Considering buying a high mileage 98 LS1, should I be concerned?
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Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 885
From: Montreal, Quebec
Considering buying a high mileage 98 LS1, should I be concerned?
Here's the deal:
A while ago I almost bought a 96 black Z28, but after a quick carfax search, the car turned out to be a totaled car... so it was back to the drawing board.
While shopping around, I also saw a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km (about 75,000 miles) for 14,500$ (about 10k usd) - I thought this to be a very low price for an LS1 Z28, so I was seriously considering this car. I was very interested in it, but I waited too long and eventually it was sold, by a private seller selling it though a dealer.
Just the other day, I was checking out used cars on autotrader.ca, and I happen to find, guess what? a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km for 16,500$ being sold by another used car dealer who hapenned to be selling it for his buddy (or so he says). First I felt like kicking myself in the *** (obviously it's the same car), but next I thought that maybe I could go down there, negotiate with the guy, and manage to still come out of this with a good car at a good price. Knowing that this second dealer probably just bought it from the first one for 14,500$ and is now selling it for 2 grand more, do you think I could have room for lots of negotiating?
And more importantly, 1998 was the first year for the LS1, are there any problems with that year (bugs, typical repairs, recalls, etc...) or should it be a fairly reliable car?
A while ago I almost bought a 96 black Z28, but after a quick carfax search, the car turned out to be a totaled car... so it was back to the drawing board.
While shopping around, I also saw a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km (about 75,000 miles) for 14,500$ (about 10k usd) - I thought this to be a very low price for an LS1 Z28, so I was seriously considering this car. I was very interested in it, but I waited too long and eventually it was sold, by a private seller selling it though a dealer.
Just the other day, I was checking out used cars on autotrader.ca, and I happen to find, guess what? a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km for 16,500$ being sold by another used car dealer who hapenned to be selling it for his buddy (or so he says). First I felt like kicking myself in the *** (obviously it's the same car), but next I thought that maybe I could go down there, negotiate with the guy, and manage to still come out of this with a good car at a good price. Knowing that this second dealer probably just bought it from the first one for 14,500$ and is now selling it for 2 grand more, do you think I could have room for lots of negotiating?
And more importantly, 1998 was the first year for the LS1, are there any problems with that year (bugs, typical repairs, recalls, etc...) or should it be a fairly reliable car?
Banned
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,254
From: Darien, IL, usa (Chicago W.Suburbs)
Re: Considering buying a high mileage 98 LS1, should I be concerned?
Originally posted by MTL_Z28
Here's the deal:
A while ago I almost bought a 96 black Z28, but after a quick carfax search, the car turned out to be a totaled car... so it was back to the drawing board.
While shopping around, I also saw a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km (about 75,000 miles) for 14,500$ (about 10k usd) - I thought this to be a very low price for an LS1 Z28, so I was seriously considering this car. I was very interested in it, but I waited too long and eventually it was sold, by a private seller selling it though a dealer.
Just the other day, I was checking out used cars on autotrader.ca, and I happen to find, guess what? a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km for 16,500$ being sold by another used car dealer who hapenned to be selling it for his buddy (or so he says). First I felt like kicking myself in the *** (obviously it's the same car), but next I thought that maybe I could go down there, negotiate with the guy, and manage to still come out of this with a good car at a good price. Knowing that this second dealer probably just bought it from the first one for 14,500$ and is now selling it for 2 grand more, do you think I could have room for lots of negotiating?
And more importantly, 1998 was the first year for the LS1, are there any problems with that year (bugs, typical repairs, recalls, etc...) or should it be a fairly reliable car?
Here's the deal:
A while ago I almost bought a 96 black Z28, but after a quick carfax search, the car turned out to be a totaled car... so it was back to the drawing board.
While shopping around, I also saw a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km (about 75,000 miles) for 14,500$ (about 10k usd) - I thought this to be a very low price for an LS1 Z28, so I was seriously considering this car. I was very interested in it, but I waited too long and eventually it was sold, by a private seller selling it though a dealer.
Just the other day, I was checking out used cars on autotrader.ca, and I happen to find, guess what? a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km for 16,500$ being sold by another used car dealer who hapenned to be selling it for his buddy (or so he says). First I felt like kicking myself in the *** (obviously it's the same car), but next I thought that maybe I could go down there, negotiate with the guy, and manage to still come out of this with a good car at a good price. Knowing that this second dealer probably just bought it from the first one for 14,500$ and is now selling it for 2 grand more, do you think I could have room for lots of negotiating?
And more importantly, 1998 was the first year for the LS1, are there any problems with that year (bugs, typical repairs, recalls, etc...) or should it be a fairly reliable car?
Banned
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,254
From: Darien, IL, usa (Chicago W.Suburbs)
Originally posted by drpuls
Im also debating weather or not to buy a 98 LS1 high milage, 80k from my local dealer.... I think im gunna after i get a complete inspection. Aight LATES...
Im also debating weather or not to buy a 98 LS1 high milage, 80k from my local dealer.... I think im gunna after i get a complete inspection. Aight LATES...
once u go ls1 u never go back
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 568
From: Redding CA. USA
I would get a mech. to look at the ones w/ high miles,you dont know where its been or how its been driven.I think this has been posted before and most were sayin like stay under 40 or something close.
As for the price of MTL_Z lookin at, I was looking before not to long ago.I saw the high miles ones everywhere I kept looking(mostly for M6 low miles) I found what I think is the right one99 M6 33,000 mi. 13,900,The guy wanted 16,900. They will take alot less if they THINK you only have a certain amout start quoting out the door prices and be firm"like if they dont say yes you REALLY cant get the car". I'm serious pick a number really low way under they're # for just the car out the door...you can get one w/ $$ off the car value and no taxes,dock,smog,dmv.I have 4 cars and did not pay full price for any by doing this.
drpuls... keep looking bud,I live in Cali also,went to Sac.to get mine did all neg. on the phone found car in autotrader
btw the LS1s are awfull cheap back east
verses west coast not sure about Canada could be more then Cali prices by the sound
As for the price of MTL_Z lookin at, I was looking before not to long ago.I saw the high miles ones everywhere I kept looking(mostly for M6 low miles) I found what I think is the right one99 M6 33,000 mi. 13,900,The guy wanted 16,900. They will take alot less if they THINK you only have a certain amout start quoting out the door prices and be firm"like if they dont say yes you REALLY cant get the car". I'm serious pick a number really low way under they're # for just the car out the door...you can get one w/ $$ off the car value and no taxes,dock,smog,dmv.I have 4 cars and did not pay full price for any by doing this.
drpuls... keep looking bud,I live in Cali also,went to Sac.to get mine did all neg. on the phone found car in autotrader
btw the LS1s are awfull cheap back east
verses west coast not sure about Canada could be more then Cali prices by the sound
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 885
From: Montreal, Quebec
Originally posted by #7
As for the price of MTL_Z lookin at, I was looking before not to long ago.I saw the high miles ones everywhere I kept looking(mostly for M6 low miles) I found what I think is the right one99 M6 33,000 mi. 13,900,The guy wanted 16,900. They will take alot less if they THINK you only have a certain amout start quoting out the door prices and be firm"like if they dont say yes you REALLY cant get the car". I'm serious pick a number really low way under they're # for just the car out the door...you can get one w/ $$ off the car value and no taxes,dock,smog,dmv.I have 4 cars and did not pay full price for any by doing this.
As for the price of MTL_Z lookin at, I was looking before not to long ago.I saw the high miles ones everywhere I kept looking(mostly for M6 low miles) I found what I think is the right one99 M6 33,000 mi. 13,900,The guy wanted 16,900. They will take alot less if they THINK you only have a certain amout start quoting out the door prices and be firm"like if they dont say yes you REALLY cant get the car". I'm serious pick a number really low way under they're # for just the car out the door...you can get one w/ $$ off the car value and no taxes,dock,smog,dmv.I have 4 cars and did not pay full price for any by doing this.
Also I'd like to know if there are any things I should look for in this specific model (eg: I know a big problem with high mileage LT1's is the opti-spark) and are there any things I should expect to break down?
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,674
From: Chicago, IL
Originally posted by A_Midnight_Z
If this helps ya any, I found a 98 Z, A4 loaded with everything. 50,000 miles on it for 10,500. Keep looking...
Jason
If this helps ya any, I found a 98 Z, A4 loaded with everything. 50,000 miles on it for 10,500. Keep looking...
Jason
i want it!
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 63
From: At the threshold
Re: Considering buying a high mileage 98 LS1, should I be concerned?
Originally posted by MTL_Z28
Just the other day, I was checking out used cars on autotrader.ca, and I happen to find, guess what? a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km for 16,500$ being sold by another used car dealer who hapenned to be selling it for his buddy (or so he says).
Just the other day, I was checking out used cars on autotrader.ca, and I happen to find, guess what? a 1998 arctic white Z28 with 121,000 km for 16,500$ being sold by another used car dealer who hapenned to be selling it for his buddy (or so he says).
Banned
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,254
From: Darien, IL, usa (Chicago W.Suburbs)
Re: Re: Considering buying a high mileage 98 LS1, should I be concerned?
Originally posted by LurkerLS1
Is that $16.5 Canadian, or $16.5 US? If it's US, please don't allow yourself to be bent over. Blue Book retail for a '98 Z28 with those miles is $12,500. I just looked it up. Don't offer the dealer more than $11,500 for that car, and if he refuses, walk. There are PLENTY of Z28s around, keep looking and you'll find an awesome deal.
Is that $16.5 Canadian, or $16.5 US? If it's US, please don't allow yourself to be bent over. Blue Book retail for a '98 Z28 with those miles is $12,500. I just looked it up. Don't offer the dealer more than $11,500 for that car, and if he refuses, walk. There are PLENTY of Z28s around, keep looking and you'll find an awesome deal.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 885
From: Montreal, Quebec
Yes the prices are in canadian dollars.
That's why at 14,500$ cdn I thought it would have been a great deal. Unfortunately, this filthy car dealer picked it up before I had the chance to see the car (it's very far from my house, in ontario)but I still hope I can manage to go down there and get this new guy to bring his price of 16,500$ cdn down.
And also, no one can tell me of any problems that might arise in high mileage LS1's?
That's why at 14,500$ cdn I thought it would have been a great deal. Unfortunately, this filthy car dealer picked it up before I had the chance to see the car (it's very far from my house, in ontario)but I still hope I can manage to go down there and get this new guy to bring his price of 16,500$ cdn down.
And also, no one can tell me of any problems that might arise in high mileage LS1's?
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 568
From: Redding CA. USA
MTL_z28, Yes make him think you only have so much(your predetermined #) less lots less...Cash talks BIG and bigger discounts for it,still if you do have cash dont disclose how much just the predetermined amount to begin,and say thats all I can squeeze.If you slip theres no hope they'll firm up and want it all.
Remember this and last post works cuz of what.. stik6shift98 said in the beginning and its true they put alot of extra on top of what they actually paid.Thats why you can get great dicounts,they know
Also dont get excited about it,that causes firm mentality also like this guy wants it no matter what "he'll cough". Be HO Hum,and I dont know I only have this much...look at this on the car ewww or I just looked at another at this price(predetermined) Basically using they're tactics against them,turn the tides its easy
btw what is $15,000 Canadian compared to US,by all means do what you said earlier carfax,a good romp on it test drive(they dont care).If its right I'll happen good luck either way
Tony
Remember this and last post works cuz of what.. stik6shift98 said in the beginning and its true they put alot of extra on top of what they actually paid.Thats why you can get great dicounts,they know
Also dont get excited about it,that causes firm mentality also like this guy wants it no matter what "he'll cough". Be HO Hum,and I dont know I only have this much...look at this on the car ewww or I just looked at another at this price(predetermined) Basically using they're tactics against them,turn the tides its easy
btw what is $15,000 Canadian compared to US,by all means do what you said earlier carfax,a good romp on it test drive(they dont care).If its right I'll happen good luck either way
Tony
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