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new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

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Old 10-31-2009, 09:41 PM
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new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

i have come across a 92 RS with the 305 TBI Auto. 79900 miles. comes with headers, y pipe, cat back, and muffler. $3450

the problems:
1. A/C doesnt work (i think its just low on freon because the compressor will kick on and off fairly rapidly as if the low pressure sensor was telling it too.)
2. Front and Rear Seals need to be replaced.
3. Feels like the ball joints or something up there needs to be replaced.
4. Instrument cluster is going out.


The interior is in great condidtion, looks like new. The paint is good but the top is starting to dull. the only rust on the car is on the molding around the back glass.

what do you guys think?
Old 10-31-2009, 09:49 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

Oh no - you've lost your ever-lovin' mind haven't you? I'm sorry - do you still have family? Friends even? Is there anyone close by that can come over and slap you back to your senses?

'CAUSE THERE'S NO WAY ANY 1992 RS IS WORTH $3450!!!!

Especially with problems. I gave $800 for mine with not nearly as many problems. I wouldn't give any more than $500 for what you describe.

Get slapped - take it like a man - thank the person who slapped you, and keep shopping!
Old 10-31-2009, 09:56 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

I paid 1800 for mine even though I knew I could get one for under $1000. I just had to have the 5 speed so I got it, then spent way too much money on repairs from the start.
Old 10-31-2009, 10:08 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

around here this is the average price.

the car runs fine it just has a couple problems. has a good bit of power as well. transmission shifts smoothly. the interior is mint, i cant explain how well the interior is. the paint is ok as i stated above. 79900 original miles. new tires, new headliner, straight body, practically rust free aswell. all the exhaust equipment is hooker, from the headers to the muffler.

i just cant agree with you guys. theres no way this car is only worth 1000-1500 bucks. no way.
Old 10-31-2009, 11:06 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

The mileage is the best thing the car has going for it. Considering that it's 17 years old, 79K is well under average mileage. However, seeing that it's not a particularly rare or special model, the price does seem a little high. I would see if he'd take $2800 or $3k.

The A/C, instrument cluster, and ball joints should be relatively easy to sort out, but what does "front and rear seals" mean? Is it leaking oil? The front main seal is really just an oil ring pressed into the timing cover, and is pretty simple to replace. However, the rear main seal is a one piece unit, and will require quite a bit of work to replace.
Old 10-31-2009, 11:09 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

I seen a ls1 iroc sell on here for 2800
Old 11-01-2009, 03:36 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

Damn, I can't even find an LS1 engine around here that cheap.
Old 11-01-2009, 04:35 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

If you got around 4000 you can get an awesome thirdgen,you may have to travel to get it,be patient and watch,cause right after you buy one youll see a better deal and kick yourself. Ive done it a few times. ebay,and autotrader and the 3rd gen classifieds is what you need to watch.
Old 11-01-2009, 04:47 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

If it's really clean, has good paint, interior, rubber, and looks generally well cared for, I think it's probably worth it. It's unlikely the rear main seal is leaking. It's possible, but it's much more likely running down from somewhere else as it has the one piece seal.
Old 11-01-2009, 04:55 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

I know a guy around here selling a 92 z28 w/ 350 crate motor and fiberglass 4" cowl. Its automatic, has full exhaust, new radiator, clean inside and pretty good on the outside. He is only asking $1000. Try ebay, you can find a better deal easily there. You have a choice, be impatient and spend money on a 305 automatic that is going to need repairs immediately, or wait a little bit longer for a Camaro with a better engine and is in sound mechanical condition. Then you can spend the money you would have spent on repairs on some upgrades instead. My opinion but its your choice.

EDIT: Another thing to keep in mind is that older cars with low mileage and original motors have more than likely been dry started nearly everytime it has been cranked. Internals are probably close to if not already shot.
Old 11-01-2009, 05:01 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

Seems a bit pricey. and I agree one piece rear seal usually dont' leak often it could be the transmission front pump. I almost bet if you pop off the flywheel cover you will see red liquid. But never know. I bought mine with 50k on the motor, 700r4 crapping out. for 600 bucks interior is eh okay. 50k crate motor not original miles. Again it has its postive side the motor having only 79k. I would keep it in mind but i would look for other options IMO.
Old 11-01-2009, 06:24 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

Originally Posted by RieceFleming
around here this is the average price.
Where's "around here"?
Old 11-02-2009, 08:30 AM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

No way. Keep shopping. The TBI engine only puts out 170hp at stock. That price is ridiculous. I looked a 3rd gen for over a year before finding my 88 GTA with a TPI and T-5 for $1200. The right one will come along.
Old 11-02-2009, 09:15 AM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

I got my 1991 Z28 for 3500 and its a really nice car, not to mention the butt load of parts that came with it...Accel DFI Gen 7 Kit BRAND NEW! Twin Turbo kit, New drivers door, etc...plus a bunch of parts and money thrown into the motor already Great buy if you ask me
Old 11-02-2009, 03:54 PM
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Re: new to 3rd gen. good buy or not?

Location is a big factor in what is or isn't a good price. In my case (central Alberta) you're hard pressed to find a stock thirdgen with a decent body for under three grand and typically closer to four. Any modifications and the price goes up. Gotta admit I'm pretty envious of you southern states folks where mint IROCs are found in every third backyard for a thousand bucks.
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