Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

A friend has a convertible Camaro Z28 with TPI and a 5 speed. He bought it off eBay and hasn't done anything with it. He is considering selling it.

Even though the car has low miles it has a blown motor. The car has sat outside for many years, but somehow it is still rust free. The clear coat has been burnt off from sunlight. It came from California.

It seems to be power everything. The interior is nice and I was told the top is in good shape except for the rear window. The car is black on black on black.

Looking for some guesses on what it might be worth.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

If it helps. I paid 4000 for an 89 305 5 speed vert. Descent top, ok paint job, Excellent interior, and 69000 miles. This was about two months ago in PA. So if I were you I would offer him somewhere around 2000 or so. But that's just my opinion. No expert or anything.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I was thinking it might be worth maybe $2500. It is all original, but it needs paint and motor work. From what I can tell the body is very straight and the wheels are in excellent condition.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

WOW. I looked for a good triple black example (90 or 92) that was not wrecked, rusted or butchered for almost 20 years and finally found one with 106000 miles but looked like 45000 miles and I paid 6. I also had to go to Dallas TX from central AR and get it. Best day of my life. They aren't making anymore of them and they are all to the age that they need paint and they needed motor work the day they were made so buy it.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

If he decides to sell it I will buy it. If I can afford it. I don't need another project, but I don't want it to slip by.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Be aware there were no Z28's in '89.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Good catch. I looked at this thread and didn't even notice.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

RPO will say its a z28 though in 89. and 16k miles, i just cant wrap my head around that number with what u described. please post pics. i noticed everyone and their brother say that kind of miliage when selling it because of the extra digit that isnt present on these camaros until 1990. (i think firebird had the extra digit though)

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Explain please. My 1989 vert is an Iroc Z28... says so all over the car, all original... has same 305 tpi original poster mentions...

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Well, it's an IROC-Z(28), not "just" a Z28 which wasn't available in 1989.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Dash emblems say Z28...

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

only the rpo should say z28. everything else should say irocz. wonder if someone swapped dash badges. the correct badge should say z28 with irocz under it.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Just looked at it, rear bumber and rockers say "iroc-z" inside says "z-28" in large type with "iroc-z" in smaller type below (all part of the same emblem)

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

There were no Z28s in 1975 and 1976. No iroc-Zs or nothing. And again in 2003 untill 2009. I never understood why the contract went south with the Iroc people. December 31st of 1989 was the last one though. I wonder who has the last true Iroc-Z. That one guy has the last 92 Z28 and that would be a car to hold on to but who has the last Iroc?

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Yup, that's what it says.


Dash badge:

http://t15industries.com/images/iroc.jpg

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Mine is an 88 Iroc Z-28 as well. You will find all IROCs started out as Z-28's I have all the badging on the dash that is original as well, Iroc's also had a lower ride height and stiffer springs (along with other performance suspension features) than a standard Z28 and boasted .90 skidpad numbers From 88-90 all Iroc Vin's used the RPO code of Z28 and after Chevy discontinued their association with the International Race of Champions group in Dec of 89, 1990 was the last year Irocs were sold under that name. Beginning in 91 is when they were known again as Z28's.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Pics! I want it! :) Could be a nice sunny day driver for someone who appreciates it. Wierd that it has a blown motor..

RamJet 350 would make it a great driver, eazy to put in, etc. Not the greatest/cheapest route but a good one.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I'd be cautious about the mileage claim being 16000 with a blown motor, considering the odometer rolls over after 99,999. There's a 99.99% chance that it has 116,000 miles on it.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I agree with BlueZee28 it's probably 116,000 miles.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

just like i mentioned before about miles. please post pics

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I don't have any pictures. The car is stuffed away in the back of garage. I'm confident that the car has 16k on the odometer. Things like the pads on the pedals have no wear. The white letters on the turn signal lever are perfect. It even has Goodyear Eagle tires with dry rot. It all seems right.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I now own this car and mileage is correct it's also a rust free ca car but needs work!

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I have a 305 TPI and 700r4 coming out of my 1990 iroc vert. going to a LS1.

wanting $1000 for the set. I spent 1500 rebuilding a L98 a couple years ago. things add up.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

PICS!

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Here is how I would figure it
1) figure the price of a car that was in pristine condition to you.
2) Subtract for the paint, take pictures, and get quotes.
3) Subtract for engine, again, get quotes to rebuild motor.
4) Since it has been sitting, I would probably rebuild the trans too.. subtract for a rebuild that.

So
16K Convertible LB9/M5 est $15,000
- $7000 for a good paint job for a 16K mile car.
- $3500 for a good rebuild engine
- $1500 for a good rebuild trans.
- $1000 for other misc items that will pop up during your rebuild.
- $1000 for new top (pretty sure it is shot too)

$2000 MAXIMUM

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

my 1990 irocz conv victory red interior beechwood with gold package made 11/89

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Did anyone buy this yet? Five years from now, you will be kicking yourself.

Do an LS conversion and paint it, you will smoke the new Camaros for a third of the price.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

don't make an offer till you get a motor vehicle history report...

get a motor vehicle history report online with the VIN # should easily be enough info to prove it does or does not have over 16,000 miles...

see if it has ever been wrecked, salvaged, etc...

see if its a factory vert and if it was made in van nuys, cali or canaduh...

small-block chevy's go over 300k if taken care of...

you can buy a rebuilt long-block from autozone for about 1500 with a warranty...

rebuilding yours if block & heads are not cracked would be about the same or less if you do the assembly/disassembly work yourself and car is worth more with original engine and tranny...

nada info on 89 iroc vert... (kbb is higher)

Original
MSRP Low
Retail Average
Retail High
Retail Base Price $18,945 $3,625 $6,000 $13,600 Options: Camaro 5.0 V8 Engine 5% 5% 5% Corvette Removable Hardtop $400 $600 $825 Factory Air Conditioning 10% 10% 10% TOTAL PRICE: $18,945 $4,568 $7,500 $16,465
http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Ca...ertible/Values
kbb.com

fyi in the last few months a lot of 3rd gen verts have been listed & sold on ebay, do a sold search to see what they are selling for... its all over the place...


condition, condition, condition...

3rd gen's almost always have cracked, or warped plastic inside and outside and finding NOS parts are not cheap...

any re-pop parts you put on devalue it...

the convertibles are one of the few low production 3rd gens that will be worth something in the near future...

I have an 89 rs vert and the convertible specific pieces other than the cloth top are a PITA to find...

IMHO with a blown motor, (that is rebuild-able and original) and assuming no plastic needs to be replaced anywhere (highly unlikely), and vehicle history report says no accidents or salvage title then $1,500.00 would be top dollar I would pay for one if it was close to me...

I have seen them NOT SELL on ebay recently for less than that...

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I know this is an old post, but I think this is the same car I had considered around 2011. It was from California, sitting in a barn. The original owner was a kid and he blew the motor and tried to fix it himself and that's where it sat.

Whatever happened to it?

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

A mint 89 vert with 16,000 miles would go for $18,000-$20,000

I'd deduct $5000 for paint, body, decals, emblems, etc

Deduct another $5000 for motor

Deduct another $2000 for your time given condition and work needed

Deduct another $2000 for random expenses that will pop up to get the car right.

I'd expect the interior to be mint for 16,000 miles.. All switches should have the white labels still visible.. Seats should be pretty close to mint. Dash should be in good shape, etc

$4000 if the interior is good

$1000-2000 if the whole interior needs to be redone as well as everything else..

Could be a $20,000-$25,000 car if restored with appreciation in the next 10-20 years

Convertibles were produced in far fewer numbers. IROCs in general will appreciate and convertibles even more.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

My guess is a restored convertible will go for $40k in 10 years

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

It's fun to try and guess the future values of our cars. Why do you think $40k specifically? I have a 92 T/A Convert with a factory 5 speed, 61,000 original miles and all original documentation and all maintenance records. I always wonder what it's value will be down the line, but it is very hard to predict...

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I just look at trends in classic cars.

A 1989 IROC convertible in the 90s with 35k miles would go for $8k-$9k.

That same car if kept nice, garaged and still under 40k miles would go for $15k-$20k.

The convertibles were produced in such fewer numbers that they will appreciate the most. The rarer the option, the higher the price.

If you look at the price trend for 69 Camaro for example, it followed a similar pattern to the IROC.

Another thing to note is that classic car buyers that turned their nose down to the 80s are being replaced by new buyers who value 80s nostalgia. There is no more iconic car to represent the 80s than the IROC Z. When these new buyers with purchasing power go to the market and see how hard they are to find, the price will jump.

Forbes and Men's journal have said IROC Camaros and Grand Nationals specifically will be the 80s cars that go up in value first. I'd add the Turbo Trans Am from 89.

http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-ad...erm-investment

At the bottom of the above article they talk about 80s cars going up.

I've seen the classic car dealers snatching up all the good IROCs and bumping the prices already.

I believe in 5 years a $15k convertible will be over $20k and in 10 years they will keep going up as demand grows and supply is short.

I want to snatch up a Grand National soon.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Interesting. I wonder how valuable and desirable my 5 speed fully documented 92 T/A vert will be worth in the future...it'll be interesting to see...

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I think a 5-speed T/A vert is pretty rare.. I don't ever remember seeing them around at all. No on I knew had a Firebird vert at all..

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

According to Pontiac itself (I have a Pontiac Letter on Pontiac Letterhead and in a Pontiac envelope from the mid 1990's) stating that there were only 94 5 speed T/A convertibles produced. How many of those are still around is one question I often wonder about...

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

My car was special ordered from Martin Pontiac In WLA. I have all of the special order paperwork. It took over 3 months to build and deliver my car to the original owner back in 1992, but they really configured my car uniquely. Red exterior, grey leather interior, 5 speed manual, black top and black crosslace wheels. The build default for a red convert would have been gold crosslace wheels with a tan top and tan interior and a 700r4...

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

That's awesome you have all that info and paperwork on your car.. I might try to trace my IROC vert roots more.

I don't have a good feeling about the 4th gen Camaro/Birds except the SS and Firehawk..

I think the Third gen show better and the looks they will gain at car shows will up the prices with nostalgic collectors.

I don't think the 4th gen show well. Even in the late 90s my 87 IROC got more attention than my friends who had 4th gens at shows.

The new Camaros have classic potential.

The new firebird conversions are pretty cool too..

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

They certainly are appreciating - at least the one's kept in nice condition. I started a thread in 2003 when looking for one:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...od-im-not.html

I ended up purchasing in 2015 when I found the right car. Less than 21k miles for under $14k. When I started looking it would have been a 60-70% of that. I expect that it will probably escalate at about 7-8% per year based on other similar cars from other decades.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...0524713c22.jpg

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

As long as they are taken care of and not daily drivers, they will go up..

That 91 vert is beautiful

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I think part of it is, that any more, at least where I live, I see more 4th gens on the road than 3rd gens. You go to a car show, and people do not see them like they used to, and so seeing one is now the exception, not the rule. So an older car would get more attention as people remember seeing them everywhere. Kind of like a 1957 Chevy, they made about as many 1957 Chevrolet's in one year as the 3rd gen Firebirds in 11 years. You do not see many 57 Chevy's around any more either.

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

Anything on the car in the OP's post?

Re: Looking at a 1989 Convertible Camaro Z28 w/16,000 miles.
 

I agree about the older car thing, but even in the 90s when there were still just as many third gens around as 4th gens.. It always seemed the third gens had more of a following. I remember a lot of different classic car guys telling me the third gens were the last of the real muscle cars in their opinion.

I don't think anyone saw this new generation of muscle that's out now coming back.

It's just my opinion, but I believe the 4th gen are lacking the mystique, styling, enthusiasm and showability to be "classics". They were good performance-wise.

I think it's partly because the third gen and 4th gen were around at the same time.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the 4th gen.. My friend had an awesome 96 Camaro SS.. I just don't see them being the best investments. It was an awkward time and those 1998-2000 Camaros were terrible looking in my opinion. There's a bunch of reasons Camaro sales dropped and they called it quits for a while.

i think the Firehawks are the big winners of the mid-late 90s