First, sorry for the length of the post and if I put this in the wrong forum.
So I've been looking at third gen camaros for about 2 months now, and they really appeal to me. I've looked at prices for them, along with getting quotes from my insurance company (Teenaged guy and having looked at other types of cars in the past had to check) and the insurance is relatively cheap for the years I've been looking into. I'd prefer an '84 or '85, but I like '83s-90's and are cheap enough on insurance for me.
I talked to my mom about this, and she said the only reason she wouldn't want me to do this is that with a car this old, and my lacking in mechanical knowledge, she didn't think I have the ability to maintain a car that old and with 150k+ miles possibly, and wants me to have a 'reliable' daily driver to school and work.
So my questions are if you guys think she's correct in assuming this. Are these models unreliable or hard to maintain with a lack of mechanical experience? Or are repairs/part expensive for the most part?

Overall, Do you think I might be able to handle maintaining a '83-'90 camaro, or should I wait and get a newer car first, then see about a camaro later?
Thanks

 

Listen to mommy

 

listen to mom , but don't let that ruin the love for 3rd gens. . do more research , learn mechanics , STAY IN SCHOOL , when you are settled then get a 3rd gen . did i say " STAY IN SCHOOL " ? continue to read every thing on this forum and learn . good luck .

 

A 2 year auto service degree will serve you well...and will save you moolah in the long run

 

Listen to your mother! A car with 150k miles will breakdown and thats the last thing you need in a daily driver. Hell, my car is all original and in near mint condition with 110k miles and I have issues from time to time getting it to start--its not worth the frustration as a daily driver!
My $.02--Get something reliable now and buy a 3rd gen in a few years as a hobby car.

 

Yup, I have a backup car

 

On the other hand guys, think that how much easier it is to do routine mant. on a thirdgen, basic plug, wire and cap/rotor, and your set. plus that most newer modern fwd cars, whether be 4 or 6 cyl. actually takes alot more work to change plugs, well v6's cuz hidden in the back. and thirdgens are relativly basic and forgiving, so if the gap is a bit off the car will run fine and not hate you for it. Plus the basic usual stuff that may go out are easy to replace, water pump, alternator, and such, I think its a good learner car for someone. Also from my experience alot of thirdgens dont actually just up and breakdown very often, my 83 t/a, my 91 bird never hardly had any problems at all, and I put well over 100,000 miles on each of them, the only one that has issues is the one I bought recently from someone who rigged it bad. But hey it runs great! Also need to take into consideration how easy it is to work on a thirdgen, buy a newer car, most likely fwd, and prolly an import, say the water pump goes out, well theres $100 or more an hour in labor cost, because you cant even find it on your own., but a thirdgen its right in front, a few bolts, and $30 for the pump and your back on the road and a bit more knowledgeable.

 

You are talking about tune ups and working on the car. IMO a daily needs to be extremely reliable. Turnkey every single day...a 20+ year old american car will never be that. I had a 1989 IROC as a daily driver 10 years ago (clean car with only 100k miles) and it was in the shop monthly!! The OP can do whatever his heart tells him to but personally I would recommend a 3rd gen as a second car/summer car and get something reliable for the other 9 months a year.

 

i dont thinks a 3rd gen as a daily driver is bad i drove mine for 3 yr and the olny thing that went bad was a starter and i changed a belt. and i beat the death out of the 305 drove it like i stole to work and school and racing. i still drive it but i finally got money to build it. i think it could be a good starter car. idc what kinda car it is things break down on it so but i agree u should do your research on it if thats what u really want just my opinion

 

I have to say that I don't think a thirdgen is a bad choice for a daily driver. My 86 Sport Coupe is my DD with 174K and is in my opinion pretty damn easy to work on. I'm 16 and everything I know I've taught myself or learned on TGO. The engines really aren't complicated. I replaced the oil pump on my maro in 5 hours in my driveway. Sometime soon I'll be putting headers on and a new cam as it has a bad lobe. This all on a 2.8 btw. My car has always started for me on the coldest days and runs like a champ. I did however have a 74 Nova as a first car and that thing was a b*tch when it came to reliability, although it was pushin 300k.

 

listen to your mom!

 

I have to jump in here. Bought an 86Z when I was 18 though highschool and college. It became a money pit and became unreliable. I had to sell it go get another car. This cars will eat money and sometimes hard to diagnose. Now im 27 and just bought an 92 z28. Now I can afford both cars and have another car incase the z breaks down.

But....if you really love them and have the money for repairs and can understand its an old car and will break get one. You only live once and these cars are dreams. I would have 5 if I could.

 

i have been using my 87 iroc as a DD for about a year now. it was hard to diagnose the problem i was having, but once i figured it out the thing starts every day and runs like a champ. any make or model of car can be the most reliable thing ever or the most unreliable. there are a lot a variables to consider.. you might as well get what you like and hope for the best. just my .02