Thinking of buying a 4th gen...Tips?

[74 Camaro C-2]

Hey all, I'm looking at getting a cheaper 4th gen as a daily driver to and from college and around town. My 2nd gen needs to stay at home away from the college town dangers and the snow So I'd love to get a cheaper WS6 car or a trans am. (No offense to anyone out there, the camaro's look great I just like the Trans ams better!). So what are a few things to look for on these cars? Any buying tips? Oh and I'd like to keep the budget under 4k if possible and would rather a stick over an auto. I know I could get a base model camaro/firebird for this price but I'd rather not if possible!

Thanks!

Here are a few I'm looking at so far. I'd rather get a '98 or up trans am but if there's a good deal for earlier years I might take it!

2000 WS6 $4300
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/3324654952.html

'96 WS6 $3400
http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/3341181254.html

'98 Trans am clone (would need at least a grand in repairs or so....)
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3314683452.html

Thanks again!
-Luke

[demonspeed]

I wouldn't even consider the third one.

The second one is "rare," and it's the first year for the WS6 we recognize it today. Unfortunately, we don't know the mileage.

The first one seems very clean for the mileage - just not a 6 speed like you desire.

If you're looking for something reliable and extremely low maintenance, I'd go with the first. That's not to say the the LT1 cars aren't reliable, but I think you'd have minimal worries with the 2000 (not to mention it being faster out of the box). It's also the perfect canvas should you decide you want to go nuts modifying the car, especially after getting done with school.

[74 Camaro C-2]

Originally Posted by demonspeed

I wouldn't even consider the third one.

The second one is "rare," and it's the first year for the WS6 we recognize it today. Unfortunately, we don't know the mileage.

The first one seems very clean for the mileage - just not a 6 speed like you desire.

If you're looking for something reliable and extremely low maintenance, I'd go with the first. That's not to say the the LT1 cars aren't reliable, but I think you'd have minimal worries with the 2000 (not to mention it being faster out of the box). It's also the perfect canvas should you decide you want to go nuts modifying the car, especially after getting done with school.

Thanks for the advice! I don't think rarity is really a factor I care about, as I don't plan on keeping this car forever (but who knows!). The third one needs some work, so I'll throw it out. The '00 is the coolest but I can't really afford it at the price they want, and I don't want to pay my limit and not get a stick...

Here's another I like-- says '95 WS6? Not sure but it's a Trans Am for sure. 6 speed and all! Just needs a new optispark, which doesn't seem to be too terribly difficult to replace? I've done quite a few mechanical repairs on my 2nd gen so I know a little about how to work on cars myself. What do you guys think?
http://joplin.craigslist.org/cto/3341504629.html

[01pewterz28]

The 95 is a clone with 98-02 tail lights.

"1996 was the first year the WS6 Performance Package was made available on 4th generation (93-02) Firebirds"

[demonspeed]

Also a salvage title. I'd save up some extra coin and get the 2000 before hoping on something like that.

I bet if you went with cash to look at the 2000 you'd walk away at $3500.

[GVMV]

Being a 4th gen. Owner I have to agree with the other poster go with 98 to 02. LT is a great engine but the "could die at any time optispark" even keeps mine from venturing to far from home. Unless you have the 600-2500 to either put a dynaspark unit on or convert to ls ecm.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

[Scrappy Doo]

Get the 2000

[74 Camaro C-2]

Okay so the search is now on for a '98-'02 Trans am, 6 speed, WS6 would be best, 4k or under. Let the hunting begin

So what other sites should I look on for 4th gens? I just joined ls1 tech, any others?

[demonspeed]

You can try LS1.com but I've only ever been a member or LS1tech. Keep browsing craigslist (use searchtempest.com to search multiple cities) and try ebaymotors as well.

[insidethreat07]

The 1st one. Offer 3700 and see what they say

[74 Camaro C-2]

I have a little time to find the right one also guys, so I'm going to search for a 6 speed. I'd much rather spend the money on that and enjoy it than feel like I always need to swap for a stick car. Any help in finding a car is appreciated!!

[demonspeed]

I don't blame you for wanting to hold out for what you truly want. Best of luck!

[toesuf94]

Advice: Buy the best car you can afford - it will cost more initially, but save you a ton down the road. There were a lot of them made, so take your time and find the one you like the best.

I am looking for a third gen IROC/Z28 convertible...some day. Kinda need to see where the economy goes in the next year before adding to the fleet right now.

[The_Blur]

I was looking for a WS6 and jumped on a Formula due to patiently waiting for a good deal and low mileage. In a daily driver, the last thing you want is a maintenance disaster. I've got to throw some coin now on it, but I could be in much worse shape, having to replace a dying engine or transmission just to get me to work. If you're looking into a cheap car and already have a project, keep in mind why you're getting it. You've already got a sweet project car. A beat up WS6 is going to be a strong temptation to modify, especially when stuff wears out. When the engine goes, you'll find yourself looking for a 427 to throw in there, and while you're at it you'll be trying to upgrade the driveline, headers, exhaust, transmission, and suspension. Suddenly, your $4k Pontiac costs you more than you make.

If I were looking for a DD and I already had a monster in the garage, I might be looking more for a cruiser than a track-ready WS6. That's just me, though. I hope you have good luck finding what you want.