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History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
Now here is, I think, the first 6cyl on this thread. It's from Tampa
It's strange not to take a decent picture when you sell a car and want top price.
Of coarse it could be a 20 footer, but seller insists its all original and garage kept.
speaking from experience, buying one of these low mile cars is a mistake. these cars dont like sitting. the fuel systems get gummed up and need replaced, the underhood electricals ALL need replaced, all of the bushings and brake hoses dry rot and make worse noises than worn out 150k mile bushing. then you get into the fluids that need changed, tires that are harder than diamonds and slicker than oiled down ice. if you want to invest in one, buy one thats already been sorted, and drive it. driving them is the only way to keep everything from going bad. everything needs replaced sooner or later, might as well make that replacement due to use and wear rather than sitting and dilapidation. just because it has a nice shiny body shell and everything's proper and accounted for does not mean its a good car. like i said, im speaking from experience.
speaking from experience, buying one of these low mile cars is a mistake. these cars dont like sitting. the fuel systems get gummed up and need replaced, the underhood electricals ALL need replaced, all of the bushings and brake hoses dry rot and make worse noises than worn out 150k mile bushing. then you get into the fluids that need changed, tires that are harder than diamonds and slicker than oiled down ice. if you want to invest in one, buy one thats already been sorted, and drive it. driving them is the only way to keep everything from going bad. everything needs replaced sooner or later, might as well make that replacement due to use and wear rather than sitting and dilapidation. just because it has a nice shiny body shell and everything's proper and accounted for does not mean its a good car. like i said, im speaking from experience.
I agree that they all need to be driven to some degree as each one of mine gets driven car shows and cruise nights and breaks traction from time to time as they were intended to do However, having multiple high mileage 3rd gens that I have restored (one being a full multi-year complete resto that won best in show multiple times), there is nothing like a low mile car. Sure, you may have to replace injectors, fuel pressure regulators, etc, but you'd have to do that on high mileage cars anyhow. Three times in years past when i'd drive my high mile over restored car to a cruise night or show, it broke down and my friends who had low mile equivalents would laugh and give me a ride home. All of my current cars are rattle-free (tough to get in a restored car), fresh clean and rust free, and so much fun to drive. I'll never again get caught up in the trap of thinking I got a score on a cheap high mile thirdgen and then proceed to spend mega bucks on replacement GM fog lights, floor pans, recovered steering wheels, etc when I could have bought a low mile car to begin with when tallying up the final bills... the low mile car will always command more $$ in the market place. No more high mile car for me again to restore. Just my $0.02
I will add one more reason for low mileage cars. The very lowest mileage cars are our only guide to originality. If you are truely restoring a car it really helps if you have an untouched original around for reference. Making sure the oversprays are correct the manufacturing marks are in the right place, as well as documenting such things as hose clamps and other original equipment. Without them, this will be lost and we will be left with best guesses.
Now here is, I think, the first 6cyl on this thread. It's from Tampa
It's strange not to take a decent picture when you sell a car and want top price.
Of coarse it could be a 20 footer, but seller insists its all original and garage kept.
This is a Purple 1992 with 19K miles for 20K
It seriously looks like there's a metal pole leaning against the car in that first pic...probably just a trick of the angle, but jeeeez lol.
1988 iroc-z conv. 9718 miles never retail titled and in dealer storage since 1988
39,999 obo pitts. pa craigslist
This one sold. The bid was $19,600 with reserve not met. They must have worked a deal after the ebay auction. It's a G92 auto, which includes a 3.23 rear gear, oil cooler and 145 mph speedo.
Here's a few nice cars, some high, some reasonable.
'84 Z, 95,000 miles, needs A/C work, clean auto - $7000
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Camaro-Z28-/261985936863?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cff9425df&item=261985936863
'86 IROC Z, 7,900 miles, tpi 305 and auto trans, $21,500 buy it now http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Camaro-IROC-Z-/321818976646?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4aede7e186&item=321818976646
I'd wager that this one was in a fender bender, there's no nose emblem or holes for the emblem, makes me think the nose was replaced. '84 Z28 convertible, 7,069 miles, Reserve not met at $6,400 (as of today). http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Camaro-Absolutley-spectacular-7069-original-miles-mint-/391210310646?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b15f39bf6&item=391210310646
this one is beautiful. '84 Z28, 305HO, auto trans, 19k miles, "camaro camaro" interior - $24,900 buy it now. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-Camaro-Z28-/271934347238?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3f508cd7e6&item=271934347238
Last edited by RedLeader289; 07-30-2015 at 01:21 PM.
The Wheels have been painted to Black, I thought that Z28's from 1985-1987 were 2 tone, the IROC was the monochromatic. (someone would have to correct me if I am wrong).
While my intentions were to show the increasing value of original, low mile, clean cars, the above craigslist ad shows that clean higher mile cars can also command higher than normal prices.
Since the poster of the craigslist ad didn't provide details, the car is a red 1985 Z28 that's been repainted, incorrect stripes installed, ground effects painted to match the car and the original 15" rims had the pockets painted black. The car is clean, but also has 104k miles.
Pease remember, this thread was started to show the "High Prices" of the low mile cars. The CL lists above are regular to low prices of cars. Putting ads with cars of 42k miles at $15k might considered a low price. Please keep this thread on track with listing vehicles that are low mile cars with high prices.
Pease remember, this thread was started to show the "High Prices" of the low mile cars. The CL lists above are regular to low prices of cars. Putting ads with cars of 42k miles at $15k might considered a low price. Please keep this thread on track with listing vehicles that are low mile cars with high prices.
Hey Scott, to be fair the title of the thread and the first post doesnt say anything about low mile cars or a cost cut-off. You may want to edit those so new people posting will stick to that theme.
If you read the entire thread, it was mentioned a few times that this post isn't Firebird pricing, non original cars and that we're listing high prices. This isn't supposed to be a thread to post good price finds. It was started with a title of Current Camaro High Prices. I even mentioned it again in post 67 that this thread is for showing the higher prices of original low mile cars.
Cars with 70k or 90k miles selling for $8k or even $12k are not what this thread is about. I don't want to list requirements of mileage below 20k or prices above $20k. We might find a 40k mile all original car being advertised for $29k. That should be listed here.
Sorry I added the above cars to your thread. To me, they represented above average prices for type and condition. I have stayed away from anything with 50K mileage or non original. I can't read your mind or what it is that you think is a High Price. I can say that for the one's I have listed, I have seen more cars in similar shape and mileage selling for far less.
That said, for the highest and most stable prices at this time, only sub 10K miles cars will consistently reach the 20K plus range. So I will refrain from adding to this thread until you decide and explain clearly what it is you really want to see here.
You guys are taking this too personal. I'm trying to track Camaro high prices. If you read my first post, at the time it was made, there were ongoing discussions that many on TGO say our cars will never be worth much. I added this thread to show that some cars are commanding "high prices" as an asking price. I also showed the cars that were all listed for about $20k or more and were original. A modified car, as was shown in one post, was advertised for a high price and I commented that, if modified correctly and clean, it shows the restomod versions of 3rd gens are also asking high prices.
I'm sorry, but I can look at autotrader.com, ebay.com, etc and find $10k and $15k cars all day. They do not represent the "high price" some are asking. Too many people will find a car on ebay and comment that the seller is smoking something because no thirdgen is worth $30k. I know of an '85 IROC-Z that sold last year for $34k and an '87 IROC-Z that sold for $31. I also heard that Matt Garrett sold his yellow '87 IROC-Z for almost $40k.
My point is to show that if these cars are selling for good money, then it should shut down the naysayers that constantly say someone is asking too much.
For the first time you have clearly stated what your objective is with this thread. That is fine and I will respect that. My frustration came only from your lack of definition earlier on.
I have gathered from earlier posts you have made elsewhere, your frustration over fellow members comments about prices too high. I get it. The very best of our cars are Valuable. I've seen more examples of cars selling above 20K this year than ever before. More below 10K mileage cars then I've seen before. This in turn is effecting price upwards.
What you are looking for is the very highest price examples of Camaro's (fill in the blank price) + price only. That's all you would have had to say.
Now lets hope this thread fills up great examples!
I'm really not sure how much of an indicator of Third Gen value these NO MILEAGE and extremely low mileage cars are. I mean, some of these things are still in the figurative wrapper. not denying that prices, values, and appreciation for these cars are trending up - but average prices for good to excellent condition IROCs, TAs, and Formulas with like 118K miles would be a better indicator as to whether these cars have arrived or not.
I'm really not sure how much of an indicator of Third Gen value these NO MILEAGE and extremely low mileage cars are. I mean, some of these things are still in the figurative wrapper. not denying that prices, values, and appreciation for these cars are trending up - but average prices for good to excellent condition IROCs, TAs, and Formulas with like 118K miles would be a better indicator as to whether these cars have arrived or not.
I'm really not sure how much of an indicator of Third Gen value these NO MILEAGE and extremely low mileage cars are. I mean, some of these things are still in the figurative wrapper. not denying that prices, values, and appreciation for these cars are trending up - but average prices for good to excellent condition IROCs, TAs, and Formulas with like 118K miles would be a better indicator as to whether these cars have arrived or not.
the problem i see evaluating the 100k plus cars is that most are repainted , rebuilt motors , hacked up and they all have something done different to them to put a price on them ..
I bought a 92 RS with 32500 miles for 10K two weeks ago. It seems to be a little on the high side but it being 4 miles away was a selling point over the 1500 or even more miles away that I've been looking at.
the problem i see evaluating the 100k plus cars is that most are repainted , rebuilt motors , hacked up and they all have something done different to them to put a price on them ..
Exactly. Just like muscle era cars.
IMO, whether we're conscious of it or not, every time we have these discussions we're comparing our Third Gens to muscle era cars and attempting to gauge to what extent our cars have arrived in terms of value and desirability relative to those pricey '60s and '70s muscle cars.
So, for what its worth, in general (maybe not at the very top echelon, but in general) when it comes to those muscle era cars (sometimes less than 20 years older than our Third Gens) the only thing that matters is the physical condition > the mileage is a non-factor > and originality (i.e. engine, transmission) are not a factor either - that is to say a '69 Malibu in excellent condition that has been repainted, has a 454, and restored, non-original interior is still worth "money."
I am not making the argument that Third gens are not increasing in value. I am just making the argument that our cars will not have "truly arrived" in this sense until ordinary, good condition Third Gens that have "lived a life" start seeing SOLD prices (not asking prices) in the 'teen thousand dollar and up range.
IMO, whether we're conscious of it or not, every time we have these discussions we're comparing our Third Gens to muscle era cars and attempting to gauge to what extent our cars have arrived in terms of value and desirability relative to those pricey '60s and '70s muscle cars.
So, for what its worth, in general (maybe not at the very top echelon, but in general) when it comes to those muscle era cars (sometimes less than 20 years older than our Third Gens) the only thing that matters is the physical condition > the mileage is a non-factor > and originality (i.e. engine, transmission) are not a factor either - that is to say a '69 Malibu in excellent condition that has been repainted, has a 454, and restored, non-original interior is still worth "money."
I am not making the argument that Third gens are not increasing in value. I am just making the argument that our cars will not have "truly arrived" in this sense until ordinary, good condition Third Gens that have "lived a life" start seeing SOLD prices (not asking prices) in the 'teen thousand dollar and up range.
You are right on with this Linson. My best friend has a 92 z. It has been repainted(it needed it) and has an aftermarket radio. It has well over 150k. this to me would not be considered a mod car by any means,,,it is a driver car and has been for all its life. He was offered 4k. If this was a 1st or 2nd gen you would probably triple the value of his car. My 91 vert was originally purchased for 24k, if it was not driven and just parked in a garage for all this time it probably would only be worth that or less now. It is not a special or limited edition model. I saw on a car show that they purchased a plain 68 camaro convertible from a junkyard for almost 7k! A junkyard car that was rusted and had to be flatbed trucked out, no motor. The nice thing to see with this thread is the fact that people are asking more for the third gens. This is how it starts, and I feel we are not to far away from our cars being the next "collectors". What bothers me is there are way to many people out there that still feel most third gens are 2k cars and bash us when we ask or pay a fair price for them.
The day of basic 3rd Gen junk yard specials, upgraded remod's, or high mileage cars reaching high dollars is a few years off. But not many. I watch CL around KC and midwest quite a bit. For every nice original, I see 4-5 lightly - heavily modified cars and 7-8 non running field and back yard junk cars.
Camaro's seem to be better off than Firebirds in this regard. At least around here people don't value Firebirds, and most I see listed are at or near junk status. Unless 3rd Gens suddenly become more valuable, I could see 30 - 50% of whats left disappear into parts cars, rust or head to the crusher over the next 5 -10 years.
I've sold cars professionally for 15 years. In that time, I've bought and sold 6 third gens I've owned personally. Without a doubt, these cars have climbed in value and appeal...and will continue to do so over time.
But the one thing I will add to that is, a car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Period. The prices shown above, in my mind, are mostly way over what those cars will actually sell for in the end.
The one thing I've found is, when I priced a car "right," it sold quickly. When I asked too much for it, as in more than the market was willing to pay for it, it rotted in my garage and online. You don't have to give your car away...but if its sitting? There's a reason why.
Jason E,
I agree that car is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. We can help our situation, or hurt it depending on where you stand on the issue. If you go on a car search website, and see cars that people are asking $40,000 - $60,000 you more than likely will just pass over the car because it is beyond what you are willing to spend. However the more cars that are up in the range, all of a sudden that car that might have been $5000 a few years back is now listed at $20,000, it all of a sudden does not look like a bad deal.
I have considered time and time again to just list my cars (all of them) up for ridiculous prices, if it sold, I would not really care, but if it did not, I really do not need to sell it right now, so it would only cost me a little time for listing it and possibly listing fees.
There is an art to getting donations, you have all seen it. They will have several levels of donation check boxes, they will be $1, $2, $5, $10 and then $50. Most people will select the $10.00 donation box, it was designed that way. You look at that really out of skew high price and then go to the next one down. If we did that with cars, we could push the values up.
Probably high for an RS, but if you are happy, congrats!
Really? I see people all the time asking 5-7k for RS cars with swapped engines(not LSX) and high miles that are far from original. I figured 6k on my car was close to the money.
Really? I see people all the time asking 5-7k for RS cars with swapped engines(not LSX) and high miles that are far from original. I figured 6k on my car was close to the money.
i know this has nothing to do with this thread because its about high prices for third gen camaros but i just bought a mint all original 87 iroc 5.7 with 60k last year for 5800.00 so not sure you got a good deal or not with a 305 tbi car
Thanks guys, I was about to pay $6200 for a nice red 92 IROC automatic with 140k miles on it that had been repainted but I saw this RS and opted for it instead. He originally wanted $8500 and came down to $6900. Lowest I could get him was 6k. I think I did fair. The dilemma I am in now is do I leave it stock and not drive it much and preserve it, or do I go ahead and swap in an LS, suspension and wheels? I flip cars by getting into something under book normally and sell it after a year or so and net a small profit. However this car really has me hooked. I absolutely love it, even if it is an RS 305.
Personally you might have a harder time selling it after a swap, it is a hit or miss. I think the price you paid for a 50K mile car was fair. I do not think either of you were "taken"
Enjoy it and do what you want to it. I have been so tempted for so long to do an LS swap in a car, got an extra engine laying around out of a Rainer and everything... but just hard to dive into a great running car...
Looking at that black '89 IROC with 6500 mi for $32,500, that's actually a good deal IF it has the exact set of options you want, and IF you have that much money.
To me, all the "good" Camaros were about a tolerable combo of style, V8 torque, RWD, cornering, affordability, and seating for 2 adults plus 2 kids.
The current Camaro is more of a modern take on the '70 Monte, I'd have preferred it to be the size, weight, price, and style of the last of the 2-door Cavaliers, but with the LS1 / T56, the '88-'96 'vette suspension / brakes / wheels / tires.
I see no reason that GM couldn't' for 2020, put out an actual '69 shell, with modern crash safety requirements hidden inside it, but no need to keep evolving the styling. I wouldn't bring back the 3rd gen shell without bobbing the nose, or at least moving the front "axle" forward to reduce the excessive front overhang, but put a twin turbo 3.6 in it.
The current Camaro running 245/45R20s on 8s on the front is stupid, it has no advantages, and several problems. They're not even offering brakes big enough to need 20s. That's nearly as tall as a 235/75R15, and that's a sin.
There's an empty niche in the market, it calls for a V8, RWD, 2+2 seating, a T56, wide wheels and big brakes for under $20K. No need for audio, let alone sat-nav. No need for insulation, nor carpet in the trunk.
It doesn't matter how few buy it the first year, it matters that we can. If it becomes available, then I'll have motivation to find a way to afford it. But if they then discontinue it, they lose the sale. GM is known for killing off good cars just when they finally get good. I'd even sink so low as to buy a Honda if they'd offer the car I just described. But what I described is what the Camaro could and should be, was once evolving toward, and needs to be by 2020. Looks matter, and they get no better than the '67, but most people strangely prefer the '69. So don't give us a 2010 that resembles the '69, just give us the '69. Job done.
07-25-2015, 11:37 PM
However, having multiple high mileage 3rd gens that I have restored (one being a full multi-year complete resto that won best in show multiple times), there is nothing like a low mile car. Sure, you may have to replace injectors, fuel pressure regulators, etc, but you'd have to do that on high mileage cars anyhow. Three times in years past when i'd drive my high mile over restored car to a cruise night or show, it broke down and my friends who had low mile equivalents would laugh and give me a ride home. All of my current cars are rattle-free (tough to get in a restored car), fresh clean and rust free, and so much fun to drive. I'll never again get caught up in the trap of thinking I got a score on a cheap high mile thirdgen and then proceed to spend mega bucks on replacement GM fog lights, floor pans, recovered steering wheels, etc when I could have bought a low mile car to begin with when tallying up the final bills... the low mile car will always command more $$ in the market place. No more high mile car for me again to restore. Just my $0.02 
