I'm new to the site, but have been looking at buying a third gen. here's the link to an ad for one.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1814286515.html

I'm in HS, and love camaros. I just want a cruiser/beater, and maybe do some work on it later or when i get the money, but don't wanna put any money into it right away.

Also, what are things I should look for on/in the car when I go to look at it?

 

For 3000? No. Sounds like a $1500-2000 car to me. I would never touch a engine swapped car, You won't want to deal with any rushed or misdone things.

I also have a friend looking into buying a 3rd gen. First thing I am gonna look is how solid the body is. Big rust on the floors equals a big no-no for me. Typical rust is fine but mainly check the battery tray, wheel wells and floors since they can tell you alot about the car. Of course make sure it runs decently enough, at most you will find one that only needs a good tune to run perfect. Make sure the trans shifts nicely. Just basic things. Just keep looking, a good deal will pop up for you.

 

It would be worth the money because its an IROC but it really isnt worth as much since they got rid of the origional engine. All it is now is a camaro with some stickers on the side and some pretty nice suspension.

 

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/1837342155.html

Compare the two, I gave this guy a call and he would let it walk for $2200 with hundred dollar bills. See what I mean? A good deal is out there, keep looking.

 

id ask the owner and run the numbers on the engine. the guy who sold me mine tried saying my engine was out of a camaro because thats what somebody told him. i figured it out its the stock motor out of my car. ether way still not 3grand. you could get a cleann 4th gen with 6speed and all the goodies for that.

 

or if your unable to find a decent 3rd gen since there gettin rarer to find, you should look into the lt1 4th gens too. itll be in your price range for a good z28

 

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm gonna continue to look for a decent third gen, gotta love 'em, right?

 

I disagree. That car looks pretty decent, if it runs/drives well, offer $2400 and be prepared to walk away. There's nothing wrong with a car just because the motor has been swapped, any hacking is usually obvious. The seller must be somewhat honest, as they are not advertising it as a 350 like most sellers would.

Also, being from the area, prices tend to be a little higher for older cars in general. The really good deals seem to be slim pickins, but they do come around.

 

Also, that red one posted as an example does not seem like any better of a deal. There is no info given, other than talking about the SD motor and how it's "super fast". No mention of miles, rust, etc. And as far as "unmolested", someone has swiped the fog lights.

Now, I'm not saying the car is junk, I'm just saying it doesn't seem to be a screaming deal compared to the other one.

 

I will never say that a car looks good from listings, or something in that manner. I would never do that without having to look at it. Any car can look good and most will not care, but those like me who want a decent no bad rust body, We look everywhere and trace every rust spot. In the end that Camaro is not a good deal for $3000 which is what I tried getting across. You did have a good point and said what I would say the car true value is though.

The red Camaro I brought in was to show what it should be priced at. Most of the time, the owner selling it would not take a big hit from his asking point which most likely he will refuse the $2400 you would offer him from his $3000 asking.

In the end, Keep looking. If you want a good DD. Don't buy project cars or molested 3rd gens. My friend finds alot of motor swapped Birds but we would not touch them with a 10ft stick.

 

I decided to pass on it, thanks for all the input guys. I'll be sure to drop in with the next option I consider.