Things to look for when purchasing? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

jimb416 · 09-01-2019, 04:20 PM

I am in the market for a Z/28, naturally I don’t want to buy a car with issues but I know that’s the risk taken when buying pre driven. I have no real experience with Camaros of any generation so my hope is that you guys might be able to point out any know issues or at least things to look for. I appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Jim

richard grimsley · 09-01-2019, 05:03 PM

I am certain many will chime in. If or when you find a Z that you admire I would ensure it has been thoroughly checked/ examined. If used and or modified ensure that the Ls7 heads have been updated/ upgraded. With research you will find that the Ls7’s heads (corvette and Camaro) have had a issue with the valve stem runner(s) being out of tolerance at some given point. Not all Ls7’s have had the same experience; however, there are the few of the Ls7’s Z/28 that have had this issue and identified- repaired before any detrimental effects could occur.

What’s that old saying... you’re going to have to pay if you want to play.

1970judge · 09-01-2019, 05:20 PM

1) Has it been wrecked? No? Buy it.
2) Can the dealer/seller provide at least a reasonable list of regular oil changes? Yes? Buy it.

That's how my check off list goes, and I have proof. Bought mine sight unseen and shipped it across the country.

You can buy a brand new car and it grenade tomorrow. You can buy a used 200k Camaro and it last another 200k or vice versa.

j o n · 09-01-2019, 06:20 PM

These cars have expensive/rare components, if they need replacement. Depending on budget and patience... Do your due diligence. Little things add up quick.

Do you care if car was tracked? Check wheel wells for rubber. Tires may have indication of heat on the edges. Brake pads may have white on them. Camaro emblems on engine covers may be peeling or flaked off

Camaros in general get peppered with rocks due to their shape. Z/28s are worse with wider tires and qtrs. Impact areas on the qtrs and rear flares can take a beating

Front lip takes getting use to if you're no familiar with low, long nosed cars. Easily damaged.

All the piano black exterior trim and wheels swirl and scratch with ease.

Interior alcantara covers steering wheel, dash, shifter, and seats. Can be cleaned with warm water or alcantara cleaner. Seat leather can be worn from seat belts cutting into shoulder bolsters.

Shocks/struts have VIN numbers on them if you really do an inspection on the car.

Brake rotors can be easily chipped if the wheels are bumped against them during on/offs

09-01-2019, 04:20 PM	#1
jimb416 Drives: 2011 Grand Sport Corvette Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 4	Things to look for when purchasing? I am in the market for a Z/28, naturally I don’t want to buy a car with issues but I know that’s the risk taken when buying pre driven. I have no real experience with Camaros of any generation so my hope is that you guys might be able to point out any know issues or at least things to look for. I appreciate any input. Thanks, Jim

09-01-2019, 06:20 PM	#4
j o n Drives: 2015 Z/28 #0058 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 814	These cars have expensive/rare components, if they need replacement. Depending on budget and patience... Do your due diligence. Little things add up quick. Do you care if car was tracked? Check wheel wells for rubber. Tires may have indication of heat on the edges. Brake pads may have white on them. Camaro emblems on engine covers may be peeling or flaked off Camaros in general get peppered with rocks due to their shape. Z/28s are worse with wider tires and qtrs. Impact areas on the qtrs and rear flares can take a beating Front lip takes getting use to if you're no familiar with low, long nosed cars. Easily damaged. All the piano black exterior trim and wheels swirl and scratch with ease. Interior alcantara covers steering wheel, dash, shifter, and seats. Can be cleaned with warm water or alcantara cleaner. Seat leather can be worn from seat belts cutting into shoulder bolsters. Shocks/struts have VIN numbers on them if you really do an inspection on the car. Brake rotors can be easily chipped if the wheels are bumped against them during on/offs __________________ Current: - '15 Z/28 #0058 \| White \| A/C \| Speakers \| Michelin PS4S 305/30/19's - '22 Ridgeline RTL \| White \| Ebony, '22 CR-V EX-L Hybrid \| White \| Ebony Sold: - '15 Z/28 #0048 \| White \| A/C \| Speakers \| Michelin PS4S 305/30/19's https://www.instagram.com/__jon__athan__/

09-01-2019, 05:03 PM	#2
richard grimsley GRIM Drives: 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Marlton, NJ. Posts: 158	I am certain many will chime in. If or when you find a Z that you admire I would ensure it has been thoroughly checked/ examined. If used and or modified ensure that the Ls7 heads have been updated/ upgraded. With research you will find that the Ls7’s heads (corvette and Camaro) have had a issue with the valve stem runner(s) being out of tolerance at some given point. Not all Ls7’s have had the same experience; however, there are the few of the Ls7’s Z/28 that have had this issue and identified- repaired before any detrimental effects could occur. What’s that old saying... you’re going to have to pay if you want to play.

09-01-2019, 05:20 PM	#3
1970judge Drives: 2015 Z/28, 2007 HHR Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 1,148	1) Has it been wrecked? No? Buy it. 2) Can the dealer/seller provide at least a reasonable list of regular oil changes? Yes? Buy it. That's how my check off list goes, and I have proof. Bought mine sight unseen and shipped it across the country. You can buy a brand new car and it grenade tomorrow. You can buy a used 200k Camaro and it last another 200k or vice versa.