usacamaro

i might not have 10 grand to drop into my car. but if i did i probally would. i understand if you look at as an investment not wanting to break anything. and to those that look at it like this i say go for it because yall have some great cars and it is a great thing for our cars to be able to have some real fine examples of these cars out there. but for me even if i did drop that much into my car i would still drive it . i love it just feeling i get just driving down the street it is awsome and i will always have a daily driver camaro.

Motopsyco

The 91 bird I used to have was a daily driver, had it for 5 years, when I traded it in (something I have regreted for 6 years now) it had 173,000 miles on it and ran perfect, i drove on average about 700 miles a week for much of the time I had it, and other than going through 2 starters, 1 wheel cylinder blowout, and 1 dead battery I never had any problems with it at all , it had the 5.0 tbi in it, so I cant compare it to your v6, but I dont see any reasons to listen to others about your car, just take care of the car and it will take care of you.

As far as the 89 bird I got recently it will be my dd in the spring when I get a few parts to really make it road worthy, it was a dd for a couple people before I got it, it has 160,000 on it, and it shows, interior is pretty rough, body is rough, just dents and dings, no rust anywere though, and the car rides rough an wanders a bit, runs great once it finally starts, posted here a few times on those issues. But it will be my dd soon, then use my stratus for winter only, because by then I will have my shop converted to a full garage and keep the bird in there over winters to basically slowly restore and do maintenance to keep it ready for the following spring.

usacamaro

i guess one day i will have one that wont be a dd . that is when ever i get my t-top car finished . that will be a weekend car or good weather car. i been wanting my t-top 5spd back sence i lost my last one in hurrican katrina . but i still have the hard top car as a dd so when i not driving the t-top car i can stii be driving a camaro.

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

My 92 Firebird is my daily driver. At one time my 86 was my daily driver for about a few years before that one was. So, been daily driving thirdgens since I was 14(school permit) and am now 26.

So, over 12 years, had about every problem in the book. Been stranded a couple times, here is the top of the list:
1. Cap, rotor, and or distributor cap went out on the V6. No warning. Went out again but 2nd time used a different manufacture for parts and no problems since.
2. Blew up the rear on the V6. Could have avoided this one because I heard the rear making loud noises weeks before. The rear had been leaking oil, should have fixed the leak. Just didn't do preventative maintenance and payed the price.
3. Had a starter go out. No warning. Was old though and again, preventative maintenance would have prevented it.

If you learn about these cars and work on them a little bit, you will eventually learn how to not be stranded from some situations or learn how to make it home in time to fix the problem.
Some examples of ways to avoid being stranded:
1. Noticed the fuel-injected fuel pump was making weird noises and the engine had a hard time starting once. Replaced the fuel pump.
2. Cut a hole in the rear dash of the car and cut/flare the fuel lines to allow easy access to the fuel pump. I think this is called the fuel door access mod. If I ever have a fuel pump go out again, I can go find a auto parts store or have someone go buy me a fuel pump. Then could change the fuel pump on the side of the road or parking lot in under an hour.
3. Had an accessory become stuck, such as a a/c compressor, or alternator. Took off the serp belt and drove until the engine starting getting hot. The engine will run without a belt. Pulled over, shut it off, opened the hood, let it cool, then drove it a couple more miles, and repeated. Can do the same thing with a bad thermostat or water pump. Just don't run the engine too hot or too long.
4. Noticed the car would not crank over or nothing one day. Battery was good. Pulled and tugged on the starter wire under the hood and then it cranked over. Had a bad connection there and cleaned the contacts on the wire and starter when I got home.
5. Watched the gauges.
6. Do things right, fix/replace broken parts or parts that are starting to act funny, and do preventative maintenance. Buy a chilton's or haynes book on 1982-92 f-bodies at your local auto store. Learn simple things and the reason why doing them such as using anti-sieze on bolts, check spark plugs, or always start putting in a spark plug by hand then use the socket to tighten it, buy and use a torque wrench, learn how to read engine codes.
7. Used thirdgen.org

That being said, I would still rather have a thirdgen over something like a sunfire/cobalt/caviler. Thirdgen's are quite easy to work on compared to those crammed up engine bays. Makes more sense to buy an older car then make payments on an overpriced new 4 cylinder, for a daily driver anyway.

rsrookie

I use a dime-a-dozen ***** as my daily driver,but I take the Camaro out on nice days.I drive the Camaro sparingly now because I hear an occasional snap/crackle/pop in the front end and the trans is a little tired.Hopefully I'll have everything fixed by cruisin' season and I'll have it out every weekend.

RJ_Moore

Hi, I have an 85 Camaro SC, check the picture on the left, and it is my daily driver. It is light, quick fast to start and stop, the 700R shifts up and down, with a little hard shift between 1st to 2nd, and I am told it is the best anyone has seen around here, The mileage is decent, as is the fuel efficiency. It qualifies for 'collector plates' and as soon as my 87 IROC Z clears the vehicle safety inspection, it'll become my daily, also. Body, and interior is next on it, so have to decide to go leather, all black, with white exterior or keep the black and light tan interior. Any ideas? Oh ya, the 85 is stock base with t-tops, and the IROC z is power windows, A/C, 5 speed, TPI, t-tops, no cargo security cover, and stock elsewhere.

firebird904

when i get done restoring my 88 sport coupe its going to be a daily driver the engine is strong only 24k original from gm and the body and tranny has 64k original the car's been sitting for 8 years only started occasionally so all the rubber hoses need replacing and all ive already done a tune up just got to do the hoses because they are all cracked and dry rotted

Ron U.S.M.C.

California daily driver.And yes its my only car.

osso12

Cool thread. My 85 z28 vert is my only car. Of course I drive it every day or every other day. Dont like to get it out in the rain if I can keep from it.
She has 83k original miles. Searching for my second driver, a 68 camaro vert.

RS Reaper

My DD is my camaro. I like it and I have never had a problem on the road. Don't worry about what people say. There are alot of people that have told me that you can't trust it or that it will bleed me dry. So far my camaro has out lasted each of my pareants cars plus way more styleish.
I don't really worry about my car breaking down cause I got AAA that will come out. Have never need to use them for a break down on the road but I have used them a few times over the year to get my car to shops and my brother for gas. Still way cheaper then paying a one way tow every other month and I get three tows a month if I need it.

HawkZ28

iTrader: (2)

My first Z28 I used as a DD all through summer and Nebraska winters.....the only problems I had were ones that I caused myself by modifying something. I heard all the same stories- even from Camaro guys because I had a CFI car. I drove it everyday for about 5 years.

My 86 is a 'DD' on nice, rain and snow free days when I don't have to haul a bunch of crap for work. That way I can write off all the parts I put into it .

lotsabirds

iTrader: (1)

Yea, I started driving 3rd gens daily at 17, with my 82 TA. Then on to a 91 RS, 89 Formula, 91 GTA, 83 TA, 85 Bird, another 89 Formula, and more that I cant remeber right now! Theyre great for daily drivers. Some were in NY when I lived there and Ill tell ya, with some skinny tall tires on them and some brains, they are the best cars in the snow. Good power to weight ratio, good weight distribution, if you can keep your foot out of it, theyll take you anywhere you wanna go. They do great donuts too!! Only thing Ive really run into is the perpetual Firebird overheating problem if Im stuck in traffic too long. Other than that, just be good to your cat and itll love you back. Hell, that 91 RS I drove 66000 miles in 18 months trouble free. It was a V6 too! Whats that tell ya?

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

Your 'bird musta had a cooling problem then. Even here in Texas summer, 100+ heat for days & days....I could leave my car sitting still, idling in the middle of the day & it would run until the tank was empty.

yevgenievich

iTrader: (4)

mine is being used as a daily time to time when my daily goes down on me. Original motor still ran strong when pulled at 135k, replaced with a newer motor but same millage so nothing really changed except lighter and little more power. My daily driver does have almost 200k miles and at 192k had a cracked head.

Davidgou

iTrader: (2)

Dude, what a nice looking GTA you got. I wish mine looked like that. Well going back to the question, mine was my son's daily driver until the 305 threw a rod about a year ago and have not have the $$$ to fix it. I'm in the process of fixing it now, but it won't be driven by my son any time soon

p100ki

Yep,i can drive it anytime but i have many vehicles so i don't drive it as often as i did when they were new. I daily drove an IROC when they were new. I drove my five liter mustang when the snow got really deep.

camaronewbie

I consider mine a daily, but I don't drive it everyday. I drive it when I want, without concern. I just got painted, and I don't like to do the parkinglot thing anymore than I have to - fresh paint is a magnet for folks that park to close and ding doors. But mechanically I have no issues - probably cause I'M the one that put it together. And I have no problem getting in it and driving 400 or 500 miles to attend a car show or something - I usually go to Carlisle yearly, and this year I'm heading to G14 in Atlanta.

toolegit86

my 1983 l69 my parents got it almost new and drove it over 400k daily driven
untill i got it. now it going for a turbo 383 running mild boost and spraying and still will be daily

xbox07

86 camaro with a 350, daily driver/project.

TPI TERR

iTrader: (9)

my iroc is my dd.

Duke!

I'm 16 my 92 rs is my daily driver and my first and only car,
it's got 216 k on it never had anything replaced.

IROCK ZZ

great looking car! my cousin lives up there, as soon as the sun comes up some more im probably going to head up that way for a visit.

MotorMouth

I bought mine in 1999 with 85,000 miles on it and it's been my only car to drive. I have put this car through hell and back with almost 200,000 miles it's still the best car I've owned. I changed the new paint, clutch kit, shocks, struts, added cross drilled slotted rotors, new calipers, new drums exhaust and copper side tank raidator between 1999 and 2000. In the last few months I have replaced all of the normal wear and tear parts out again. Not bad for a car that has been driven hard for 10 years.

I was looking at buying a new car but I had someone ask me if I had the money what would I do, fix this one or pay cash for a new car. I thought about it for a couple days and made up my mind I'll rebuilt it. I'm buying the parts for a new engine and after being on here I've decided to pull it apart and total paint and interior next year. I should have the motor, transmission, rearend and the money saved up to send it to the bodyshop for paint. I hope by next spring or early summer to have it complete.

IROCK ZZ

motor mouth, you must mean by next year you will have a completely new 1992 camaro rs!!!

MotorMouth

That's the plan.

osso12

Out of curiousity, when you pull the car apart what will you drive when you are rebuilding it if its your only driver? I have come across that issue more than once.

MotorMouth

I have a car I can barrow from one of my parents.

osso12

ditto that, thanks.

85z/28

I have an 85 z28 that is my daily driver, however, it is in storage during the winter months, so I drive my truck during winter. I live in the country so many straight highway roads are around my area. I will not drive in the rain because on these roads the pavement has become so settled from large trucks, the road acts as a ditch, causing my car to wander with the wide tires.

bigred75

mine gets driven everyday. and also hauls me to and from school on the weekends. i live in fayetteville but go to school in Greenville AKA G-vegas

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

When I got my L98 car back in 03, I daily drove it for 2-3 years. Stored in winter tho. Then about 3 years or so I tried to drive it only on clear non rainy days. Then did the 383 build and only got caught in the rain like 1 or 2 times.

Now dropped most of my money into the thing and its still not done yet. The twin turbo car is a weekend warrior now but tame enough to drive often but certainly not daily driver

I have a 4th gen LS1 trans am now for a daily with bolt ons. Drove it in the winter and it sucked but I drove it. reminds me of my irocz when I first got it except this car is much quicker

84z350crate

I dd my 84 z

thebuffalo

all day every day 88 t/a

Carlos773

iTrader: (3)

Exactly. I am starting to work on my Camaro and I already have decided it is gonna be my DD. It has been ever since I owned it so why not? To me restoring up a car to have it in the garage is kinda retarded but people have different views. If you can fix it once, you can fix it again.

racereno

I've driven my '91 RS 305 for almost 19 years now as a DD.

xbox07

I live in greenwood SC (hour outta greenville) some people around here call greenwood g-vegas. Nice to know theres a thirdgener at least kinda local lol.

Ol'Bird92

My car is driven EVERYDAY, Our cars have the best drivetrain that GM had at the time. Or so i think so . I have the v6 3.1 and wow, i know its not a lot compared to some of your guys mileage but i have 168K on mine and still shift smoothly and still idels and sounds just like the day it rolled off the assembly line. Of course with any older car you have to replace things here and there nothing major. I still have not replaced anything major *knock on wood*. One thing thats great about our third gens is that even if there broken down on the side of the road they still look good . But i find our cars to be very reliable.

Darkshot

iTrader: (4)

I daily drove mine for 3+ years. I bought a 2003 Grand Marquis (Amazing car, spare me the old man jokes) and now I split my driving evenly amongst the two cars. I guess you could say its still my daily driver, I just have 2 daily drivers. One things for sure, Camaro gets the driveway and Grand Marquis gets the dirt on the side of the driveway

Beater79TA

My wife splits her driving between her 88 GTA and the 02 SS depending on what mood strikes her in the morning. The 02 is completely stock. The 88 had the engine and transmission replaced shortly after we acquired the car in 2007 and has run like a champ ever since.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

I daily drive my 92 LO3. Today it hit 295,000miles. Its been my main car for 5 years

Engine and rear are original, trans started slipping around 30k ago. Pulled one from my friend's 93 with 90k on it

Almost left me stranded a few times. It likes to eat fan thermo switches so I installed a manual switch. Problem solved
Trans started going and i replaced it before it died
Waterpump puked its seal out 3 hours from home. Ever replaced a serp WP in a Autozone parking lot with a $2 mini crescent wrench? Not fun, but I did it
Nothing major

Back up is my old 89 V6. Its up to 334k

mrowles89

I used to drive mine daily. A chance encounter with bambi on a winding harnett county road found me wheels up in a ditch, now im tryig to get my '85 iroc roadworthy. btw anyone with a 700r4 pm me with a price. local seller preferred.

bigred75

hey man if ur ever around fayetteville on a fri night u should come check out our club its call the North Carolina Camaro Owners Association. its a pretty new camaro only car club. www.clubcamarofay.ning.com thats our site it sucks right now but we r working on getting new forums. we would love to have u come out man,

woody88iroc

Mine is my summer car so summer here runs May 1st ish... to October ish... Gotta love the Canadian prairies...

Very reliable, once i replaced the fuel pump never had a problem since.

Although i just dropped a 383 in it and went to carb.... so we'll see. MPG just went down haha

wesley_pontiac

dude i have a 2.8l 5spd v6. and i use mine as a dd. hav been since last april wen i got it. iv had a cpl problems with the car but hey evry car has its problems evry now and then. but mine seems to be doin ok so far. haha

Bluebird89

I drove mine all the time from '90-'92. Sold it, then bought it back in '03. It was parked when my Blazer shot craps on me and I drove it for about 6 mos. in 2007. Has been parked since Nov. '07. (Battery dead). It's pretty worn out, but every time I have needed it, it fires up. Can't say the same for my Windstar family truckster....ugggh!

Bullydawg

iTrader: (7)

I have found that if you take care of the car, and replace parts as they are going out and not after they go out, then they are really reliable... My car has never left me hanging. And I DD it... And that is with Trick Flow Aluminum heads, Accel Superram Set-up, 24lb injectors, Gold crane roller rockers, Crane Powermax 2032 cam, BBK 52mm tb, and all the free mods... I am only 19, and I try and take as good of care to her as I can, and she always repays me with grins at WOT.

But then again, that is other than the Engine piston falling apart at 68k miles, Tranny slipping at 80k miles, and Posi went out... But all were taken care of before it quit running... but barely. haha

vette gator

My 85 Z28 is my daily driver. In fact, I just drove it back and forth to the Jacksonville Airport for a business trip. I keep it maintained and have my eyes and ears open for any weird noises or behavior, but it's been absolutely reliable in the 2+ years that I've owned it.

jensen73110

iTrader: (4)

I did for 4 years until I wanted a better paint job. It took over a month in the shop (lots of tiny problems) so I kinda needed a second car. Ever since it came out of the shop, its been a weekend/nice day/fun car. Yes, I don't drive it every day, sometimes not for a week, but for me its more fun to be under hood than to use it as a transportation appliance.

Skyset

I like reading this thread, lot's of positive things about thirdgens in it

Schwinny

Yeah, My 87 is my dd.

I also have a 95 Chevy 1500 Its a plow truck, Gets terrible gas mileage, and i think the rear ending is going.

Honestly, The truck has given me more problems than the firebird.