Thinking of buying a '00 or '01 TA

[oldbutspry]

We've been looking for a car for my wife. She's decided the camry's, accord's, etc. are just too bland and likes how the TA's look. Sounds great to me, but I wanted to make sure she understood the tradeoff so I told her she can expect it to break more often. So she asked me what would break and when - Heck! I don't know. So that's why I'm here. If we buy a 2000 or 2001 with 30-50K miles what can I expect to have problems with (assuming it's taken care of and driven relatively leisurely)? And about when did you start having problems?

Thanks,

Oldbutspry

[raroZ28]

The only thing that mine broke was the bank, with the current gas prices. 40-50 a week daily driven.

[oldbutspry]

Good point...

That's a good point that I didn't think to ask. We live in a rural area and most of our driving is 50 to 55mph. I'm expecting 22 to 24 mpg with a light foot. Is that realistic? What mileage do you get on the interstate at 75 mph?

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

The only thing that breaks on an LS1 car that has been taken care of is the window motor. Sounds like you are victim of the "imports have superior quality" brainwashing. It's OK ... Truth be told, these cars are pretty damn reliable. So long as you aren't driving them in snow and ice, lol.

Just out of curiosity, how much are you looking to spend? I am trying to sell mine before spring time...

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

That's a good point that I didn't think to ask. We live in a rural area and most of our driving is 50 to 55mph. I'm expecting 22 to 24 mpg with a light foot. Is that realistic? What mileage do you get on the interstate at 75 mph?

If you drive with a light foot on the interstate, you'll see 28+ mpg. Pretty incredible, really.

[Aaron4TAMU]

A lot of people have problems with the opti. And yes, the window motors are a very common problem too.

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

A lot of people have problems with the opti. And yes, the window motors are a very common problem too.

No opti on LS1 cars.

[Aaron4TAMU]

OOPS! My mistake.

[oldbutspry]

Reliability

That's great that they are reliable. I just remember reading something about 5 or 6 years ago about annoying problems with Camaros. Didn't pay a lot of attention because I wasn't looking then. I'm looking at paying about 15k. My wife definitely wants an auto (yuck, but oh well, nobody's perfect) that is red or black. She hasn't driven one yet (just sat in it) so I need to wait and see if she feels the same after driving it. I told her they're fast but she has nothing to compare it to (except her '87 Sentra and a 300E she briefly drove).

Now that I know they are reliable I will probably encourage her to get one. After all, I expect it will be mine next time we get her a car.

When did they stop using the opti?

Do the TA's have traction control or is it an option? Just thinking it might be good for my wife when she's driving in the rain. Do they drive ok in the rain?

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

That's great that they are reliable. I just remember reading something about 5 or 6 years ago about annoying problems with Camaros. Didn't pay a lot of attention because I wasn't looking then. I'm looking at paying about 15k. My wife definitely wants an auto (yuck, but oh well, nobody's perfect) that is red or black. She hasn't driven one yet (just sat in it) so I need to wait and see if she feels the same after driving it. I told her they're fast but she has nothing to compare it to (except her '87 Sentra and a 300E she briefly drove).

Now that I know they are reliable I will probably encourage her to get one. After all, I expect it will be mine next time we get her a car.

When did they stop using the opti?

Do the TA's have traction control or is it an option? Just thinking it might be good for my wife when she's driving in the rain. Do they drive ok in the rain?

They drive fine in the rain, just stay out of the gas. 98+ they use the engine called the LS1, and that's when they stopped using the opti.

Traction control is a waste, IMO, I wouldn't get it.

Too bad you don't want a stick... that's what mine is, and it's black ... pics here: http://www.f-body.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8764

As far as how fast the car is, LOL, if all you have to compare it to is a Sentra... LOL... HAHAHAHA... oh wow, get ready for a white knuckle ride.

[birdman83]

Interested in your TA

Hey Jay just wondering what you were looking to get for your TA cuz i might be interested, also how many miles

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

Hey Jay just wondering what you were looking to get for your TA cuz i might be interested, also how many miles

If you are really looking at a 02 Firehawk with 16K miles for $21K, I can't come even close to that, boss...

I'm looking in the range of $19K... which is still about $3K less than the cheapest I've seen a dealer advertise an '02 with similar mileage. 42,000 miles, and about $3K worth of modifications, 345 horsepower at the wheels. Stored winters, interior still actually has some new car smell left.

[birdman83]

firehawk

ya that firehawk had been in an accident and had alot of the body panels replaced, so i don't think that i want to go that way, cars that have been in accidents always have problems that come up when you least expect it

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

ya that firehawk had been in an accident and had alot of the body panels replaced, so i don't think that i want to go that way, cars that have been in accidents always have problems that come up when you least expect it

Oh, OK, well then that changes things. I'd be happy to set up a time when you can come take a look at the car if you want.

[raroZ28]

Yes, these cars get good gas mileage with the 6 speed. I mean, crusin' 90 down the freeway in 6th gear is like 2K rpm Excellent freeway miles, but for neighborhood driving, stop and go... You'll be lucky to get 20 MPG. More like 15-18.

You want an auto though. What kinda gas do those get?