Any known problems with 2000-2002 3.8 Camaros?

[V8 Killer]

Maybe sometime this week I'd like to go down to Chevrolet and see if I could finance a 2000-2002 V6 Camaro and get rid of my dreaded 91 Firebird... Any known problems with those models? Mechanical malfunctions or safety issues? I need something extremely reliable and the 91 bird just doesnt make it in to that category. I was already considering something simple like a used Honda Accord or Acura Integra, Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Camry or Eclipse. Simply because they are reliable cars but I cant see myself actully liking them. The Camaro is something I would like to drive. Being a broke college student, wouldent be able to really afford a V8. I'm pretty sure I can handle finance payments to the dealer on top of insurance. Getting it from a dealer I really dont have to worry about it being meintaned by the former owner since they pretty much do all that once they sell it back to the dealership.. I always hated second guessing wether the person did this maintenence or that meintanence.

[ September 23, 2005, 02:45 PM: Message edited by: V8 Killer ]

[Rowdy Burns]

the only genuine problem with them is the ignition control module and coil pack placement. they're put right underneath the rain sill and are subject to moisture related problems like corrosion and out and out failure.

[grayman]

don't take the USED condition quality for granted just becuase you are buying it from a dealer.

be VERY careful about buying a warranty.
did you know they will charge you $90 to plug a scanner into your car to see what the SES light is on for? then they have a deductable.... you can have your car scanned for free at auto zone or you can by a scanner for about 90 bucks.

I told my sister not to buy a warranty....

anyway..shop around real good. use internet like www.cars.com and stuff like that. use your local newspaper and stuff. the car does not have to come from a dealer to be a great deal. trust me. check out my website...car had one owner and 6500 miles. I found in the seattle times classified for $13000 last october. (it didn't come with all the mods...it was completly stock.)

[terminaldegree]

Back when I was looking, I found a "certified" used '01 camaro at a dealer. Price was rather jacked up. Condition was no better than the other f-bodies I was looking at. If you think they really inspect these things carefully, you're kidding yourself.

On that particular car: 2 tires down to the wear bars, significant damage to the passenger door edge, air leak in the hatch, wires from an aftermarket stereo still visible, a crappy delco cassette deck swapped in its place, which didn't even fit quite right.

And that was a reputable dealer...