I've been looking to purchase a third gen camaro for awhile now and came across an '89 RS 2.8 ltr V6 with a 5 speed manual transmission with a Functional L88 hood and a 80 Series Flowmaster. I spoke to the owner a few days ago and he said that he owned vehicle for last 7 years without major problems and completed maintenance on time, But he recently damaged the oil pan on a speed bump and it probably needs to be replaced.

He's asking $1900 o.b.o. I was wondering if this sounded reasonable before I go and check it out. Third gen's around me go for rediculous prices even for beaters and non runners so I was hoping to snag this. I also wanted to know what I should look out for when buying a third gen, so any tips would be appriciated.
A Photo incase you are curious.

 

The blue car you have posted is the one for sale then. If I knew where it was at I would of bought it from the guy yesterday, right from under your nose! It's only a V6 > but very nice car, So what if it needs some work! Buy it already!

 

third gens are very expensive here too. i got lucky and found my 89 rs with 128k miles for 500 bucks. i found several 305 5 speeds for less than $1000 but needed body work or something minor. the pick up for the oil pump isnt very far from the oil pan, it could be starving the motor for oil. its a big deal. i would check for obvious rust, floor boards, quarters, and trunk, and talk him down accordingly. if its solid, buy it. if not...

good luck, from the picture it does not look bad.

 

First thing I would do is ask him if its driveable or at least listen to the engine run. If he doesn't want you to even start it up to listen to the engine, don't waste your time. Sloick is right about the oil pickup. If it's starving for oil, the engine won't last long if it hasn't been toasted already. Otherwise, check the damage to the pan, check for leaks, rust in the floorboards, especially the front of the footwells for the front seats, in the lockbox and spare tire compartments in the trunk, and under the rear bumper. These are the common places for rust to be on these cars. Also check the hood and hatch struts to make sure they can hold those parts up.

 

Trust me, I would love to buy it. I'm driving my gf nuts by talking about getting one.

Yeah, this has me worried. I need a daily driver asap so I can't justify spending that much if there are too major of problems.

He said he's been using it as his daily driver, and he has to change the oil pan gasket every once in awhile to keep it from leaking. And at the risk of sounding like a noob, what should I listen for when the engine is running? I'd want to bring someone more knowledgeable with me but I recently moved and don't know anyone in an 80 mile radius. Thanks for the Replies.

 

Try taking it to a mechanic. Ask around to try and find an honest mechanic... You are "rolling the dice" everytime you buy a used car... Hope it works out for ya!

 

if you really need a daily driver dont buy one thats 20 years old with a bad oil pan. if the guy has it apart to change the gasket wouldnt it make since to replace the pan?!?

 

You'll want to listen for any kind of tapping, knocking, clicking, ticking, grinding, slapping, squealing, howling sounds. I think I got them all. Basically anything that doesn't sound right.

Make sure you drive it and that it doesn't have any major hesitation/stumble when you get on it. A SLIGHT hesitation from a stop is pretty normal for these engines, but once you're moving you shouldn't notice any problems.