Hi everybody, Im going to get me a 93 or 94 camaro z28 with 90+ thousand miles on it and i was wondering what typicly goes wrong with camaros around 90k miles so i know what to look for. I am not a huge gear head or anything so i know know if im getting a good deal or not. Please help me out and post anything that you think would be useful for buyin a used camaro.

 

Well first Ill tell you what I know, and second Im going to suggest a search.
The problems area for most lt1's is the Opti (search for this as well). You want to see if its malfunctioning. If it is, then what it'll do is when you place a load on the engine, eitherl low rpm or high rpm, it will "buck" or hesitate. Warm the engine up and let it idle for a good amount of time (15 min). Then take it out, drop the rpms say in 4th at 35 or 40 and see if it bucks. This could also be a sign of failing wires or spark plugs though.

Do a search maybe on "used camaro" and see what comes up. This question was actually just answered a day ago.

There's more to look for. Just look for general abuse, and watch what the owner is like. Often the people or their life style will tell you a lot about a car.
Hope I've helped
Zack S.

 

I agree with zslates, the opti is probably going to be your biggest concern. Other issues might include plugs and wires, fuel pump, thermostat, radiator hoses, rear differential, transmission clutch (if applicable). Sounds like a lot, but most of this you could check before you buy it.
Check the opti as zslates stated. As far as plugs and wires, those are not that expensive, and should be replaced anyway. Fuel pump, can be checked by turning the radio off, turning the key forward, but don't start the car. You should here the fuel pump kick on (a slight humming sounds), other than, if the car drives fine and doesn't sputter, the pump should be fine, but would be a good idea to replace also. Thermostat you can check my the gauge inside, by the speedometer. Radiator hoses, just look at both the upper and lower, if they don't have any cracks, your good.
For rear differential and trans, crawl under the car and look for any major leaks. If the car was driven rough, chances are there are going to be a few. Clutch is strickly by feel, can be determined while testing for opti and fuel pump.
Another easy way to check and see if the person took good care of the vehicle is to check the airfilter, if it is caked with dirt, chances are they didn't change that or the oil on a regular basis.
Hope this helps you out, good luck!
Ben

 

i agree with all of the above.. another dead give away of car abuse is the condition of the tires. see if they have pretty even wear, or if 2 are much worse than the other 2. also check the sidewalls near the tread.. if this is warn down they've been taking some corners pretty fast. stay away from cars with rough idles or low oil pressure.

 

slow powerwindor = dieing power window.

good way to check general upkeep is to check the air filter and coolant.

if its dirt/rusted to hell, odds are the car hasn't been taken care of.

take it to a mechanic, run a car fax, check brakes.
rub your hand on the back of the intake manifold. see if there is an oil leak

 

if its a manual then you need to take into account that the clutch will come out most of the way before engaging. Stock clutches are just that way. It actually makes it easier shifting . MAKE SURE that the water pump is not leaking. You should be able to see a little corrosion on the outside if it is. IF it is the opti is sure to follow. Water leaks right down the back of the water pump into the opti. Being that its a 93 or 94 it is not vented, therefore it is more susceptible to failing when water is around. It will cost you upwards of $900 to replace it at the dealer and around $300 on your own. Good luck! Hope you get a nice one.

 

with that said, the 95 is a good "upgrade" to the 93 and 94

 

I definitely agree, but you guys have the "do I have an OBD I or OBD II" question for tuning later. But that's about the only real disadvantage.

 

94 and 95 are both obd I

 

WOW great responce you guys are great

 

I thought that 95's were mixed and that some were made with OBD I (early production) and OBD II (later in the prodction year)?

 

i dont think so..
some of the VERY tail end ones might, but again- i doubt they would change somehting that drastic halfway through.

 

Mortal Z28 made another good point, tires are also an excellent indicator. On-the-other-hand, I don't really agree with scoobysnax83, stock clutches are not all the same, and thus all will NOT engage after being let almost all the way out. I'm the second owner of my 95, am still running a stock clutch, and it engages far from almost all the way out. Granted abuse can play a role, but ultimately every clutch has the potential to feel extremely different.

 

I agree with everything that has been said. At those miles the number one thing is going to be the optic. Then you have to just check for basic wear and tear and decide if it is more than what should be there. I mean at those miles you obviously can't buy a perfect car but you can get a car that has been taken well cared for and that will run without problems. Also check those rear quarters under the car and see if there is rubber build up. Any easy check for abuse. Good luck with the car though and enjoy driving an fbody. There the best