ElementsofSpeed

I keep sinking money into my car...making it nicer, faster, and more reliable, but my question is...will you get your money back out of it?...I am thinking of building a 383 and dropping it in...would it be worth it? I have a feeling that we might not even have gasoline cars in the next 5 years. What do you think?...this thread is open to ALL opinions...Are thirdgens worth spending thousands on or is it a waste? Haha.

My opinion is, by the time i get my car finished, there will be no one around interested in thirdgens or fbodies anymore. They will probably have 4 cylinders that are putting down 330hp in some little **** honda.

kevinc

Cars are a depreciable asset...they lose value over their useful life. Accept the fact you'll lose money on any car you buy.

Gas prices are a tough reality right now. Honda is releasing a Civic that runs on natural gas and you refuel it at home.

So...only you can decide if the money you're sinking into your paid-for thirdgen is worthwhile, versus taking out a loan and getting something more economical.

wwnf

iTrader: (1)

If you love your 3rd gen, it is worth it.

merc3065

I was wondering the same thing
However, my car is worth it to ME, which is why im dropping a new drivetrain in it to make me happy when I drive it and to have some fun with the car and do some things that i've always dreamed about doing (autox, drag racing, driving at mosport)

It is an enjoyment, and that's how I treat it. I also know that when the time comes i'll be able to pass this along to someone else who will enjoy the car as much as I do now.

Just remember, that when you sign the dotted line at the dealership for a car you lose anywhere from 10-25% of the value of the car because it is now considered a "used" car.

Unless you have a collector's or limited production version of the f-body, they won't be worth too much until they start dwindling in numbers. They made so many thirdgens during it's production period that there are always going to be ones for sale somewhere for a long while yet.

So, the only way really to preserve the value of the car is to keep it clean, keep it maintained, and enjoy it. Unless you like to sit and stare at your "investment" and let it sit for the next 40 years for it to be worth something...

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

I've read we have 10 years left of gas, and i've also read recently we have 100 years. Nobody really knows just how much oil saudi arabia has anyway. When run out of gasoline we'll probably convert all engines or get new ones that run off of national gas for at least 100 years. After that, we might actually consider hydrogen and we'll make hydrogen or some alternative fuel more effecient and just as powerful as gasoline.

But, really i wouldnt worry about that, unless you own a few lambo's. Just maintain, restore, revive your car and be reasonable with your spending.

My advice is get a used American economy car for your everyday going to work, school, groceries, mail, whatever. And for playtime on the weekends or summer nights, bring out the V8 monster onto the streets.

Oh and for when your third gen is finished. Even if there are little future 4-cyl. hondas that will be putting down 330 hp , your third gen will still look better,sound better a millon times.

I also considered stopping 3rd gen project work and getting a 4th gen.
Third gens seem to have some advantages of 4th gens even. My engine bay has a lot more room in it then does my brother's 95 T/A. And we both have the same engine - the LT1. Also, the 4th gen's 63 degree windshield. Some like it, some dont.

R1UK

Its like anything, its worth what its worth to YOU !!
Petrol is a worry, but then so is a comet hitting us, you never get your money back on about 90% of stuff you buy, so enjoy the moment.

del91_305

Well put. I work on my car to make it nicer and faster for me, to me it doesnt matter what its worth to everyone else, just what its worth to me

Confuzed1

iTrader: (4)

Hmmmm...I've heard a simular saying, it goes like this:

"It's only worth what someone else will pay for it."


That's usually far less than what you envision it to be. Will you get your money back that you've spent on mods, upgrades etc.. ----probably not.

So I guess what it's worth to you is legitimate!

83CAMAROMAN

u find me a car that doesnt depreciate under normal use and ill find you a green hippo that grows corn out of its butt....we got about the same chances

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

it seems like its worth a lot more if you are single...

White93z34

iTrader: (1)

anymore i get alota flack about my cars, both don't do so hot on gas. and i get the "you need something more econiomical" song and dance alot, and your always fixing it, get something new.

yeah yeah, i'm 20, pay $130 a month to insure both cars, and thats it, no $200 car payment, no $230 month insurance.

my months expenses so far have been sway bar links, $9.

and heck my cars paid for, cheep to maintain. that outweights the cost of gas.

DJP87Z28

Everyone writting these Posts were not around for the Gas Lines and double price increases of the 70's. That was the death of the muscle car era, High gas prices & Insurance. Same story, only the Time and Dates are different.

Damon

NO, you will NEVER get your money back out. You'll get pennies on the dollar back when you go to sell it.

You do it becuase (choose any or all, below):

1. You love your car (sentimental/emotional attachment).

2. You love working on your car (pride/sense of accomplishment, which is why I do it, by the way).

3. You hate driving something that's the same as everyone else's (individuality/making a statement with your ride)

If you're doing it as an investment, give it up. It's a lousy investment. If you don't enjoy it, stop doing it. Life's too short to waste your time doing things you don't have to and don't love.

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

Heres my reasons:

i know what its like to have the best looking car on the street. I hate driving junk. Want to get my LT1 T/A done.

i dont want to be one of those guys that says: " i used to have one of these. I kind of wish i would have kept it and fixed it up. Man, that car looks good."

Mcdamit

A car that doesn't depreciate in value,,,,, hmm 1969 Camaro RS/SS, bought for $3,500.... Sells for $40,000-$100K.

If you have an Iroc or GTA wait 20 years you will get your money back or at least some of it. Hell a charger frame with body panels on the ground sells for around 3-5K.

If you watch the higher end 80's camaros selling, they usually go for 5k-12K. Depending upon mileage. The guy who was selling mine, wanted 12K, he said the lowest he would go was 9K. Too bad I got his wife to say 7200.

Mcdamit

now where is my hippo

SSC

Only worth it if you like fast cars and the ability to pick up chicks at the local trailer park

These cars are hobby's for most us folks around TGO, if you cant pay you dont play, much

Mcdamit

what SSC your telling me you dont like the all natural unshaven type girls. Must have been nice when a camaro was still sex on wheels.

Most trailer park chicks are to "high class" for f-bodies. Get a 83' stang, now thats a chic magnet!

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

ElementsofSpeed

i guess we should just live it up while it lasts...screw the future

Tony89

ElementsofSpeed is at least half right: Definitely live it up while it lasts, just don't screw the future....that hard anyway Seriously, the gas question is always there, but hopefully, there will be alternatives, even for thirdgens, in the future. Conversions to other forms of fuel is a very real possibility, these alternatives may even have some advantages over current crude-oil based fuels. Hope springs eternal. This, as has been stated so eloquently here and elsewhere, is all about beauty being in the eye of the beholder. Another thing to think about, in response to the talk about appreciation/depreciation: (1) The ones that do appreciate pretty much always depreciate FIRST. (2) Their "real" value is ultimately in your heart and mind. And (3) there was a time when Packards and V-16 Cadillacs could be purchased for peanuts in junkyards (1960's????) which leads me back to point (1). Those cars are worth millions now. True, there were fewer of them made, and the craftsmanship was better, yadda yadda yadda, but you get the point. Enjoy!!!!

R1UK

Some of us were believe me, at the time i had a motorcycle, and we were issued coupons to queue up at petrol stations, to obtain a small amount of fuel each week.
Petrol here is about £4 per gallon now, [about $6.48] so buying something this big has to be something you really want.
The only upside is its cheaper to insure than my relatively new Ford Focus.

Chris89GTA

iTrader: (2)

Technically speaking, its never worth it. Its just pissing money into the wind. Its worth what you make of it. If you enjoy it, enjoy the work, enjoy the car then you decide whether you mind spending the money. The money will never be had again. Thats part of a hobby. You spend money to get the enjoyment, not as an investment.

westman

Switch to Alky!!!!!

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

alky??

F-BIRD'88

Here's a kick. Why not swap in a turbocharged 4 cylinder in your Fbody.

We won't be running out of Gasoline anytime soon. There is actually lots of known oil reserves in the world.
BUT..... we are getting to the end of the "easy" reserves.

(Iraq, Saudi Arabia etc ).

The rest, which there is plenty of will just cost more to get from the ground to your gas tank.

We are experiencing a surge in prices mostly because of speculation on world events and weather and a lack of refining capacity. There is lot of the "easy stuff" available.

Prices will continue to raise and be artificially high especially as long as we (all of North America) continue to use gas like its going out of style.

Remember the artificial, planned lack of new refining capacity.

Back to your Fbird. Think about it. You'll have a hi tech small efficient motor that gets the same or better performance as with your V8 and much better mileage.
That 383 is going to use more fuel.

I believe a Pontiac "Iron Duke" will bolt right up to your V8 transmission. Thats just one choice. you have lots of options for an engine swap A swap doesn't always have to be to a larger motor.

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

no. that would be sacreligious. take out your V8 and put in a 4 banger?

the easiest way you could do it is with an iron duke but you'd still have to get a turbo and custom fab it and then you have to build up the rear end, etc. Any other 4-cy you'll have to replace the tranny too, motor mounts, tranny mounts, custom driveshaft. If you think it all the way through, it would cost way too much of your time and money. You're going to replace more than the engine.

you wont get no where near the same performance out of it either. no way a turbo 4 would even come close to a 383, especially an LT1. Horsepower wise and torque wise. Dont forget turbo lag.

A better idea, if you want to be ONLY fuel eff - custom hybrid engine, or hydrogen fuel cell.

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

A 4 cylinder engine is not high tech either. An LS1 is...

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

.

unklechuckles19

im definatly with everyone else, your cars worth what you want it to be. if you enjoy putting blood, sweat, tears and your money into it, it'll be the greatest thing you have...if not, then sell it to me

dsherw00d

Saw the post on the 69 Camaro for $3500. Invest $3500 in 69 at 8% would be over $60K today. Put it in Disney or GE and it's much more. I do it because I like working on cars and driving American HP. I have a 69 Camaro and a 88 IROC Vert. Eventually, I would like one from every gen in the garage. Neither one I have is that great, but they will get better. Of course, most owners are never really "done". However, my wife does think they are investments

-Dan

91rs5.0

If your looking to make a profit off them or even get your money back? Hell no.
To me its worth it. IMO I think it's more a waste to buy any new car than to spend money on a car thats actually worth spending money on. I mean my car looks like **** right now, yet still gets more attention than I would like to believe, I mean every time I stop my car either someone asks me to burn out, or asks me what year, or "what's the top speed" lol (yesterday), takes pics of my car on their phone camera, etc, etc. People talk **** about domestics left and right, yet no one will believe my car has 180k miles and runs the way it does.

As far as the 330hp Honda comment, what is that gonna run like high 11s? a 2100 pound Honda will run 12s all day with an RSX (k20a) motor thats only got like 220bhp, and get well over 30mpg and still be reliable because the motor is completely stock, and you got a 6 speed w/lsd. I'm leaning towards getting a Civic for a daily driver myself. Either that or I will have to start walking more often once my car starts getting like 10mpg. I hate when people say get an AMERICAN car, or get an IMPORT, like who gives a ****, a car is a car. Get over it.

83CAMAROMAN

And nowadays....define import and domestic....so called american cars are more often produced elsewhere while companies like toyota, hyundai and mercedes are moving into the us....

KnightWarrior

As a daily driver, I'd say it's not worth it. Third gens are slow and inefficient stock. But as a hobby car/race car/show car. If you enjoy tinkering and customizing, it's definately worth it. Even if you dump ten grand into a third gen and hot-rod it you will have something personalized and unique. Show me what you could buy new for ten grand at a car lot these days. Nothing with a V-8 and race-car handling or aggressive styling. I don't know if I'd do a 383 swap (tricky to smog?) unless that's not a concern. Here in Cali it is. Stick with legal mods and above all have fun!

Firebat

iTrader: (7)

As a daily driver, my V6 is worth it. I bought it cheap. If something starts to go out i replace it. I've replaced starter, alternator, tires to name a few. I like my car running in good shape. I replaced the carpet for 20 bucks from a local hardware store. Its worth it if you do the work. It may not be showcar condition but i hate driving something that runs like crap and looks like crap.

KnightWarrior

Amen brother.

luke4907

iTrader: (5)

I'm upset someone actually asked this question on here.

Borsty

iTrader: (2)

im never selling my car. all money, work, blood, sweat, tears, and pain in the asses it gives me will be mine to love and cherish for the rest of my life.



but no u will never get your money out of your car.

suh_wheat_86305

iTrader: (1)

my stock '86 TA 305 tpi repeatedly gets 19+ mpg in town, I paid $4,000 for it about 6 weeks ago. It looks very cool and is pretty fast. Compare that to marrying a car payment and full coverage insurance...
The headers, complete exhuast system and performance hypertech chip are all on order, so it will be more that pretty fast... for an additional $1,300. The car needs nothing more for quite a while.
Most people wouldn't go this route, probably because they've never driven such a machine.
yes, it is worth it...

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

I have about $10,000-$11,000 in my car. I could get maybe $4,000 from it. Do I care? Hell no. It's the same deal with a new car, though. You buy it and start modding it, it still looses value, but at an even greater rate than our cars. Other cars may be newer, faster, or whatever, but in most cases, the people with them don't own them.
Besides, I like it when people who don't like third gens (or in some cases, even Camaros) tell me they can't help but like my car.

Damon

Wow- somebody dug this thread up from the grave! I'll stick to what I said 2 years ago.

Supervisor42

Ask someone who sold a unique car and wishes that they hadn't. If you were around in the mid 80's everyone went nuts for a '55 chevy. They were doing unthinkable restoration work in order to have one. The worm turns. What we have here is the last of the fast good-looking cars that can have a carb. Wait till the next "gas shortage" and see how fast the available horsepower from the factories drop.
To quote the movie "The Road Warrior": "Ahh, the last of the V8 interceptors"
My car project is to save a slice of time when walking by a car could make your chest vibrate. Pretty soon the thunder will be gone.
Don't become one of those who say something like "if I still had that '67 390 Mustang I sold, I'd kick your ***."
If you don't want to spend money on it, then mothball it.
P.s. There will always be gasoline as long as we are alive, It will just be a matter of price. Just like 110 octane leaded is still available.

ad356

let me start out by saying dont expect to get your money back on a third gen. who cares, really thats not the point. if you think that way, your missing the the point. the point is to enjoy driving again. its like those old visa ads: ceramic coated headers 500 dollars, 3" catback system 300 dollars, strut tower brace, 150 dollars. carving up some corners out the in country with the t-tops out on a warm spring day, listening to that mechanical smallblock music PRICELESS. as i always tell people, i still have my stock 305 with a good exuast performance is fair. no really slow but not a race car either. i get on average 18/25 MPG on "cheap" gas (87 octane, there is no cheap gas anymore). my car is dependable, affordable and get decent fuel millage. even if it isnt the most powerfull v8 its still is a v8 and makes a wonderfull sound. it runs great on the interstate, doesnt even work hard. people look and stare at it when i punch it. it sounds cool, and most cars dont produce that kind of sound anymore. the days of every car being powered by a v8 are over and our cars are one of the last affordable, rear wheel drive v8 cars avaible to the working class. a 70 chevelle is no longer an attainable goal for the average guy anymore.
1 more thing, dont try to compare our cars MPG to a peice of **** like a honda or a toyota. why dont you try to compare our cars to v8 powered SUVS/trucks avaible today. your average v8 powered pickup truck can barely manage 17 MPG highway. my camaro sudden looks very fuel efficient.
at any rate i drive my third gen every stinking day all summer long and i love every minute of it. i dont car about a few extra gallons of gas when im getting a good value out of a gallon, because im enjoying the drive. sometimes i might be completely broke, when i spend all my money on my car. but im having fun. when the technology exists to convert my car over to an alternative fuel i build i 500 HP beast and not care about fuel one bit. but until then i run the 305 and maybe eventually a very mild 350.
----------

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

[A car that doesn't depreciate in value,,,,, hmm 1969 Camaro RS/SS, bought for $3,500.... Sells for $40,000-$100K.] See my sig. for the relevance of that statement! I realize this is an ancient post, but I just couldn't resist chiming in too! Me and one of my best friends both own 69 Camaros that are basically $50K lawn ornaments now. I originally hauled mine out from under a willow tree out in the boonies and paid $500 for it back in '89. Now it's beautiful and built just the way I want it. I was making comparisons between that car and my thirdgen the other day. People basically fall over each other to get a better look at my 69. In fact, two cops stopped in the coffee shop parking lot and slobbered over it for like 20 minutes. Keep in mind these are the same cops that used to follow me everywhere just itching to ticket me for something 15 years ago. When it comes to my 89, most people don't pay any attention to it. I get a compliment on it every once in a blue moon. I remarked to my buddy with the other 69 that maybe I'm nuts for dumping so much money into my 89. Then I regained my senses, or lack thereof, and realized that I don't care if anyone else appreciates it or not, as long as I'm getting some satisfaction out of it. I always figure it's better to dump cash into modifying a car that's paid for, instead of just handing all that cash to the parasites at the credit union and the insurance company every month! Besides that, most new cars are so generic looking, I can hardly tell the difference from one make to another. I've never conformed to a cookie-cutter mold, and if I ever do, someone please do me a favor and just put a bullet in me! And yes, I totally agree that my thirdgen is a total blast to drive every day compared to some beer can import, or some overgrown, gas-guzzling SUV!

drummerdude7_13

I dont think I will ever sell my camaro. Its worth more to me than any money someone else would give me for it. Its a hobby.

MrMike69

I couldn't even thinking of driving something else. Last week my daily drive camaro went out of commission for a few days and have to drive my buddies 90 Grand Am. Needless to say it really made me appreciate my car so much more, even if it's only a 305 and doesn't look that great. I was almost ducking down in the Grand Am not to be seen.

This has been my first and only car (got in when i was 17, now 20) and I still love it as much as the first time I got into it. Before I couldn't even do an oil change, but because of this website now I'm always looking for the next project on her. I'm the "car guy" now out of my friends.

Its starting to hurt in the wallet for gas, but its worth it. I'd like to think someday I can pass it down to my kids (if I have any)

89jim

Oh well I got to put my 2 cents in on this. As an investment these cars suck. I am almost 50 now and will never live long enough to get the money back I have spent in my car. Does it matter, not really because it is a love and a hobby. The time spent driving and working on them is the value. No matter how much trouble my car gives me at times I would still rather work on it than do something else. I am sure someday low mileage cars will bring a good price. I say if a payback in cash is what your looking for buy stocks. If it's a good time and fond memories your looking for go with the car.

Cat59

AMEN!

Overcast32

Hell yeah, I heard that. I've already said that about a few older cars I had.

I was kinda debating it too..... For years, I've wanted a F-Body of some sort, always were my favorite cars. At least from the mid 60's on up until the late 80's/Early 90's. Newer ones are ok, but I guess I still prefer the older ones.

I looked at a few 4-bangers. I knew the 'sensible' thing might have been to buy a 4 banger, but hell - I have a 2000 Saturn for daily driving. Only 'option' it has is A/C - no power brakes, no power steering, lol - but it's as close to maintenance free as you'll get.

Then I go looking at some of the cars I used to have... '72 Cutlass, 69' Nova SS... like, WTF? 20 grand??

But that said - I didn't buy my '88 TA for an investment, I bought it to get out and do something again, other than maintaining the house and playing video games, lol. Plus, I just wanted one.

Look at it this way, while 'Eco' boy up the street is driving his 4 banger that gets 54.64 MPG and listening to opera while reading poetry, you'll be up to your neck in grease, cursing at the way GM buried the bolt under whatever accessory you know you should have just taken off first.

And while he's putting along at 56.64 MPG to get some more latte, you can spew gas-saturated carbon monoxide fumes out of your exhaust from the 800 HP+ power plant in your kick *** ride (ok, maybe 500~~)



And in 15 years, his car will have been crushed and made into a garbage can you can toss old plug wires into, while you are at a car show grinning from ear to ear.

Not to mention - I have been around, albeit young in the '70's - but I recall them saying even back then, that in 10 years we would be out of oil. Considering they are discovering new oil everyday...... doubt that will happen anytime soon at all - Executive salaries depend on that actually!

Then you hear them go on and on about 'global warming'. You know though - anytime the media and government really hype something up - you can be SURE of one thing - it's just a buncha'

I suspect someone's making a lot of money of all this 'Eco' trendy stuff, but ya - it could still impact us all.

I'm all for saving the environment, I really am - I keep my emission controls working, and other personal stuff like not littering, but I like to hear real facts, not media hype. I actually did believe it all, until it became a big issue in the media. If there's anyway to get me 'against' something, it's have the media and the government try to ram it down my throat.

But hey - us F-Body nuts are allowed to be rebels, right?

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I've been hearing that for years (decades) about the '57.