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ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
I found a 1987 true Z28 (non-IROC) convertible in mint condition, bone stock (still sitting on the original Eagle GTs). Red and in mint condition. It is loaded with factory options, like power seats, mirrors, windows, fog lights, leather, AC, cruise. It is a Norwood Ohio build. One owner (deceased woman) whose daughter traded it in. The only negative I can see is the engine is an LG4 and it is an automatic. It looks brand new on the inside and out. Asking price is $17,995. Should I buy? How much should I pay? Any advice is appreciated.
$5 won't feed an adult on the Value Menu, let's be honest and call it $18K.
It's a lot of money for a thirdgen, but then it's a fairly unusual car. If you plan to drive it much, the value that makes it worth the premium price is going to be slowly eroded. The drivetrain isn't going to make for much more than a cruiser anyway. So you have to ask yourself do you want to spend $18K on a car you can't really drive, that doesn't liquefy the tires at will? Do you like it more than you like your $18K dollars?
Thanks Drew, and no I don't want it for $18K. So I offered $12K thinking, $14K would be a deal and leaving some wiggle room. Their bottom is $15K. I don't plan to drive it much, and am not going to hot rod it, so the LG4 isn't a problem for me. But it might be for future value. So yeah, I'm riding the fence and not sure if I should pull the trigger. You just don't see a lot of 3rd gens in this condition with this mileage, hence the reason I'm thinking hard about it.
FWIW, there are two things that make the car, the mileage, and the year. 1987 was the first year the Camaro convertible was offered by GM since 1969. They didn't make that many either.
Thanks Drew, and no I don't want it for $18K. So I offered $12K thinking, $14K would be a deal and leaving some wiggle room. Their bottom is $15K. I don't plan to drive it much, and am not going to hot rod it, so the LG4 isn't a problem for me. But it might be for future value. So yeah, I'm riding the fence and not sure if I should pull the trigger. You just don't see a lot of 3rd gens in this condition with this mileage, hence the reason I'm thinking hard about it.
Bottom line is $15k? Tell them, 1 time deal is $14k & if not, tell them politely that you're a serious buyer but they want to keep it more than you want to buy it. Also leave the Sales Manager your contact information when they truly want to sell it. Most dealers will realize that a SOLD car is better than a For Sale car! By the end of the month, they will have called you 3- 4 times each time trying to get anywhere from $1000 - $200 more to just get the deal done. Best way to negotiate with a dealer is to get off the LOT.
Thanks for the good advice. Can I assume then, that you would consider a purchase price of $14K acceptable?
And yes, it does have a 20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition map pouch.
I can never give advice on a buy price. My theory is : you only live once. You work hard for your money & if this is something that you feel you deserve. The price is perfect.
I spend too much on a lot of items but 10 years later people are saying I Wish I Would Have Bought That 10 years ago.
One guarantee, you can't fit it in your coffin. If it makes your life better. ....go for it. I don't think $14k is insane.
Update, and to bring closure to this thread, I bought the car for $14K. I'm not jumping for joy over the LG4, but then I bought it for summer cruising and nostalgia, not speed or power. I couldn't pass on the condition, mileage, options, and the fact that it's a vert, which I was looking for. It looks like it never left the garage, and from the car's history and mileage, it obviously rarely did. Goodbye $14K, hello third garage stall resident!
Update, and to bring closure to this thread, I bought the car for $14K. I'm not jumping for joy over the LG4, but then I bought it for summer cruising and nostalgia, not speed or power. I couldn't pass on the condition, mileage, options, and the fact that it's a vert, which I was looking for. It looks like it never left the garage, and from the car's history and mileage, it obviously rarely did. Goodbye $14K, hello third garage stall resident!
Update, and to bring closure to this thread, I bought the car for $14K. I'm not jumping for joy over the LG4, but then I bought it for summer cruising and nostalgia, not speed or power. I couldn't pass on the condition, mileage, options, and the fact that it's a vert, which I was looking for. It looks like it never left the garage, and from the car's history and mileage, it obviously rarely did. Goodbye $14K, hello third garage stall resident!
I think you did great, Brian. Congrats! Post some pics!
Here are a few pics of the Z28 vert. I'm in MN, so no chance to wash and polish it up yet, let alone drive it. The goofy spinners have already been removed and replaced with the stock Z28 center caps. Actually the cast aluminum spinners are really nice, like new, and very solid. Just not for me. If anyone is interested in them let me know.
Last edited by BrianG-Z; Mar 14, 2017 at 12:40 PM.
Sweet chrome air cleaner lid. Haven't seen one of those lately. Thinking it was a Mr Gasket part in the late 90s, but there could have been other sources.
Your average convertible is usually trash after 30 years, but I'd take this one any day. Even though it is a non IROC Z28, with the LG4, auto, 15" wheels, and that red leather interior this is a real BEAUTY. Your going to enjoy your ride this summer!!!
As I was reading through from the top I was saying “hold firm at $14k!” Congratulations! That car is really beautiful! Front spoiler looks perfect (which is rare).. those are my favorite thirdgen seats as well.. the 87 Leather seats are awesome! I almost bought a T-Top 87 Z28 back in the 90s when I was looking for an IROC.. same color but with T-Tops.. Always liked those Z28s!
I have an 87 Z28 vert, ASC build but no map pocket. However, mine has a placard stating special edition #333. Should I also have a map pocket? Just wondering.
No, you have a car that was ordered through a dealer, drop shipped to ASC and then delivered to the dealer for the customer. While not technically a factory convertible, it is nearly identical in every way to one ordered as a convertible and was covered by the factory warranty. You probably, in addition to the plaque, have the seat belt loops on the headrests and a couple of other minor differences.
I've got an 86 and 87 like yours would love to see pics.
Here's a couple of pics. Yes I have those belt loops on the headrests and not a fan of them to be honest. Trying to work on the seats lately as they do not adjust in height as they only stay back.
