Hi there! I am interested in buying an f-body in the spring of 2004 and I'd like some feedback on your current vechicals. I'd like to know about how reliable they are in general(mechcanically). Also at what point does the car start to go down the tubes as far as mileage.

I would like to spend between 6k-12k on the car. However anything over 9k better be worth the stress of the loan payments. My insurance will be bringing me to my knees it's self. Daddy doesn't pay my bills so it's a critical desicion.

I was thinking about going for a 1995 z28 with 50k-60k miles on it for $8000. It would be a 6 spd. Anything I should worry about or concider? The loan would be for at least 3 years so would buying a 1995 be too risky? Should I shell out more for lower miles?

I realize the post may be vague but I'm beating a nice 24 hour virus right now. Please give me input and advise. And negative critism is always noted!

 

50K -60K miles is really good for a 95, I'd say go for it, you can expect at least another 60K before you have to start worrying about wear. Unless you spray of course, but that is not a good idea on an unpaid of car.
You will love the car.

 

I think 8000 is to much for a 1995. I sold my 94 3 years ago for 8800. I have a 97 now and it has 90k miles on the clock. Only problem I've had out of it was the clutch went out. That was my fault though. Stock clutch didn't like well over 500ftlbs of TQ going through it.

 

I want to get an fbody so bad (ever since i was 15). Just got to finish getting a better job. I wish I could get an LS1! But I can't afford it. Or well... i would be *just* getting by with bills. And it's hard being a college student too. ($90 for a FREAKING TEXTBOOK! Love it when colleges use there own versions of books that no one else has. )

I definetly will love the car. The look (give it up f-bodies just own with a nice pair of chrome rims), the power, and v8 rumble... *drool* But I have to wait until my birthday. Job will be established by then, insurance will go down a little... and well it will be the best birthday present i've ever gotten. Too bad my parents can't help me out but since I'm earning it vs all the other kids who get a new car from there parents and abuse it. I'm just kinda upset i can't take advantage of the winter markdowns on cars right now. But i'd be dying to drive it anyway. Thanks for the replies! Keep'em comming!

 

Most people will say get an LS1 of you can afford it. Either both both are great engines, an LT1 will just run you alot less money unless you find someone whos basically giving their car away.

 

Yeah but for a kid comming from a poor family getting a nice sports car is a big thing. Plus I drive a 4 door 1995 neon auto. There's nothing more dissappointing than that to me... LOL! I really...really...HATE that car. It is so SLOW with stoplights and around town driving. You basically have to downshift to 1st gear at 40 mph to wake the engine up. :P But it gets me from point a to b effectively. Just hate the car for what it is

 

don't buy an 8 year old car if your going to have to make payments... save up so you can pay it off 100% cash when you go to buy it. you do NOT want to be making payments if/when it turns out that car has all sorts of non-engine related problems because certain parts only last so long.

 

I agree with you but I won't be able to save up that ammount of money for a few years. Thats why I was debating getting a newer f-body but it's a way higher loan payment. I gave some thought to buying an older Camaro (iroc-z) but i'd be really going crazy if I spent $2000-$3000 of my hard earned cash on a soup can thats falling apart. From what i've heard the 4th gens are really sturdy cars. I'm just verifying with people that actually own them. However just because everyone elses car is solid won't mean mine is. Just trying to be smarter with peoples experence with their cars. Appreciate your input though I wish I could just save up the money in a few months to buy it flat out. But it's most likely not gonna happen.

 

I bought mine brand new in '97 and besides an EGR or two, and airpump(both under recall/"campaign") and a little oil seemage from the back of intake, it's been great and gives excellent mileage. 18-24 city/32-34hwy.
LS1's are underated and I wished I would have believed them before dynoday verified this. I figured 20hp lower, I can make that up. Well, now it's taken all the mods in my signature to beat up on an occasional stock LS1.
But to drive both I really feel the LT1 had better responsiveness.

 

LT1 is a good motor. It'll last a while. I have 117k on my Z right now. Only problem I had is the retarded opti spark. It's a pain. Try to find one with a new one or a vented one. If it's vented you should be fine. I have the first model year so it's unvented, I went through 2 already. Other than that, the car's been fine. They can take a beating. If I was you I'd go for a nice 93 or 94 LT1 for about 5 grand. I bought y93 almost 2 years ago for $5400.

 

Your off to a get start. 95 is considered the optimal year to modify, obd1, vented optispark, single cat, ect. But if you find another year in better condition i'd go that way.

Do you have emmisions? 93-95 has superior emmisions legal exhaust systems available if thats a concern to you.

Do some searches on here, there are threads devoted to the things to look for. Window motors can be a good bargaining point, hesitation while warm can be a bugger and some people struggle to fix the ignition issues, be sure to check for signs of waterpump leakage.

Yes, LS1's are superior stock, but cost more initially, and cost a little more to modify in some cases too. You can get your car up to stock ls1 territory for 1000 dollars if you spend your money wisely and can do some work yourself.

I think 8k would be good for a 50-60k mile stock TA, but you shouild be able to pick up a z for less than that.

best of luck,
brent

 

For your situation, you should get an LT1. You should be able to find a 94-95 with the miles you stated for less than 8k just dont buy on an impulse shop around for a while. The LT1 is plenty fast and with the few grand you save you can easily make it faster than an LS1 if you feel the need. Good luck and welcome to the board.

 

dont rush , I had stopped searching before I found my 97 . I almost made a $15k mistake

 

you can always buy my 94!!

its got pretty low miles!!!


but seriously... you will always have your problems no matter what car you get. LT1's are AWESOME cars!! but its not so great to work on.... same thing with the LS1. parts are pretty expensive, labor money is also REALLY expensive unless you can work on the car yourself.

LT1 vs LS1..... i say LT1. i love LS1's but i like the look of the LT1's a lot better. plus the engine has been around for a while now, TONS of parts, and TONS of knowledgable people on this board to help you out with just about ANY problem you will ever have!

either way you will be happy!!

 

get an LS1. LT1's are headaches to work on.