Not to sure if i'm putting this in the right section, so move if you like.

Anyways, I'm thinking about buying my first TransAm. Now I was looking through info and just getting a feel for what to expect and learn.

I'm looking at models from 1988-2002. Now i know they have gone through modifications between those years, but I just want to know if certain ones perform better and less problematic.

What should I be looking for? What should i be worried about, etc... Just need new used-car advice

Thanks alot

 

The floorboards on the 3rd gens (82-92) are prone to rot, especially at the driver's feet. Check those over, don't be afraid to punch them a little to see if they are solid. Especially if you live in a rustbelt state, it might be very hard to find one without this problem.

Also, if you are looking for something with power, don't be fooled into buying a 305 TBI, be sure its at least a TPI. They are harder to find, but its worth looking.

If there is body damage, or evidence of some, be sure its on the bolt on parts (like the fender, bumpers, etc) and not in the quarterpanels, as they are part of the unibody and much harder to repair/replace.

Finally, I'd say check and be sure the body gaps are consistent, and it doesn't look like the body has twisted. For F-bodies, especially with T-tops, this can be a huge problem. (this applies to both 3rd and 4th gens).

Good luck, there's tons of cars for sale on these boards, look around and I'm sure you can find something worth looking into.

 

hello. just look for rust on the car.....everywhere. it likes to hide. the floor pans, the t-top bar (if you get t-tops). also check the dash for cracks. make sure the body is straight. oh, and check to see how much sag is in the doors. open the door and lift up on the end of it gently and see how much it moves (the door hinges wear out alot since the doors are so heavy). obviously check mileage. check the suspension. and again. check how much rust is on the car. if you can, have the owner jack it up. then crawl underneath it and check the floor pans and make sure the rust isn't too bad. some rust is repairable, but excessive rust is bad. pop the hood and look the engine over really good. make sure the engine in the car is exactly what the owner says it is. check all of the modified parts to see what they are. also, do some searching on here. people post things about problems and how to fix them all the time. basically, don't buy the car until you know exactly what it is. also check the car's title and make sure it hasn't been in an accident. try to avoid any car that has been in an accident. the frame could be bent. one way to check this is to look at the wear on the tires, and see how they are wearing. if you have any questions, just ask on here, or send me a pm.

yea, and if you want the power, go with a tpi. i have a 305 tbi in my car, and i know the tpi is better.

 

I guess the other thing to think about, is what you want your Trans Am to look like. Through 88-02, there's a ton of changes, the biggest being between 92 and 93. You can mix and match a little within generations, if you like tailights of one, but the bumper of another, etc. But you can't really mix exterior parts from the 3rd gen to the 4th gen.

 

oh yea, good point. i completely forgot to mention that part.

 

Thanks for all the replies and advice. Yes, living in SE Wisconsin, and having all the dang snow and salt sure does a number on cars lol.

I'm still unsure to what exactly to learn towards. I like both the 3rd and 4th gens. Though, the LT1's in the 4th are pretty damn sweet

Time will tell I guess.

 

I'd go based on looks. You can put an LS1 or an LT1 in a 3rd gen, but you can't make a 4th gen look like they do. I can't speak for anyone but myself but I had more trouble with body flex in the 4th gen than I did the 3rd gen.

I'd say the advantages of a 3rd gen are: Looks, current price, body stiffness (I know, its a joke either way...)

Advantages of a 4th gen are: better rust prevention, better stock motor.

 

And according to progressive, insurance is a tad lower for the 3rd as well lol.

 

yea, the insurance will be lower for the thirdgen because of the age of the car. my insurance is like $15 a month (just liability).

 

third gens are more simple to work on under the hood as well.

 

one of the big defs in 3rd and 4th gens are working on the engine i have installed one in a 4th gen it is a pain . so my chose would be 84-87 3rd gen 350 TPI 700R4