what is a deal on an LS1

[ellik]

Originally posted by greatsave9:
But whats a "1997 30th Anniversary Edition 'Bird" That must be some kind of new car?
Maybe a 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am 30th Anniversary http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/transam30th.html

my car is badged as a 30th Anniversary edition. ie. 30 years from the introduction of the firebird in 1967. a "1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am 30th Anniversary" would be the 30th anniversary of the Trans Am which was released in 1969. Mine came with an emblem on the console, one in front of the 'FIREBIRD' on each of the doores, and gold '30th Anniversary" lettering on the nose and rear bumper. Did it come with any other goodies? No. Just a marketing thing.

Sorry Hawgs, Everyone is just going to have to deal with the fact that this isnt about getting a mustang. Im not interested in a deal on a Mustang. Thats not an option. Did I ask, 'Gee would I be better off getting this LS1 or a Mustang?' Nope. Question was, at this point in time, is this a good deal on this particular car. Ive test drove a couple GT's thinking about them as an option, but I am unimpressed by them. I dont like the interiors, how they sit, feel or handle.... and the looks of them on the road are a dime a dozen.

To me, a car is more than just reliability. Its artistic and beautiful.....and its a hobby.

Anyway, house is already secured. There is no question about financing or money there. However, Im passing on the Z. Sometimes I (as im sure others do) just get an urge to splurge and need a reality check.
Im actually hoping to stretch my 97 out 2 or 3 more years and bump to a USED vette or Jag XKR, where the styling transcends reliability and practicality to the extreme.
Thanks to everyone who responded...even if Mustangs were brought up. ;)

[Machiavelli]

12 or 16 spark plugs...

[hawgs]

Originally posted by ellik:
Sorry Hawgs, Everyone is just going to have to deal with the fact that this isnt about getting a mustang. Im not interested in a deal on a Mustang. Thats not an option. Did I ask, 'Gee would I be better off getting this LS1 or a Mustang?' Nope. Question was, at this point in time, is this a good deal on this particular car. Ive test drove a couple GT's thinking about them as an option, but I am unimpressed by them. I dont like the interiors, how they sit, feel or handle.... and the looks of them on the road are a dime a dozen.

I was being a smartass, I don't really want to talk about mustangs [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ellik]

Originally posted by hawgs:
I was being a smartass, I don't really want to talk about mustangs [img]smile.gif[/img]

lol.... I know.

[95Batmobile]

Originally posted by ka50:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by MustangEater8251:
EDIT: F-bodies are reliable, look at all car ratings in just about every magazine even consumer reports of "used cars to avoid"

hey, if you believe everything you read in magazines, then go pick up a copy of cosmo magazine.. very much filled with facts

I know from experience, that american cars are reliable if properly maintained.

Most of the time it's some minor bull**** that goes wrong, such as window motors or some other wear and tear item. Well, the drivetrain owns, though... and that's the most important thing.

Why do you think all cab drivers use AMERICAN cars with big V8 engines in them? If they weren't reliable, they all would be driving in hondas, now wouldn't they? </font>[/QUOTE]1 - A lot of those magazine know more than you do.

2 - My dad has been a mechanic for about 30 years now and he will tell you the same thing Eric is telling you.

He will also tell you this:

Originally posted by greatsave9:
I expect only 100k miles outta my cars, nothing more nothing less.

I don't see how 100k miles makes a car reliable since some people can put that on a car in 3 years...

And to put in my opinion on the original topic... I would wait man. Debt sucks :( Plus wouldn't it be nice to get the car after the house so you will have the money to mod it if you want? ;)

[SirShaun]

Engine Swap would be funner/cheaper :0. Unless you want to get away from the firebird and get a camaro.

[ABH]

Get debt free first. Then take the money you paid into the former debt and invest it for a year or so.

The less debt, the more cash on hand you have, the more options you have. You could be at the point where you could just pay cash for that used Vette or XK, or at least make one hell of a down payment.

[ka50]

batmobile:

1) If you believe in magazines, you're just plain dumb. Go out and buy national enquirer or whatever it's called... yeh, aliens are landing tomorow, I think your head will believe that, too.

2) Just cuz your uncle is a mechanic doesn't make him an expert on every car out there. I've known ****load of mechanics just like your uncle **** on american cars. Well, so far I don't have many complaints with american cars and we've had plenty of them.

[MustangEater8251]

Originally posted by ka50:
batmobile:

1) If you believe in magazines, you're just plain dumb. Go out and buy national enquirer or whatever it's called... yeh, aliens are landing tomorow, I think your head will believe that, too.

2) Just cuz your uncle is a mechanic doesn't make him an expert on every car out there. I've known ****load of mechanics just like your uncle **** on american cars. Well, so far I don't have many complaints with american cars and we've had plenty of them.

I know you don't believe what you read in magazines. But jeez there is some truth..


So you honestly believe a 3 year old f-body is a nice car to get into for $20k in debt?

[casketcrewchick]

I am sure that our cars are "used cars to avoid" because when people own them *most* beat the **** out of them and you wouldnt want to buy that. Thats why i am glad mine was completely stock... i know it wasnt beat to hell.

[ellik]

Originally posted by casketcrewchick:
I am sure that our cars are "used cars to avoid" because when people own them *most* beat the **** out of them and you wouldnt want to buy that. Thats why i am glad mine was completely stock... i know it wasnt beat to hell.

even 'new' cars are beat to hell.... unless you are at the dealership when your car is delivered to the lot from the factory on a truck. I've worked at dealerships and know how the salesmen and lot rats treat them.... especially sports cars. They sure dont give them that 'break in' time.

Im keeping my car and waiting it out....it'll be paid off shortly as will c.c.'s Wife wants a grand cherokee, so looks like that is going to be next, then I'll work on the down payment for the jag or a vette.... lol, a 3 year old $30k car. ;)

[MustangEater8251]

[quote]Originally posted by ellik:

Originally posted by casketcrewchick:
[qb] Im keeping my car and waiting it out....it'll be paid off shortly as will c.c.'s Wife wants a grand cherokee, so looks like that is going to be next, then I'll work on the down payment for the jag or a vette.... lol, a 3 year old $30k car. ;)

Will it be your only vehicle, will you be $20k in debt, are you trying to buy a house?


Out of curiosity. For all you people that think f-bodies will last forever, why do you drive v6s.

Why don't you guys have like 93-95 Lt1s, they go or cheap now, like $3,000-6,000.

YOur theaory is if you take care of a car you will have no problems with it.

My theory is you can always put money into a car just to keep it on the road.

[ka50]

Originally posted by MustangEater8251:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by ellik:

Originally posted by casketcrewchick:
[qb] Im keeping my car and waiting it out....it'll be paid off shortly as will c.c.'s Wife wants a grand cherokee, so looks like that is going to be next, then I'll work on the down payment for the jag or a vette.... lol, a 3 year old $30k car. ;)

Will it be your only vehicle, will you be $20k in debt, are you trying to buy a house?


Out of curiosity. For all you people that think f-bodies will last forever, why do you drive v6s.

Why don't you guys have like 93-95 Lt1s, they go or cheap now, like $3,000-6,000.

YOur theaory is if you take care of a car you will have no problems with it.

My theory is you can always put money into a car just to keep it on the road. </font>

I'd get an LT1, but I don't like how they look, plus they are underpowered and most of them are high mileage... now, the chance is high that it has been abused. I'll just get an LS1 with like 50k miles on it when I can.

[MustangEater8251]

Originally posted by ka50:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by MustangEater8251:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by ellik:

Originally posted by casketcrewchick:
[qb] Im keeping my car and waiting it out....it'll be paid off shortly as will c.c.'s Wife wants a grand cherokee, so looks like that is going to be next, then I'll work on the down payment for the jag or a vette.... lol, a 3 year old $30k car. ;)

Will it be your only vehicle, will you be $20k in debt, are you trying to buy a house?


Out of curiosity. For all you people that think f-bodies will last forever, why do you drive v6s.

Why don't you guys have like 93-95 Lt1s, they go or cheap now, like $3,000-6,000.

YOur theaory is if you take care of a car you will have no problems with it.

My theory is you can always put money into a car just to keep it on the road. </font>

I'd get an LT1, but I don't like how they look, plus they are underpowered and most of them are high mileage... now, the chance is high that it has been abused. I'll just get an LS1 with like 50k miles on it when I can. </font>[/QUOTE]Underpowered? bang for the buck lt1 will be faster. Reason why. You can get lt1s for $5k-7k easily, ls1s are $14k+

My friened jsut sold his 95 lt1 with 70k on it for $3500, black with t-tops. Car was stock except for a Hooker catback. Lets say you bought it for $5,000. $5,000 + $4,000 in mods=$9,000 will tear a $12,000 Ls1 to pieces.

Mods for the Ls1 are more expensive then mods for the Lt1. And you think 50k on an ls1 means its never been beat, I have met a guy on his 3rd tranny with 22,000 on his ls1.

You guys should sell your v6s and get anice 96-97 Lt1 be boatloads faster then your v6, may not be king of hte hill but, well you never going to be if you have any sort of budget

[wantmorepower]

I agree with eric. I love my car. I own it out right and have no plans of getting rid of here anytime soon...... However.....

Our cars are very problematic....... Yeah our drivetrain is great but there is sooo much more that can bleed you dry....

Things that come to mind..... leaks... power windows.... ABS issues ..... Cheap brittle plastic interior parts...