New guy, plus have a question!

[Muchluv]

Hey wuz up guys!

My name is Joe and currently I drive a 95 Grand Am. A couple modifications (mostly apearance), but I think I am ready to step up into some actual power...lol

Looking into a 93-97 Trans AM (really want a 98+ but for insurance reasons), and think I may have found one. Ok next part , my question is what do you guys think of the price? What things should I look out for to avoid a lemon? Any other helpful advice!

1994 Pontiac Trans Am
104,375 miles
Power EVERYTHING
Casette
16" wheels

$6290

Thanks in advance for any help!

JOE

[Dave M]

That price seems fair if it's in better than average condition, maybe a little high. You wouldn't be getting ripped off, but I think there are better deals out there. Is it at a dealer or a private party? I would suggest holding out for something newer/less miles. I just recently bought a 97 Ram Air TA that was in excellent condition with only 35,000 miles for 11,250. You could find a 96/97 TA or Formula with less than 50,000 miles for under $10k. I'd sugest holding out 'til you find something like that, unless that's out of your price range.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Sounds a little high to me. I paid $6200 for my 95 Z28 3 years ago and it had 78k miles on it. Mine has everything but the performance axle and traction control.

KBB puts it's "Private Party Value $5,005"

[Muchluv]

Dealer car. And yeah I was looking more toward about $6000 highest, b/c that would allow me to pay cash.

The exterior was in ok condition. Only bad parts of it was the glue on passenger tail was starting to seperate (easily fixed though), and the front had a few chips in the paint (I got a friend who could take care of that). Headlight motors still worked also!

The only appearance downside I seen was the interior color is beige...


Is anything I should look for engine wise? I mean started it up and it sounded good. No out of the ordinary engine noises. However, this is my first expereince w/ a V8 so...

Already has an aftermarket exhaust on it. However, I couldn't get under the car to see what b/c I was in my work clothes. And the salesman was no help...

HIM: "Yeah pop the hood and check out the engine. These firebirds got a beefy V8 sound don't they?"
ME: "Well it is a Trans AM, so I would hope it has a V8 sound. **looks for another salesman**"



JOE

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Is it an auto or a manual 6 spd? It is worth more with a 6 spd despite what KBB says.

I think the biggest question is the OPTI (distributor), Beacuse it is at the dealer, there is about no way to get it's history as to when the OPTI was replaced. Look for a water pump leek from the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump but you can't do that without a lift. 93-94 had non vented OPTIs and they cost twice as much as a vented 95-97. I know you can't really look for that on a car at a dealership. http://shbox.com/1/opti.jpg

If it is an automatic, does it have 1st gear shown on the shifter. If it does, it has the performance rear axle. If it doesn't, it has the standard 2.73 gears.

Check that both power windows work. I've never seen one that was fast. They are all pretty slow but they die after a couple of years. Run the windows up and down quickly and see if it stops. If it does, get them to throw in 2 motors. You can change them pretty easily. http://shbox.com/page/windowmotor.html

[JeffM]

As a comparo, I bought my 96 Z28 (t-tops, loaded, power everything, 6 speed, etc) with 79k miles three months ago for $6k flat.

I think you can find a better deal. Keep looking! Try autotrader.

[TraceZ]

I got my 94 z with 53K on it, 6speed ragtop for 7,500.

It cost me $500 to ship if from Texas, though.

If you watch autotrader, cars.com and ebay regularily you can find a nice one for cheap. I looked for over 6 months before I found mine, but I was *really* picky.

[Muchluv]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...or=&cardist=20

It was from autotrader. They don't have much in my area.

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/r...used&x=29&y=11

Yeah...it is a auto. Didn't see if it had the 1 or not.

As for the window motor, I forgot to mention that, yeah that was the second thing I checked after the headlights. Both worked, and yes very slow. However, so is my car. Must be something w/ Pontiacs...dunno.

OK as for the pump. Well you said that was something I needed a lift to look at. Is there another way? I mean there is always just looking for spots on the ground I guess.

JOE

[JeffM]

Another thing I'll add, I've had both an automatic, and now the 6 speed.

Unless you have some huge beef with the 6 speed, GET IT! You won't regret it. In my opinion, the 6 speed is like 581% more fun than the auto.

No offense to anyone with an auto, just my personal preference.

[TraceZ]

Here ya go..

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/i...0&color=&#main

low miles, like new. no headaches like with a high mile car.
It's a formula, not a TA... nice low mile TAs are not around for 6-7k.

Have the guy send you lots of close up pictures of the drivers seat edge, the brake pedal, the body behind the front tires and everything else. The tires are new and it only has 40k on it!! You cannot go wrong here. Ask about accident history too.

If you take time to look every week, you'll most likely find an even better deal. Be patient and you will be happier with the end result.

[TraceZ]

Originally posted by JeffM
Another thing I'll add, I've had both an automatic, and now the 6 speed.

Unless you have some huge beef with the 6 speed, GET IT! You won't regret it. In my opinion, the 6 speed is like 581% more fun than the auto.

No offense to anyone with an auto, just my personal preference.

it's actually 581.36521% more fun. but you were close

They are also alot harder to find with low miles at a good price... But it can be done. I just looked, and didnt see any below $10 on autotrader. There were only 3, and one was a $30,000 firehawk.

[Craig 94 TA GT]

A few things to look for when you can see under the car:
1) Intake oil leak...look for oil on the bottom of the tranny pan and torque coverter case (in fact, anywhere on the back on the engine). If it is coated with oil, then it has the dreaded intake oil leak. Ken (wolfman) has the best fix for that.
2) Water pump leak. Look for dripping coolant, or signs of a coolant leak near the front of the engine. If you see a bit of coolant, the water pump is most likely leaking, and will possibly screw up the opti spark distributer. It has a non-vented (sealed) opti, so if water/coolant gets inside, it's toast.
3) Pinion seal leak: Although this isn't too bad to fix, look for a coat of rear end oil around where the driveshaft meets the rear end housing. Also, if it is leaking there, the torque arm will be coated, as well.
4) Less likely, but possible, head gasket. If this were a problem the car would overheat and the engine oil would appear to be milky. It is unlikely to have this, however, I recall someone here trading in his Z28 because he couldn't afford to get the gasket fixed...rather than fixing the problem, the dealer immediately put it for sale on the lot
There are a few other little things I can't seem to remember, but just make sure to test drive it well!
BTW, these motors are built to last. As long as it was somewhat taken care of, the motor should have 160k-200+ of life .

[TrAnS Am 98]

i got my 98 trans am for 12 with 69k miles

[fastTa]

That price is too high. And try to go with at least a 95 and up to take advantage of the vented opti.

TraceZ, Tabahr, whoever you are? Can you give me some details on shipping your car from Texas? PM me.

[TraceZ]

PM sent.

Now shutup or I'll change my name again!