What to watch out for...?

[Brad G.]

Ok, so i am looking into buying a 98 Firebird with the 3.8...around the 100,000 mile range due to a lack of money. Are there any specific things that i should look out for when i am buying this car? I am talking about trouble spots that are common, that i might find when i test drive the car. Anyone have some pointers...?

[BLLDOGG]

yeah, look out for cars with around 100K on them ;)

umm.....

somethings could be like a leaking rear main and rear pinion seal. check the fluids like the oil for metal shavings...just incase. just check around the engine area for leaks or previous leaks. the cat might be ready to be changed soon if it has not been changed. your O2s should be coming around to there second changing. check the antifreeze to make sure the coolant isnt getting sludgy.

those are just somethings off the top of my head...

[j_downey50]

i'm pretty sure our cars need a complete tune-up and complete change of all filters and fluids by 100k, correct?

why not get an older 3.8 bird (96-97) with less miles?

[93camaro_zzz]

Also, chekc the power window motors. See what condition th oil is in, and smell it. Check out the pop-up headlights. If T-tops, check for good seals. Check tire condition. And just give the engine a good look over, and listen real carefully to it. Good luck. ;)

[Camaro2k]

What all is included in a FULL TUNE UP ?

[93camaro_zzz]

02 sensors, thermostat, PCV valve, plugs, wires, maybe air filter, oil change, manual or automatic fluid change, collant system flush, rear end gear oil change and new gasket. Stuff like that. ;)

[ellik]

just remember that parts needing replaced can quickly exceed a slightly higher car payment!! ;)

tires, brakes, shocks,02 sensors, cat, exhaust, and rear ends dont last forever on our cars.

[Brad G.]

Originally posted by j_downey50:
why not get an older 3.8 bird (96-97) with less miles?

Mainly because I like the styling changes that came with the 98...

When i get the car i am already planning on making all the major upgrades and tuneups such as exhaust, intake, tires, and some drivetrain stuff, so im not too concerned about that. Obviously the car is going to need smaller things tuned up like oil changes and the other thigns that you guys mentioned, so that will be my first priority. Thanks for the info, and ill probably have my bird in early january...

[1DangerousV6]

yup...everything here...full tune up...no leaks...look close because they can wipe up a leak in the engine compartment and you can see the smears...also look for differences in the paint between parts...that will let you know if its been in an accident and needed to be repainted...the CARFAX reports are pretty good too ...look at the underbody..if its been sitting a long time or something it could be pretty rusted and then you'll be looking at all new breaks, fuel lines, etc...good luck!

[terminaldegree]

Just make sure [as it sounds like you're doing] that you have a little money left over to do an unexpected repair or two. Carfax is a good idea. It's hard to find one of these that hasn't had like 6-7 previous owners and a serious accident.

Most of these cars are driven pretty hard, so I would be concerned about the remaining lifespan of the automatic transmission at 100K. An OEM clutch at that mileage would probably be done by then also, unless you got a really considerate former owner. Other than looking for leaks, yanking out the plugs would tell you if the car is using oil. Many of these cars have leaky differentials [mine doesn't]. The OEM shocks would also be done by that time [according to some of the suspension gurus here].

The only other advice I would give is to look at the little things-- tires/brakes/rotors, body damage, broken switchgear. If the previous owner didn't care enough about the little things, you can be sure he didn't give a damn about the larger problems as well.

I personally also stayed away from any modded car, since I think that's a good sign that the owner probably beat the sh!t out of it. [no offense to the rest of you here]...