My boss's son is selling his car, it's a 1996 z28 5.7l with T-top. It's been ragged on, being from a teen-ager.

Pros-
project car, duh
can get a good deal
fairly new engine, not sure on the mileage, but likely only 10-15k
new brakes, wheels, tires

Cons-
teen ager owned
Rear seal needs replaced, leaks oil, smokes.
A/C needs work (has new compressor, but hasn't been properly installed)
radiator hose was re-routed, bypassing the stock fittings. and has some rigged up switch for the radiator fan
needs new T-bar, or new upholstery
minor body work, lights, fuses, possible other wiring problems, paint
some more interior work
exhaust was disconnected before cats, needs to be reinstalled
167000 miles on car
needs all maintenance basically cause it's sat for like 8 months.



KBB says it's worth about 2700 in fair condition, but I'm leaning more toward poor, and might be able to purchase at $1000 or less if I state my case.

What are your thoughts on this purchase? I'm very mechanically inclined, 24 years old with moderate experience in auto mechanics. However I know how to use my resources, and I have the money to do whatever I want with this car if I bought it.

Thoughts? suggestions?

 

If you enjoy workin on your own car like me then i say go for it i think its more satisfying knowin u built it than just payin out the a$$ for somethin and not havin to do any of the work

 

I'm all for saving on repair costs and DIY, however, I want to know I'm not getting in over my head with excessive man hours and parts costs. I figure if I give him 1000 cash, I might be able to fix the major issues for around 300 bucks, and fix most minor issues for around 300 more.

But I don't want to get into a project that's out of my league, as a novice in many ways.

Can anybody give an idea on parts costs, and some good websites to research and shop?

 

I started with a similar car and similar Ideas..Started with a $1500 car and a 3k budget..I Now have $7500 in to a car thats worth $4500....If I where to do it over again, I would just buy the nice 5k car and have fun...

 

I think you should go for it. I recently bought a wrecked 95 with 85k on it for $1000. Guy hit a fire hydrant damaging the hood, bumper, fenders, core support, radiator, all lights in the front, needed a waterpump, had no radio, bent rim with a blown tire. After 3 weeks of driving around to various junk yards I was able to get everything I needed used except for the hood and bumper. I had to take the car to a shop to have the core support repaired. All in all I have about $2100 in the car (that's including the price of the car). I mean I still need some things like paint, and some other little odds and ends but i've got $2100 into a clean, low mileage, clean title z28. Best advise is check all your local yards for what you need.

 

I just wanted to add that 3 weeks included putting the car back together and being driveable.