Here's the question. I went to look at this car yesterday and here's what i find:
-LB9 automatic
-metallic blue / tan top
-top is new-ish, and lined
-tan leather interior, looked great but it was dark.
-80k miles

the bad stuff
-somebody lightly hit it in the back, bumper cover is cracked, but otherwise it was obviously a light hit.
-paint on trunklid / spoiler is oxidized
-tranny fluid wasn't really a happy color
-needs rear meats, fronts look near new

The guy was originally asking near $8k but that was before the rear hit. I can definitely get him to $6800, maybe $6500 if i'm lucky. The back end damage i kind of view as ok cuz it's a good excuse to get the oxidized stuff repainted too. The tranny kind of scares me, but it rode fine, i drove it for over a half hour and it shifted normally and didn't slip, so i think it will at least last a while. Again, this is a good excuse for me to get a rebuild with vette parts and a vigilante in the summer if it does get worse.
But considering it does need the future work, would you pay 65-6800 for it?
...ed
btw, if getting advice on buying a car doesn't pass as tech, then i don't know what is.

 

Check out this site:
www.kbb.com

Just follow the instructions and you should get a pretty accurate estimate of the car's value. This way you can make the seller justify the extra cost.

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92 Camaro RS LO3, 5-spd, T-tops
Mechanics:
Open Air Element w/K&N Filter, Flowmaster 3" Cat-back Exhaust, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-90 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs and 4 Infiniti speakers.
NEXT UP: SLP 1 3/4" Headers/Y-pipe, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch kit

 

Umm, i already looked up the book value...$9100, but thats assuming mint condition. I'm really looking for subjective opinions on if this is about what i should pay considering it needs some work. Some is definite (paint/bumper/tires) and the tranny is dubious. Seems reasonable to me, but i need some help before i jump off the fence.
...ed

 

I think the 3rd gen convertibles are some of the best looking convertibles ever made. The only issue I have with 3rd gens is their weak chassis, hidden rust, and how quickly they lose their value. I would get a 3r gen convertible only if it was going to be a garage kept, nice weather only driven vehicle. You would be upset to see what the insurance values the car at! Get a 'vette, they hold better value.

I fully restored my '89 a few years ago, I am talking brand new everything except the trans, rear and engine which was extracted from a 92 Z28. New interior pieces, many hours of body conditioning and a $3000 paint job to make the car look factory new, i mean flawless. I love the car, but not the $3800 the car is valued at. I spent around 10-12k "beutifying" this car to get the appearance the way I wanted. But, its one of those hobbies I will continue to pursue. If you have the money to burn and want a seldom driven toy, what the hell, buy a yugo to cruise to work in and use the camaro to ho around with. late 80's early 90's vettes are always good options too. Keep an open mind!



[This message has been edited by blak92! (edited December 13, 2000).]

 

I currently own a 92 Z conv. Check out the condition of the int. trim pieces. These are expensive to replace. The trans might just need a new filter, often overlooked. I love my car and insurance is not bad at all, they are getting old enough now. I think it is worth the money if you can do the paint yourself. If you do get it, buy a GM rear bumper cover. Mine is not and after a year on the new paint it is starting to spider.

Jeremy

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92 Z conv
5-spd B&M
alston SFC, few mods, some free, some not

 

Update:
I decided to buy this car. Upon daylight inspection, the faded paint on the trunk/spoiler is confined to those pieces. So, i will just remove them and get them painted with the bumper cover and reinstall myself. As for the rest of the car, it is in great shape with just normal wear on the driver's seat back support.
Now i'm just waiting for the loan to go through...

 

im not trying to make you feel bad at all about buying it... but tires that are smooth out back and good up front ppoints directly to him spinning often. a 'light tap' can often be pretty bad.. cuse rear suspensions in camaro's can be messed up easily, then you got a big problem. good luck though, hope it isnt in fact been ragged on too ahrd, and you have lots of fun with it. i must agree that the late model thirdgen convertible camaro's are VERY nice looking

 

pretty rare car. I think they made less than 2,000 that year. I have a 91 and to me for the money it is the best looking convert out there. It can be made to run and handle pretty good too with enough money. I think you did the right thing if you like converts.
........bob

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91 camaro RS L03 convert,
t-5, ultimate TBI mods,TBI spacer,SLP 1 5/8 headers,
3"cat back, 3.42 torsen posi,alston SFC's,Global West LCA relocation brackets

 

I would buy it. Of course my car is a piece of **** and what you describe (except for the damage) is almost exactly what I'm looking for!

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John
'85 Z28 TPI 305

 

Yeah, i absolutely love the way this car looks. The blue/tan top is unique and looks incredible. And the damage isn't that bad. It is strictly confined to the torn bumper cover, nothing underneath is hurt. And the oxidized paint is all on those simple to remove body panels. So all i have to do come summer is track down a new bumper cover and unbolt the trunk/spoiler and get them shot with matching paint.
And having looked through the guys records, the rear tires are over 4 years old (granted it was stored for 2 of them) so i wouldn't expect them to be great. I replace my tires practically yearly even if i don't burn them up often, so i don't think it's been that abused compared to what i expect from my cars.
And how can i beat the price. I just hope the tranny holds out for a while. I drove it for nearly an hour myself, and was in it longer than that and it never felt even slightly weird to me, so i'm keeping my fingers crossed. Now waiting for teh loan confirmation is killing me.
...ed

 

I love my 92Z28 convertible! Mine is blue with a black top and has gray interior. To be honest with you my convertible felt more solid stock, than my 91 RS hard top I had before!

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Convertible, L98, Edelbrock intake, runners & TES, SLP cam, Thin Head gaskets, March underdrive pulleys, Fastchips custom chip, Accel 300+ ignition, Relocated MAT sensor, TPIS airfoil & AFPR, K&N airfilters W/ chopped airboxs, Dynomax high flo cat, Flowmaster exhaust, MAC subframe connectors, B&M shift kit & XMSN cooler and NOS!!