jay173

I paid 3000 for a fully working 89 camaro rs 305 automatic v8 at the time things worked normal. It came with full documentation of all repairs for last two owners and original key chain and keys.


Everything worked, within a month my headlight switch broke lose, my engine shudders or converter, and my drivers side power window likes to stick open or closed.

The shutter under light acceleration and high idle while cold feels like that ruffness you get when vaccum leak or run the car without a mass air flow sensor.

Did not know underneith some parts are new some are rusted and the transmission mounts look like they would give any minute. Inside and outside it looks good.

DIRTY JERZY

Nah you didn't get ripped off. Most of these cars need a little tlc.

jay173

So what your basicly saying is things are going to keep breaking on me.

campin1983

iTrader: (4)

We need more info and pics on the car to really help you with a value. At 3 grand you should have a car in overall good shape, but maybe needs some work. If the body looks good, the paint is good, the interior is good, and it just needs a little fix-up work, then your probably ok.

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

most likely

KNBlazer

first as previously requested, we need more info.. also we need the geographical location of where this car was driven... but for 3K I think you may have gotten the short end of the stick.. unless the engine had some work done recently, then maybe, only then would I say maybe you got what you paid for.... I got my 87 in 1998 for 2300...

DIRTY JERZY

well it is a third gen f-body

campin1983

iTrader: (4)

You bought a 21 year old car for $3,000. I don't want to say "everything is going to keep breaking," because there's plenty of F-bodies on the road. But at that price point, your not buying a perfect car, regardless of the make/model. Cars of this age need some TLC and some work. And its extremely rare to find vehicles of that age that don't have significant issues with rust in most parts of the country.

DIRTY JERZY

prices are a little different now I got into a supercharged formula in 2001 for 2 grand car ran like a bat outa hell. I feel that cash for clunkers and the death of pontiac have caused a spike in 3rd gen prices. Cars that are worth 1 grand just to part out are up for sale with asking prices of around 5 grand. You have to know these cars to get into one with out being unhappy with it. Remember we are talking about 20 year old performance cars not exatly daily driver cars.

campin1983

iTrader: (4)

Absolutely agreed with Dirty Jersey. 3rd gens are starting to get to that age where they are becoming harder to find, and C4C made that accelerate. The difference in price over the last 2 or 3 years is significant, let alone the last 5 or 10.

Again though, we'd need to see the car to really see if its worth the money that was paid. If its just some minor engine problems and some rusty mounts, and aside from that its a good car, its probably ok. If the rest of the car looks rough and needs fairly in depth work, it may not have been worth it.

DARKmj16

iTrader: (6)

i got my 92 rs fully loaded mild built 350 auto for 1200 nothing really wrong with it, just little things like power door locks going out and needs a tune up. just routine things that goes bad.

like me you might of just got a car where things are starting to get their age and go out, perfectly normal. and really it depends on how much you like it.

just a thought check your plugs and wires (had the same thing when i got my 92)

jay173

http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/a...05%20tbi%20v8/


Yea theres my pics of the car and the engine was rebuilt not too long ago.

Goany

lol by looks of it you got a good deal even if you had to pay 500 dollars in repairs to make it run right lol

el_muerte

I paid $4500 for my first third-gen, a bare-bones '85 Z-28, the clutch was gone in six months and after a year there was rust eating through both quarter panels. The headliner was shot when I bought it, it came with a non-working stereo, and the dash pad had one corner busted off.

Last summer I paid $600 for an '87 Z-28, it didn't run, the interior was completely trashed, several gauges didn't work, and it had a terrible paint job. I estimate it will cost me an additional $2000 just to get it roadworthy, and that's with me putting in a couple hundred man-hours and cannibalizing my other car for parts.

Old cars aren't something you can just get in and drive forever, they require lots of TLC and more frequent maintenance than new vehicles. If you want something you'll never have to fix, get an old Toyota Camry. Otherwise, learn to love wrenching on your car.

campin1983

iTrader: (4)

Agreed. Its a very good looking car that probably needs little or no body work done to it. While mechanical work is scarier, its also much easier to find parts for the motor than some of the body parts on these cars.

I'd say you didn't get ripped off. Again, its hard to tell, but you probably paid about the right amount. Invest a little in the motor and you'll have a great car.

jay173

Well I am in college to be a tech and im now ase certified on engines and comming home to a car that keeps breaking that once worked right sucks.

I used to stick with imports but I wanted a v8 cruiser so I did want an automatic I can probably fix anything this summer break. Not too sure where I can get my torque converter rebuilt because the lock up clutch pack is going. I should have known we get alot of chevys to fix that are not old and people still like them.

I have owned a dodge stealth still my favorite car it was like a big toy car. My hyundai has 150000 and still runs like its 2 years old but its 10 years old. I test drive lots of other people cars and have owned 4 coupes already.

DARKmj16

iTrader: (6)

ya id say u paid a good amount for it, plus u hav a privcy shade (hard to find item) ttops good paint and inside ya rebuilt motor. so just a trans and/or lock up converter is all you need to make it run good? if so then yay you got a good deal.

KNBlazer

looks clean... next step would be to check underneath for any rust...

Speed350

Yes. Most definitly.

Everything will break. It is old. It will need to be repaired. That is usually why people buy old cars.

Given the fact that you are in the automotive repair industry I would think this would be a no brainer.

DIRTY JERZY

I used to stick with imports but I wanted a v8 cruiser so I did want an automatic I can probably fix anything this summer break. Not too sure where I can get my torque converter rebuilt because the lock up clutch pack is going. I should have known we get alot of chevys to fix that are not old and people still like them.

[/quote]

Are you sure its not just the converter sillynoid?

Tony89GTA

iTrader: (7)

You should sell the thing sounds like your way over your head on this one.

A headlight switch and a window problem would bust my ***** to

88gta_hiflyer

iTrader: (1)

It's a 21 year old car. Every part on that car has 21 years worth of wear and tear on it. At that age any car will constantly need something fixed unless you plan on doing a complete overhall. Should be a fun project but a poor choice if you're looking for a reliable daily driver, based on age alone.

TheMonster

Haha, I was thinking the same thing. Sounds like the car will be down for a few days fixing that headlight switch. O.o

But in all seriousness, you got a good deal. It's an old car, this should be expected, and with that...you will learn how to work on cars. You have a rebuilt engine, and looks to be good paint, the things you are saying are minor. When I got my car, it was overheating.. We cleaned the radiator and everything and got it cooled down, but it was too late, the guy before had cracked a head, that was a pain.

Eagle223usa

I agree with Tony, Sell the RS and stick with the Hyundia, You'll be much happier. Silly, GM could build a car that would last 20 or so years of weather and abuse without needing some work, but they didn't. Stick with the korean birth control.

DARKmj16

iTrader: (6)

i would like to also point out that older cars are easier to work on (less electronics) keep the rs youll be happy u did.

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

+1 i love working on my 84. the other day i looked at an ls1 i'm gonna buy and well my eyes were pretty much O.O

jay173

laughing out loud you guys its not that it wont take me less then an hour to install any headlight switch!

Its just that I thaught these cars where more reliable my mitsubishi ran longer without needing fixing, at this rate i could drop in my friends 454 and have more of a thrill car once in a while, the fastest car i have been in was 500hp, but this torque thing makes sense on the road since power is made at low revs. Just needs a little bit lower gear rear end gears wich where one of my plans.

I thught I was getting a more reliable car then I did or maybe I just got lucky that my earily 90s cars stayed running without needing major repairs.

I drove a couple v6 mustangs and they just dont handle as good. My hyundai elantra with 2liter dohc would probably beat a 305 tbi and run low 15s but the sound of the v8 in the camaro is what is whats awsome. I liked my imports best you can buy an old vr4 or 300zx twin turbo and run 14s.

Also im a bit tight on money because I am going to need tools when I move out of this live shop into a maintinance shop.

RED86Z28

Its funny that someone who is going to be a mechanic is bitching about some minor issues. The car is 21 years old what do you expect? Nothing lasts forever and 21 years is near forever for any car.

TheMonster

Quoted for truth.

Also, after 10 years a car starts getting minor issues..
After 20 years a car starts to show its wear..
This goes for all cars...and all makes. Imho, a foreign car would be more expensive to upkeep than a domestic.
Its not that the camaro isnt reliable, its that a third gen is 20+ years old

DARKmj16

iTrader: (6)

every car can be very reliable just depends on what you start with and what you do to it. plus its a chevy itll run forever lol.

o example time my 88 camaro i had bought it in 2005 and didnt do anything to it (cept routine maintance) till well a few months ago when i listened to a stupid person = blown engine and trans but point is my fault and it ran good for that long on routine maintance. and it was pretty much the same condiction as yours, minus the trans problem. also bought that for 1200 lol (VA good camaro deals around, they arent on here tho 0_o)

woywitka

$3,000. No. You did fine, unless you have a rust bucket.

Even if fair market value was $2,400. Would you care about $600 in a year? If you got a car you liked, $500 shouldn't be a deal breaker, and if it is, you might be a little financially sensitive to afford a car.

These cars have the quality of typical 1980s GM products. Poor paint, cheap switches, door hinge troubles, fuel injection quirks and troubles, poor interior materials, and typical GM engine life (120,000miles and something is wrong). Things are going to break. On the flipside, you get reasonable A/C, good cooling system, reliable simple power steering (but undesirable recirculating ball), and decent corrosion resistance.

If you are coming from a Volvo, Saab, or Lexus you are going to be a little disappointed in the quality. Except under extreme circumstances these aren't 500,000mile 40 year cars. With proper care and regular use, these cars get around 15 years of use and need to be rebuilt.

Our Firebird was rebuilt in 2000, and again a once over in 2010. The fuel injection has been very troublesome for the 21 years we have owned the car since new. The engine has been replaced/rebuilt 2 times.Transmission has been ok. One clutch. Reliable brake components. Radiator rotted out after 15 years (expected). The car was never very reliable, it broke down about 10 times for lots of small stuff. We always maintained it well, but lots of sensors, electrical stuff, and fuel pumps, things like that.

In comparison, our 1989 Saab 900 turbo completed 400,000kms, broke down once because we ran it out of gas, original engine, original turbo, original transmission, original fuel injection. I replaced one air mass meter and changed out the ECU in 2006 because of a stumble at 5,000 RPMS. The Saab started to rust but again it got much more use than the Firebird. Saab had the highest loyalty of any car maker for 20 years, and I understand looking back now writing this post. If you maintained it, the car just never stopped working. One clutch at 300,000kms! lol

But anyways, the Saab did need its first Alternator this year, and the current owner just completed 440,000kms and it needed another clutch.

To run these cars on the cheap you need some mechanical knowledge, source your parts quality used or online and use forums like these to help you.

Fun cars, and classic 1980s American motoring. Relax, enjoy, and love the learning from the niggles.

el_muerte

Don'tcha know mechanics always have the worst cars?

But seriously, there's a HUGE difference between a ten-year-old car and a twenty-one-year-old car. FWIW, my '85 Camaro was up to 340,000km on the original powerplant and still ran like a champ when I parked her.

the solitaire

I paid more for a working 89 Camaro RS with 305 TBI and auto. Comparison is slightly off because of a slight difference in geographic location and the definition of ´domestic´ but still I´m convinced I got a good deal.

In my car I will need to overhaul the trans sometime soon, it came without exhaust and has some rust up front.

Got a new paintjob and a complete interior on the plus side of things.

Engine runs fine but loses some oil due to a dent in the oilpan and it (the oilpan, not the dent) most likely doesn´t fit as flush as when the car left the factory.

That´s how things go with 20 year ols cars. They are worn down and need several replacement parts in different areas.

Since most people comment about how shoddy chevy worked back in the day I´m still surprised to find that this car runs better then any of the previous japanese cars I owned and that suspension and engine are still as good as they are.

I´m not a learned car guy. I studied art. Still, this car allows me to fix almost everything myself which is an important reason why many buy older vehicles. The hobby aspect so to say.

t-top havoc

iTrader: (3)

...and the chin spoiler looks to be in pristine condition...

Enjoy working on it, ( what little you may have ), and most of all,
after scraping a few knuckles, have a blast driving a straight, clean, bitchin' ride!!!

ASE doc

First of all. Ive seen a few 3rd gens pass 300K with little trouble. They are really rather well built. Im having a hard time not soiling myself that anyone would even compare a Hyundai to a Camaro. Youre obviously familiar with ASE. Im a Master Technician, L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist. You know, one of those guys who generally knows his stuff. HYUNDAI IS GARBAGE! Youre concerned about interior functions on your Camaro. I wish I had a dollar for every flimsy plastic Hyundai door handle Ive replaced. And their engines and powertrains arent much better than their interiors.

Now that I'm done chewing your **s. I bought my baby, an 87 IROC Z28 in 98 for 5,600. The body was perfect, the interior was rough and the engine had been swapped. I later realized the 5.7 had been swapped for a 5.0. The point is I didnt really care. My plan from the beginning was to build the car into what I feel it was intended to be. Since the "refitting", Ive had minimal trouble with the car. For some time it was even a daily driver. Until I got wise and realized how dumb it was to be piling miles on her.

Buyer's remorse is what you have. Its typical. Ive done the same thing on every car Ive ever owned. But for me, if youre going to own a classic car you have to love it. After all its not a disposable car like a Hyundai.

ckelton

3k is really the going price for a 3rd gen. My '87 Trans Am cost 3k and it would shut off periodically, A small easy electrical fix. Then i found that the t-tops leak, Carb. started leaking. Tires were gone, but it had good original paint.

Now i just purchased an '88 GTA, 1600. right side body damage, engine drove me crazy 2k later i finally got the thing stable out on the highway. now all i have to do is repair the body and restore the interior. Lots of work and money,..... I will definitely be in over 6k when im done, but i enjoy and do not know if/when i will ever get rid of it.

MikeSammy

I bought a 86 firebird for $2500 that also ran and looked fine only to have $4000 worth of repairs to do. You didn't get ripped of though. These are old cars that most people abused and never took good care of. But look at it this way, now you have an excuse to swap a 350 or 383 engine in there with a turbo 400 and 12 bolt posi!

rs owner

just my .02. I bought a: 89 camaro rs 305tbi 700r4, ttop
dunn, north carolina on 2/10 for $600 cash $35 towing

1. the tranny was trashed would not get out of 2nd
2. would not start coolant temp. sensor reading -24F in 80F weather
3. headliner trashed
4. heater core trashed
5. tires trashed
6. rims aluminum and black racing rims of some kind tall tires in back low pro in front
EVERY lug only hand tight
7. drivers fender dent
8. pass. quarter panel side swiped
9. front grille fog lights gone
10. drivers seat look like freddy and jason had a fight in front seat (all others immaculate)
11. hatch pull down latch gone
12. spare tire gone
13. hood lift supports trash
14. trunk lift supports trash
15. spark plugs gassed to death
16. ants took over car (problem solved)
17. window motors (weak)
18. a.c. trashed (hooked up no work)
19. vents (only defrost work)
20. turn signal multiswitch don't work
21. motor bogs down when getting down on gas from 1/3 - full throttle
(at night in the dark can see the plug wires arc will change wires and then check throttle)
22. needed starter
23. may need some front end work
the good:
1. motor and tranny run like a beast (used tranny 90 warranty 63k miles $400)
2. 1992 orig. wheels with 90% tread tires $380
3. new seats nothing wrong with them $80 (front and rear matching)
4. ttop no leak
5. BODY WORK CAN BE DONE BY PAINTER
6. parts for engine and tranny are cheap
7. got a nasty 350 bottom end all machine work DONE. for $600 for christmas
Fresh 40 over 350 block 2 bolt main with arp main studs
Bored and honed with torque plate, decked
Brass freeze plugs with clevite cam bearings
Cast crank turned 10/10 with clevite main bearings
Rebuilt rods with arp wavelock bolts and clevite bearings
Speed Pro Hyperutectic flat top pistons with speed pro moly rings
Assembled with all clearances checked
8. saving on labor doing the work myself and with my 52year old father's help
(PRICELESS)
I know it's long sorry I got in the zone you did not waste your money

rs owner

maybe some more people will share what they paid for theirs.

Zepher

iTrader: (1)

I bought this car 7 years ago for $1700,




and put about $3000 into it over 2 years and it looked like this,








The only things that went out on it were the rear brake lines rusted and started leaking, so I put in an LS1 rear with LS1 rear brakes.
Alternator went out, but it came with a new looking Advance Auto Parts one so I got that replaced for free.
Needed Shocks and struts
Fixed the headlight bushings, swapped out interior to black leather (has Corbeau racing seats now), changed the hood, got it painted, and did little mods here and there.

I put almost 100K miles on since I bought it.

rs owner

frigging awesome

DIRTY JERZY

I paid $2,000 in 2001 for a supercharged + no2 89 formula 305 tbi built drive train but the body had 8 inch cracks in the rear floor pans, cracks by the t-tops, and by the doors. It had been hit hard in the front head on and it was pulled and welded (looked like total ***). It was red and then spray bomb black over that. Had a fiberglass turbo hood and a stock ta hood. The interior was ok. T-tops leeeked. But it still was the fastest car (to 115) that I have driven.

my new 89 formula 350 was $3500 just got it in june. needs paint work and a little body work to the under side (some one tried to lift it wrong) but it solid only light rust. It runs great good mpg but it needs brakes, tie rods, and ball joints. very solid car.

my 01 ws6 was $27,000 in 04 with 19,500 miles It was perfect

rs owner

alright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
they might need a little work but we love them

Ivelostcontact

iTrader: (1)

Paid 5k for my 84 with 92K miles one owner. Sure it's had its problems. Probably have spend 1 to 2K in parts since then. Seems like every month I fix something new...or something again >.> Been at it with the car for 3 years now. Recently Supercharged it and having issues there. Would I do it all again? ..... Yes

rs owner

in the words of paris hilton "that's hot" I hope that mine will look that good when I finish with it.

game1939

to everyone saying not a reliable dAILEY DRIVER? thats crazy, read my profile look at my ride, i drive it everyday, all i do is change my oil, you build your car right and have no worries, car is dynod at 455 rear wheel horespower, i get almost 18 miles a gallon in town, with a 700r4 built and 373 posi rear, motor has 11:1 compression ratio, 6inch rods je 0.30 pistons 400 crank machined, lunati 290/300 voddo cam, vortec heads sitting on 69 block, anyhow i drive it everyday, i trust it more than i do ANY new toyota...lol...........anyhow build it right and you get the same results,........

LS4GXP

iTrader: (2)

your complaining about a headlight switch and a sticky window but now talking about just dropping in a BB? if those little problems bug you i would hate to see your face after you find out what fabs you need to do with the suspension for the 454 lol

Ivelostcontact

iTrader: (1)

She doesn't look like that anymore lol. Did a 92z aero gfx swap last month.

jay173

Ok, guys so I spend an entire week 10 hours a day slaving away at repairing the engine to pristine condition it runs really good and speeds up a little faster then the other tbi 305s on youtube I have seen.

Now it runs and drives great after a weeks worth of work and 200 dollars later, now I just need to replace a tie rod and my headlight switch and add new front window weather strip and thats it.

So im not sure if I should sell it so I can buy more toys because it was already up for sale and im getting offers for 2800. I like having tools to fix people cars and my familys cars.

I found sevral plug wires melt because there near the exhaust and the plugs where tuff to get to. My ignition coil was from the old engine apreantly and had a rust hole in it and replaced using msd and used msd distrubuter cap.

Its waxed and looks like new.


If I sell it im just going to buy something else to fix up because im always bored after college and working in there auto shop. Mostly during the weekends.


What should I do its a tuff decision?

stealthroc89

I've had mine for 5 years. Smoked when redlined and the tranny slipped a little but I had to have it, plus it came with 17" centerline fluted sabers and new khumo 712s (those didnt last long)! Payed 1800 for it and drove it reliably for 3 years like that and beat on it knowing what might happen. Just remember every old car is a project car, theres always something that needs/could be done. It helps to have a girlfriend/wife that doesnt mind you working on your car. All I hear is why are you working on your car all the time!!??? Drives me nuts! Anyways appreciate your car, they wont be around forever.