What to look for 1998 Camaro z28 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

shine2013 · 01-20-2015, 09:31 PM

I currently have a 5th gen v6, but I've come across a 1998 z28 with 76k miles on it. The dealer wants 8.9k and I talked them down from 11k. I'm just a bit worried, because the car is listed as "as is". I'm going down with a mechanic tomorrow, but I just wanted to know what any of you all thought I needed to look for to make sure it isn't a lemon.

ninety6 · 01-23-2015, 01:22 PM

Almost all used cars are technically sold "AS-IS" -- with the exception of Certified Used. Don't worry about the As-Is thing, completely normal.

How did the mechanic check out go? That's really your best bet. If there are no major mods, and the car has been taken care of, and mechanic gives it the OK, thats about all you can hope for until you own it. Give it a nice long test drive, listen for sound, feel for vibrations and things that shouldn't be there.

Overall, these cars are very solid. 11k would be high for what you describe, but 9k sounds about right, assuming its in good or better condition.

I just bought a 2002 V6 Convertible last summer with 79k on it for 7,000....

Let us know what you decided, and if you bought, post pics!

ChibiBlackSheep · 01-23-2015, 02:14 PM

Get under the car and check the bump stops, they like to rot out.

Are the seats in good condition? Is the dashboard cracked or warped? Those are the common points of the car. The suspension might also still be stock and will probably need a refresh, they are low cars and ride a little rough, but it shouldn't be TOO rough on your test drive.

xXSilencerXx · 01-25-2015, 08:41 PM

Look for interior damage, listen for and gear whine from the rear. The rear ends are the week point in the drive train.

United_727 · 01-26-2015, 09:20 AM

The rocker panels rust,too. Especially by the rear wheels.

Jakey2SS · 01-26-2015, 09:36 AM

I could see paying 7 grand if the car is insanely clean inside and out, but 9k? No way, it's a 16 year old car.

shine2013 · 01-26-2015, 01:25 PM

Thanks everyone. Arm rest was broken. Car had a rattle when I started it up, but went away for the most part. Mechanic test drove after me and said run away.

01-20-2015, 09:31 PM	#1
shine2013 Drives: 2008 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Memphis Posts: 378	What to look for 1998 Camaro z28 I currently have a 5th gen v6, but I've come across a 1998 z28 with 76k miles on it. The dealer wants 8.9k and I talked them down from 11k. I'm just a bit worried, because the car is listed as "as is". I'm going down with a mechanic tomorrow, but I just wanted to know what any of you all thought I needed to look for to make sure it isn't a lemon.

01-23-2015, 02:14 PM	#3
ChibiBlackSheep Drives: 2012 2SS/RS, 1968 SS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southeast, PA Posts: 2,092	Get under the car and check the bump stops, they like to rot out. Are the seats in good condition? Is the dashboard cracked or warped? Those are the common points of the car. The suspension might also still be stock and will probably need a refresh, they are low cars and ride a little rough, but it shouldn't be TOO rough on your test drive. __________________ LS3 Crate Engine Swap \| CSP Custom Cam 232/240 .615/.615 113 +3 \| Stainless Power LT Headers \| Z28 Intake \| Borla S-Type Exhaust \| FTI Triple-Disc Billet 3200 Stall 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS \| 1968 Camaro SS \| 2020 Cadillac CT5 Premium Luxury \| 2021 Spark LS

01-25-2015, 08:41 PM	#4
xXSilencerXx Butter Bar! Drives: 2011 SS, 1998 Trans Am Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Patrick AFB, FL Posts: 1,364	Look for interior damage, listen for and gear whine from the rear. The rear ends are the week point in the drive train. __________________ 2011 Camaro SS, White/Orange, LSR Short Throw, CAI 1998 Trans Am, Red, H/C/I, 3200 CircleD Stall, full suspension 2004 GSXR 1k, Matt Mladin Edition

01-26-2015, 09:20 AM	#5
United_727 Parts Guru Extraordinair. Drives: '02 SS 'Vert M6 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,184	The rocker panels rust,too. Especially by the rear wheels. __________________ Please check out my other hobby ; http://jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?userid=1008

01-23-2015, 01:22 PM	#2
ninety6 2xSOM Drives: 2002 Camaro SS \| 2002 Camaro V6 vrt Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Mason, OH Posts: 284	Almost all used cars are technically sold "AS-IS" -- with the exception of Certified Used. Don't worry about the As-Is thing, completely normal. How did the mechanic check out go? That's really your best bet. If there are no major mods, and the car has been taken care of, and mechanic gives it the OK, thats about all you can hope for until you own it. Give it a nice long test drive, listen for sound, feel for vibrations and things that shouldn't be there. Overall, these cars are very solid. 11k would be high for what you describe, but 9k sounds about right, assuming its in good or better condition. I just bought a 2002 V6 Convertible last summer with 79k on it for 7,000.... Let us know what you decided, and if you bought, post pics!

01-26-2015, 09:36 AM	#6
Jakey2SS Drives: 15' Scat Pack Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fresno, Ca Posts: 281	I could see paying 7 grand if the car is insanely clean inside and out, but 9k? No way, it's a 16 year old car.

01-26-2015, 01:25 PM	#7
shine2013 Drives: 2008 Mustang GT Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Memphis Posts: 378	Thanks everyone. Arm rest was broken. Car had a rattle when I started it up, but went away for the most part. Mechanic test drove after me and said run away.