the owner

 

The warranties aren't worth it.

 

Go for it man, the 97 has a better front clip anyway. The LS1 is a sweet motor, but you pay the price driving an fbody that has a front clip identical to a Chrysler Concord. Good luck.

 

Yeah, but those deals are always 6-7 states away from me.

 

Is this car by any chance an anniversary car? Im in CA and my buddy is selling his 97, just wondering if its the same one. Also keep in mind that the 96/97 SS is a lot more rare car. I have yet to run into a twin in the almost 5 years I had my car (other than car shows). I see the LS1 SS more than the Z28 out here. I do agree though that the asking prices of these cars (96/97) are high, but thats because people are paying.

 

I would bargin with him more, you should be able to down to 8300. Maybe 8k, Look around for a while longer you will find good deals in the winter.