There is a 89 GTA white tops 350 tpi 4 wheel disk with a 130,000 miles for $2700. Its in really good shape but the thing i am worried about is the miles. I need something that would be very relieable. I would prob run it kinda hard but i wouldnt abuse it. How many more miles do you think the lower end will go?? I searched and saw some of you guys have 150,000+ miles and you say you run it hard everyday. Also this car should be about a 14.5 stock in the 1/4 right?? Thanks for all the help.

 

NEVER buy a used car expecting it to be reliable. I've learned that lesson over and over again. I dont want to discourage you, I just want to be honest.

If you buy a car and can only afford the car, and not budget for repairs, its best to probably stay away from it. Back in 2000, I bought a '93 Beretta GTZ. Got it off the internet, bought it from a Dealership 300 miles away. 6 weeks later, $1400 repair bill. Head gasket, water pump and some other little stuff. That car was only 7 years old and had only 80,000 miles.

When talking 3rdGens, we're looking at 12 to 22 year old cars. Expect problems. If they happen, you're prepared, if not, you're not out anything. I bought my '87 IROC with 127k and mechanically, its ok, it just needs a lot of seals replaced.

Enough rambling... Its your choice but expect the worse when dealing with used cars, especially 3rdGens.

 

I have a 92 cavalier z24 with almost 80,000 miles on it. Bought it with 60,000. So far the only things i needed were plugs, wires, radiator hoses, front end eligned and brake light switch($3.00). That is all mantance parts. I am only 17 years old so it isnt driven like a grandma but i do have all mantance done to it on time. I was wondering if they were as relieable as my cavalier. I could sell my cavalier for a bout $3,500 and then buy the GTA and save some money incase it would break down. I was see if anyone else had high mileage 350 tpi's. Thanks for info!

 

If you can't budget for repairs, then I totally agree with Dante93GTZ. I bought my 89 Formula 350 a few years ago with 127,000 miles on it.

Since then, my fuel injectors, fuel pump, IAC sensor, TPS sensor, EGR Valve, alternator, water pump, both Catalytic converters, MAF sensor, brakes, muffler, and (of course) tires had to be replaced. Not to mention tune-up, relays, and other minor parts.

I guess to summarize: I really like my car alot. I like the way it performs as well as the way it looks. But it has been an expensive effort to keep the car running. If you don't think that you will be able to afford or have the desire to keep a high-mileage car running, then I would use the $2700 toward a new (or newer) car.

Just my opinion from my own experience.
Hope this helps.

 

If it was mantained properly then it should be fine. The thing that might end up being a problem down the road is if the transmission is the original without a rebuild. A good % of auto trannys from that period go out around that mileage. But there are always exeptions. Depends on how it was drivin.

 

I second (or is that third?) the "budget for repairs" advice. My car had a tick under 170,000 when I bought it 18 months ago (engine -- not the original -- had around 90K), and I have done a ton of the "nickel and dime" stuff. Also replaced a few things while trying to pass stupid Maryland emissions. But nothing catastrophic (knock on wood ) has happened, though.

As far as the motor goes on a car with over 120K, I would say it depends on how well the previous owner(s) took care of the car. Have they changed the oil religiously (a plus -- IMO -- if they used synthetic) and done other maintenance work (plugs, wires, etc). I've mentioned this before but I will again, my girlfriend's '96 1LE is approaching 300K and has never had any engine work done (knock on wood again ). Of course it won't last forever, but it goes to show what Mobil 1 synthetic and a strict maintenance schedule will do!

Pat

 

An 89 GTA w/ 130000 miles for reliablitiy...?

This is what "I" would check for:

1) firm shifts on transmission.
2) burnt tranny fluid, brown in color
3) tranny leaking fluid?
4) check tranny fluid level in proper procedure
5) radiator for rust contamination, or sludge type buildup...does fluid look clean
5) signs of oil loss (engine bay full of paper oil funnels, leaks from rear main seal area)
6)leaks from rear end housing
7) vibrations at different speeds
7a)smooth acceleration and handling
7b)struts and shocks via the press down a few times real fast method and see if the car immediately comes back to "rest"
8) what repairs have been made in regards to water pump, power steering pump, radiator, alternator, battery, A/C (What hasn't been reapaired YOU will end up replacing
9) pop open a valve cover and check for valve train area cleanliness (good sign of oil changes and good oil used) Also check casting number...should say 083 on last 3 digits
10) get a compression test done if you can
11) receipts of all of owner's repairs and maintenance

Basically, have a trusted mechanic check it over. If any repairs need to be made, knock down the price for the cost of the repairs.

The 350 chevy should last the life of car if taken care of or not. Just don't let it get overheated, and make the accessory repairs.
The trans probably will go out...and probably sooner than later.

Edit: I didn't mention any electrical issues like headlight motors, hatch motor...and general TPI stuff like.

Don't buy a basket case if your not prepared to handle it.

 

Ok, now that everyone has probably scared you to death about this, few thirdgens are worth much more or less than $2,700 when they're that age anyway, no matter what the condition--unless they're totally trashed, which it sounds like this one isn't. And 130,000 miles in 15 years isn't bad at all.

The bottom line is, yes, you'll probably have a fair amount of repair/replacement work in the near future, so just be prepared for it. And if you're capable of doing most of the work yourself when it needs it, then you won't go very wrong--especially for only $2,700.

 

This might make you feel a little better. My car has nearly 215,000 miles on it and still runs high 13s on a mostly stock motor! It could die on me tomorrow, but today it still runs like it had 20,000 miles on it.

The point is that it all depends on how well the car was maintained. You can get an idea from how well the car has been taken care of by how well the car is preserved (or not) inside and out.

When I bought my car almost 3 years ago, it had about 205,000 miles on it. I was a little weary, but I could tell the guy took immaculate care of the car. The car was not ragged out or heavily modded (or modded at all as a matter of fact - not even a K&N!!!). It had never been raced nor pitched in a ditch. So I bought it and still have no regrets to this day.