I am new to the site but lover 3rd gen camaros and i have been looking to buy one for 9 months i finaly have enough money saved up for one and i was wondering if anyone could tell me what to watch out for when looking at a car to buy

 

It depends on how much money you're looking to spend.

 

Well, obviously ask alot of questions about it, has it been wreck? Does this guy took care of the car? And does it feel right when test driving the car? always check under the car for rust or anything suspicous. Those are my advices when looking for a car in general.

 

--Check the spare tire well for rust, as well as the floors from underneath the car.

--Check for cracks in the paint on the lower portions of the doors (lower back parts of the doors IIRC?) as well as on the B-pillar at the top, just behind the top edge of the windows--this is a sign the car has been driven hard.

--Check the upper shock mount areas from inside the wheel wells for rust.

--Check all fluids

--Check for original VINs on the body panels if possible

--Check for evidence of prior paint/body work/accidents

--Check the 8th digit of the VIN to make sure it has the proper engine code that he says it does, or at least that the car at one point came with what you are being told it has.

--SERVICE RECORDS

--Make sure everything works, test everything, drive it, check compression if possible, look for vertical play in suspension components, etc.

 

In addition to the above, I'll look for the most original and unmolested car possible. Nothing turns me off more in an ad than the words "Mods", "Built" or "Custom".

 

Have them meet you somewhere so they have to drive the car there. Check temp gauge when they get there. Wait a few minutes while talking to the owner and then see if the car restarts. If you can test drive it. Listen for whining, grinding, schreeching, or clunk noises. watch/feel for bouncy suspension. Look for things such as smokey exhaust, abnormal idol. test lights/switches to see if there working. You dont want to get yourself caught up in somebodys attempt at amatuer electrician. Over heating and hot restart seem to be the most common problems with these cars. Know what your getting into, just about any of these cars you look at will need work of some sort. They are older cars and most people dont know how to or just dont keep up on the maintenance.

 

Im looking to spend between $3000-4500

 

For that kind of money, you have a lot of options...buy something in REALLY good condition for $4500 or buy something straight that needs work for cheap. It depends what you are planning to do. Are you going to buy something basic to do an engine swap and customize, or are you looking for an original car to restore, or are you looking for a daily driver? I bought my 3.1 RS because I liked the look of it and have plans to keep it and gradually upgrade it until it is JUST the way I want it. And I have the damn receipts to prove it, LOL!
The most important area I think is to make sure the body is straight and rust free. Everything else can be fixed. If it is good mechanically, then that is a bonus, but cost out all you need to repair before you plonk down the cash.
Expect to a) have creaks and rattles that you will have to track down, b) some overheating issues, at least that is what happened with my V6 and I think that is common, c) broken plastics on the interior somewhere, d) some wiring problems(these cars are about 20 years old!) often because someone has butchered the harness putting in a stereo or car alarm, e) worn driver's seat bolster, f) rear hatch pulldown issues(often a cracked housing)- I had some monkey trying to slam the hatch shut at a carwash once(!!!)- and g) possible sagging drivers door.

These are some of the issues I had with mine- anyone think of anything I missed, off the top of your head?

 

#1 is look UNDERNEATH the car! Check floors, wheel wells, radiator supports etc...If the car has been in a wreck or is rusty move on.

I would always recommend just bringing the car to a shop and having them do a full inspection...have them put it on the rack! That way you can walk underneath it and really get a good look...PLUS they can check things like the compression in the engine...$100 well spent!

 

Hello IroczFan!!

Do all the above stuff, and look at more than one before you decide to spend your money, make sure that all the parts are there, interior/exterior etc.....!!!

Spend your money wisely, $3000 - $4500 + fixing it up $$$$$$$$$$$ = LOTS that you probably don't want to spend, but will anyways!!



P.S For me, it's important that the car be as close to 100% bare bones stock, with no mods/custom crap that the previous owner liked!!

This way, I can be the one to decide on the mods/custom, or maintaining a stock looking car, and having the best starting point possible!!

 

Buy one from south of the Mason-Dixon line that hasn't been
bathing in road-salt for most of its life.

(All of the above really is sound advice... )