Hi everyone,

Here's the Scoop (I need a bit of advice). I have the opportunity to purchase a 2000 SS, the car has 38k miles, six speed, etc. etc. Car is severely wrecked in front. Has Salvage Title and would require new airbags, new hoood, new front fascia, new drivers fender, etc. I estimate the repair at around $6-$8K all said and done. I could purchase the car for $6K..is it worth it? I don't really care about resale value, I'm going to drive it till the wheels fall off anyway. This is my second Camaro and I loved the first LT1 I had two years ago, but I don't know if this one is a good buy or not..anyone? Emails are also welcome.

Thanks,
Casey

 

If it were me I would probably buy it but I'd get as low of a deal as I could on the car.Repairs shouldn't cost anywhere near $8K if you buy used parts.Do some searches and see if anyone has done the front end swap of a 98+ to a 93-97.The same body panels have to be replaced and you can get a good idea of the cost.Now re-sale is going to kill you if you ever want to get out of the car just because of the title.Also be sure to check for a bent frame or other frame damage.Good luck if you do get it.I know a lot of guys who've bought wrecked cars and fixed them up.
Kevin

 

Please, go to my website and look at the "before" pictures of my car. I bought mine for $8k. I spent $5k fixing it, and I did the great majority of the work with my dad in our toolshed. Chances are, if its got a salvage title that it will need to have the frame straightened.

Look at the pictures of mine again, the front had to be pulled out about 2" and the drivers side rear quarter had to be pulled out about 2". The cost of the frame repair, quarterpanel and rockerpanel weld-in replacement was $1600. I bought Genuine GM replacement parts with a 40% discount from the GM Warehouse because I have relatives who get discounts for working at GM. It still cost me like $3k for the parts. We painted the car ourselves, this saved a ton of $$$.

IF you can do most of the work yourself, I say go for it. I'm very happy with mine.

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- Steve - 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
LS1 A4, 2.73's, Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 245/50/ZR16's, Direct Flow Lid, GMAF, !FRA, Loudmouth, 3" Y-Pipe, AIT Mod, Fan Switch Mod
13.774 @ 103.33, 300.5rwhp & 308.6rwtq, 97+ RPO Codes, Join The CamaroZ28.Com Users Webring

 

What's your time and aggravation worth...? If nothing then go for it, if it is valuable then be cautious, repairing a car like that is a monumental task and you will probably be experiencing problems for years to come, even if its little things or new things that show themselves once you have the car back together. Remember , there is a reason why an experienced insurance extimator junked the car. My vote is No Way!

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99 SS, Dark Metallic Blue, M6
SLP lid, KN, TBB, SLP Y-pipe, SLP loudmouth
ported MAFs, Nitto 315 DRs
Currently: 1/4 13.06@113.8, 0-60 4.77 (w/passenger) Gtech'd
12.99@110.2, 2.06 60ft - Tazzo.

 

Hell yes buy it!!!
I rebuilt a 1998 Z with the same damage description: I payed $6500 for the wreck, put an SS hood on it, all new front end everything GM down to the light bulbs, and it cost me 10,558.34 after tax, title, and license. (I didn't put real air bags in though, there dummies) That is a hell of a deal for that Y2K SS, especially if you don't car to drive a rebuilt car and are not worried about reselling it in the future.
Jason

P.S. If you don't want it let me know where it's at and I'll fly where ever and buy the damn thing!!
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1998 Z28. Artic White.

• SS hood
• Sport Appearance pkg.
• Ported, Polished MAFH
• Free ram air Mod.
• Flowmaster Exhaust
• Custom Stainless tips
• T-tops
• SLP Lid
• KN air filter

[This message has been edited by Jay-mak (edited August 13, 2002).]