What is the average 350 TPI Camaro going for these days? I know condition and mileage play a factor, but I just want a low option, decent body car. I plan on rebuilding the engine or at least taking it apart and inspecting it, so that doesn't matter. I just don't want to get screwed I've seen prices anywhere from $2000-11000 and beyond! I just want everyday daily driver price, not a museum piece. Thanks a bunch!

 

Oh yeah, I prefer no newer than an '89. I want MAF. Thanks!

I looked at NADA pricing, and it didn't look too bad, but looked kinda inflated for my state.

 

u can check the prices on ebay they will give u a good idea

 

for a clean, decent mileage 5.7 87-89 IROC-Z... I'd say around 3200-4000. 3200 being a lowball, 4k being the most you'd want to spend.

 

I was hoping they would be a little cheaper being as they are getting pretty old, but they don't make 'em any more! Thanks!

 

I know where there is one for 1k. Or at least it was still there before we left for RENO. It needs a tranny but body is in ok shape & the engine is Bolt ons for races

 

ok, from what ive noticed, ebay is ALWAYS more expensive...you have dummies bidding for more than the car is worth. DONT use ebay. It also seems that no one who's selling 3rd gens goes by kelly blue book either. My car (91 Z28) had 80k on it, minor floorpan rust, excellent paint, 305 auto and the guy wanted 6500k for it. I eventually got him down to 5450 which i know is too much but i had been searching for 5 months...

3-4k for a nice one

2-3k for one you want to rebuild

 

To give you an idea of what I think the cars are worth, I will give you a personal example...
I don't have pix, but I recently purchased an 87 Formula 350, Hard Top
it was a "Southern" MO car has a 1998 Mossouri sticker on Windshield.

I would consider the car to be in fair shape for 18 years old, 130K miles. The doors have a couple of dings, and the paint is kind of crappy. Its an older re-paint, and the lower silver stripe is missing. There is NO RUST HOLES. However there is some minor surface rust on the floor pans (underneeth) (about 10 - 20% of the floor pans have some rust) and some on one of the front fenders. THe glass is in good condition, no cracks, or chips, however the windshield has a line on it from the right windshield wiper.

The interior is ok, I have the parts to make it look really good, just have not taken the time to put them on. IE, the drivers seat has a tear all down the left side back along the seam. I have another gray seat that has a good back. The back seat back is messed up, and I have a good one of those too...

Options etc:
Dark Blue Ext / Gray Int
L98 "5.7/350" (number matches VIN) recently rebuilt (do not know miles on rebuilt engine) Runs strong, no smoke. I was told less than 20K.
A4 Trans -- Shifts really good, I was told it too was rebuilt.
I believe it has the performance 3.27 Axel I know its definately a Borg & Warner 9 Bolt Posi
WS6 suspension / 16" factory rims

Everything that works:
Cruise,
Power Windows
Locks
Headlights work
rear hatch release

Things that I have done since I have purchased it:
New Muffler
Catalytic convertor (original was plugged)
New O2 Sensor
8 New Spark Plugs
Replaced Distributor,
Replaced Coil & Cap
Replaced some of the Vacuum hoses
New rear engine mount (tranny mount)
ONE new Injector.

Things that need repaired still:
- It pulls a little to the right when you hit the brakes, but it stops, The brake pads appear to be newer from what I can see through the rims. I think they need to be bleeded is all, but not sure.
- The Tachometer is off, IE at 5000 actual RPM it reads 3000 RPM. - I have parts to fix
- Oil Pressure gage is pegged I have to replace the sender yet. - I have part to fix
- Drivers seatback torn - I Have part to fix
- Back seatback - Have part to fix
- back seat passenger side seatbelt was missing - have part to fix
- Needs headliner material (need to get headliner material still)
- The left side rear compartment plastic piece is cracked...

I am thinking of asking $2800 for it... I do not think that is a bad price for a Genuine Formula 350. I have looked on the net and the cheepest 350 cars start at $3000.

What I see is a lot of potential, it just needs what I consider a little TLC to make it a very nice car. I have been through this before and I know how to make it right, anbd how to do it. I rather enjoy working on it. Unfortunately I do not have the funds nor the time to put into it right now to make it the way I would want to see it.

So take that into consideration.

 

If it helps, I paid 3200 for my 87

94k miles
Black w/gray interior
5.7
Auto
new tires
decent running condition

flaws:
Paint is faded a little bit on back bumper and on roof
exhaust was loud, new exhaust put on was 200 bucks
Idle was messed up, turned out to be broken distributor 350 bucks
new plugs wires cap rotor 70 bucks
fuel filter 8 dollars
tansmission filter kit 30 bucks

So just figure around 4000 for a great running auto maf 5.7

 

anyone think i overpaid?

 

foz - that's an excellent price for that car, if you were in my area I think I'd take it off your hands!

Yeah dan, I think you got ripped by about 1500 bucks lol

 

Actually around here thats not too bad a price. 6K for a TPI car that looks that good is pretty typical... I would say a 91-92 T-top Z28 car that is clean inside & out. folks are asking about 7K to 8 K around here up to 100K miles... THere almost as much as a 4th gen... considering 3rd's are better made cars than 4ths its no wonder...

I looked at a loaded 87 IROC Z - LB9 305/A4, Overhead console, power seat, the works... it was about the same condition as my blue one, the guy was asking $7500...

The body had a few holes, nothing large, the drivers seat was broken and it was not in pristine condition at all... so I think people are trying to get more and more for these cars.

John

 

 

Lucky for me, around here 3rd gens go pretty cheap cause everybody wants a 4th gen. Just today I found an '88 for $2500! Has 160,000 miles on it, but I plan on a rebuild anyways. Interior was probably an 8 out of 10....drivers side seat was worn and the carpet has holes on the drivers side. Paint was decent, but most importantly the body was straight as an arrow. I went over every inch of it and couldn't see any shoddy bondo work, if there was even any in it. I might have to go to the bank and beg for some dough until I can sell one of my other cars if it's still there tomorrow! Keep the prices coming though, just in case!

 

The ones in lousy condition are cheap. The mint ones though, not quite.

 

BTW, don't go by NADA and such. See what the cars are actually going for, and that goes for anything.

 

It ticks people like me off with 2 where one is factory like new 30k miles and the other the high end 5.7 super, super clean and when I try to sell it you get a ton of people wanting too pay 2k or so. Man, these cars are going to be collector cars and when they are as in good shape as mine, people look twice, I am in Miami and a lot of car buffs will come over and look at them and how new they look.
I know when one is beat up and rusted and in bad shape deserves to be 1500.00, but this idead that they are old and blue book says this ain't going to fly with people like me. I have 2 and they will sit in the garage because I wouldn't lower the one I have had for sale for nothing, if my engine and trans were new it would be twice as much as it is now, I just don't want to replace all that when the car has lived in the garage for few years now. I know looking around, there is a lot of beat up and ghetto looking third gen's out there that desreve that price. Andy

 

around here they they are going for about 6k. and thats for a RS. I have seen a TPI 350 around here in a couple of weeks. oh if anyone around New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Lousiana has a 87-92 TPI 350 car let me know cuz im on the hunt.
Chris

 

6k for an RS is ridiculous

 

thats what i said. Goto autotrader.com and type in 86-92 camara with a v8 and a 76009 area code and see what u get a bunch of RS's for 5 and 6k

 

I paid 1500 for mine and it was perfectly straight with no accidents. The motor has 150K on it. Although its a 305, the car just needed some cleaning. Then I found out down the line the list of items I needed for the car to be driven everyday. Injectors, tune up, tires, suspension, you guys should know what i am talking about. I have had a camaro before and learned a lot on it. i would not recommend anyone who is not a little experienced to get one of these cars because you are going to be doing some kind of work to it, and you don't want to start paying someone $80 bucks an hour for labor. I would pay $10,000 for a mint 3rd gen in a heart beat, if I had the extra money. I think I am in to my car for about $4000 myself, and I plan on swapping in a 5.7 so add another 2000-3000 on top of that. Am I gonna make my money back? Probally not, but I plan on keeping the car for a very long time and most likely pass it on to my son, who is a month old in my wifes belly! We have these cars because we love them, and you can't go by any book or website. you know what things cost, and what you would pay for them!

 

congrats on the soon to be arrival

 

woah someone from this site is selling their car. Its the guy with the white supercharged camaro http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...dist=36#vdptop

btw, all the cars in your area ARE over priced

 

See This car is a perfect example. I would give that guy the $14k he is asking! I am sure the book value is nothing near $14K. I saw an original 85 Iroc in Penssylvania with 12,000 original miles sell for $25,000 a few months ago. The car was perfect.
If you are planning a complete rebuild, do it right. If you are looking to make money on your car, don't get a V6 and swap in a 5.7. I am sure that you can make the original V6 car look mint, but someone can throw in your face that it was originally a V6, and that would drop the value, at least in my eyes. Get a V8 car at the least. All I am saying is know what you are getting into. The white supercharged 'Vert may need a full suspension, but I doubt it, just by looking at how mint the guy keeps it. To get top dollar for your 3rd gen, keep all recipts, do things the right way by not cutting corners and most of all the car should speak for itself! There are a lot of cars on Thirdgen that I would pay a lot of money for!

 

what i really like about 3rd gen verts is how wide they look from the back

 

From what I've seen they increase in value as you go more and more north. I think its cause now there 20 years old, and ones that saw winter are getting crushed or should be crushed. This pushes up the value of the decent ones. An example is 3 years ago I used to see 2 or 3 third gens a day. Now, I'm lucky if I see 2 or 3 a week.

 

I agree. But here is another question: what camaro would be worth more? One that is rebuilt completly stock in mint condition. Or one with an LS1 with some mods? I always wondered??

 

Prices of modded cars varies greatly. Basically I beleive it is worth more modified if you do tasteful things, and stay away from nitrous . I would never modify a car thinking I'm gonna get the $ I spent in it outta it. A mildly modified rebuilt camaro will go for more money then say a stock, mid-high mileage camaro. Really its all just a game of chance, finding the right person.

 

how many miles are on them?

 

I am saying if both cars are fresh, blueprinted rebuilds. They would both look out of the factory, except one is complettly stock and the other has an LS1 with a cam, and some slight mods. But if the hood is closed they would be identicle. Int, and body would be stock.

 

the LS1 if it can be verified that it was done right.

 

OK, found a candidate. It is a 1989 Trans Am GTA. Numbers matching, 150,000 miles but most were highway miles from Missouri to Virgina and back. It's an L98 car.

The good:Very straight body, never been repainted, interior is a 9 out of 10, non smoker, underhood is clean. New exhaust that sounds oh so good! Runs like a top. VERY dependable. Rarely run hard, well maintained....and it's a GTA!

The bad: Headlights are stuck in the up position, paint on the rear bumper is faded to flat black, and it has the common roof crack, about 3/4 long right now. Weighs more than I would like, but beggers can't be choosers!

He want's $3000 OBO. I bet if I stuck $2500 in his hands it woud be mine.

You guys think this a good deal, steal, or....

 

I dont think so... Atleast in my case.

 

I think it sounds like a pretty good deal, especially if its a reasonably rust free car. Like stated above I can not find a 350 car for less than $3,000 anywhere around me. Without seeing the car it appears to be a well maintained car, and for $3000 sounds like a good and more than fair price. I would think its between a steal and a good deal. I looked at an 89 IROC 350 and T-tops they wanted $3500 for it and it was rusty, had 180K. It was too banged up for me, so I passed...

The crack in the roof is like you said, Common, EVERY one of the hard top cars will crack there, no matter how easy people baby them. Hit a train track and away it will go, why GM did not fix the problem I do not know.

more later

John

 

Actually it is 100 percent rust free!! VERY few dings, no T tops. I can paint, so a fresh coat of paint would be low buck.

Thanks my friends!!

 

Heck of a steal of a deal then, (Especially if it was in MI) check the underside for rust, especially in the floor pan areas.

John

 

omg roofcrack!? whats this? ive never heard about this...does anyone have pictures?

 

I would say offer the 2500 and run! Thats a great price for a 3rd gen with near mint int and body. Just remember, what will you be doing to it in the future? Suspension? Tuneup. Those things add up and before you know it your $5000 in the hole! Expect the unexpected with these cars.

 

Dude, this is going to be my new daily driver/toy! I want to build a car that will break into the 12's and drive to work

 

Its usually only on the Hard Top cars... Although one would think that its due to the engine torque, I am not convinced. I have seen V6 cars with long 1" cracks, and 350 cars with 1/8" cracks. THis one here is a 350 car, paint is about 8-10 years old. Even the 2nd gens have this problem.

You would think that GM would have taken note with the Aviation industry, as aviation learned a long time ago that a radius is much stronger than a sharp corner like this. Metal tends to be notch sensitive.

This crack is about 3/8" to 1/2" long

John

 

MUCH less rare though. I've owned a 2nd gen since 1987 with no roof crack problems, and I run a 400 sbc in it.

I have seen the cracks, just much less often.

 

im glad i have a t-top car

 

thats where my 78 TA buckled when we met a telephone pole. sucks but i i gotta full fender and door for it. just gotta get money and a shop to do it for for under 2 grand. Its a shame too cuz its a 78 Trans Am 4 speed WS6 W72 car.

 

I think 3rd gens on ebay are over priced, since I got my 94 Trans Am GT for $5000 with 72K miles.

I just looked yesterday and counted 4 Camaro's on ebay for 4500+ that where 3rd gens with over 100K miles.

Apparently they are all rare race cars, cough.

 

dude, ALL cars on ebay tend to be a lot more expensive

 

I had that crack on a v6 and a v8 t-top. Easy fix for someone good with a welder. I had the same gut clean the crack out and weld it up and grind / sand it down. The cracks were only like 1/2 inch though.

The v6 one looked good with new paint for 3 years, I dont know how it looks now because the guy I sold it to wrecked the car.

 

Thats par for the course any more. I looked at a trashed 89 GTA this weekend and the guy wanted $3900... It had T-tops and a 350, 100K, It was more body work than I would be willing to do for that kind of money. A few years ago it would have been a $2000 car.

But around here I can not beleive the trend of nice 3rd Gens, the 4th gens are still going down, but it seems like the 3rs are on the way up. Its good for us who have cars. Bad for you who want that special 350 T-top car tho.

John

 

MIG welding isn't a problem. I could knock that out easy

4th gens here are RIDICULOUS!! Prices are totally NUTS here. Even the roughest '95 here is 5K EASY!

 

About 2 years ago there was a basic 95 Formula Hard top in Purple, 89,000 miles they were asking $4,000 for it. I should have gotten it, because I could have sold it for an extra Grand easy... If it was Yellow I would have gotten it.

Oh well...

John

 

There was actually a yellow 94 formula for sale that i was interested in about 2 months before i found my car. it was like one of 200 yellow ones made that year. It had alittle more than 60,000 miles and he wanted like 6200 or 6500 for it. I thought it was a good price... My dad didnt like how it was modified though (SLP intake, SLP loudmouth, real nice black rims) . Oh well, i ended up with a nicer, albeit more common and slower car!