3.8 auto trans purchase help - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

countryguy · 09-10-2013, 07:25 PM

So I'm downgrading. Long story. I commute about 90 miles round trip each day. I want something that looks good and does good on gas. I'm looking at 00-02 camaro 3.8. I want some real input. My price range is 4k max. I don't want the v8 because of insurance and gas.

Questions about it. My uncle has a shop and said that 4th gen camaros are extremely hard to work on. But I've read online that the 3.8 Is really reliable, which is what I'm looking for.

I looked at a camaro today. Guy wanted 4k for an 01 5speed with 88k miles. no power anything 5 spd. Shifted seemed to shake a lot, plus made me realize i want an automatic for my commute.

Maybe I've just been too used to my charger but the motor seemed bogged down, rear wheel well squeaked stereo had a hum and a bad install, quarter panel had a dent. Back bumper was scratched, front bumper was way mis aligned. Carfax said 8 owners and a front end accident minor back in 01.

It made me want to look into automatics.

Anyone know If the automatic trans are good in these cars?

Are the 3.8s a good motor and auto trans?

What should I look for when purchasing?

What kind of mileage can I expect with a 3.8 auto?

speedmon · 09-10-2013, 09:08 PM

Anyone know If the automatic trans are good in these cars?
They are fine and will last forever if maintained properly.
The trans is a 4L60E and is the same unit as in the Z28 and SS and corvette and tahoe and envoy and trailblazer and subburban and escalade. The components vary a bit based on horsepower.

Are the 3.8s a good motor and auto trans?
Awesome engine!
and only $2200 to replace from GMPP with 100K miles warranty

What should I look for when purchasing?
Low miles is best, but hard to find .....pay me now or pay me later.
Oil should be light brown and trans fluid should be red...both translucent.

What kind of mileage can I expect with a 3.8 auto?
Great Mileage! 18-22 in town and 30 highway.

I bought my son a 2002 Z28 with an LS1 and a 4l60E auto.....
He gets 16-17 in town and 26 on the highway.....and thats after I put the 3.73 gears in.......

Look for the leather interior cuz the cloth camo colors are dorky...especially on the door panels.....T-Tops are very cool......and that Monsoon stereo rocks....one of the best stereos I've ever heard EVER!

09-10-2013, 07:25 PM	#1
countryguy Drives: charger Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: sacramento Posts: 3	3.8 auto trans purchase help So I'm downgrading. Long story. I commute about 90 miles round trip each day. I want something that looks good and does good on gas. I'm looking at 00-02 camaro 3.8. I want some real input. My price range is 4k max. I don't want the v8 because of insurance and gas. Questions about it. My uncle has a shop and said that 4th gen camaros are extremely hard to work on. But I've read online that the 3.8 Is really reliable, which is what I'm looking for. I looked at a camaro today. Guy wanted 4k for an 01 5speed with 88k miles. no power anything 5 spd. Shifted seemed to shake a lot, plus made me realize i want an automatic for my commute. Maybe I've just been too used to my charger but the motor seemed bogged down, rear wheel well squeaked stereo had a hum and a bad install, quarter panel had a dent. Back bumper was scratched, front bumper was way mis aligned. Carfax said 8 owners and a front end accident minor back in 01. It made me want to look into automatics. Anyone know If the automatic trans are good in these cars? Are the 3.8s a good motor and auto trans? What should I look for when purchasing? What kind of mileage can I expect with a 3.8 auto?

09-10-2013, 09:08 PM	#2
speedmon Drives: C6 Z06 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 572	Anyone know If the automatic trans are good in these cars? They are fine and will last forever if maintained properly. The trans is a 4L60E and is the same unit as in the Z28 and SS and corvette and tahoe and envoy and trailblazer and subburban and escalade. The components vary a bit based on horsepower. Are the 3.8s a good motor and auto trans? Awesome engine! and only $2200 to replace from GMPP with 100K miles warranty What should I look for when purchasing? Low miles is best, but hard to find .....pay me now or pay me later. Oil should be light brown and trans fluid should be red...both translucent. What kind of mileage can I expect with a 3.8 auto? Great Mileage! 18-22 in town and 30 highway. I bought my son a 2002 Z28 with an LS1 and a 4l60E auto..... He gets 16-17 in town and 26 on the highway.....and thats after I put the 3.73 gears in....... Look for the leather interior cuz the cloth camo colors are dorky...especially on the door panels.....T-Tops are very cool......and that Monsoon stereo rocks....one of the best stereos I've ever heard EVER!