Deciding on a car

[70formula400]

So I've been thinking about getting another Trans Am. I want it to be anywhere from a 1993-2003. Although I admit my price range will probably limit me to a 1993-1998 or so. I'm looking to spend about $12,000-13,000 maximum.

So would you guys suggest a 4th generation style: 1993-1997? I know I could get a really bad@$$ car for 12 or 13 grand in that year range or should I get a newer one but it also would probably not be AS nice. Also would a WS6 be out of the question for me taking into mind my price range? I really LOVE the WS6's.

Thanks guys...

[Steel2686]

12 - 13K is not out at all of the question for a '95-'97 LT1-powered WS6. A '98-'02 WS6 would most likely have high miles for that price range.

[raroZ28]

You could find a nice 98-99 LS1 for that price range. Jay sold a mint 01 WS6 for like 16 I think. Granted it was worth more, but that's just an idea. The 98-99's go for cheaper. I think they have a worse intake or something. A WS6 is possible. I think the 97's are sharp, the 98's are nice too. But I noticed a trend in looking for an f-body, the Firebirds were always more $$. You could get a nice LS1 SS in your price range, easily.

[Crazy Canuk]

You may be able to get a 98 for that you will just have to shop around. Remember if you buy a 97 to get the performance up to a 98 you would have to put in alot of modifications. You will do away with the infamous optispark problems and I think changeing the wires and plugs are easyer (by a little bit).

It totaly depends on what you want, for me I bought a 94 formula firebird fairly stock for 8.5k canadian (could have prob gone lower I made that offer and he acepted right off I was like...). It had all options for that model and only 86k kilometers on the clock never winter driven (but your in calafornia so not a prob for you ) Don't by the first car you see drive a few so you can compair them all so you can accuretly choose. If something seems odd about one then the other ask and maybe its a indication to walk away from a deal.

In the end be happy with your choice and dont comprimize because you NEED one. Remember prices come down in other states as winter aproches...

[Superman09]

For around 10-13K your not really limited to anything. Just shop around and youll end up finding what you want. I got my 99 Trans Am with only 34,000 miles on it a month ago. And it has the WS6 hood with the ram air, borla exhaust, 18s tinted windows and a few other goodies all for $11,000. Keep searching and you'll find what you want. Check your local papers, eBay, autotrader, etc. Also try to buy from a private owner. Dealerships are about 2000-3000$ overpriced. Good luck.

[70formula400]

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses.

Superman: your trans am is awesome!

By the way: raroz28...you said I could get a SS camaro like around a 1998 or 1999 easily in my price range. Wouldn't this car have a lot of miles on it if it was in my price range? I was under the impression that 98-99 SS Camaro's would be at least around 16,000

[raroZ28]

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses.

Superman: your trans am is awesome!

By the way: raroz28...you said I could get a SS camaro like around a 1998 or 1999 easily in my price range. Wouldn't this car have a lot of miles on it if it was in my price range? I was under the impression that 98-99 SS Camaro's would be at least around 16,000

well... I looked at a few 98's. One was a 98 SS, 6 spd, with t-tops, for 9000. Had around 80k. I called and called on it, no answer. So I drove out there and the guy just came out and said it sold the day it was listed.

That was the only SS I looked at, the rest were z28's for like 10-11k. The 98 body style didn't do it for me. If I could have gotten an SS, I'd take it. But if I had to settle for the z28, I was going with the LT1 body style.

Think about it... I paid 6500 for a mint 97 with t tops, 6 spd, and 75K on the clock. I would hope you could get one year newer for twice the price.