I used to have a v6 f body it was a 98 camaro with the auto. The car had 101k when i sold it and during that whole time the car never had even one problem.(except for rotors warping). It was very reliable and fun to drive. I had the FRA mod and b&b exhaust. It was a nice car with some speed but I always felt like it was kinda all show and maybe a little go. Camaros look fast but in v6 trim prepare to have some close calls with 170hp imports. If racing isn't important than don worry but the v8 with the suspension adds a lot of additude to the car.

 

I have a 95 with 3.8 and GU6 in Florida. Pretty cool to :-D

 

My Y87 drop-top 96 would hang with a Mustang GT thru 1st gear. They were gone after that...
After a year and a half of that I traded in for a 95Z. More repairs but I forgive everything when I mash the pedal. Surprisingly, my insurance dropped a little bit. If you're worried about insurance, get an older vehicle, make sure it's not red, and not a convertible.
Either way you'll probably end up wanting something more. With my 6 I wanted more power, with my 8 I wish it would be more reliable. It's not expensive stuff that goes, bad, just little stuff, but it is sure annoying.
Either choice you make is still better than rice, especially w/u being young. Most high-school age people I see are obsessed with Hondas... Buy either one and smoke em...

 

Because of your age I would say you should stick with the V6 plan. The LT1 will cost you a fortune in insurance unless you get a real old one (93-95) and then you'll be dealing with very high miles and lots of maintenance issues.

My advice is look for a 98 Firebird or Camaro (I prefer the Firebird look myself). That way you get the newer body style f-body at the best possible price both for the car and insurance. It'll also be more reliable for daily driving.

Good Luck

 

Well, I dont mind if smaller things are going wrong, and that I can afford to fix. Although honda reliablility is appealing beside the EP hatches; I really dont see why people get them and race them. Its stupid. I checked for insurance on an earlier 93-95 Z28, and its reasonable. What kinda problems are common and that I might need to look for when I am buyin one?

 

Optispark is a problem with LT1s. I think 95 was the first year for vented opti. So I would go for a 95.

 

i would avoid 93s just because theyre 11 years old now and have a lot of differences from the 94-97 cars....95 and up id say...

 

Why would you avoid the 93? Alot of peole seem to prefer them due to the speed density intake over the MAF of the later models. Perhaps you would be interested in the one in my sig?

 

I bought my V6 in 02 with 10,000 miles on it, fully loaded except Leather and Y87 package for $12.200 (was good at the time)

Other then my few mods, the only thing I have changed were tires, it has been SO reliable, and even with my hard acceleration and the speeds I drive I still manage to get 23+ MPG

I bought mine when I was 18, I debated geting a older LT1, but seriously, the OPTI spark thing + extra gas+ worse reliability and increased insurance on a car that was older and with more miles wasnt worth it. Besides my dad wasnt too happy about the V8 idea and I liked the feel of the LS1 more (I like the 98+front more too)

V6 camaro isnt a bad ride, I get LOTS of looks and compliments, shoot for T tops and Maybe ground effects and you'll have a bad a$$ ride

~chris

 

He's right, The only thing I don't like about the v6 is a lack of aftermarket. When I bought the car I hadn't researched and when I was about to start modding I was very disapointed.

 

Other then Intake/ exhaust- for me I cant see spending any more, I was going to go all out this spring with suspention, GFX, Wheels, but considering some of the places I drive and the high auto theft I decided to try to keep a low profile.

 

Ah, im torn in between I have about 5000 to spend and I am seeing some Z28s for about 4500 and 5000. I am thinking about those, but then again they are older, but also would smoke a newer v6. decisions, decisions.

 

I just got my 98. I only paid 5500 for it and it only has 48,000 miles. I finally found one I liked and saved some money on it too. I used to have a 2000, but sold it because it was a salavge title and I did not know about it. Had a nasty leak on the driver's side window and the bearings went out at only 32k. The 2000 felt like it had more power though. Probably because of the gears. I would say try to get a 2000+. I like my 98, just got to get things going on this thing. It's all black and I guess lowered, or maybe the springs are worn

 

$5,000 isnt alot of money to get both speed and reliability.

If I were you I would get the nicest V6 you can get, see if you like owning a F body first.

You dont need to be smoking anyone in your first car, Just get something nice and enjoy it.

 

Wtih an LT1 you will smoke alot of stuff if it runs...

might expect an auto to go out around 100k miles, thats like $2k in repairs... opti/waterpump is like $400-800. I woudl BE careful with the rear axle on a high mileage f-body, 10-bolt isn't known ot be super strong, but it will last a bit, 100k, I woudl keep an eye on it.

You will get lots fo crap for owning a v6, jsut don't let it bother you. People just fail to realize its a quick car, not king of the hill but hangs/kills most 3rd gens on the road, faster then most the import guys, but it no 10-13 second demon...