Hello -
I'm preparing to buy a 1988 V6 camaro RS -> Aside from the normal stuff to look at when considering a car for purchase - what specifc to this camaro should I look for?? I've never dealt with a camaro before so I thought I'd ask.

Cole

 

definately take some1 with you who will take a few extra steps to make sure ur getting a good deal.
My $900 89 rs has quickly turned into a $2500 89 rs with an 85 engine....I had 12 psi and like 45 psi in two cylinders....but I had no idea to even think about sumthin like that at the time

make sure all the accessories work

if you hear a clunking when you get on it from a stop during the test drive I wouldn't worry too much, its most likely the trannsmission mount (6.49 for stock replacement, 24.99 for poly replacement)

If you really want to be picky and bring the price down

Use a spark plug tester to test for color, and if it's like orange, red, or yellow be like there's sumthin wrong.

Use a fuel pressure guage and if its not 42.5 , be like there's sumthing wrong

Use a vacuum guage and if its not steady, be like theres sumthin wrong

edit: and get a carfax from the guy
edit: edit: where are my manners....welcome to the boards

 

Split the cost of a having a mechanic go over it w/the owner. Cheap insurance

edit: And welcome to the board

 

defintely bring someone with you that knows their s***. i went through 3 camaros that i thought was "definetely the one i'm gonna get" only to have my friend discover something and i kept looking. the 4th was the best one.... 3.1 with 117K miles, but immaculate in every part of the car...not a single engine problem for 6K and counting

but if you don't have someone to come with you to look, definetely have it looked over by a mechanic....don't know the cost, but i'm sure it's worth it

i doubt the guy would split the cost of a mechanic look-over with you....at least i wouldn't/won't as i'm selllin my car now......the v-6 was great but now i want, oh, about 2 1/2 times more hp

 

bring a jack with u, or if ur smaller try looking under the car at the lines. id bring a jack, just to look intimidating

the condition of the lines, (brake lines, fuel lines etc....) can say alot about a car

 

i dunno guys, if any of u came to look at my car and pulled out a spark tester and a jack id ask u to go home..lol

 

I figure that if you want to buy the car, & the owner wants to sell it, go for it. If they say no, maaybe they're trying to hide something. Besides, what's a couple bucks if you can get $1-2k in return?

 

I ususally take a small magnet with me and check around the rear quarters, bottom of the doors and bottom of the fenders. If the magnet doesn't stick then there is probably some body putty there. Also run your finger along the inside of the windshield along the side and top where the headliner meets up to the windshield. If it has rained recently and you feel dampness on the headliner or windshield more than likely the windshield will need to be pulled and resealed. (just a side note on that most windshield shops won't guarnette your windshield if they are going to pull it and reseal it, if they break it you will have to buy a new windshield)

 

I will look under the car tomorrow morning... never thought about that -

thanks for the warm welcome

Cole

 

make sure to check all fluids. i owned mine for an hour and put a radiator in it. within 3 months, i had replaced the entire cooling system, heater core included. so check the coolant, trans if its auto, oil (even pull the fill cap and see if theres all kinda of poo inside the valve cover). dont end up getting the shaft a month or two down the road like i did. oh well, live and learn.
welcome to the boards man!!

 

Some common things about the 82-92's...

1. Roof cracks- you might see stress cracks at the top -rear- of the door windows. These are "normal"- they happen because of stress. They're not really an indication of an accident. If they're not there, the owner didn't really beat on the car that much. You should see the size of mine!

2. Tire wear, outer edge, front tires- again, normal... this happens due to the way the suspension in our cars is designed. It's no cause for alarm- but maybe you can shave $100 off (Hey look, I need an alignment and new front tires)

3. "Thunk" from underneath car when accelerating from a stop- the trans mount in our cars suck. They always break; they're just rubber. Again, probably not a cause for alarm; $7 at a parts store for another rubber one that will break again, or $20 for an Energy Suspension one that will last forever.

4. "Loose" steering- due to the design of our suspension, again, the center link and idler arm are "wear" parts- they wear out from normal use. I've replaced mine twice already (254,000 miles on the car). So it's not necessarily a sign of an accident.

5. Rust under the bottom of the doors- You'll pretty much have to open the door and lay on the ground to find the rust. This is a common rusting spot... if there's some, try http://www.por15.com for a permanent fix.

That's about all I can think of for things specific to the 82-92's when car-hunting... don't forget to have it checked out by your mechanic first. He'll get his $50 check-up fee no matter if the car's crap or the car's great- just don't go to the seller's mechanic.

As to the 2.8, well, I have 254,000 miles on mine, without any rebuild yet. As long as you maintain it regularly, you'll be fine. See here for the best way: https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=162251

 

look over the paint real well, pretend you are washing the car in your mind, go over every square inch, i noticed the first time i washed my car that there was
A. no clear coat on the paint
B. was repainted ant they did not hit that spot under the rear wing
C. some dings i did not notice before

also one other thing, once you have paid for the car, he has his money you have your keys, ask him verry streight forward

"ok, i have boaght this car, now as the prior owner, is there anything else i should know about the car you were reluctant to tell me before that i as the cars owner shold know?"

you might be surprised what he will tell you. welcome to the boards, as soon as you get that beutifull beast home you take some pictures and post them in the "aperence and detailing" forum for all to see!