4th gen Camaro 3.8L advice?

[DarrenWS6]

There is a red 1998 Camaro Base 3.8L loaded for sale at a dealer down the road. They are asking about $5,000, its auto, 99k miles, t-top, black leather, and has the ground effects that some Base & Z28s came optional with. I really really like its looks though there is a issue with the bumper not flush with the hood and passenger headlamp loose which I would imagine is repairable.

I have heard the 3.8L is an iron tough beast of a V6 such as the 4.3L, at 99k miles and over 10yrs of age do you think this would make a reliable daily driver? Anything to watch out for? Would it be very economical on avg and highway economy? My LS1 6spd did a good 23mpg highway which impressed me, I looked up on the internet most 6 banger f-body 3.8s avg 27 highway 19 city. I have been wanting the Malibu LTZ but I could snag this for cash if I wanted it bad enough, I really am into it and will be going to look at it tomorrow. I know it won't be exactly as fun as my previous F-Body, but its still an F-body none the less and a dang nice looking one, although it needs a thorough detail job which is all I am great at


I do not have photos of it yet as I only walked around it on Saturday evening, but it looks exactly like this except for the wheels.

 

[daddy]

Run.

 

[DarrenWS6]

Run.

Away from it? Could you elaborate some?

 

[daddy]

I've never been a fan of that body style, it's a V6 in a Camaro, and all I ever hear is that those cars have a ton of known issues.

You'll be much better off with the Malibu whenever you can get it.

 

[nubuilder]

Yeah, its a sharp car, but is the V6 (which isn't all that bad) and an Auto (5spd = more fun).

A Malibu would be a much better vehicle for hauling people/stuff. This will have higher insurance too.

Plus, it seems like its too cheap to me.

 

[OPGMC]

It be one ugly SOB. I would guess it has been run very hard.

 

[Sunset_Z28]

I'd stay away from it too. I can't see a 3.8 getting 27mpgs.

 

[DarrenWS6]

Hmm I am surprised. I love the 4th gen the most out of the F-body time line, but the '98 - '02 Trans Am WS6 the most. I am surprised at the feedback so far. I actually really like its looks, but performance is another thing. I don't need it per say, but it still would be cool to have, I do miss that LS1.

My research avgs $4500 - $8000 being avg costs for V6 late model 4th gens, determining on condition and mileage. This is semi-high mile-aged and in Good condition, couple scratches plus the bumper & headlamp thing.

Yeah, its a sharp car, but is the V6 (which isn't all that bad) and an Auto (5spd = more fun).

A Malibu would be a much better vehicle for hauling people/stuff. This will have higher insurance too.

Plus, it seems like its too cheap to me.

Insurance would probably be high for a 10yr old V6 Camaro? Dang, can't ever win, its not like it is a 2010 SS . I would prefer automatic for a general daily scooter.

 

[nubuilder]

Yeah, its a sharp car, but is the V6 (which isn't all that bad) and an Auto (5spd = more fun).

A Malibu would be a much better vehicle for hauling people/stuff. This will have higher insurance too.

Plus, it seems like its too cheap to me.

Insurance would probably be high for a 10yr old V6 Camaro? Dang, can't ever win, its not like it is a 2010 SS . I would prefer automatic for a general daily scooter.

Sorry, I only know of an 18yr old having a LT1 Camaro and paying $1k+/yr in insurance. I'm just use to being nailed for being young.

I can see this car getting 25mpg depending on the axle ratio, tire size, and RPM's.

 

[buckshot85]

i personally love that body style. My broter has a 2000 z28 and i would die for that thing. we have an old 1996 LS 5 speed and it never had any major issues besides the T-top started leaking and even after replacing the seals it still had a little bit of a leak. and i like them because they hold there value a good bit for a car IMO. most ss or z28 still sell for around 7k plus on mautofied and locally here