Hi everyone, this is my first time posting on my forum after a few weeks of snooping.

I haven't had much experience with the mechanical aspects of cars (the most I've done is change oil and tires), but I am interested in picking up the hobby as I find it fun to tinker with mechanical stuff after work.

Anyway, this car came up for sale in my area and I was wondering if you guys had any advice on price, quality, and if I should proceed with this purchase. Is this something I should get inspected in the shop?

Specs:
1988 Camaro T-top
305 tpi V8
175k miles



Thanks for any help.

This is a link to the posting and I included a few photos.
https://www.kijijiautos.ca/cars/chev.../#vip=33074719



Not sure if there are any red flags here.

Looks to have no rust, seller said underneath has been rust coated every year too

 

Does it run? Will it pass inspection? Date code on tires? Maintenance records?

 

Yes, apparently it runs well.

Not sure about your other questions, as I have only seen it via the ad and not in-person yet. Any tips on what to look for other than what you pointed out?

 

Probably not a bad car for the price. Just be aware that is not a TPI, and based on body and interior doesn't look like a Z28 or IROC. Might ask for picture of RPO label in center console.

 

From what I read, all '88 engines were fuel-injected and the iroc-z package was standard on all Z28's (which is shown on the car)

https://en.wheelz.me/third-generatio...vrolet-camaro/

 

Millage is either 117k or 217k not 175k, from the pictures id wager the former. $8000 isn't a bad price if you know what your doing. Seeing as the seats have been replaced id look deep for other signs of hackery.

 

Cars built back in 1988 are not nearly as forgiving of such high mileage as those built these days. If, as you state, you don't have much experience with cars, find a respected local repair shop and pay them to do a complete inspection of the car. If the seller is not willing to allow this, walk away.

Not doing so may find you the new owner of a money pit, and a very deep one. Whatever you decide, good luck.

 

Nice car. Does not appear to be molested badly. I think you have a nice driver. Also simple enough to learn about the Tinkering you want to do. Price seams reasonable and as long as it is not real rusty[don`t look likely|.

 

That's a reasonable price if it's as clean as it looks. I'd check the floors/foot well/fire wall areas and where the front wheel well meets the fire wall. These are common rust areas. It doesn't look too hacked, but you never know! The mileage is important but I feel only to a degree. It's an old car, you're gonna be replacing lots of stuff, I'd expect engine/trans will fail in the not so distant future. Who knows, maybe it won't! If the body is clean the mechanical stuff is easier. I feel like these cars are pretty simple and good for learning on. You may run into issues w some less experienced mechanics willing to work on it, you really don't want them touching it anyway. If it's a TBI car, they're less desirable but also really simple. If your down for a little bit of a challenge and a great learning experience I'd strongly consider it.

 

To add my 2 cents, after checking what was stated above, (tires and service) go look at the car. Get a flashlight and get ready to lay on your stomach when you go look at it. This is when you check for rust, and generally see what things look like (exhasut). I don't believe for a second this car was "undercoat every year" whatever that even means. Sounds like safety blanket statements that people selling cars say so you don't worry about buying an older car.

Poke the underside of the floor boards on the driver side where your feet would be inside, to the left where the pinch welds meet the rocker panel. If there is rust, it will be there most likely.

Find issues, then semi low ball if the car seems promising still. Should be possible to knock $1,500 to $2000 off the price. It's nothing special (TBI and older with miles) it should have a price that reflects that.

 

That car has TBI fuel injection, not TPI. TBI is throttle body injection (2 injectors in the throttle body), TPI is tuned port injection (8 injectors, one per cylinder). TPI is generally more desirable and came with more output from the factory. TBI's are simpler and dare I say more reliable.

Based on those pictures, the car looks to be in pretty good shape but I'd have to see the underside before buying

 

That Looks Like It Was Originally A Sport Coupe That Spoiler Was Only Used On The 1988 Sport Coupe Never On The IROC-Z Ask The Seller To Send You A Picture Of The RPO Codes To Verify

 

The grille, spoiler, and steering wheel all say Sport Coupe... The headlight pockets are not black.... The hood and badges were probably changed....

The model for 88 was called IROC-z.... Not Z28... And the rocker badge didn't not say Z28.... It said IROC -Z...



As someone who has an 88 IROC... I am confident this is not an IROC....

It is a nice car though... But if it's a duck, it should not say it's a goose....

 

Standard tail lights. And thick undercoat on the floor pan can cover up a lot of pretty nasty rust too. I'd look it over really good, might be a good buy, or not.

 

I`d talk him down as much as possible. If it runs and drives nice, isn't rusted out in a major way then an FSM will teach you how to maintain and repair her. Look into a factory service manual and any supplements specific to the `88 Camaro. Worth their weight in gold like the forum here.

Its a freakin gorgeous car man even if it just sits in the driveway, at least it wont get Tboned at a stop sign there.