DocHoliday

I am really not sure where to put this, but here it goes.

I am looking at purchasing a 1992 Camaro RS with a 305 TBI 5.0 L engine. It has 140,000 miles on it and I was wondering what I should expect to have to fix if I purchase this car. What are the most common problems on a car like this with high miles? I am going to look at it on Sunday so I can get a better idea of what shape its in. But engine wise, how dependable is it going to be? Should I even bother?

Heres a picture of it:



Thanks in advance for your guys help.

DocHoliday

David M

Hi Doc, and welcome to the boards. The L03 engine in these cars are extremely reliable, even when not taken care of. This car has probobly got the puff of blue smoke upon start-up, especially when cold. Although not the quickest third-gen produced by no means, the V8 RS 1989-1992 are very good cars. The solid roof cars are more higher mileage friendly as well. I wouldn't hesitate especially with maint. records. Good luck to you.

David M.

crrllmich

-Dieing or Dead power windows
-Leaking T-tops or in your case rear window weatherstipping leaking
-Under carraige rust of coarse
-Stretched hoses
-Thermostat needing replacement
-Loose Steering Collumn
-Rear Power Hatch assembly dieing or broke
-Bowed doors (when they open all the way they drop down an inch)

Thats about all the things I can think off my head of common problems to look for. Anyone else want to add?

If you have any problems don't worry the board members are more then willing to help you out

1991 RS/SS

That looks like a really nice car. If you care to share the asking price, somebody on here may tell you more accurately if it is worth it.

I bought my 1991 RS almost six years ago with 69,999 miles on it. That car was mint (still is after a little work). There were no problems at all (except for T-top leak, but only under high pressure from a pressure washer).

The car had the 305 TBI. Like David M said, they were not the fastest, but that engine will run forever. Eventually the rear-main seal started to drip a little oil, but not enough to cause concern.

The car now has 112,000 on it and is still in great shape. The power windows, power locks, power hatch, etc.. all work like new. The rear hatch seal does not leak.

I have been all but light on this car, too. It gets dragged on weekends and driven pretty hard on a regular basis.

Make sure you check the underbody for major rust. This is not too common, but some people do not believe in caring for their cars. Look in the wheel wells by both back tires, specifically in front of the tire near the floorpan/subframe. They can rot out there. Also (if you cannot see it, feel for it) check for rust along the rocker panels on the floorpan under the car. Check all the way between the front and back tire.

All in all, that should be a really nice car. It definitely looks mint.

DocHoliday

Well the dealership is asking $2,988. I kinda want to ask them whats wrong with the car and why are they pricing it so low. I also want to check its title, but that cost money to buy a vehicles history report from carfax. I hope the dealership will be honest with me. Thanks for all the info you guys gave me, keep it coming!

DocHoliday

crrllmich

Is it already inspected?

a mack6

iTrader: (1)

That price is about right from a dealer. The price is more than KBB, but less than NADA value. I would estimate that they got the car for less than $1000 (whether it be from auction or trade-in), So i mean even selling it for a quick $3grand will net them 2 g's.

Like many have said, The 305 TBI engine is pretty bulletproof. I myself have one (in my 1992 Camaro) and while its not terribly fast, it does have ample power for normal driving. Another MAJOR benefit of the 305 TBI engine is its gas mileage. If the car is in good tune, it will get close to 30 MPG on the highway. By putting on an exhaust system and an open element, you will only increase your MPG (and performance) more.

I would check the car for the problems that everyone else has mentioned, and if it seems like its in good condition, make an offer. IF you could get the car for around $2000 it would be a very good deal, but even $2500 isnt bad if its in good condition.

Good luck and keep us updated.

hmmurdock_00

looks good, usually won't much wrong with a 305 TBI. As far as the 305 TBI being reilable, that is 100% true, The only time my camaro left me stranded was the fuel pump (not even related to engine trouble). Mine had some smoke from the worn out valve stem seals but only on start up.

I can prove the 305 is Ford F150 proof, I hit one and the 305 still was running, the ford was not.

But that sounds pertty decent for the car, if it appears to be mechanically sound every where and the body and interior are good then may be worth it.

DocHoliday

Well a lot has happened since I last posted. Lemme explain.

Like I said in my earlier post, I was going to see this 92 RS on Sunday (today). Well me and my dad get there and we check it out. The body was in pretty ok shape. The paint looked stock and the body had no real dings in it. But the only thing that made us really hesitant was the fact that the dealer told us it had 141,000 and on the Odometer it said 143,000. So me and my dad said screw it. We were not gonna by a car with that many miles on it for $2988.00 before taxes and everything else. Thats way to much for that car. So sitting right next to it was a 94 Camaro. Its a 4th gen body so I already disliked it from the get go. We look at it and its in great shape. Its got 86,000 miles on it and its solid, so we decided we would take it for a spin. So they scan my license and give me the keys. Well my dad gets in and puts the key in the ignition and turns it over. Its DEAD QUIET. Not even the starter whines. Me and my dad look at each other and just say wow. So we got out of that dealership as fast as we could. We didn't trust anything they had.

But wait, thats not all!

As we are driving home, I was feeling pretty down at the fact of not being able to get a Camaro like I had really wanted. My dad sees this and he tells me that whenever he comes to pick me up from school each day, he always sees this 3rd-gen camaro sitting in this guys driveway. And he told me that a For Sale sign was put on it a couple weeks ago. So me and him drive over to the guys house. We get out and I see this beauty sitting in the driveway. It's a 1984 Camaro Z28 5.0 L. Its a carbureted engine, no EFI in this baby! It has an all red body with about a 6-inch silver stripe running directly at the bottom of the body. Its a two tone paint job. We go up to the house and we get the owner to come show us the car. Well needless to say, it was too good to be true. The car only has 107,000 miles on it. For being a 22-year old car thats great! It has T-Tops and louvers on the rear windows. Its interior was in mint condition. I couldn't believe how incredibly clean this was. The carpet wasn't faded or curling at all. All the guages worked flawlessly. And it even had the stock radio still in it. Its only had 2 owners him included. Its been garage kept most of its life. He has full maintainence records also. And it passes emissions! Woot!

Now for the best part! Guess how much he was asking for it?

$1950

WOW!

We even took her for a test drive and she performed great! The suspension was very stiff though, but nothing I am worried about.

But to cut to the chase, I am now purchasing a 1984 Camaro Z28! I guess good things do happen to people who wait! I will be quite a frequent member to these boards, and I will even post some pics of the beast when I get it. Thanks for your time!

Doc Holiday

sully91rs

I was gonna say I payed 2600 for my 91 RS with 97,000 on it, from my mechanic (family been going to em for 35 years), and he did work to it (new tie-rod, engine check-up needing a new tps sensor). 3 g's for 140,000 is a lot. And a car not even starting? Uh yea, let's buy 3 cars from em.

But heck, u made out great with the 84 z28! Enjoy!

1991 RS/SS

Sounds like you found a great car!

Post some pics when you are able.

Derek The Great

I will never buy a car from a dealership unless it i pre ordered it brand new. that said, your 84 should have a stiff supension because it is a z28, its gonna handle pretty good...

hmmurdock_00

Sounds similar to me, called today on a 91 camaro i been seeing in an ad for a dealership 3295, its in good shape he says, but it has 200k on the odometer. I am considering an 1984 Z28 with the 305 quadjet, all orginal guy even has the sales recipet and owners manual 80k speedo doesn't work but minor, it has just sat there. the only cosmetic problem paint, only mech problem is the speed. Shows no real signs of wear or tear. 2000 for it. but found some other interesting deals.

Good find dude, Camaros are suppost to have stiff suspension to help the handling. Camaros weren't built for comfort.

Good luck. and post pics.